Many trainers using their mat work during classes, giving their dogs their own place in a crowded classroom and helping there dogs relax!

Another Session from Saturday at Clickerexpo with Emma Parsons.

One of my favorite trainers, somebody I have learned a great deal from. This class discussing techniques and exercises for reactive and aggressive behavior. Some of these exercises would even work in our family dog classes with distractions. A very informative and fun class!

A great day of classes today at Clickerexpo!

The fabulous Kaye Laurence did a great session on repurposing default behaviors. Bringing back some great exercises to practice calm attention, giving your dog a "place" cue to relax and not in work mode! Good stuff to work on! Also check out this sweet baby boy they had at one of the sessions!

Meet Eddie!

Eddie's family rescued him from the shelter! He is 6 months old and a real sweetheart!! He loves kids and is learning how to sit and not jump around them. He is doing great! This boy learns extremely fast! He loves to sit, has a good "leave it", has warmed up to the leash, and today learned his down and to get on his mat! Hats off to his mom, she is doing a wonderful job training! He is a true Eddie, don't you just want to love on him!

Dogs can be fearful of inanimate objects

Vacuums, hair dryers and coffee grinders are a few examples. Don't force your dog to get close to something that he fears.

 Help your dog overcome his fear by teaching him that the scary object predicts super treats.

 The key points are: 1) Every time he sees the object he gets the special treat. 2) Scary object first - then feed generously (chicken or steak is ideal). 3) Keep the item far enough away so that he is not afraid. Gradually work with the item closer ( go at your dog's pace). 4) Add movement gradually. 5) Add sound and build duration gradually.

Dog Decoder App!

A new app that helps you with dog body signals! Anyone try it yet? This is a great idea! 

 "Do you know how to read your dog’s body language? Do you understand when he tries to tell you he’s stressed, or submissive, or ready for fun-time? Can you tell the difference between excitement and fear, or between aggression and the need to play? Dog language can be confusing, but with the help of Dog Decoder, you’ll understand your dog’s signals like a pro" 

http://dogdecoder.com/

Antic's of Dixie!hi ya'll!

Today is my Dixie's 5th birthday! I have had her 4 years now and she has made me laugh everyday! Here are just a few pictures that I picked out to show you just how much personality Dixie has. It has not always been so, but through the years of training and all of the rewards for good behavior and attention, Dixie's personality has blossomed! Keep it positive...this is the result, so so much personality! Love this girl so much!

Left turn here!

Loves kayaking!

Watermelon, a favorite!

She loves to swim, we call her rudder butt!

hi ya'll! 

tuggings!

Time for bed?!

You coming!

Ears are great!

Something is in my eye~

MMmmm Starbucks!

Woo hoo time to play ball!

Taming the Wild Side....Proud to teach with force free training methods, happy to teach the art of training to others! Keep it positive!

Seminar Was Great!

We had a great seminar this past Saturday, once again so much information! I LOVED teaching the nutrition portion and getting to speak about the changes in Dodger due to nutrition! Angela's information was incredible! Thanks Angela Byers Jones for coming out and giving us a great seminar. So glad Dodger felt well enough to join us!

May I add that there are many dogs that have been adopted from rescues and the shelter that are great family dogs and have even moved on to become therapy dogs! This is a great study but I don't want to steer anyone away from getting a rescue! They are quite wonderful and can offer a type of gratefulness and affection that you don't find in dogs that don't have their background. That being said, please read on, good information here!

http://positively.com/2014/03/06/aggressive-training-breeds-aggressive-dogs/

Biker Dawgs!

We had a great day as far as weather, I pulled the bike out and rode with the dogs! They ran beside me and followed everywhere I went! It was a lot of fun and something new for most of them to experience!

Everyone having a great time!

Everyone having a great time!

The Trail Mix Gang!

A great article to start our day!

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2014/02/science-proves-it-dogs-understand-emotions/

Eight patterns to help walk your dog past another dog

These patterns are practiced after training good eye contact and attention on handler, there is also appropriate distance between dogs to help your dog focus on you and good leash skills are in place!

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/reactive-dog-moving-past-distractions