Paws & Progress
PAWS & PROGRESS Talented dogs versus invested human learners. Often when students start a new activity with their dog, those with the talented dogs stand out. They fly through basic skills, even if the handler has zero skill or timing. The dog is so talented the handler doesn’t need to learn a lot as the […]
Canine Good Neighbour
Canine Good Neighbour Why should you include obtaining a CGN in your training plan? CGN is an acronym for the Canine Good Neighbour program administered by the Canadian Kennel Club. While it is a CKC supported program, your dog does not have to be purebred in order to participate. All mixes and breeds are welcome […]
PAWSitive Beginnings: Part One
PAWSitive BeginningsThe Role of Socialization in Puppy Development Part one of a multi-part series. The definition of Socialization the American Veterinary Medical Association gives is “the process of preparing a dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.” To expand on this definition, socialization is about exposure to common […]
Dog Walking: A piece of tranquillity or an anxiety filled chore?
Dog Walking: A piece of tranquility or an anxiety filled chore? To go for a walk with your dog can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether walking on a city path or a hiking path in the mountains, a calm, relaxing walk can be exactly what you need to drive away your stress. Unfortunately, […]
Rally Obedience
Rally Obedience: Turning basic obedience into fun and flashy tricks! By Randi Benko A lot of people think that Rally Obedience is a stuffy, boring sport. I thought the same thing! I tried it out to give my busy dog something slow and thoughtful to do and I fell in love with it. It helped build […]
TAKE THE LEAD
TAKE THE LEAD The importance of clear communication in dog training. Why Clear Communication Matters When training your dog, think of yourself as a parent. Just like in raising children, an invested parent helps children understand what’s needed by giving clear instructions. For your dog, you are that advocator. Clear communication means telling your dog […]
DOG TRAINING IN A COOKIE CUTTER WORLD
DOG TRAINING IN A COOKIE CUTTER WORLD Every semester I teach at least 20 handler and dog teams the beginning steps of how to modify leash reactive behavior. At the surface it seems simple: the dog barks, lunges, growls, pulls and carries on like a nincompoop. Underneath is the more difficult part. The problem is […]
SPRING FEVER
SPRING FEVER Grab your leash and let’s go for a walk! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s time to get re-introduced to the great outdoors. Spring is finally here and everybody is itching to get out of the house. We may even find that we need to brush up on our […]
BARN? HUNT?
BARN? HUNT? You search for what?Not REAL rats? These are often the first questions I hear when I tell someone about this fun and exciting sport my dogs play. Whether a seasoned athlete or brand new to dog sports, Barn Hunt is an extremely welcoming sport that you should check out! Started in 2013, Barn […]
Poisoned Praise
Poisoned Praise I’ve often pondered why experienced handlers who seem to be doing all the right things – enthusiastic markers, good technical personal play concepts, no obvious or heavy-handed corrections, good core training techniques – yet have dogs having a hard time. From dogs who shut down to dogs who look bored to dogs that […]