When puppies are little, everything is pretty cute and small and easy; walks, retrieves and a few manners.  As they begin to grow up, they aren't old enough for formal training, but they are beginning to know what they are doing, like running puppy marks and hunting live birds.  It is at this stage we often jump ahead before the pup is really ready, with whoa, electric collar, force fetch, etc.  Instead, teaching the growing dogs to learn to take responsibility for doing the work you are teaching them, to take the work seriously and to focus on it, allows for the upcoming formal training to be much easier and more clearly understood.

#245 Puppy Episdoe #6, The ”In between” age

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Poor behaviors, new training problems, confusing troubles, generally stem from the dog being in a situation it cannot manage, is confused or is disheartened or distrustful.  But very few of us look at things this way.  Understanding the inner nature of your dog can often be quite useful in problem solving.

#315 The Conflicted Dog

Today's episode is just a couple stories.  Stories of things that happened with dogs, not because of the training principles used, not because of any expert advice, but because the individuals really wanted it with their dog.  And when done with sincerity and belief, they did it.  Hugely inspirational to me over the years..

#314 The Magic Side of Dog Training

For those who test their dogs in any venue, we've all had the day when we were prepared, paid the entry, drove the distance, only to have our dog do something it has never done before.  We are dejected and mystified.  Here are a few ideas that might help in preventing the unexplainable.

#313 "She never does that in training!"

In today's "Tests are happening now" episode, we talk about how to best prepare your student for success.  I have found it isn't by practicing game day setups to get ready for gameday, but by understanding your pupil's psychology, behavior, fitness and ability to grasp the necessary concepts. Then work with these to prepare them to handle whatever the judges are throwing at them, good or not so good.  Best answer to a questionable judge is a well-trained dog...

#312 Breaking Down Training Problems

Today we move past the obedience and moving hold and teach the dog to fetch the bumper with the single command.  In doing this part humanely and with thought, the dog is taught that it controls the training pressure, and that  by responding, there is no pressure at all.  A critical part of the force fetch process, particularly if handling is part of the training plan.

#245 Puppy Episdoe #6, The ”In between” age

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