What Is Your Dog Handling Demeanor?
What is your dog handling demeanor, and does it matter? Your demeanor is your look, manner, bearing, attitude, expression and presence when managing, directing and leading your dog. It matters because dogs will pick up on your demeanor, and the demeanor of those around you, and that will affect how they will behave… Let’s start […]
Dog Training Essentials
Many owners want high level performance from their dogs in challenging environments. The key to getting that performance is mastering The Essentials. Here’s what I mean… Every good coach knows that top level performance starts with mastering the basics. One of the greatest football coaches in history was Vince Lombardi. He is credited with saying, […]
Consistent And Motivated Dog Training
Once a dog is trained, is it always trained? Nope. Dog training is a perishable set of skills, for the dog and the owner. It is not uncommon for a dog and owner to lose their skills and competence over time. It is also not uncommon, as the training erodes, for the owner to become […]
Dog Training Mistakes
Everyone makes handler errors. From novice to expert, everyone makes mistakes… The question is: Is it better to make mistakes in training or during an emergency? Obviously, it is better to make mistakes, and have them fixed, during training. You aren’t going to innovate a new or better skill during an emergency. During emergencies, you […]
Training Your Dog For The Fight Of Their Lives
Thanksgiving. Friends and family are visiting. A family member accidentally leaves the front door open, and your dog takes off. I hope you have trained for this day… All good training begins with the proper end picture. Then train for that goal. What is the proper end picture? For me, I want my dog to […]
One Dog To Rule Them All?
Can one dog be everything, do everything, that all other dogs can do? Uh, no… I encounter potential students, from time to time, who want their dog to do tasks or live a lifestyle that is not suited to that dog. Some listen, some don’t. Here are some examples. I get emails from people who […]
Arizona Dog Training In The Summer
When I first moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area I was very concerned about how to train dogs during the summer. After being here for several years, I have it figured out… First, is the handler. I pay attention to the physical location, weather and physical condition of the dog owner. I’ve worked with some […]
Dog Training And Conscientiousness
What is probably the most important aspect of dog training that I want all my students to understand? Conscientiousness… First, that means seeing the training as a duty to be fulfilled. Accept the responsibility. Carry the load. Make a moral and practical decision to get trained, and to get your dog trained. Second, that means […]
Dog Training Are You Too Proud To Learn?
Some students are ready to learn. Some students are there to teach you a lesson. A good dog trainer knows the difference. Most of my students are ready and committed to learn. A handful never learn anything, and the one who does the learning is the teacher… that this isn’t someone who you want as […]
Factor Your Children Into Your Dog Ownership Experience
I have trained a lot of dogs for a lot of families over a lot of years. I am a big believer in getting the kids in the family to participate in the training and care of the family dog. First, I think that dogs offer a lot of positive benefits in the socialization of […]