Canine Capers Dog Training

12/14/2024

Walk with me; don’t just walk me. Slow down and see the world as I do. I know you’ve got things to do, places to be. But out here, with the ground beneath our feet and the sky above us, there’s a whole world worth noticing.
The autumn chill is in the air today, crisp and full of new smells. It’s different from yesterday, and different from the day before. Every day is new. The leaves crunch under my paws, and I stop to breathe in the rich, earthy scent of them. To you, it might just be a pile of leaves, but to me, it’s a story—one I can’t help but dive into, nose first.
There’s a squirrel somewhere nearby, I can sense it, darting up a tree, its tiny heart beating fast. And the wind carries whispers of things far away: a family cooking dinner, the trace of a cat that passed by early this morning, and the faint perfume of flowers holding on to their last bit of summer. It’s all here, swirling around us if you just take the time to notice.
You tug on the leash, eager to move on, and I can tell you’re thinking about something far away from here. But when we walk, truly walk, you and I can be in this moment together. Feel the cool air brush against your skin, let it wake you up. Notice how the sun filters through the branches, casting shadows that dance on the pavement. Hear the crunch of the leaves beneath our steps, like a secret rhythm just for us.
To you, it might be just another walk, a daily routine to tick off the list. But for me, every step is an adventure. Each scent is a clue, each sound a piece of a puzzle. When you walk with me, really walk with me, you’ll see it too. The world is bigger than what we’re rushing toward. It’s right here, in the small moments, in the quiet spaces between your thoughts.
So, slow down. Breathe. Let the chill fill your lungs and the colours fill your eyes. Walk with me, don’t just walk me. See the world as I do, if only for a little while. It’s all waiting for you, just beneath the surface.
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12/14/2024

What can I do to help others? This is a question I try to ask myself when I'm out working with any dog.

We can have concerns for three parties when out with our dogs. Ourselves, our dog and the others (people and other dogs).

I am lucky enough to use the park you see in lots of my videos. It's a shared space for dog people and non dog people and our laws allow our dogs to be off lead.

Certain cultures and religions don't like dogs. I try to recognise this and move my dog to the side of the path when waking past a person of that culture.

I don't put my own dog in a position where he is unprepared. That can mean certain places may be off limits for us. I've worked with reactivity and aggression issues in dogs for over 20 years now in one way or the other. I don't put my dogs in a position where there is a high likelihood of off lead dogs coming into their space. My view is that thinking otherwise is entitled and ego drive (I have every right to be there thinking).

I was out with Sonny this week at the park. His social interactions with dogs are very good but he can be slightly over enthusiastic sometimes. I'll give two examples of how I considered others

1. A man with a tiny terrier puppy on an extending lead. His handling was harsh, pulling the dog on without consideration. I moved to the side to pass by. Yes, it was my "right" not to but if I had walked by closer, puppy would have approached and possibly been reprimanded. A small gift I was able to give the puppy.

2. A lovely papillon puppy approached us. Sonny acted completely appropriately, puppy thought better and retreated. I noticed this and called him away. Simple, effective care for everyone involved.

Runners and cyclists- move to the side to let them past and give them more space - if your inclined not to do it for them, do it for your dog.

I had a pleasant interaction with two ladies in their late 70s yesterday. Both had lost their dogs (i have seen the 4 of them for years at the park) and we talked about the grief of losing a dog. Sonny likes to lean against people when talking. I was aware of his size and strength against this woman's legs, needed to watch he didn't bump her over, so took some of his weight into the lead. All this took was a little observation and care.

The nursery schools use the park a lot. 25 three and 4 year olds walking in a chain. Move to the side, let them past.

The fitness in the park people. I watch for their patterns and give them space to work. I wave over at the instructor if I'm using them as a distraction for my dogs to say thanks. Both of us working in a shared space, neither of us having a sense of entitlement over space.

Two off lead dogs approach us (a bone of contention with a lot of people, and no, I'm not really interested in views on how annoying it is). Sonny dealt with them beautifully, but the boy dog didn't recall immediately so his human started shouting aggressively at him. The man was upset, would it have helped his dog or mine if i got angry too?

If you don't want someone petting your dog, tell them. If they don't listen, move if you can. And I think we should always be in the position to move in that situation or there's something wrong with our environmental awareness and planning of we can't. Yes, it agree, we "shouldn't" have to. But should or shouldn't isn't that relevant in real life much of the time. Move, help your dog, help that person out.

During covid I saw people's capacity to give others space markedly decrease, rather than increase. I think it was as a result of being told to give others space. It seems to have lasted, unfortunately.

Lastly. Should. Shouldn't. When I say or hear these words, they cause me to pause and check entitlement and ego. Yes, of course, people do let their off lead dogs approach your dog. Yes, of course, people want to pet your puppy after you've asked them not to. And they "shouldn't" but they do, do what are we going to actually do about it to help the situation?

This takes a shift in thinking and lots pr practice.

What other ways can you think of to help others when out with your dog? Let me know in the comments.

11/10/2024

Canine Physio appt available

Sat 23rd November

Lauren of Chinook Canine Rehab is
a physio that specializes in Canine Rehab or helping an aging dog be more comfortable and mobile

She comes to med hat once a month

Please pm for details

11/07/2024

This is an absolutely amazing lady to friend/follow
https://www.facebook.com/martha.hoffman2?mibextid=ZbWKwL

10/23/2024

Next 6wk class starts Weds 6th Nov 6pm

Please register through Gas City Dog Club

Any questions please pm me

10/21/2024

Sat Oct 26th 1-4

Freestyle Workshop (dance and tricks to music)

This workshop is super fun where we put a fun routine together

2 spots left

10/16/2024

We always appreciate new places to train and compete❤️

Open Your Doors to Scent Detection! Here at DSDL, we’re looking for facilities like yours to host our scent detection practice sessions. By allowing us to use your facility, you’ll help promote the sport of scent detection while bringing together a community of dog enthusiasts. Our well-trained ...

