Dr. Krista has it right with this one — all it takes to be a “professional” dog trainer is call yourself one.  While there are certification programs out there no laws really address this.  Your best bet is to meet the trainer (without your dog!) and watch how he/she conducts training of other people’s dogs.  Do the dogs look happy?  Do you feel okay with the methods used?  Would you treat a 2 year old child the way the dog trainer treats the dogs he/she is working?

For example, when I interact with 2 year old children I try to use positive reinforcement — but I also will smack a butt if the child hurts or endangers himself or others.  I don’t believe a “time out” solves every problem.

You are in the land of Cesar Milan — and Cesar does use E collars for some aggressive dogs, but the ones he uses vibrate, they don’t give a shock (at least that is my understanding of the collars he uses).  Some E collars vibrate, some shock, some make a noise, some spray citrus fragrance (which dogs don’t like!).  All are negative reinforcement to one degree or another.  

Dogs learn faster and are happier with positive reinforcement.  The fact that you even asked this question leads me to believe that you are uncomfortable at some level with the idea of an E collar.  It is best to keep looking for a trainer that earns your confidence from the very beginning.  Leash and collar training with “some” positive training doesn’t sound like a good route to build trust between you and your pooch.  Someone that uses mostly all positive training, all of the time will probably give you better results.

To be honest to be on the safe side, I would separate their cages until.the male has the stitches out and is fully recovered. Then might get a bit rough when they first meet and you don’t want any stitches burst. 

Good luck! 

Hi Ashley,
Well, first you need to figure out why your dog has itchy and dry skin. It may be allergies to foods or the surroundings or fleas…Best to get to your vet to have them diagnose what is wrong first. Then, you can treat the root cause of the itchy skin. No sense in spending time and money one what you think may be helpful.
~kelly

HI Vicky,
Did your vet tell you to leave the cone on ? If so and if she’s bothering her paw, then you need to leave the cone on ,,,take it off for a bit if you can watch her so she doesn’t bother her paw….but put it back on.
Call your vet if you think the medication is not helping , or if things are getting worse.
Good luck!
~kelly

Hi Vicky,
No animal likes the cone, but it is something that they will adjust to. If your pet needs to wear one, keep it on her. Get to your vet to get the paw checked out, she could need pain meds or other medications to help.
~kelly

Hello Yasmin…..you need to register with a Vet and take your cat without delay.

Blood in stools is never normal, nor is straining to go. Your cat could have any number of things going on, blockage of the bowel…infection…and this needs treatment.

I hope he recovers soon.

i don’t know much about agamid lizard species, but if she has a “strange dark spot” i’d be worried about infection or bruising.  please get her to a vet as soon as one opens in the morning.