From Cujo to Content Canine

When he's not doing volunteer work for the Philadelphia chapter of Rescue Ink, Ryan Stagliano, founder of Alpha Beta Canine, operates a highly successful in-home training company that aims to modify the behavior of some of the more difficult breeds.

"Training keeps dogs in homes," said Stagliano, of . "Rescue is fantastic, but training is what's going to keep them there."

Though he bears several scars from run-ins with abused canines, he has remained vigilant in his goal to raise the quality of life for many area pups while simultaneously helping owners further their bond with their animal.

"I made this my life and my passion because I want everyone to have what I have with my dogs," said Stagliano. "I never knew you could have a bond with an animal the way I do with them. I love them to death."

On Monday, Stagliano invited Patch to accompany him to the Szymanik residence, where owners John and Bobby were having troubles with their 1-year-old South African Boerboel, Titus. They had previously worked unsuccessfully with a different trainer.

"The dog has 'canine aggression' issues," said Stagliano. "He lives with another little dog, which he has no problem with, but if he sees any other dog, he gets really excited and it's turned into a bit of aggression."

In fact, less than a week earlier, Titus broke away from his leash at PetSmart and charged at an older labrador retriever.

"He got to that dog, but did no damage," said Stagliano, referring to the 170-pound Titus. "That tells me he may have been a little confused and a little hyperactive. Plus, the way the owner reacts can have an effect, as well."

Monday's session focused almost exclusively on command training, teaching both the dog and the owners how to react to certain situations. 

Though the Szymanik's seemed genuinely concerned at first, their concern turned to amazement as Stagliano established a leader-follower relationship with the dog, which was quickly transposed to the husband and wife.

By the end of the two-hour session, Titus was gassed, and both John and Bobby breathed a sigh of relief when they realized what they needed to do to maintain control.

"It's remarkable how quickly he's (Titus) taken to it," said Bobby Szymanik. She was initially worried that they wouldn't be able to get the dog under control. 

"It's quite a relief," she said.

Stagliano's methodology closely resembles a military regimen, focusing on roles and leadership, stern commands, and discipline. 

"When I tell my dogs to sit, they sit and they never move," said Stagliano, who has two dogs of his own and another two from rescues. "My command outweighs their desires. It's not about teaching them to sit; it's about teaching them to listen."

"Once the dog listens to you, you will have no problems," added Stagliano. "You end up with happy, obedient dogs."

For more information on Alpha Beta Canine, visit www.facebook.com/AlphaBetaCanine or contact Stagliano directly at 267-614-6715

Be sure to check out the video posted above, which features highlights from the training session with Titus.

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