Videos

Kayla's crate trick



Dude learning the Drop on Recall (this is a long one and was left with little editing)

Videos of past agility runs with Bailey and Kayla are still to come.

Follow Me!

A must have for control off leash!

What you Need:
med -> high level treats
20-50 ft long line unless in a fenced area
second or "ghost" handler if possible

Goal
To have the dog follow the handler and ignore the environment

*Note* The second handler is there to make sure that the dog remains safe, to tell the handler when to hide and when to reappear.

Begin with your pup by your side - position (sit, down, stand) is not important, the pup should be still. It is best if you wait for the pup to offer eye contact, but you may cue it. This provides the connection between you and your pup. Now you're ready to get going. Pick a point in front of you, cue your pup to "let's go" and begin walking. Here's the hard part! Don't beg, look at, or otherwise cue your pup. You may praise and treat him if he's by your side. Trust me you'll "feel" him next to you. Is he still with you? Yes! Great! Mark, reward, and change direction. Do this often to try to lose your pup.

Did you lose him? He not following you? Don't fret! Keep walking, fight the urge to beg, and find a place to hide. Your ghost handler will make sure puppy is safe. You may keep your head in sight, just keep quiet. Let your pup figure out that he lost you. Let him fret a bit. Did he finally notice you ditched him? Is he searching? Good! Now you may step out and call him. Praise that good puppy! He'd better keep an eye on you, you may just leave him! Sneaky human!

Begin the exercise again. As your dog becomes proficient you can make it harder by adding toys or strangers or other dogs.

*If you add dogs make sure the distraction dog does not reciprocate advances to play. This dog is for distraction only. Same goes for the humans.*

Take this show on road! The more places you practice the better.

This is a variation of a Suzanne Clothier leadership exercise game.

Upholding your end of the deal

When we train our dogs it's a partnership. You do the teaching and they do the learning, or vise versa. We are the good dog owners and go to class each week, practice our homework in the house when we have time, and magically expect our dogs to be letter perfect in the outside world. This is the biggest complaint I receive as an instructor, their dog won't listen in public. To which I usually respond have you practiced in public? We all know the answer to that 90% of the time is no. I was reminded of this very same thing this weekend.

Kayla and I have been trying for our CDX (Open Obedience title) for a better part of a year now. We finally got our title yesterday by the grace of God. I went into the ring expecting a mid 190 score, but walked out with 189. Needless to say a few things fell apart and other bits looked down right sloppy - so not our style. As I was driving home I began to think over why we showed like we did and realized I had not upheld my end of the deal. I had not been putting my time into training, nor had I put the routine together in about a month. I should be so lucky to have a dog that saved my ass. The one thing that looked good was the long sit - now we have been practicing that!! The voice of my instructor rings in my head - you get what you train for! Ain't that the truth!!!

The moral of this story: before you blame the dog, ask yourself if you've put in the work!

ARCHX UCD Hi-Jinks Second Chance CL1 CL2-F CL2-S NA CD-H CDX RE RL1X RL2X RL3 CGC TDI

When it's not fun

I got to start a new Charm class tonight - a class for not so nice dogs - and looking at these owners brought me back to when I was going through this with my own dog. Sand is a not so nice dog. I was the hated person in the neighborhood. Seemingly the only person in the world with an aggressive Lab. I turned to techniques that killed my relationship. My dog was a puddle at my feet and I was heartbroken. After this I committed myself to turning our training and relationship around. I got to see this tonight in one student. I got to see someone take the first step toward crossing over from force and pain. Training should be fun for both parties. Training should open doors to a fulling relationship. Next time you feel like resorting to force, look into your dog's eyes.

Tricks for dogs

Trick training may seem a bit dumb and insignificant, but in fact they can be vital to developing a well rounded dog. Tricks promote problem solving for both dog and handler. You are also broadening your dog's vocabulary. When thinking of tricks to teach, start easy and pick something that your dog does naturally. For example if your dog likes to paw at things, begin with High 5, Wave, or Shake. Some tricks build naturally build on each other, such as a retrieve can be turned into putting toys away or closing a door. Here's an example of Kayla showing off her hold.







What can your dog do?

They are up!

After months of waiting I have converted and posted my agility videos. The runs were taped in Indiana at a fun run. Enjoy!!


Bailey Jumpers


You can also find Kayla's jumpers run up there as well!

Kay's trip to the chiro

Well, those who know me know I take my dogs to the chiropractic vet at least once a year to get a tune up. This month was Dude's follow up and Kayla's turn. The vet found reduced flexion in her left elbow and some thickening. While it won't halt her from playing agility, it will put a kink in it. She's slim, active and going to be starting joint supplements very soon which will help. My little squirrel's funky foot out of whack! We'll have to reduce her training times per week and sorry guys, limit her trips to class as a demo pup.

This does explain why she is not wanting to stay in the weave poles at speed and cannot turn as tightly. I still love her! It just might take us longer to get that MACH.