We love dogs — and we love helping people understand them. With so much old-fashioned and confusing training advice still floating around, our goal is to share clear, kind, and up-to-date guidance you can trust. Here you’ll find our recent published articles and Mutts & Manners columns, all celebrating the benefits of force-free, science-based dog training.
Mutts & Manners: How to stop a dog lunging at cars by Als Allan
Originally published in The Mountain Times: November, 5 2025
“How do I train my two-year-old 20 lb terrier not to chase cars? He suddenly lunges and practically pulls me into the street when a car passes. It’s dangerous for him and also for me because he pulls so suddenly.” → Read the whole article
Mutts & Manners: Helping the Covid Puppy Cope with Holiday Guests by Als Allan
Originally published in The Mountain Times: October 22, 2025
“I have a five-and-a-half-year-old dog that was a “Covid puppy”, and he never got the memo about being friendly to strangers. What can I do to make visiting family feel more comfortable at Thanksgiving?” → Read the whole article
Mutts & Manners: Thinking About Getting a Service Dog? by Als Allan
Originally published in The Mountain Times: October 8, 2025
“My 10-year-old daughter is begging me for a dog— a potential service dog. I’m a cat person. My former partner lives three hours away by plane, and my daughter thinks she can take the dog as her service animal when she visits her father. I’m totally overwhelmed and don’t know where or how to start.” → Read the whole article
Why Does My Dog Have to Bark and Lunge at Everything?
Living and thriving with a dog who has big feelings by Als Allan
Originally published in 4 Legs & a Tail: Fall, 2025
“I love my dog, but it’s so embarrassing when he barks and lunges at joggers, cars, or other dogs.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the time he’s awesome, but every time we pass this one house, he goes crazy. It’s so frustrating.” ” → Read the whole article
The Critical Window for Puppy Socialization: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait by Als Allan
Originally published in 4 Legs & a Tail: Mud Season, 2025
“For new puppy parents, the first few months can feel like a whirlwind of cuddles, training, and rapid development. What many don’t realize, however, is that this early period—specifically the first four months—is the most critical time for shaping a dog’s behavior and temperament.” → Read the whole article
Dog Dreams Come True by Victoria Gaither
Originally published in The Mountain Times: February 21, 2023
“It was a dream come true when Als Allan, a certified professional dog trainer and owner at Mountainside Mutts in Rutland on Route 4 took over the Norman Rockwell Museum building a year ago…→ Read the whole article
