Blog

Hi folks, Rio here, I have taken over communications for the day. I feel I do not get nearly enough time on here to advocate for my needs... because I am clearly suffering. I don't really understand this indoor-tree thing but I do understand presents. I like presents....

Many pet parents fall into the trap of over-managing and over-controlling their dogs. I see this most typically in terms of using force in training (using physical punishments, or threats of punishment, or physical molding), a handler's leash skills, and overly...

I do not yet have the photos of Rio flying over the A-frame so I have no 'action' shots from our agility trial but I do have some amazing photos of Rio sleeping. We worked hard on teaching Rio to have an 'off switch' and I suspect the whippet in him has helped...

This past weekend, Rio had his second CPE agility trial!  I knew going into the weekend that it would not be our best since we are SEVERELY out of practice.  In the last 5 months, Rio has had 3 agility practices--2 handling games classes and 1 session where I worked...

One of the things that sets professional trainers, experienced rescue folks, quality breeders, and “dog people” apart from the rest of the dog owning public is their commitment to using management techniques. It is definitely one of the struggles I have with...

When I brought Shayne home from the shelter, she was quite a mess.  She was still quite underweight, was terrified of getting into cars, terrified of stairs, REALLY terrified of thresholds (she STILL doesn't like being in doorways), was afraid of toys, was concerned...

Inspired by the fun I'm having with the leave-it pictures (first started by Canine Lifestyle Academy in MD), I'm going to run an impromptu giveaway! Open to US and Canada residents 18yrs and older (void where prohibited). How to enter: I want you to take a picture of...

Shayne and Rio leaving bullysticks, himalayan dog chews, marshmallows, chicken, and whipped cream! Keep an eye out over at Success Just Clicks' Facebook page as we just may have a leave-it themed giveaway!

We left off last week by talking about how I'm dealing with a very pushy dog who is giving me a difficult time with dropping his frisbee. Friday was day 3 of dealing with a bit of a pushy boy and there were certainly some differences. Before I discuss the results (so...

There are many reasons that I do not choose to use physical force in my training or as a way to assert my "dominance." One of the reasons that I don't think I've ever mentioned is that there will come a day when I would be working with a dog that I physically could...