My name is Brenda Aloff, and for over three decades, I’ve devoted my professional life to training dogs, with a particular focus on addressing behavioral challenges. My expertise is reflected in five published books and a DVD, complemented by extensive teaching at clinics and workshops across the United States and internationally. My journey into animal behavior began with a deeply challenging dog of my own. Seeking solutions, I consulted various trainers and behaviorists, but found their approaches lacking. This led me to extensively research the field, where Karen Pryor’s book, Don’t Shoot The Dog, resonated with my existing background in horse training.
Initially, local veterinarians began referring dogs to me, and clients expressed a desire for boarding services. This prompted me to open a boarding kennel, where I simultaneously provided private consultations and actively participated in rescue efforts. After approximately nine years, I sought a career that offered more flexibility, allowing me to spend time with my family, especially during holidays, and to focus more intensely on training without the constant demands of a 24/7 kennel operation. Consequently, I closed the boarding kennel and established the Heaven on Arf Training Center, dedicated exclusively to training and behavioral work.
Witnessing the development of a deeper understanding and closer bond between dogs and their owners remains incredibly rewarding. Even after all these years, I experience a thrill when a dog grasps a concept or has an “Ah ha!” moment. I also find immense satisfaction in seeing my human students gain confidence and achieve success through excellent mechanical skills, precise timing, and effective techniques. Beyond my work with dogs, horses have been a lifelong passion. For over a decade, I’ve been deeply involved with Dressage, finding it an intensely engaging pursuit that fuels my enthusiasm even more than during my childhood.
A crucial piece of knowledge I wish more people understood about their companion animals is the field of dog ethology. Ethology, the study of animal behavior, particularly in natural conditions, provides invaluable insights. Understanding how dogs naturally operate opens up new avenues for comprehending your pet. A lack of awareness regarding species-specific or breed-specific traits often leads to preventable distress. Many dogs unfortunately lose their homes because their behavior doesn’t align with their owners’ expectations.
Ideally, people should possess a realistic understanding before acquiring a dog. However, given that the majority of dog purchases are emotionally driven, this trend is unlikely to change soon. Once a dog is part of the family, a better understanding of canine body language is essential. This understanding can help curtail or avoid many preventable problems. When you have even a general grasp of what your dog is communicating, you gain numerous opportunities to provide feedback on their behavior. With these two areas mastered, training and living with your dog becomes an effortless and enjoyable experience, fostering the deep connection you initially desired. This ultimately leads to happier, more fulfilled dogs and people, and fewer homeless animals.
I firmly believe the most vital skills we can impart to our companion animals are the ability to self-regulate and strong impulse control. These two concepts are intrinsically linked, as the same exercises can be employed to teach both. Restraint tolerance, body handling, and specific bodywork techniques I’ve developed are integral to this process, as domestic dogs will inevitably be handled and restrained throughout their lives for various purposes, including husbandry, leashes, crates, and fences. Since many dogs are not naturally inclined to accept these impositions, building trust is paramount, assuring them that handling and restraint are not threatening. This facilitates positive veterinary visits and interactions with strangers, allowing the dog to remain relaxed and calm, revealing the friendly personality within.
We often place dogs in situations where they lack the coping skills. If dogs understand that humans are peculiar but generally harmless, they won’t feel confused or defensive when people make awkward attempts at communication. Not everyone interacting with our dogs is “dog-savvy,” and restraints can significantly prepare dogs for encounters with various people throughout their lives. Furthermore, good impulse control and a lack of anxiety during approaches and greeting rituals are crucial. This enables dogs to think clearly and make sound decisions, even when people make poor ones.
