When it comes to the question of "Nature VS Nurture" there's no easy answer. The best answer is usually: BOTH. Dogs are born with an innate temperament, which is generally influenced by their breeding. We also influence how they respond to the world around them. Quickly,...
Does your dog use a backpack to burn extra energy on a walk? How about use a treadmill or weight pull equipment for sport or conditioning? These items may soon make you a target in Baltimore. Not only that, but with new laws already in...
A common question has come up frequently over the last couple of weeks, and so I thought it may be a great idea to address this with everybody. It's something along these lines: "My dog has been doing great overall lately, but I...
As winter is winding down, we're getting hit hard this year! If you and your dogs are going stir crazy, below are some great indoor activities that you can do to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. 1. Hide and Seek- Tap into...
[caption id="attachment_225" align="aligncenter" width="234" caption="Kristina with Brutus & Argo"][/caption] As a naive and amateur dog owner, I made the mistake of rescuing a second dog without really understanding the first. Within 4 months, I had two young, male dogs in my house with more energy than...
Keeping a training journal while working with your dogs can be very rewarding. I often suggest this to clients that own dogs with behavioral concerns when they enter into a training program, although this can be very useful for all dogs. I keep one for each...
[caption id="attachment_198" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo courtesy of Bartlett Image."][/caption] With this recent Maryland ruling that “pit bull” dogs are inherently dangerous, it’s time to take a look at the popularity and population density of the breed. It’s absurd, even for owners of a docile dog of...
[caption id="attachment_187" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Photo courtesy of Bartlett Image."][/caption] Over the last 6 years that Mutt Magic Training has been in operation, I have been fighting against the stigma of being a “pit bull trainer.” In order to do so, I try to highlight as many...
Some dogs are content with simple provisions of food, shelter, and our affection. Of course, these are the basic necessities of pet ownership. However, most dogs need more than this, and failure to provide the other essentials can make for not only an unhappy and disobedient...
Most of us know that issues our dogs have are often related to us, as handlers. I'll even admit that, in a competition setting, I've been told by a judge: "Your dog looks much better off leash than on leash." Wow. Yes, that means that problems in...