Kristy Francis Dog Training

Kristy Francis Dog Training Kristy Francis Dog Training’s philosophy is to provide humane training that is backed by science.
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Happy National Dog Day! Share pictures of your dogs in the comments! I love seeing them! Here is my Baxter boy!
08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day! Share pictures of your dogs in the comments! I love seeing them! Here is my Baxter boy!

08/16/2024

Fear is easy to come by and difficult, if not impossible, to undo in many cases. Below are several ways dogs become fearful:

👉 Genetics
👉 A stressed mother during pregnancy (affects offspring)
👉 Maternal behavior
👉 Early environment (missed socialization)
👉 Bad experiences

We can help dogs by going at their pace and never being the source of their fear. ❤️

Alt text: A black and white dog on a yellow patterned background. Speech bubble says, “Fear is easy to come by and difficult, if not impossible, to undo.”

08/14/2024

Dog obedience training and behaviour modification should use reward-based methods, according to a new position statement from the American Veterinary

I am not sure how we came upon the idea that dogs need to be perfectly behaved at all times. The reality is, they are be...
08/12/2024

I am not sure how we came upon the idea that dogs need to be perfectly behaved at all times. The reality is, they are behaving as they should; they are animals with their own minds. It is a myth that dogs want to please us. Dogs were not born to fill our desire to be pleased; they have their own agenda. They do what they need to do to survive just as any species, including humans. Dogs will work for people. They expect to be paid just as we expect to be paid for work. Our happiness is not what they are seeking as a result. Training a dog should be a win for them and a win for us. That's what makes dog training so wonderful.

My dogs do not behave as robots. I have trained them on things that I feel are important that they know or feel comfortable with, such as clipping their nails and not running out the front door. I will not yank on their leash if they step out of a heel; I actually let them walk ahead of me on a loose leash. We allow my daughter's dog to get excited about seeing squirrels on walks. She is ecstatic when she spots one and her happiness goes from a 10 to off the scale. We don't care what others think if they see her behaving that way. I want to normalize dog behavior and joy so others will laugh along with us. She is a terrible hunter, her whining always gives her away.

Dogs are here for a short period of time, let them enjoy it. Enjoy the little amount of time you have with them.

Thank you for supporting my small business and ethical dog training. I have the most fantastic clients. I enjoy getting ...
08/10/2024

Thank you for supporting my small business and ethical dog training. I have the most fantastic clients. I enjoy getting to know all of my clients, both dog and human.

Let’s start this week off by sharing photos of your furry family members. Here is a very unflattering photo of my girls,...
07/22/2024

Let’s start this week off by sharing photos of your furry family members.

Here is a very unflattering photo of my girls, Daisy (11.5 years) and Dani (~13 years). Dani is Daisy’s mom.

Congratulations to Jed and Sylvie for graduating Basic Manners! It was a blast having them and their families in class. ...
07/19/2024

Congratulations to Jed and Sylvie for graduating Basic Manners! It was a blast having them and their families in class.

Draya, Judy, Rhett and Tommy (not pictured) graduated from Basic Manners! It was so much fun having them all in class al...
07/10/2024

Draya, Judy, Rhett and Tommy (not pictured) graduated from Basic Manners! It was so much fun having them all in class along with their families.

05/13/2024
It’s that time of year again.
05/13/2024

It’s that time of year again.

Welcome to spring! It’s time for our annual gnat bite PSA – they’re back, and based on the number of bites we have on our own ankles and behind our own ears after a weekend spent enjoying the outdoors, it’s going to be a bad year. Gnat (black fly) bites appear as bright red lesions and the bullseye-appearing bites can look alarming, but most dogs are not bothered by them and they will resolve on their own in a few days without treatment.

Our sweet foster girl is available for adoption! John walks her every day and I hope to start training her this weekend ...
05/10/2024

Our sweet foster girl is available for adoption! John walks her every day and I hope to start training her this weekend on her manners. She is a bundle of energy but will cuddle when she has burned some.

Shadow is an adoptable Dog - German Shorthaired Pointer & Black Labrador Retriever Mix searching for a forever family near Minneapolis, MN. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

Check this out! There will be fabulous deals!
04/13/2024

Check this out! There will be fabulous deals!

Big Sale!!!!
Pet beds and accessories for Cats & Dogs. Stock up on great savings!

Always good to share. Thank you Companion Animal Psychology!
04/10/2024

Always good to share. Thank you Companion Animal Psychology!

When we focus on making dogs happy, it’s better for them and us.

Juniper wishes everyone a happy National Puppy Day!
03/23/2024

Juniper wishes everyone a happy National Puppy Day!

