Yappy Hour Clicker Training Academy

01/08/2025

01/06/2025

Remembering a legend who shaped my career.

Remembering Karen Pryor: The Legacy of a Trailblazer Who Ignited a Global Training RevolutionWith profound sadness and immense gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Karen Pryor, a true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive reinforcement training. Karen’s groundbreaking work re...

01/05/2025

Today is a sad day in the animal community as we lost a legend.

Karen Pryor paved the way for positive reinforcement animal training and changed the thinking of so many, myself included. Using operant conditioning principles she was able to scientifically show a new way of humanely training animals thus improving the lives of animals and trainers alike.

Her book, "Don't shoot the dog" was one of the first animal books I ever read when I decided to pursue animal training over 20 years ago. Then 11 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting her and hearing her teach on The Queen Mary at Clicker Expo in Long Beach, CA. Four years ago, I signed up for her Dog Trainer Professional program and earned my first dog training credentials. Her legacy lives on and so does her incredible organization and training principles. She will be missed by so many.

11/25/2024

The spotlight is on these superstars who earned THREE AKC titles today! Lori and her English Shepard, Zoe passed their Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine and Community Canine tests!! Well done! I’m so proud of you both! 👏🏻🎉🥳🏅🏅

11/07/2024

Attending dog training conferences is important to professional development and staying up to date on training. It's also great networking! Here is a recap of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) conference I attended in September in Riverside, CA.

APDT 2024 Conference in Riverside, California

11/07/2024

Yes!

JUST SAY NO TO RETRACTABLE LEASHES!

Did you know that your dog's retractable leash is not just a poor training decision for most dogs, it's also downright DANGEROUS?

If your dog is already prone to pulling on a leash, a retractable lead will exacerbate that problem. The mechanics of it teach them that if they pull at the end, they will be rewarded by getting to walk further away from you. This encourages them to pull when on walks, even if they're back on a standard leash.

Many retractable leashes can extend over 20 feet! While some owners feel that this gives their dog additional freedom on walks, it can also allow your dog to get away from you and get into a dangerous situation. Imagine that your dog is at the very end of a long retractable lead, and a stray animal takes you both by surprise by running out of some bushes and starting a fight with your dog. Not only are you 20 feet away from where this is happening, but you also can't control your own dog because the cord is too thin to pull them back without getting some SERIOUS rope burn on your hands.

Can your dog be a bit skittish sometimes? Imagine that you trip on a walk and accidentally drop your retractable leash, and that plastic housing that stores the cord clatters on the concrete. Your dog runs a few steps away, hearing that thud behind them... and now they take off, because the dragging of that plastic housing on the pavement is making a terrible scary noise right at their heels and they think they're being chased! This is a shockingly common tale when dogs go missing.

Last, but certainly not least, they can be dangerous for both the dog and the human on the other end! Dogs have been known to be severely injured by running full speed until they are out of lead, and the resulting trauma to their neck can cause burns and wounds, collapsed and lacerated tracheas, and even permanent spinal damage. These leashes are known to break down over time. That thin cord can break pretty easily and snap back to injure the handler at the other end. As a pet parent in that situation, it's often your first instinct to grab at the cord to stop your dog from taking off, but that can cause deep lacerations and even complete finger amputations!

While SOME pet parents use them for training (i.e. working on a dog's recall), the risks almost always FAR outweigh the benefits of using a retractable leash, especially on your daily walks. Play it safe for your dog and yourself and opt for a traditional leash.

10/11/2024

Excited to be in Scottsdale, AZ today for the Aggression in Dogs conference!

10/04/2024

Hey friends! Just a heads up, it’s supposed to be a beautiful viewing of the northern lights this weekend!

09/30/2024

Few spots left!
Dates is class
10/2
10/9
10/30
11/13
11/20
12/4

09/26/2024

NEW CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT! I only have 4 spots left. Let me know if you would like to register.

09/26/2024

Urban CGC class at Home Depot tonight! They are learning great manners and impulse control in public settings using positive reinforcement based training method’s. So proud of the pups and their humans! Great job everyone! 👏🏻

09/21/2024

Learning from the great Ken Ramirez at the APDT conference in Riverside CA.

09/19/2024

Facts! Thankful to be currently attending the Association of Professjonal Dog Trainers (APDT) conference in California.

09/18/2024

HAPPY 1st Birthday to my Zoe girl!!! I can’t believe she is one already! She was the perfect little surprise in my life that I didn’t know I needed. When she fell into my lap, the last thing I needed was a high energy three month old puppy. However, God always knows what He’s doing and what we need before we do. Her spunky energy, desire to learn, adorable playstyle, loving nature and endless cuddles has filled my heart to overflowing and brought so much joy to my life. I can’t imagine life without her and can’t wait to celebrate her when I return home from Cali. Love you Zo Zo Bean!!!! 🫶🏻🎂

09/12/2024

Soooo good!

09/10/2024

Teaching kids to teach puppies to leave it.