Learners on Lead

This morning, a friend came over with her dog to work on some behavior shaping. I didn’t have a specific lesson planned for Shine, but to add a challenge for us both, I decided to start shaping her to lift a back leg like a boy. She is so funny and incredibly smart—it was a delightful experience!

The year 2024 has been challenging, yet it has brought me many valuable insights as we navigate a rapidly changing world. At the start of 2024, I made the decision to step back from teaching numerous dog classes and private lessons to focus more on boarding and pet therapy. As we approach the end of the year, I can confidently say that it was the right choice after 20 years of teaching up to 10 classes a week at times. I've been able to spend more meaningful time with my husband, my own dogs, and friends, while also exploring my creative side through painting. I have continued to run a small tracking class and our small dog shy dog social group, both of which will be returning in 2025. Additionally, I plan to offer a recall class during the cooler months for those looking to improve their dog's recall skills and am excited to let you all know I will return to teaching Puppy Class in 2025. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who entrusted us with the care of their beloved dogs throughout 2024. It has been a joy getting to know each of them. Scott and I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and summer, with lots of love to your furry companions!

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a year since we faced the scare of almost losing our little Bazil. Last Christmas, he experienced a severe episode of vestibular disease and was hospitalised and on a drip for three days. I then had to force-feed him and ensure he stayed hydrated for five days afterward until he began to eat on his own. It was a tense time, and we weren't sure if he would pull through. But here we are, almost a year later. At 16 years old, Bazil is deaf and starting to lose his eyesight, but instead of letting him sleep the days away, I’m committed to keeping him as healthy and as active as possible. He now has two meaningful activities each day: a walk that can stretch up to 2 kilometers depending on the weather, and a little rehab session. These rehab sessions include targeted physical activities designed to challenge his vestibular balance, maintain his physical strength, and engage his mind. He also uses his sense of smell to sniff out and find treats that I scatter, keeping him mentally stimulated as well. As I am also a certified Canine Remedial Massage Therapist he gets a little massage before bed each night. Here is a sample of one of his rehab sessions from this morning.

Would you like a recall like this? Shine is like yeah Scooter, I will chase the birds on the beach with you, no wait, there is my whistle recall and without any delay she spins on the spot and comes running back. If so, stayed tuned as we will be offering our whistle recall class again soon.

Bazil at 15.5 years old doing his own nails.

I wander where they think they are all going?

Our winter of Agility has started, these teams did so great today, can not wait to see what they are all doing 10 weeks time.

I love being able to take not only my dogs but some homestay boarding dogs for an outing in the front paddock. It is so wonderful to watch them run freely, sniff and roll in whatever they want. They come home satisfied, ready for dinner and a sleep.

Living life with Shine out on the bike (excuse the noisy brakes), we are practicing some sit whistle and whistle recall and then sending her back to freedom in the environment.

We have just had a fabulous weekend at the Learners on Lead grounds. We were fortunate to have Margaret Keast, who journeyed from the Newcastle area, guide us over a two-day period on the intricacies of running a tracking trial. The event was a blend of informative theory sessions, engaging group brainstorming, and hands-on practical sessions, covering various aspects of conducting a Tracking Trial. Many thanks to Margaret for giving so much of her time and knowledge to help us learn how to conduct a tracking trial. Also, thanks to everyone who attended the weekend to learn; you are fantastic. Thank you to all who brought yummy food for us to eat and to the dogs; we love you all.