Rain is a great time to get outside and have it all to ourselves!  The harder the rain, the more likely we are to be able to play off leash everywhere we go.  And today is one of those days.  A rainy day is also a great day to practice or learn some doggy tricks.  I've decided to work on "roll over" with Shep. Which is something he does not know.  And he's not a fan of learning new tricks.  So, I've got to keep it fun with lots of great rewards and baby steps.  Jump in here and listen to what we're up to this rainy Monday. 

How important is it?  This is a question I ask myself when I am working on a training technique with Shep.  And especially when he presents some resistance.   Listen in to see what I mean and what happened to us on our hike this week!

Have you ever been out on a leash walk and had an unwanted unleashed dog approaching your dog?  How did you handle it?  Shep and I have had some encounters with people and dogs and even cars that we've been able to manage.  No doggy fights to date.  Thankfully.  But, we avoid dog parks and places where this might be more likely.   Listen in and see what I've read recently about unleashed dogs and how we can best manage this. 

Here is a little rundown of the top training tips Shep and I have learned over the past almost 2 years.   I hope you find them helpful too! 

Here are 2 of our favorite doggy treat recipes that you can make so easily at home.  Grab your pen and paper!  Because your pup is sure to love these as well!

Shep isn't lured or calmed easily with food when we are training or working outside of the house.  Food works just fine for us in the house. But when we are out and about, a stick is our magic wand.  Listen in and see how we plan to use our all powerful stick at a boarding drop off coming up.  

Shep has developed a hidden hot spot that he just can't leave alone.  So, our training is taking a bit of backseat right now.  Or maybe I should say it's being redirected.   Listen in and see what's up!

Shep and I are taking a couple of steps back this week.  We plan to focus the next 7 days on foundational recall training and name reassurance.  He had a bit of an episode barking at a vehicle while walking this week on leash.  So, I'm taking a step back - big step back - and that's perfectly fine.  He needs to know that all is well and I've got his back.  Join us this week and listen in to what we're doing.  And if you have a reactive pup and would like to join us, we invite you and would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave us a voicemail message.