Dog Training Today with Will Bangura for Pet Parents, Kids & Family, Pets and Animals, and Dog Training Professionals. This is a Education & How To Dog Training Podcast.

• Beyond Threshold: The Science of Effective Counter Conditioning and Keeping Dogs Safe During Fireworks, With Certified Dog Behaviorist, Will Bangura

  Text Me Your QuestionsIn 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 effortsThe 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 surfacesHow to establish safe training distances that allow for true learning and emotional reappraisal to occurWhy early intervention and incremental exposure are essential, especially with noise-based phobias like fireworksPractical 4th of July safety tips for keeping your dog secure, calm, and protected before, during, and after fireworks beginWhen to consult with your veterinarian about the use of anti-anxiety medications or natural calming aids to support behavioral progressWill 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.Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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• Beyond The Biscuit: How to Train Dogs with Food the Right Way Force-Free Positive Reinforcement

  Text Me Your Questions🎧 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 toolHow to avoid dependency and fade treats strategicallyThe science behind marker timing, operant and classical conditioningMistakes pet parents make with treat deliveryHow 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 Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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• Calm Your Reactive or Aggressive Dog with "Look at That" Training

  Text Me Your QuestionsCertified 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 associationsVisit 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.Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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• 10 Critical Mistakes That Sabotage Your Dog Training (And How to Fix Them)

  Text Me Your QuestionsSupport the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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• Stop Dog Jumping: A Positive Approach to Stopping Dog Jumping Without Punishment

  Text Me Your QuestionsJumping 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 reinforcementCheck 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.Support the showIf you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.Go here for Free Dog Training Articles

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