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…
Diva
We have a habit around here of asking dogs to do things as opposed to telling them what they have to do. (about the only time routinely I deviate is when Zora is eating poop and then 90% of the…
Connection
Connection: the relationship of a person, thing or behavior to something or someone else. Connection is an all the rage buzz word in the current world of dog training. In years past the word instead was “Attention”. Attention: the act…
Supporting Loss
It’s been a rough month around here. Between my gram passing away after a long fulfilling life and a few friends in the process of shifting into hospice care mentality for their geriatric dogs, it’s been a rough go of…
Formula for Earning Qualifying Scores
I talk with my agility students and students considering competition often about defining what success in the ring means for them, their dog and their team. As I feel that definition can have a huge impact on not only your…
Showing up to class
I’m always impressed when week after week, reliably, people and their dogs show up for classes. Have practiced homework. Have even just managed to get themselves out the door to come to lessons. Let alone to be on time, to…
Teaching Dogs ‘The Basics’
The other day during a lesson with a long time client who has a new puppy she asked me, so when do we start teaching The Basics and how long will they take? I looked at her blankly. The Basics?…
Learning Styles
What’s your dog’s learning style? What’s yours? Do you ever think about those factors before taking a class or training your dog? I’ve learned over the years, many people don’t. I used to ask each and every one of my…
Power of Positive Reinforcement
This is a story about my husband, W. He’s a quiet, introverted soul, with a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to perfectionism. 3 years ago he was laid off from a job with a company he’d been with…
Are Dogs Loyal?
loy·al ˈloi(ə)l/ adjective adjective: loyal giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. “he remained loyal to the government” synonyms: faithful, true, devoted; Are dogs loyal to humans? Some dogs are. I think many…