The Dangers of Prong Collars
As ardent proponents of positive reinforcement training methods for dogs, we at Puget Sound Puppers have taken a strong stand against the use of aversive training tools such as shock, choke, and prong collars. Why is this so important? What are the dangers of using...
read moreThe Importance of Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs
For many years, punishment-based training techniques have been the go-to method for training dogs, based on a misconception that dogs are hierarchical, pack-based animals that have evolved to use aggression to become either the “Alpha” of the pack or accept a more...
read moreRaw Diets for Dogs: A Professional’s Opinion
While doing research for my previous post on foods dogs should avoid, I came across a variety of seemingly contradictory opinions when it came to raw foods like meat, bones, and eggs. Some people recommended against including raw meat and eggs in your dog’s diet due...
read more6 Surprising Foods That Dogs Should Avoid
Disclaimer: Puget Sound Puppers are not pet health care professionals and you should always check with a veterinarian if you are concerned about anything your pet does or does not ingest. It’s commonly known that dogs need to avoid foods like chocolate, alcohol,...
read moreDebunking the Myth of the Alpha Dog (Part I)
Perhaps the most die-hard myth about dogs is the belief that humans must dominate and constantly prove to their dogs that the human is the Alpha, the pack leader, the one in charge. Dogs must be convinced they’re the subordinates. If humans don’t do this, the myth...
read moreHow to Identify Foxtail Grasses And Why It’s Important
Foxtail grasses are easy to overlook and are often disregarded by the average dog owner, but they can be extremely dangerous when ignored. The photo above shows you one of the most common varieties of foxtail grass found in the Seattle area. Foxtail grasses can be...
read more“How Do I Stop My Dog…?”
“How do I stop my 2 year old Labrador from jumping all over me and my visitors? I’m not sure how to correct him so he’ll learn it’s bad.” Most people looking for help with dog training ask a question like this. Usually when a question starts with a phrase like, "How...
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Wesley Hawkins
Owner/CEO | ABCDT | AKC-CGC | LLA Certificate of Excellence
I decided to study dog behavior and training, because I wanted my two-year-old Labrador to behave better. I found the work so fascinating that I started Puget Sound Puppers in 2010 and became a Certified Dog Trainer by the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) in 2012. Since then, I've enjoyed teaching people how to have a better quality of life with their canine loved ones through the fun, easy, and dog-friendly use of positive reinforcement training.