Hi Tom, I really enjoy your podcast and have gained a lot of insight for my dog training—thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’m currently working with a client who has a six-year-old, three-legged mixed breed (similar to a Border Collie). Recently, while the dog was lying in the kitchen, their young son—who just started walking—came within about 2 to 3 feet of the dog. The dog suddenly got up and bit him. According to the owner, there was no interaction or warning beforehand, and no prior issues between the dog and the child. I’ve also seen no indication of neurological problems in this dog. There’s a second dog in the home (a Husky) who was in the living room at the time, and there doesn’t seem to be any connection to the incident. The mother was present in the kitchen during the bite. For a bit more context, this dog does show signs of resource guarding the mother, particularly when she’s on the couch spending one-on-one time with the child. The dog knows “place” and “leave it,” and follows them fairly well. My question is: Would your e-collar methods—specifically your off-leash training protocols—be helpful in this case? I’d love your thoughts on how best to support this dog and family moving forward. Thanks again for all you do!

Tom you are amazing ! I listen to your podcast everyday and have learned so much as I prepare for my new puppy. I share your name with everyone I know with dogs and your knowledge has helped me teach others that are struggling. Thank you!!!

I started listening about 2 weeks ago and I have been through countless episodes trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all the knowledge and experience you share with your listeners! My boyfriend and I recently adopted a mixed breed shelter puppy and we are working diligently on training. We both work for small family businesses and work very long hours 5-6 days a week so we alternate who takes the puppy. My parents bring their dogs to work as well but we have had to rotate which days they come because of the puppy. They are pit bulls which they got because I have one that they fell in love with. They are both around 95-110lbs. One of their dogs gets along really well with the puppy and they play all day. We introduced the other one to the puppy and it went horribly. Their dog is very reactive and honestly aggressive towards the puppy. He has met other dogs in the past and has done okay with them but hasn’t been SUPER socialized because of his reactivity and their lack of control over him. I don’t know why but with the puppy he immediately went after him and submitted him to the ground. The puppy got scared and helped and that sent him off the cliff. I was afraid that if we didn’t pull him off he would’ve killed the puppy. I don’t know what to do whether it’s hopeless and they’ll never be able to be in the same room or if scheduling a consultation with you would provide more information and what we could do. I’ve gone through so many episodes trying to find a similar situation and I haven’t heard one yet. Please help!!

Dear Tom, I would like to get straight to my question which is, how would you correct a dog for jumping up and trying to bite the leash while on walks? Our 6 month old Australian cattle dog, husky and German shepherd mix has a very strong herding instinct, and though doesn’t try to bite me, he tries to bite the leash. I try to pop the leash, though never quite time it right. Thank you for all the free advice you give, and have already found use through it even as an 11 year old. Hope you have a nice day, sir.