Field trip with Opal and Loki

Field trips are a huge part of our board and train program. We want to make sure that your dog understands how to focus and perform all of their commands, whether at home, or in a busy environment. Check out this clip of Opal and Loki working at a local park last week. We had different goals for each dog, but the process is really similar. For Loki, we are building up her confidence aroundContinue reading “Field trip with Opal and Loki”

Training for more freedom

Dog training isn’t about restricting our dogs or shutting down their personalities. It’s about bringing out that personality… at the right times. There are times I’m going to need a dog to sit silently by my side while I pay at the cash register.There are times I’m going to need her to stay focused on me and in a tight heel as we walk through a busy market or cross a busy road.And there areContinue reading “Training for more freedom”

Recall session with Opal

We’re increasing the challenge for Opal by taking her out to a wide open field with another (well-behaved) dog. We have a long line on for safety, and just have her dragging it in case we need to grab it. In this session, we’re having some off-leash fun, working on our sit-stays and down-stays, and recall. She actually likes hanging out close to us, so recall isn’t the biggest challenge for this girl. It’s learningContinue reading “Recall session with Opal”

Dogs don’t need exercise to be calm!

Dogs don’t need exercise to be calm!We have two dogs with very different behaviors and needs, but both are starting their days the same way: with the place command! Calm is becoming the standard for them every day. We’ll allow fun and play later, but we don’t want that to be their default mindset.*Please excuse my shaky camera skills.

Get – and keep – your dog’s focus

We’ve all seen those dogs that stare so lovingly at their owner as if nothing else seems to matter to them. Coincidence? No. Magic? No. Hard work? Yes. Something every owner can achieve? Also, yes. Here’s the secret: if you want to be the most important thing to your dog, your dog needs to believe that everything of value comes from you. That means food, toys, love and affection -your dog needs to see youContinue reading “Get – and keep – your dog’s focus”

Why Your Dog Needs Structure

Have you ever heard the saying “only give your dog as much freedom as she can responsibly handle”? There’s a lot of power in that statement. If you have a super relaxed and easy-going dog that just wants to sleep all day, doesn’t bark or get into the trash, then you can offer her more freedom because she can handle it. But if you have a dog that paces all day, jumps on the counter,Continue reading “Why Your Dog Needs Structure”