Frequently, it feels, we are all so often rushing, rushing, rushing. And with that rushing, putting pressure on those around us, including our dogs, to hurry up and be who we need them to be. We give small credit to…
Do You Train Service Dogs?
Every so often I’ll receive an inquiry from a person about whether or not Maplewood Dog will help them train their service dog. To begin, let’s start with a few clarifying definitions: Service Animal: In the USA, a service animal…
“Get It” vs “Find It” cues
“Get It” and “Find It” cues can be incredibly helpful for teaching dogs about when a reward is coming and how it will be delivered. Differentiating between the two types of cues, also gives your dog a wealth of information…
Into the Abyss
Imagine you’re on a hike with a friend. It’s your first time on this mountain. You and your friend are hiking along and the trail now brings you to a cliff. Your friend keeps walking toward it, you slow down…
Agility Trial Recap: NADAC Northeast Regionals 2019
Over the 4th of July holiday weekend we competed in the 2019 NADAC Northeast Regionals event. Regional events are hosted once per year in the various regions (as designated by NADAC) of the country. Each year clubs that wish to…
Agility Side Changes
In the beginner agility program I teach, the 2nd session of classes is devoted to directional skills and crosses. It’s the class I start hearing references to dancing and having two left feet from the students, and is is where…
Your Dog’s Need and Your Want
Agility (or any competitive dog sport) is generally considered a want. A human want. The competition piece of it at least. Enriched environments and mental activity is a need and want for many dogs, and agility training in generally can…
Lead Outs
In dog agility most folks are familiar with the concept of a lead out. For those uninitiated, a lead out refers to the stay that you ask your dog to do at the beginning of the course, before the 1st…
Buy In
Last night I taught an agility workshop, kicking off the start of agility lessons here. It was a nice small group of competitors preparing for this weekend’s trial. I had a lovely time with them all and we had good…
Rehearsal
Practice: verb perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one’s proficiency. carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly. When was the last time you…