Opinion

Michael Baugh CDBC

Language helps us communicate a shared understanding of concepts and ideas. It’s important. Teaching language is also appropriate in many contexts, the most obvious being a language course. Correcting someone else’s language in conversations, though, can be tricky business. It’s not the business we dog trainers should be in.

Here are some examples of words and phrases trainers tell their clients not to use:

• Dominance
• Alpha
• Anxiety (versus fear or the other way around)
• Command (versus cue)
• Pack and pack hierarchy
• Respect, obedience and other words that suggest control

I’ve been guilty of this. How we think and speak about our dogs matters. Using accurate speech and teaching gentle, effective dog training techniques is valid; in fact, it is laudable. But policing the words our clients use is not.

Some dangers of policing language include:

• Creating a chilling effect, such that clients are afraid of saying the wrong thing. We miss valuable information from them.
• Assuming a false position of power over our clients, crippling collaboration and cooperation.
• Encouraging performative compliance. Clients use certain words and phrases to please us trainers at the cost of clear communication.

Instead of telling our clients how to talk, let’s try to understand what they mean.

• “What is your dog doing that makes you say he’s dominant?”
• “In what ways does your dog behave that make him seem alpha?”
• “Tell me about some of the anxious behaviors you’ve seen.”
• “What could we teach your dog to help you feel more respected?”

We positive reinforcement dog trainers have done a lot to change the culture of dog training for the better. Celebrate that. You are part of the solution. Yes, keep using accurate language. Model it for your clients. Explain your terms. Teach. That’s what we were hired to do.

And yes, listen with an open heart. Find out what your client is trying to say. Listen deeply. Ask questions. Craft solutions. Our clients hired us to do that, too.

But let’s free ourselves from judging our clients. I’ll take that vow with you. They invited us into their lives. Let them express themselves as best they can. Then do what we do best. Help.

 

Michael Baugh teaches aggressive dog training in Houston TX and Sedona AZ

When a dog growls, snaps, bites, or menaces other dogs or people, it can feel overwhelming. Many guardians assume the only solution is to bring in a trainer to the home. But in reality, online aggressive dog training is often safer, less stressful, and equally effective — sometimes even better — than in-person training.

Why Online Training Works for Aggression Cases

1. Safety First

• In-person visits can trigger the very aggression we’re trying to solve.

• With online sessions, your dog isn’t forced to face strangers right away.

• Trainers can coach you step-by-step without putting anyone at risk.

2. Focus on You — The Human Learner

• Behavior change starts with the dog’s guardian.

• Online training lets us concentrate on teaching you how to handle triggers, reinforce calm, and set up safe environments.

• Less distraction means more effective learning for you, which means better outcomes for your dog.

3. Lower Stress for the Dog

• No new people barging into the home.

• No stressful setups that make the dog feel threatened.

• Training happens in the comfort of your dog’s familiar environment.

4. Flexibility and Access

• Sessions can happen anywhere — whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, or across the country.

• Online scheduling is easier for busy families.

• Follow-up is simple: video calls, email support, and shared training resources.

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What Online Aggression Training Looks Like

A typical online session might include:

• Reviewing video of your dog’s behavior in everyday life.

• Step-by-step coaching on safe management strategies.

• Live demonstrations from your trainer with their own dogs.

• Guided practice with immediate feedback (you on camera with your dog).

• Written follow-up plans so you know exactly what to do next.

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Isn’t Aggression Too Serious for Online?

It’s natural to feel hesitant — after all, aggression can feel dangerous. But remember: most of the work in dog aggression cases is about what you do, not what the trainer does. A skilled dog behavior consultant doesn’t need to provoke your dog in person to help you.

When in-person work becomes necessary (e.g., carefully staged practice around real-life triggers), we plan it safely, at the right stage of training, and sometimes in partnership with trusted local colleagues.

Benefits at a Glance

• ✅ Safer for people and dogs

• ✅ Less stressful for the dog

• ✅ Focused on coaching the guardian

• ✅ Flexible scheduling and location

• ✅ Proven to work for serious cases

Aggression is serious, but it doesn’t have to mean chaos in your home. Online training provides a safe, proven, and highly effective path forward for families living with dogs who growl, snap, bite, or menace others.

It’s one of the most common dog behavior challenges: the doorbell rings, and your dog launches into a frenzy of barking. While it can be frustrating, it’s also completely normal behavior. Let’s look at why dogs bark at the doorbell and, more importantly, how you can teach them to stay calm when visitors arrive.

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Why Dogs Bark at the Doorbell

1. Alerting the family – Dogs naturally want to warn us when someone’s at the door.

2. Excitement or anticipation – The sound signals that something new is happening.

3. Fear or anxiety – Some dogs are unsettled by strangers entering their home.

👉 The key takeaway: barking is communication, not misbehavior.

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Positive Reinforcement Solutions

Here’s a step-by-step way to reduce doorbell barking:

1. Desensitize the sound

   • Play a recording of a doorbell at a low volume.

   • Reward your dog with treats when they remain calm.

2. Teach an alternative behavior

   • Train your dog to go to a mat or bed when the bell rings.

   • Use the cue “place” and reward consistently.

3. Practice with role-play

   • Have a friend ring the bell while you guide your dog through the calm routine.

   • Keep sessions short and positive.

4. Manage the environment

   • If training is still in progress, keep your dog behind a baby gate or on leash when guests arrive.

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When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s barking escalates to growling, lunging, or other signs of canine aggression, it’s time to consult a certified dog behavior consultant. Online consultations are available for Houston-area clients and beyond.