Comparing Techniques to Teach Stay
Today I want to discuss three videos that I saw on Youtube that all were “how-tos” on teaching “Stay”. All three techniques work, but I had likes and dislikes about each of them and I wanted to share! Each person learns and teaches differently. I applaud all three trainers for making great videos to educate…
Taking a Second Look
Earlier this year a newswoman was bitten in the face by an Argentinian Mastiff that she was promoting through television. Having been caught on tape, this video went viral and many people were criticized. Instead of criticizing it any further, I wanted to take a second look at the video and make some observations about the…
Find It!
I recently consulted with a fellow trainer, Michael Curran of Clicker Logic. Michael has a border collie who was highly reactive to both people and dogs. (As many of you know my dog, Loker, is reactive to other dogs and some people.) I asked Michael how he had such success with his dog and he gave me…
Socialization is Just for Puppies
I come across many people (some dog trainers included) that believe you need to socialize adult dogs to teach them how to act appropriately around other dogs or people. While it would be handy if adult dogs could still be socialized after 6 months old, it is simply untrue. Puppies go through certain socialization stages…
Creating Toy Drive
This is my second post about my reflections from Shade Whitesel’s Seminar: Play Your Way to Powerful Obedience. (Reflections from a Working Dog Seminar was the first post.) Using tug as a reinforcer during training is new to me. I had always casually asked my dog to sit or down before beginning play, but this seminar taught me…
Why Not to Say “No” to Your Dog
I “grew up” in the rescue community. I always did my best to find the homes of strays that I found on the street. And even though my parents didn’t let me foster animals, my neighbors were kind enough to let me into their homes to help them with their pets and fosters. In general,…
Reflections from a Working Dog Seminar
Last weekend I attended Shade Whitesel’s Seminar: Play Your Way to Powerful Obedience in Missouri hosted by Riverfront Working Dog Club. Shade has achieved some of the highest titles in Schutzhund with her dogs. “Shade has been involved in the sport of Schutzhund for the last 15 years. Shade and her current competition dog, Reiki vom Aegis,…
Always Leave Your Dog Wanting More
The other day I was working with my dog, Loker, on a heel exercise. It was the back-end awareness exercise I have already mentioned. It was a short session because this exercise is proving to be a bit of a challenge for him. Learning how to move their backend independently of their front end does not come…