Scott’s Dog Behavior Blog


Subscribe to RSS Feed


About Scott

Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is a dog behavior specialist. Scott specializes in the assessment and treatment of fear, anxiety, aggression and phobias in dogs six months and older.

Learn More

Subscribe (Free) to Scott's Blog

Explore & Subscribe

Is Euthanasia Ever Right for Severe Dog Behavior Problems?

Deciding to euthanize a dog for behavior reasons is one of the most painful choices a dog owner can face. Unlike terminal illness, where the outcome is clear, behavioral euthanasia involves weighing quality of life, safety risks, and ethical responsibility.

As a dog behavior expert, I’ve seen cases where euthanasia was the last—but kindest—option. Let’s discuss when it might be appropriate and how to navigate this emotional and difficult decision.

Read More

Cesar Millan's 4 Biggest Dog Training Myths

Cesar Millan, it’s time to apologize to dogs. For years, you’ve pushed these four myths, and now, science is calling for a reckoning.

If you’ve ever watched The Dog Whisperer, you’ve seen Cesar Millan in action, calmly walking a pack of dogs, correcting bad behavior with a sharp "tsst," and preaching about "dominance" and "being the pack leader." His methods look effective on TV, but here’s the problem: most of what he promotes isn’t backed by modern dog behavior science. In fact, some of it is downright harmful.

Read More

The Hidden Ways You Might Be Punishing Your Dog Without Knowing It

We all think we know what punishment looks like when it comes to dogs. Ask most people, and they’ll say, “Oh yeah, that’s stuff like hitting, spanking, shock collars, jerking the leash, or prong collars.” And yes, those are all forms of punishment—but they’re not the whole story.

Read More

Why Are Some Dogs Aggressive?

Aggression in dogs is a complex behavior that normally stems from fear rather than inherent hostility. Understanding the root cause of aggression is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.

Fear is the primary driver of aggressive behavior in dogs. When a dog perceives a threat—be it a person, another dog, or an unfamiliar object—it may react aggressively to protect itself.

Read More

Losing a Dog Hurts—Here’s the True Story Behind a Famous Poem That Eases the Pain

Dealing with the death of a dog is one of the hardest experiences we face in life. At least that’s how it has been for me. If you don’t love dogs, you might not understand. The grief is deep, but a poem titled The Rainbow Bridge has offered comfort for over 65 years to grieving dog owners worldwide.

Read More

The Crisis of Unqualified Dog Trainers Treating Dog Aggression

There’s an unspoken reality in the dog world when it comes to treating dogs with aggression issues toward dogs or even humans. It’s the problem of unqualified dog trainers taking on aggression cases they’re just not equipped to safely and properly handle.

The dog training industry is kind of like the Wild West. In most parts of the world, including the United States, literally anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer” or “behaviorist” without a lick of formal education or experience. One day someone is managing a coffee shop, and the next they’re charging $150 an hour to “fix” aggressive dogs with a shock collar in hand and a YouTube certification.

Read More