Crating Controversy – Is Your Crate Helping or Hurting?
I don’t crate my dog. Go ahead with the freak out…let’s get it over with. I have a high drive, working Belgian Malinois puppy that I don’t crate. Yes, my house is still intact. No, there has not been mass destruction. Yes, he still has drive and intensity. And no, he does not need…
The Rules of Engagement
“You want to grab your dog?” she said, gesturing towards my truck, letting me know it was my turn to work obedience. I was excited to be back. It had been over 3 years since I’d trained with some of my favorite decoys and handlers. After moving out of state and then coming back, I…
Creating Conflict: How NOT to Teach the “Out”
He walked his dog onto the field. He hadn’t expected me to show up and when I did, he met me with an insincere yet exuberant welcome. This was his club, and although he never told me directly, I knew he wasn’t my biggest fan. In fact, we were competitors. Competitors in the industry with…
Making Mistakes: Dog Training or Simply Showing Off?
It was a sweltering summer day in North Texas. We knew it would be hot, so we started the day early, hoping to beat the summer sun before it became too much to bear. As the mercury rose, we strategically positioned ourselves under a large oak tree, throughout which we had fastened an outdoor misting…
Safe to Swim Another Day – Water Safety for the Working Dog
The dogs barked loudly as the truck slowed to a stop, their anticipation palpable. The sandy shore was in their sights and, in moments, they would be bounding into the salty water, practicing their retrieves and simply having fun. Before unloading the dogs, I geared up, grabbing my leads, floating retrieve toys, my whistle for…