For over 20 years Doug Poynter has been working with dogs and their owners solving K9 Behavior problems. The first 10-12 years he was basically underground because he was also working in corporate American training and coaching people. During that time the only way you could work with him was by referral.

He started in this business when he had a behavior problem with his dog. Ruger growled intensely at him one day and exhibited threatening behavior while chewing a bone. Previously his dog had been sweet and calm. Doug began seeking every resource he could find on dog behavior including the landmark text, Behavior Problems in Dogs by William Campbell. After an intense period of study, Doug realized it was his behavior that caused Ruger’s problem. At that point it was easy to fix and Ruger quickly went back to being a sweet dog. Friends and vets, who followed his progress, then began to refer clients to him as a result. While focusing on his corporate career, a sideline business was born!

Since 2014 Doug has been focusing primarily on his K9 business, Better Dog Behavior Now. He works with Positive Reinforcement and Behavior Modification, changing dog behavior for the better, while also training the human on the other side of the leash. When Doug says, “In the over 20 years I’ve been involved in this business, I’ve never seen a K9 behavior problem that was actually a K9 problem. There is always the human element involved!”

He has personal experience to back that assertion up and a unique perspective and method that lead to success and Better Dog Behavior…Now!

EPISODE BLOGS

Positive reinforcement is a widely recognized and effective method in dog training. It involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition, while avoiding punishment or aversive techniques. This approach focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable learning experience for both the dog and the trainer.In dog training, positive reinforcement can take various forms, such as treats, praise, toys, or even playtime. By associating these rewards with desired behaviors like sitting, staying, or coming when called,
BDBN 21 | Dog Training
Toxic masculine energy in dog training perpetuates dominance and aggression, hindering true understanding and connection between humans and their canine companions. Nevertheless, it continues to dominate the way we train our best friends. That needs to change. Unravel the intriguing conversation about the essence of masculine and feminine energies in this episode! Join Doug Poynter and his guest, Ranji Singh, as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion about how different energy styles influence not just
BDBN 20 | Spiritual Beings
Dogs are spiritual beings. They are given to us as a gift. These loveable creatures were at mankind’s side throughout history, from our cavemen era to the age of civilization. What makes our relationship with dogs special is not just their playful character. Sometimes, it is also in how we train them to modify their behavior. After a hiatus, Doug Ponyter returns to share some quick tips on how to handle dogs in the most
BDBN 19 | Operant Conditioning
Do you trust your dog trainers? How do they train your dogs? In this episode, Doug Poynter provides insights on looking at where your dog trainer operates at the four quadrants of operant conditioning. It should raise a red flag if trainers are unfamiliar with the four quadrants of operant conditioning. Doug also touches on escape avoidance training and how it is effective but not a motivating method to train a dog. Know your trainer
BDBN 19 | Fix Reactivity
What is the perfect strategy to deal with your dog’s reactivity? In this episode, Doug Poynter provides insights for Enfinatie Phillips, the owner of a pit bull named Maya, to learn the strategy to fix reactivity. Doug teaches us how to use a clicker and some treats properly to train our dogs into getting along with other dogs they meet. Tune in to this episode and get more ideas on how you can fix your
BDBN 18 | Obedience Training
In today’s episode, Doug Poynter shares expert tips on obedience training for your furry friends. Dog owners often complain that their dogs become difficult to train and handle, but it’s usually not the dog’s problem. Join Doug as he talks about the human components of misbehaving dogs, as well as the best ways to get your dog to listen to you and do as you say. Pro-tip: punishments don’t work. Instead, rewarding your dog for
BDBN 17 | Positive Reinforcement
Punishment does not work well with dogs. Your dog is a family member, and you don’t dominate your family. Instead, you work with them. In this episode, Doug Poynter highlights the value of partnering with your dog instead of punishing them, and correcting their behavior helps in their dog’s behavior problem. He also shares how his client uses an e-collar on their dog to correct the behavior that turns out to be a disaster. With
BDBN 16 | Dog Barking
If your dog is barking excessively, it gets annoying. No one wants their dog barking while they’re asleep or on a Zoom call. Not to mention, your neighbors might hate it! If you tell him to keep quiet, your dog just keeps on barking. It’s like nothing will stop him! If you have this problem, Doug Poynter shares how to solve it in today’s episode. Listen up as Doug takes a deep dive into what
BDBN 15 | Animal Communication
Animal communication with humans seems far-fetched, but did you know that it is a possibility? Dogs can sense different things like they are telepathic. How does your dog always know when you are on your way home? There has got to be an explanation. Anna Breytenbach, an animal communicator, believes that humans can communicate with animals using visualization. Join Doug Poynter as he shares his thoughts about this idea of talking to your dog. Discover