QUESTION:

Don, what’s your opinion on playing “tug” with your dog? Does this give the dog control?

The “Down” command is the most important of all commands to establish because it’s the position of most humility. When studying the dynamics of a dog pack, you’ll notice that the dog that lies down and even rolls over in front of another dog is the more submissive one. So, training your dog to willingly lie down at your command – and not break the command until you give him the proper release (see my DVDs) – establishes you as the authority in the relationship.

Rubbing a dog’s belly seems like a fun, pleasurable, and innocent thing to do. Most people would never see any downside to it. But there can be some significant negatives, so for this reason I always pet and rub my dogs on the top of their bodies, and I always encourage others to do the same.

QUESTION:

How do I deal with loose dogs that want to approach my dog when I’m walking him? Many of them cause problems, and some have even attacked my dog.

QUESTION:

I’m having an issue with our 15-week-old GSD puppy. When I raise my voice in a firm tone, he pees. How do I fix this problem?

QUESTION:

My dog only likes to retrieve the ball or squeaky toy for a few minutes and then he loses interest. I don’t know how to get him enough exercise if he won’t play fetch. Help…?

QUESTION:

Hi Don! I’m in love with your Command Collar. I have two dogs, both chocolate lab/Rottweiler mixes. With your collar I’m able to take both dogs walking at the same time. We hike a lot and they’re able to walk off leash when we are on the little used trails. However, recently something’s happened. Suddenly when they see other dogs, or deer, or squirrel, they’re off like shots before I can grab them.

QUESTION:

We just recently started your Perfect Dog program (about 3 days now). We are working with two dogs and we’re struggling with the “Down” command.

Breeds with strong instincts can indeed be trained. Breed instincts are real, but they can be overcome.

QUESTION: I noticed that Don was not using the Command Collar while teaching little pups the down command and the come command. Is there a reason for this?

QUESTION: My dogs are such fussy eaters that it’s driving me crazy!

Accidents happen. You were just about to eagerly get stuck into transforming your pet into the “Lassie” dream dog when suddenly you’re laid up with two broken arms and a twisted ankle from an adventurous ski vacation. What do you do?

QUESTION: Why do you wear gloves when training dogs? And, which size Command Collar should I get if I am about to get a puppy that is going to be a large size dog?

QUESTION: My dog is deaf. Will I still be able to use your training system?

No, the two can be differentiated as long as meal times take place by putting the food in a designated food bowl…

QUESTION: Hi Don! I started using your training system less than a week ago and am seeing some very positive changes already – thank you! I have a question – while going for walks, my dog wants to stop and smell the ground and trees a lot – I assume he is smelling other dogs that have recently been there.

A former marine wildlife handler, and a Master Dog Trainer and dog behaviorist since 1986, Sullivan made his media debut in 2000 with his national Canadian TV show, “Doggin’ It.” Wowing audiences with his seven-minute makeovers while working with dogs he’d never met before, Sullivan hit the world stage in 2008 with his globally televised “Secrets to Training the Perfect Dog” system. He is renowned for achieving amazing behavioral transformations in even the most extreme “bad” dog behavior cases, with positive changes seen in just minutes.

Does your dog eat his own poop? Here’s what Don Sullivan says to do:

This kind of thing is happening so regularly (tragically) lately that I have formulated a standard response (see below). I highlight the subject of treats in my comments, but the same goes for allowing your dog on your bed and other situations of “favor.”