03/12/2024

What is your favorite thing you taught your dog?

Lizzy is one of the best.
02/21/2024

Lizzy is one of the best.

Where can you add kindness and generosity to your interactions with your dog? Below are some ideas!

* Exercise patience when your dog is engaged in species-specific behaviors like sniffing and playing.
*  Honor their requests for exercise, outdoor time, and other enriching activities whenever schedules allow. 
* Learn about their body language.
* Respect their boundaries around handling.
* Practice empathy and try to understand things from the dog’s perspective.
* Avoid punishment and never be the source of fear.
* Celebrate their unique personality!

02/20/2024

I am so excited to announce a new course! I have been wanting to add this course for some time. I completed a course for dog trainers so I can be sure that it’s a quality course for dogs and their people.

Fun Scent Games is for dogs that are safe around other dogs and people. https://www.kristyfrancisdogtraining.com

Kristy Francis Dog Training’s philosophy is to provide humane training that is backed by science.

Congratulations to these graduates at BestFriends Veterinary Clinic in Albertville! Bodie, Nelli, Indy (not pictured), a...
02/09/2024

Congratulations to these graduates at BestFriends Veterinary Clinic in Albertville!

Bodie, Nelli, Indy (not pictured), and Walker all graduated Basic Manners!

Bella graduated Advanced Manners!

Graduation day is always bittersweet. I thoroughly enjoyed having these dogs and their families in class.

What does science-based dog training mean?Trainers that use science-based training, use methods based on proven theories...
01/26/2024

What does science-based dog training mean?

Trainers that use science-based training, use methods based on proven theories. These hypotheses have been peer reviewed to become theories. Peer review is an assessment by experts in the same field. Their task is to replicate the study to determine the validity and quality of the work that has been done. Trainers that use science-based training methods use methods that have been proven over and over again to be accurate. These methods and theories are backed by evidence.

While in The Academy for Dog Trainers, I learned how important my own critical thinking skills are. Anyone can state something as fact. I have learned to take a step back and question the sample size, sample diversity, the control sample, any possible biases that can be present in the study, and question if the study has been replicated or can be replicated.

For example, I have experiences with my own dogs and training. I have a very small sample size. If I say that I found a new outstanding way to handle an over-aroused dog and state it as a fact, it doesn’t mean that it is actually true. There is no strong evidence proving that it is the best way for all dogs. When talking with clients that have an over-aroused dog, I tell them what I do with my own over-aroused dog. I tell them that we can try it with their dog and see how it works for them and their dog in their environment. I am admitting to my own bias and the fact that it is not proven to work for all dogs in all situations.

Here is a picture of puppies receiving treats on a shopping trip. I am using Classical Conditioning.

Dogs are born scavengers. Here are 3 young puppies scavenging for their breakfast. This is a very easy scavenge since th...
01/20/2024

Dogs are born scavengers. Here are 3 young puppies scavenging for their breakfast. This is a very easy scavenge since they are new to it.

There are a few spots still available! Register today!
01/12/2024

There are a few spots still available! Register today!

There are spots available for Basic Manners in Minneapolis! Class starts on Monday, January 15 at 6:30 PM at The Rescue Pack. For more information and to register, click the link. https://www.kristyfrancisdogtraining.com/minneapolis

Puppy socialization is so much more than socializing.Puppy socialization is providing positive learning opportunities to...
01/04/2024

Puppy socialization is so much more than socializing.

Puppy socialization is providing positive learning opportunities to the puppy about their environment. It’s important to socialize puppies to objects, sounds, places, textured surfaces, people, animals, body handling, etc. It’s our responsibility to pair these experiences with treats to help create a positive association.

Socializing is when dogs are around other people, dogs, and animals. Puppy play dates are a great example of socializing.

Address

Champlin, MN

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 8pm
Tuesday 1pm - 8pm
Wednesday 1pm - 8pm
Thursday 1pm - 8pm
Friday 1pm - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+17634459642

Website

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Videos

Class registration is open! Join the fun. https://www.kristyfrancisdogtraining.com/

Clients often wonder what loose leash walking looks like. This is what it looks like for me. We are walking at the same pace, he does start walking faster after stopping but slows down when he feels that there isn’t anymore slack in the leash. He can walk and sniff as well as stop and sniff. My hands are off of his leash as I am using a leash belt. When people, bikes, and dogs pass, I do hold onto his leash so he doesn’t have the full 6 feet. We also step off the path and wait for bikers to help them feel more comfortable, he doesn’t pay any attention to them. #positivedogtraining #looseleashwalking #bfskinner #champlinmn #happydogs

This is loose leash walking. There are circumstances that having them in a heel is appropriate but I don’t feel they need to be during their entire walk.