09/28/2024

I always enjoy starting dogs in Scent Detection❤️❤️❤️

17 dogs started today

They were all amazing

Next intro will be January

09/15/2024

Saturday's Scent Detection Murder Mystery was very popular
All monies raised combined with all monies from the tracking Intro workshop will go to Persian Deams early next week to help pay for Gordy's vet bills

Thank you all that participated and helped

Murder Mystery solved!
A young adult Golden Retriever by the name of Sir Humphrey who loved to hump chose the wrong dog with his shenanigans.
Sabra the English Shepherd.
The herder snapped and put chase to the sporting breed through 3 rooms she caught up with him and injected him with "Bye Bye Bow Wow" then she finished him off by drowning him in a bucket of water

09/12/2024

Scent Detection Dogs

You are invited to help solve a murder at the crime scene Gas City Dog Club

As you may have heard. "Mr Mustard" was killed

This is not the victim's real name we do not know the victim's identity!
All we know is that the victim was a caucasian approx 14 yrs old.

We also know although the victim who appears to have been participating in something they enjoyed did not go down easy. In fact we know the victim had to be subdued then murdered

Because the victim put up a struggle there are 3 areas of interest we are not sure which room the murder happened and where exactly

Can you help!!!!!

Identity of the victim?

What the victim was doing that led to being murdered?

Where exactly did the murder happen?

How the victim was subdued?

How the victim was murdered?

WHO IS THE MURDERER?

09/12/2024

I teach a fun class weds nights at Gas City Dog Club:

Good Boy!

Is opened to all dogs!

During this 6 wk class we will have fun with lots of games to work on focus engagement and calmness.

We will ask our dogs to join our calmness and you will be given the skills to not join their chaos.

You will learn and teach your dog skills so you have a well behaved dog that you can take out to many places.

By the end of wk 2 you will have the skills to enter the classroom with a calm focused dog.

Games you will learn:

Whiplash
Offered focus
2 step
Scatter
"Yes"

Open bar/close bar
1.2.3.
Sit/come. Loop
"Nice"
Reward stay

Who wants a cherio anyways. Leave it
2 cookie game
Look at that
Look at me

Up/down and ping/pong
Give me a break

Loose leash walking

Recall games
Get it
Under

Mantras you will hear from me:
Where's the whiplash?
Don't pour gasoline on that!
Where is the "yes"?

Pls note there is no off leash playing with this class. This class is a fun "date night" for you and your dog.

Dates:
Sept 11th. FULL
Nov. 6th

08/28/2024

08/24/2024

Some pics from the intro to tracking workshop
Fundraiser

08/22/2024

For those coming to the tracking workshop fundraiser sat

We will meet nr MH college soccer fields for 10

We will move about during the morning
Bring
Lots of small treats
A leather glove if you have one
A 10'-15' long line

If you play in scent detection use different equipment for tracking

08/14/2024

My passion is Scent Detection.
Check out my fb or website: Draco Scent Detection Legacy (dracoscentdetectionlegacy.ca)

I compete, train, teach and judge in the sport.
I also have a scent league that runs out of Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Calgary.

I run regular Intro to Scent Detection Workshops and follow up classes. They will be posted here.

Any dog can play and you can do it for fun

I also teach a class at Gas City Dog Club Weds at 6pm (it is called medium size adult dog class). (Although I am trying to change the class name because it is open to ANY dog)

We work on having a dog we can take anywhere with calmness. We work on relationship and focus. (Both ends of the leash😁) All this is taught with games and is a super fun class.

I run monthly workshops through Gas City Dog Clubs all with Games
Freestyle
Loose Leash Walking
Recall

I will post upcoming workshops so make sure to follow.

I'm hoping to start a Tracking Group this fall as well.
I will post.

I rarely offer private consultation bc of lack of time. I would recommend Mikayla Vodon Canine Specialist.

I am open to being messaged though and if I can help I will.

Finally my training philosophy:

My original qualification was an advanced canine psychology diploma with COAPE UK however I continue to attend training courses, workshops and seminars. There is always more to learn.
Apart from educational I believe dog experience is just as important.

Training is not one size fits all.

I will ALWAYS advocate for the dog 😀.

Training should be fun for both you and the dog.

YOU and the dog need to get a "yes".

Frustration, Anger, Intimidation and "I say you do" has NO part in training.

When it goes wrong:

Dog not performing a desire behaviour
=
Lack of clarity
Lack of confidence
Lack of motivation

This is a training problem not a dog problem.

YOUR dog not performing a desired behaviour
is not because:
It doesn't listen to you
It doesn't respect you
You are not the boss

This is a trainer problem.
Trainer has:
Lack of skills
Lack of education
Ego issues
And definitely a lack of answers

It is NEVER yours or your dogs fault it is a training issue

It goes without saying I do not tolerate any physical or verbal (or threat of) abuse in the guise of training or from frustration.

I am always open to anyone who wishes to check out any of my class.

Just message me and let's talk!

08/14/2024

I will offer a Tracking workshop
Open to all dogs
Sat 24th Aug 10am

I will also host a Scent Detection Murder Mystery
Dogs MUST be trained on odour (wintergreen)
Sat 14th Sept. 1pm

All proceeds from both events will go towards Gordy's vet bills

Pls message me if you are interested or have any questions