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In this episode of Dog Training Today, certified canine behaviorist Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, tackles one of the most common—and consequential—mistakes pet parents make when attempting behavior modification: working with their dog above threshold. Whether you're addressing fear-based reactivity, anxiety around people or dogs, or noise sensitivities like fireworks and thunderstorms, the success of counter conditioning and desensitization hinges on one critical factor—your dog must be emotionally below threshold.

Will breaks down exactly what "threshold" means in practical, observable terms, and why too many pet parents unknowingly push their dogs into mild, moderate, or even severe stress while trying to change emotional responses. This episode serves as a reality check and a science-based guide to getting it right.

You'll learn:

• Why starting too close to a visual or auditory trigger can completely derail counter conditioning efforts
• The difference between being "physically calm" and "emotionally below threshold"
• How to recognize subtle, hard-to-read canine body language signals that indicate discomfort or stress—well before overt reactivity surfaces
• How to establish safe training distances that allow for true learning and emotional reappraisal to occur
• Why early intervention and incremental exposure are essential, especially with noise-based phobias like fireworks
• Practical 4th of July safety tips for keeping your dog secure, calm, and protected before, during, and after fireworks begin
• When to consult with your veterinarian about the use of anti-anxiety medications or natural calming aids to support behavioral progress

Will also explores the neurobiology of fear and stress responses in dogs, offering a clear explanation of how amygdala-driven reactivity undermines learning when a dog is flooded, and why the emotional safety zone is where meaningful behavior change takes place.

Whether you’re a pet parent working through fear-based issues or a professional looking to sharpen your desensitization protocols, this episode offers grounded, science-backed advice you can put into practice immediately. Don’t wait until your dog is reacting—learn what to look for before the reaction ever happens.

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🎧 Podcast Episode Description (for Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and RSS)

In this episode, we debunk the myths and misinformation surrounding the use of food in dog training — including the age-old claim that “dogs trained with treats only work when food is visible.”

Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP, internationally certified canine behaviorist and host of Dog Training Today, guides you through the science and structure of reward-based training, revealing how to use food correctly—not as a bribe, but as a powerful reinforcer.

We explore:

• Why food is the most effective and ethical training tool
• How to avoid dependency and fade treats strategically
• The science behind marker timing, operant and classical conditioning
• Mistakes pet parents make with treat delivery
• How to build lasting behaviors that don’t rely on food presence

FREE

🎁 Want to dive deeper? Download Will’s FREE 35-page guide:
👉 https://phoenixdogtraining.com/how-to-train-dogs-with-food-correctly/
This in-depth resource walks you step-by-step through how to train with food using evidence-based, humane techniques that actually work. Perfect for pet parents and training professionals alike.

📌 Whether you're struggling with food-focused dogs or skeptical about reinforcement-based training, this episode lays the foundation for real behavior change without force, fear, or gimmicks. If you need dog aggression training in phoenix az. contact me

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Certified canine behaviorist Will Bangura shares a powerful force-free approach to help dogs with reactivity or aggression without using corrections or punishment.

• Understanding that reactive behavior stems from anxiety, stress, and fear
• Why corrections and punishment only suppress behavior without changing emotional states
• The "Look at That" (LAT) training protocol developed by Leslie McDevitt
• How to properly condition a marker for precise timing and communication
• Working at the right distance where your dog notices triggers but remains calm
• The critical importance of working "below threshold" where your dog isn't stressed
• How counter-conditioning changes your dog's emotional response to triggers
• Why progress requires patience, consistency and temporarily managing your dog's environment
• Setting realistic expectations for a process that may take weeks or months
• Gradually decreasing distance to triggers as your dog builds positive associations

Visit my website for the detailed Training Guide on How to Train out Reactivity and Aggression with (LAT) Look at That Dog Training

If you love what we do, please give us a five-star review, share this episode with friends who have reactive dogs, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Dog Training Today.

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If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.
Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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Support the show

If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.
Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

Text Me Your Questions

Jumping behavior in dogs is completely manageable through positive reinforcement techniques rather than punishment-based methods that cause fear, pain, or intimidation. Using differential reinforcement, you can teach your dog to sit for greetings instead of jumping, creating a lasting behavior change that preserves your relationship.

• Dogs jump to meet face-to-face and because we've accidentally reinforced this behavior
• Jumping continues when we give attention (positive or negative) as a response
• Four main causes: face-to-face greeting, attention-seeking, poor self-regulation, and anxiety
• Traditional punishment methods damage trust and your relationship with your dog
• Teach your dog to sit when approaching from 1-2 feet away and reward generously
• Start with low distractions and gradually increase difficulty as your dog succeeds
• Turn away immediately if your dog jumps, removing all attention
• Use management tools like leashes and gates during the training process
• Practice with guests using the same approach-and-sit technique
• Any behavior can be taught or eliminated using positive reinforcement

Check out my website at dogbehaviorist.com for my article on how to stop dogs from jumping, along with about 100 other articles on dog behavior.

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If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.
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Raising a puppy successfully relies heavily on early training and socialization, with the first year of a dog’s life setting the stage for their future behavior. The episode highlights the critical developmental stages of puppies, key socialization methods, the benefits of cooperative care training, and the importance of modern, positive reinforcement methods. Listeners also learn to identify myths and misconceptions in dog training while getting advice on finding qualified trainers to guide them.

• Understanding the importance of early socialization
• Recognizing key developmental stages from neonatal to adolescent
• Learning best practices for safe exposure to diverse experiences
• Exploring the concept of cooperative care training
• Debunking common myths about dog training and dominance
• Finding qualified trainers who use humane, evidence-based methods
• Identifying red flags when seeking training support
• Implementing essential techniques to nurture well-behaved, confident adult dogs

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Are you struggling with the heart-wrenching decision of behavioral euthanasia for your beloved dog? Join us as we navigate this emotionally charged topic with empathy and understanding. Discover how recognizing early warning signs of severe aggression or extreme anxiety can be crucial in managing your pet's behavior. We'll share real-life scenarios and emphasize that choosing behavioral euthanasia is never a reflection of failure, but rather a decision made from deep compassion. We'll also explore how understanding dog body language and assessing quality of life can guide you through these tough choices, with invaluable insights from veterinary professionals.

Gain clarity and comfort as we discuss the emotional aftermath and provide practical strategies to cope with the grief that follows such a decision. Explore the essentials of full behavioral history disclosure and the various management options available, such as behavioral modification and medication. By highlighting professional guidance from veterinarians and support groups, we aim to build a supportive community for those facing these difficult decisions. Our goal is to foster open conversations and offer resources to help you navigate this challenging journey with love and understanding.

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Can Google really sniff out the best dog trainers or is something amiss in the search landscape? Uncover the shocking reality behind the digital dominance of outdated dog training methods over certified, humane practices. We promise to unravel how the algorithms meant to serve us might actually be hindering top-notch trainers from reaching eager dog owners. Our fascinating discussion reveals a ground-breaking case study from Chicago, spotlighting the disparity between two trainers’ online presences. Learn why positive reinforcement experts with decades of experience are overshadowed by their less ethical counterparts in search rankings.

Join us as we dissect the role of SEO and the power of backlinks, shedding light on the unexpected intricacies of dog training marketing. Discover how savvy trainers are fighting back, utilizing innovative strategies like link exchange networks to elevate their online visibility. We’ll share insights and solutions that could revolutionize how certified trainers connect with their audience, ensuring that ethical practices take their rightful place at the top. Get ready for an eye-opening exploration into the digital maze and the quest for humane training methods to shine online.

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If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.
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