This is a perfect example of dogs learning by the immediate results of their own actions. This is the first time that I did this exercise with Marien. I bring the treat down to her when she is in a sit and her front paws are on the floor. When she starts to get out of the sit, I pull the treat back up. I don’t have to say anything, she sits back down and the treat is lowered again. She is figuring out the result of her sitting means the treat is lowered. It only take a few tries and she gets the treat. I did this a second time (video in comments) and you can see that she is understanding what works for her to get the treat. I don’t use any harsh punishment to get what I want. She gets what she wants by figuring out the results of her actions. Guess what, it’s a win-win. We both get what we want! Also, Marien is available for adoption through The Rescue Pack.

I want to normalize dog behavior. Let them enjoy their walks. They don’t need to be at your side all the time. They are not misbehaving by enjoying their walk. If a so called trainer has you use a choke chain or prong collar to harm your dog, fire that trainer. I have seen people pull up on their dog’s leash, pulling their front paws off the ground as punishment for not staying in a heel. These dogs are wearing choke chains or prong collars. Guess what, those trainers are actually having people choke their dogs by restricting their airway. Do you think this is enjoyable for the dog? So many people believe that a well behaved dog will do only what the “owner” wants. People lose sight that dogs are living animals and not robots. People believe that dogs want to please us. Sorry folks, dogs actually behave in ways to get what they want. If you have a dog, appreciate them for what they are. You can teach them manners and how to act in a human world without using harm. #positivedogtraining #looseleashwalking #champlinmn #brooklynparkmn #albertvillemn

Puppy Kindergarten has spots available! If you have a new puppy, come join in on the fun and learning. https://www.kristyfrancisdogtraining.com/classes #albertville #stmichaelmn #rogersmn #positivetraining #forcefreedogtraining #puppytraining #puppy

Happy Father’s Day to ALL the dads! Video of Baxter playing with 3 unrelated puppies. Baxter has never fathered any litters and never will. He sure does make a great dad though.

Raven is out meeting new people and pairing that experience with yummy food. #positivedogtraining #mndogs The Dog Evolved, LLC ACT V Rescue and Rehabilitation

Raven went shopping today. She met many people, discovered toys and treats, and met a dog. We even practiced some of her behaviors that she is learning.

Today Raven is having her first experience with a stethoscope and an otoscope. She is getting chicken for these new experiences to help make them positive for her. Hopefully future vet visits won’t be scary.

Baby Raven is 5 weeks old and is being socialized to new sounds. These new sounds are being paired with shredded chicken to help create a positive experience for her. ACT V Rescue and Rehabilitation

Here is Raven, my foster pup being adorable. She’s trying to solicit play with her crate.

As I was out waking these two this morning, I saw a very unhappy dog “learning” heel. It bothered me to see the dog so upset. I won’t go into details about the woman’s training method. Here is another visual for loose leash walking. These dogs are enjoying their walk. Dani is sticking by my side. Rita is walking ahead but the leash is loose, see it sway and sag. These dogs are happy. I’m not sure why there are trainers out there that insist that dogs be robots and unhappy. I will never understand. #forcefreetraining #happydog #champlinmn

Loose leash walking. I wanted to present a visual of what loose leash walking looks like. I am using Squishy Face Studio leash belt in this video. The leash is swaying back and forth. Baxter notices bicyclists and he speeds up which makes the leash become tight. I stop and get his attention back on me. He comes to me so I reward him with a treat. We proceed to walk again and the leash stays loose. I don’t need him walking by my side. I don’t expect him to be a robot and listen only to what I want him to do. I want him to enjoy the walk and get mentally tired from it. I don’t want him pulling me either. I have a nonverbal contract with him that if he pulls, the walking will stop. If he walks without pulling, we will continue to walk. The consequences are based on his behavior. #champlinmn #maplegrovemn #mndogs #dogtraining #twincitiesdogs

Peaches has been working on her down-stay. Here she is working outside with more distractions than in the closed garage. I am also a moving distraction. I’m proud of this girl! #dogsmn #positivereinforcementdogtraining #maplegrovemn #champlinmn #dogtrainingmn #twincitiesdogs #stmichaelmn

Continuation of body handling. This is very important with young puppies to set them up for a lifetime of being comfortable with it. This should be practiced throughout the dog’s life to keep them comfortable. Body handling is important for many reasons. Vets, techs, and groomers will all appreciate a dog that is comfortable with all sorts of handling. Even you as a pet guardian will appreciate it. I touch Daisy then reward her with a handful of treats. Make sure to follow this order. Your handling predicts the treats, therefore the dog looks forward to the handling because of what’s to come.

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