11/01/2025
Creating a Balanced Working Dog
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a trainer and competitor is learning how to create balance in my working dogs. When you have a high-drive, high-energy dog, it’s easy to get caught up in building that intensity for the field the power, the precision, the push. But sometimes in the process, I’ve forgotten to also build the calm for home life.
It’s something I’ve personally struggled with. My first true competition dog, Luna, taught me so much. She’s the definition of a pocket rocket powerful, fast, and an absolute blast to work and watch. But she’s also not the easiest dog to live with. That’s on me. I created the drive, the focus, the work ethic… but I didn’t put as much emphasis on the off switch.
Now, with Juno, I’m approaching things differently. Years of learning, making mistakes, and tweaking my philosophy have shifted how I think about developing a competition dog. My goal this time around is balance, a dog who can light up the field but also settle calmly at my feet at home.
Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but today I feel like I’m finally seeing the results of that mindset shift.
To anyone else walking this line remember, the best working dogs aren’t just power and drive… they’re balance, clarity, and peace too.
