Why Did I Get This Dog!
Last week I learned that our 5 year old Australian Shepherd, Cody, may have an autoimmune disease, perhaps Lupus. We’ve been on a 2 year search to identify the cause of his chronic lameness, fevers of unknown origin and skin issues and have consulted a plethora of local veterinarians and specialists both near and far. […]
What is a Cue?
As trainers using only force-free training techniques, our clients are always puzzled when we talk about “cueing” a dog. We use the word Cue instead of Command. Why, you ask? Command implies that if the dog doesn’t do what we ask, something dire will happen. In force-free training, if the dog doesn’t perform the behavior I merely […]
Teaching & Training…..What’s the Difference?
by Brad Waggoner Yes, I’m a dog trainer by profession though the title is a bit misleading. When it comes to learning new skills and becoming proficient at them, there are two different things going on. There’s the acquisition of new skills (learning) and there’s the honing of those new skills (becoming fluent). So how […]
It’s Never Too Early….and Never Too Late
Personally, I can’t think of many things more fun than working with and training a dog, especially my own dog. Nothing like adding a new puppy to your family to bring home the fact that training certainly needs to happen in order for the little one to adjust to your home. My girl, Willow, […]
Hiking With Your Dog…..are you ready?
Ahhhh, early autumn and changing leaves! As the days get cooler, my thoughts turn to hiking with my dog. I’m fortunate to live in an area where I can easily walk outside of the fenced acreage around my home and hit a few trails. I love being out of doors and so does my dog! […]
Storm Phobias & Anxiety….not to be taken lightly
Many of our friends and clients know that we’ve been on a journey to identify solutions to relieve the severe anxiety our three year old Aussie, Cody, experiences during a thunderstorm. We periodically discuss his situation in classes and private behavior consulting sessions in order to help others understand that the anxiety a dog experiences […]
Clients Applying Class Exercises to Real Life!
On Facebook a few days ago, we posted some information about the polite greeting work Linzy & Bob have been doing at home with their lovely Lab, Buck. They were kind enough to send an email about their success and include photos. Talk about positive reinforcement for us trainers! Linzy & Bob are in our […]
Barking Dogs, Caterwauling Cats & Attention
I’m continuing to enjoy the attention training which is the first foundation behavior in the Canine Freestyle Course in which I’m currently enrolled. Last weekend, I took the practice outside for the first time. Nothing like a barking dog and caterwauling cat to provide some distractions. In reality, I think the cat was more of a […]
A Little More Attention Please
I took the canine freestyle foundation behavior training into our home today. I just didn’t want to drive to the training center and I felt as if Gibson was more than ready to begin working on duration of attention with some distractions…..our four furry felines. Only a three of them were present with Grayson asleep […]
FETCH – Animal Assisted Interactions Class Vies for $5K Grant
Hat’s off the Animal Assisted Interactions Class at Tri-County Community College! They’re doing their utmost to bring their FETCH Program (Fun Exercising Together for Children’s Health) to reality. Yesterday, about 20 of us met at the Cold Nose College Training Center so Chasing Destiny Films could shoot a video in support of the class mission. […]
