Longsnouts Dog Training

10/30/2025

Therapy.

10/19/2025

Research we can get behind!!! Definitely our Secret Fountain of Youth!

https://www.facebook.com/share/172AiVDcb7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

❤️

10/16/2025

FINAL STEP: Level 5
TWO unstable objects + a blooper. ;)

We haven't worked on unstable surfaces since the spring while we focused on cardiovascular and foot/nail health. So, I was delightfully surprised at *how* well Dougal could manage this - every rep was 20+ seconds.

Didja catch the blooper?

Have fun watching! Full-length videos are on our YouTube channel, under the Core Assessment playlist. You'll see that Maize didn't complete through this level because he's not ready. Know that it's totally ok to NOT force any of the levels; this is simply our starting point assessment. Measuring progress comes later!

Tomorrow we'll recap each level and point you in the direction for downloading the "how to" doc.

10/15/2025

100% 1C.

What about y'all???

10/14/2025

Core Assessments: Level 4!
TWO slightly unstable props is the goal here.

Our model, Cilla, holds the square stand beautifully. You'll see that her back feet are slightly less than perpendicular and that my hands are held a little too high. Why does this matter?

Well, we want the snoot to be parallel to the ground for optimal neck and spine alignment. The back legs being more perpindicular would also more deeply engage her ab muscles.

B-U-T she doesn't move any of her feet for 30+ seconds and that's the primary goal for this level! With practice, she'll continue to land in increasingly 'perfect' form. (And I'll remember to lower my hands for snack delivery!)

Full video available on YouTube - www.youtube.com/ - under the 'Core Assessment' playlist.

Has your doggo made it to this level? Show us your clips!

10/12/2025

👃🐾From Powerful Noses to Purposeful Work

If you know us, we're constantly in awe of what dogs can do! Their noses aren't just powerful—they're precision instruments that can do incredible good. Beyond the well-known paths of Search & Rescue or Medical Detection, Conservation Detection is a rapidly expanding field.

Dogs are trained to locate specific species (animal, insect, vegetation) in the environment, helping scientists and conservationists track endangered species or combat invasive threats. It’s a powerful example of a human-canine team making a real difference.

This summer, I connected with and have been learning from dedicated researchers at Michigan State University, who are generously offering their expertise and resources in Spotted Lanternfly detection. It’s a critical mission for protecting a number of Michigan's resources!

We believe many dog owners have the potential for this rewarding work. That’s why we’re channeling this experience into resources for our community—including Info Sessions, Workshops, and a How-To Class.

If you're curious about this fascinating field or think your dog has what it takes, we’d love to connect.

🔗 Read the blog to learn about other Michigan-based Conservation Detection dogs: https://www.longsnouts.com/post/conservation-detection-dogs-in-michigan

📝 TFill out this form to let us know how you'd like to plug in: https://forms.gle/ANf6zSP5mzHeDGJL7

10/11/2025

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll know *how* seriously I’ve been taking nail/foot health…especially for Dougal.

Longer nails are uncomfortable for the feet, yes, particularly in an already arthritic dog. BUT if the body gets too used to improper posture from long nails, a dog’s *entire*body* can be “off” due to compensatory posture or movement habit.

We LOVE that the Canine Arthritis Management team offers such wonderful information and imagery!!

Need help?! Let us know…

10/09/2025

Core Assessments: Levels 2+ 3

Getting a little more difficult! Here we're putting front feet on both a stable (Level 2) and unstable (Level 3) surface and, yes, still aiming for those 30 seconds for each one.

Did you know that dogs naturally carry about 60% of their weight in their front end? Raising front feet shifts a lot of weight to the hind end, definitely engaging a whole host of muscles, so it's a great way to build strength. Goal for these levels is still to keep all 4 feet as still as possible, for as long as possible.

It's totally ok to not use fancy dog fitness gear! Make sure the platforms are no more than 6" high (3-4" for smaller dogs).

Stable platform ideas: think about stair options, whether inside or outside. For small, older, or more overweight dogs, use just one stair; for larger doggos, skip one and use the second.

Unstable platform: what sort of dog beds do you have? Maybe stack one or a couch cushion on a harder surface and see how it goes. If you want to try slightly more unstable, maybe try 2 cushions on top of each other.

How's your dog doing so far? Show us your video clips!

10/07/2025

The Whole Fam is Working Out.

First time attempting a workout since before surgery. The vertigo is mostly gone, so the dogs told me I needed to get my butt in gear. Yes, tomato-red grimacing is how I roll. 🤣🤣🤣

Between leaving SAR, a year wallowing in some deep grief, and focusing on the 4-legged needs, I kinda forgot to take care of my physical needs. As we ramp up fall/winter training, it’s time to make time for me, too!

Dogs’ workouts coming shortly! Ready for Level 2 of the Core Assessment?!

10/06/2025

Core Assessment, Level 1: Dougal
30-Second Square Stand

I wanted to include an example that showed a little troubleshooting. Dougal gets *amped* for any type of training, so was getting 3/4 of his feet in place...and you'll see me gently place his 4th in position. A couple reps after this, he was more focused and able to get those feeties in excellent position.

Over on our YouTube channel - YouTube.com/ - there's a brand new playlist for Core Assessments, where all the full-length videos will be featured. You'll see the full Core Assessment for all 4 dogs - Maize, Dougal, Cilla & Kenna, and can follow along.

Now it's YOUR turn! Post vids of your dogs practicing their 30-second stands...we can't wait!!!

10/06/2025

Level 1, Core Assessment: Maize
Goal: can your dog stand still, with good posture, for 30 seconds?

As a 10 yr old doggo who had major leg surgery/recovery last year, Maize is legit in it for snacks. * 🤣

He’s fairly novice when it comes to equipment, so capturing him as he moves is generally how we play the fitness game. Im watching his feet to see when they move, as we try keeping him as close to good form as we can get.

* Maize can stand to lose a few old age lbs, so we’re using RawTernative Beef & Salmon, breaking each piece into 3-4 snacks. High protein food, for high value reinforcement!