We’re nearing the bittersweet moment of sending my buddy home tomorrow! It has been such an incredible experience working with him and his wonderful owners. Today, we’ll have another make-up lesson, followed by his go-home session tomorrow! I know I’ll be feeling all the emotions when this little guy leaves. He’s truly stolen a big piece of our hearts here at the Swearer/Valiant Canine household. Moments like these are what make this work so special! #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #BeValiant #northernmichigandogtrainer #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #behaviormodification #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #gsd #germanshepherd #gsdpuppy #Ragnar
Ragnar Livingroom
Soaking up these last few nights with my buddy 🥹❤️ #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigandogtrainer #behaviormodification #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #gsd #germanshepherd #gsdpuppy #Ragnar #TheGrinch
Ragnar- Kitchen 12/9/2024
Just Ragnar being a good boy while we make dinner!
In the first video, you’ll see an example of what I often talk about, guiding your dog back into position if they break. At 1:07 into the first video, my husband gets water and ice from the fridge, and Ragnar breaks his "down." I calmly say “no, down” and use light leash pressure to guide him back into place. This is where consistency comes in and plays such an important role in creating the expectations we want for behavior in the home.
In the second video, there are even more distractions, my husband is moving around more and talking on the phone. From a wild man to a refined little gentleman, Ragnar has made such great progress! I can’t believe he heads home in just a few days!
Ragnar- Kitchen 12/9/2024
Just Ragnar being a good boy while we make dinner!
In the first video, you’ll see an example of what I often talk about, guiding your dog back into position if they break. At 1:07 into the first video, my husband gets water and ice from the fridge, and Ragnar breaks his "down." I calmly say “no, down” and use light leash pressure to guide him back into place. This is where consistency comes in and plays such an important role in creating the expectations we want for behavior in the home.
In the second video, there are a few more distractions, my husband is moving around more and talking on the phone. From a wild man to a refined little gentleman, Ragnar has made such great progress! I can’t believe he heads home in just a few days!
Ragnar Spin Progress
Bear with me during the first part of the video as I’m working on a few things in the garage while keeping an eye on Ragnar to see how he handles it. When Ragnar first arrived, something as simple as me not interacting with him and focusing on a task would send him into what I like to call his “Big Spins.” These were a response to frustration, overarousal, or even feeling understimulated. Now? He’s just standing there, calmly taking it all in. For most, this might not seem like a big deal, but for Ragnar, it’s HUGE! While this will require consistent management and follow through at home, we’ve built an incredible foundation for him. He’s learned what’s expected, how to channel that energy in more appropriate ways, and (most importantly) how to relax. This progress is a big win for Ragnar, and I’m so proud of how far he’s come!🔥 #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #BeValiant #northernmichigandogtrainer #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #gsd #germanshepherdpuppy #germanshepherd #Ragnar #behaviormodification #progress
Apologies for the less than stellar camera skills, but just wanted to show Ragnar joining me last night while I tidied up the kitchen! One of his owners’ main goals is for him to relax and hang out calmly around the house, and he’s been such a little gentleman as we practice just that! There’s a little moment in the video where you’ll see Ragnar looks like he’s about to get up but then decides to settle himself back into the down. Love seeing him make that decision on his own! If he had gotten up, I would have calmly walked him back and guided him back into that down. Consistency and clear expectations are key once a dog comes home to build up to that long term success! Fantastic job, Little Sir!! 🎉 #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #bevaliant #northernmichigandogtrainer #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #puppytraining #homemanners #obediencetraining #gsd #germanshepherdpuppy #germanshepherd #Ragnar
Northern Michigan delivered a winter wonderland! We’re bundling up and diving into training, because a little cold can’t stop progress! Have you enjoyed watching Ragnar’s training journey? Like, comment, and share! 😁 #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #bevaliant #northernmichigandogtrainer #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #puppytraining #gsd #germanshepherdpuppy #germanshepherd #ragnar #puremichigan
The snow may be piling up, but the work doesn’t stop! Mr. Jeremy stepped in to lend us a hand, giving us an opportunity to practice recall with a new handler. Training doesn’t take snow days! Consistency is key because your dog is always learning, whether you’re in the middle of a training session or just going about your day. Every moment is a chance to teach (or reinforce) good habits! #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #puremichigan #northernmichigandogtrainer #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtraining #dogtrainer #puppy #puppytraining #gsd #germanshepherd #germanshepherdpuppy #Ragnar #obediencetraining
Ragnar Down/Sit Stay
Sit and down stays might not make for the most thrilling video content, but they’re such an important skill to practice! Great work, Little Sir!! #northernmichigandogtrainer #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #balanceddogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #puppytraining #gsd #germanshepherd #gsdpuppy #ragnar #balanceddogtraining #obediencetraining
Piper and Ragnar
Spending the afternoon having a blast in the snow! ❄️ This is Ragnar’s first time experiencing snow, and it’s safe to say he’s absolutely loving it. Piper is a seasoned vet and it’s her favorite time of year! #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #balanceddogtrainer #northernmichigandogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #puppytraining #puppy #gsd #gsdpuppy #germanshepherd #Ragnar
Ragnar
I’ll admit, I got a little choked up here 😅 But watching this guy’s transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences. His program was initially planned for 4 weeks, but once he arrived, it became clear how deeply his struggles with frustration and over arousal ran. By week 3, we started seeing major breakthroughs, and I knew extending his program by an additional 2 weeks would be crucial for his long-term success, and his owners’. When he first arrived, even something as simple as me sitting down or not engaging with him would send him into a spiral. Now, he’s learning to actively choose calm behaviors like going to his place or lying down near our feet on his own. The progress he’s made is nothing short of incredible, and it genuinely moves me to reflect on how far he’s come. Moments like these are why I love what I do. #valiantcaninetraining #valiantcanine #balanceddogtrainer #northernmichigandogtrainer #dog #dogtraining #northernmichigan #dogs #dogtrainer #puppytraining #gsd #germanshepherd #obediencetraining #Ragnar #bevaliant
