Common Ground Canine

11/20/2023

I saw a TikTok last night from a woman I follow and enjoy. She doesn’t specifically make dog content but she recently got a mixed breed puppy so occasionally the topic comes up. Well she made a silly video of her playing tug with the puppy and the caption read something like, “Pretending to be a cow my puppy just bit to satisfy her 20% cattle dog instincts.” It was cute and the concept is not wrong but it sparked a thought I wanted to share.

I see this topic come up a lot, especially in young dog owners on social media. Biological Fulfillment. And I am glad it’s something people want to prioritize but here’s what I think you should know if you find yourself exploring this concept, especially with a mixed breed dog or a purebred dog you got from a rescue or shelter that you aren’t sure how to give proper outlets to.

It doesn’t need to be taken so literally!

You don’t need to worry about, for example, getting your rescue Shorthair opportunities to hunt birds if that’s not something you have access to or are necessarily interested in. You don’t need to provide herding specific outlets for your Border Collie mix.

There are a lot of behaviors and experiences that are universal to all dogs that provide all the “biological fulfillment” they need. All dogs want to participate in things like:

- Running
- Chasing
- Catching (generally putting their mouths on things and carrying things around. Fetch, rough housing with you or other dogs, and tug fall into this category)
- Foraging
- Trailing (sniffing things)
- Digging
- Problem solving

And all of this can be accomplished without a whole lot of effort. Taking your dog outside and giving them space to be who they are without fighting them on everything *is* biological fulfillment. You don’t need to do anything extra unless you want to take up a new hobby with your dog.

Social media has created such a weird environment for dog owners where everything has gotten so complicated and the pressure to do everything correctly is so intense.

At the end of the day, dogs are dogs. I promise you’re doing a plenty good job.

11/09/2023

Hey everyone! I thought I’d check in with a little life update since it’s been a while!

I am wrapping up my Fall training and closing my board and train books for the Winter here in a few weeks. I have switched my focus to working with bird dogs, specifically the pointing dog variety (but I’ve had a few retrievers come through too.)

I still take a pet dog in for training everyone once in a while. I’m sending two home this week that just finished up training. Sheldon, a Border Collie with arousal issues and minor aggression towards children and some dogs, has been conditioned to an ecollar and learned better self control that will help him be a more relaxed and manageable dog. Monty, a young (but huge!) Doodle, learned about walking politely on a leash, managing his arousal around new people and dogs, and socialized constructively with other dogs his age and adult dogs.

I’ve also had a good handful of young dogs with goals for being great hunting partners and field trialers come through. A couple Labs, a Golden, some Setters, and Shorthair, a Griffon. I’ve got another Lab and a Pudelpointer coming this weekend that will stay into December then I am done for the Winter!

I’ve been really enjoying this change in pace. If you’ve been following for a while you know I need to switch things up every once in a while!

We also brought home a Setter pup this past Spring, Maven, who I’ve been spending a lot of time developing. She is maturing wonderfully and so far has been everything I could have hoped for in a dog. I entered her in a puppy stake, along side a client dog, a Setter named Rexy who is the same age, and placed both of them. Our trial season was cut short due to some unforeseen circumstances so that is the only trial the puppies ran in but I was very proud of that accomplishment nonetheless. Trials begin again in the Spring, assuming we get a Spring this year! I look forward to seeing how Maven continues to grow throughout the Fall and Winter and will enter her in as many Derby stakes as I can next year!

Kyle and I got married in August which was so much fun. We had a simple ceremony at his parents’ home in Harris with just family and our closest friends. Then we went to the local lake bar that Kyle’s family has frequented for years for dinner and celebration with more friends! It was incredibly hot but otherwise a perfect day. We haven’t planned a honeymoon yet because Fall is the busiest time for us and we’d both much rather be out with the bird dogs. Hopefully in a couple months when things slow down we’ll take some time for ourselves!

I am still taking dogs for boarding year round and that is not restricted to bird dogs! I am fully booked for Thanksgiving but still have openings for Christmas. I anticipate that will fill in quickly so if you need a place for your dog to stay, let me know as soon as possible!

If you’d like to continue following along with Kyle and me, you can follow Mud Lake Kennels on Facebook and www.instagram.com/mudlake_kennels on Instagram!

Our new website is www.mudlakekennels.com

06/19/2023

I run my business on the mentality that if you build it they will come. Sometimes all it really takes is putting it out in the universe for it to become real. I don’t think I’ve ever felt mentally prepared to take any of the leaps I’ve taken in my career but every single time I leapt, I landed on my feet and surprised myself with how ready I really was.

That being said, I’m putting this out there, I want to pivot and start working more bird dogs professionally. It’ll be a tough to get my foot in the door. I’m a pet dog trainer up against men and women who have been in this game longer than I’ve been alive. What I have that many of them don’t, from nearly a decade of training pet dogs, is a wide angle lens on dog behavior as a whole. Being a pet dog trainer means I’ve had my hands on a larger variety of dogs and been expected to troubleshoot an even bigger variety of issues. My brain is wired to solve problems and I know I have the skill set to apply what I know to bird dogs.

Most realistically, I know I can raise damn good puppies. So I’m starting there but I’ll take any dog you want to throw at me. I’m honest about my abilities and reasonable with my rates. I am motivated to go above and beyond and do a great job to show the world what I can do.

So if you know of anyone with a puppy that needs a damn good foundation or a dog that needs some troubleshooting, I’d appreciate the opportunity to get this phase of my career started.

Follow to stay in the loop.

06/15/2023

I cry if I think too much about how excited I am about this dog.

05/08/2023

I have been training pet dogs, focusing on behavior modification, for a long time. Almost a decade. So much has changed about me and for me in that amount of time. I have enjoyed just about every single second of it. These days though, I’m feeling a little different. I think my days as a pet dog trainer are numbered.

I realize by saying this publicly I’m setting myself up for regret if I decide to change my mind and keep going but it’s like me to speak a little too often, a little too loudly, and a little too soon so I’m used to suffering from my own consequences 😉

I’m not saying I quit just yet but I am taking a couple weeks off from appointments to think on it. If you’re on my books and haven’t heard from me individually yet, you’re still on the books. Don’t worry, I’m not throwing in the towel before I see you.

I know what I do enjoy, boarding, group training, and virtuals. I still very much love helping humans understand their dogs and finding simple solutions to help with the emotional baggage that comes with being the owner of a dog with behavioral “issues”. I still love being able to provide a safe place for clients to get structured exposure to other dogs and support from likeminded dog owners. And more than anything else I love being able to be a secure place for dogs to stay while their owners are on vacation. It has always been my dream to give the relief of having a trustworthy place to send your dogs that can’t go to just anyone and any dreams I have of the future include that goal in them.

For now I am not accepting any new private training clients and no new board and trains. I have one board and train scheduled for next month that I am excited about, if you see this, don’t panic!

Group Training will continue and will likely be my sole training service moving forward. It’ll be limiting to myself, I know, because not all clients want this service but it’s something no one else in the pet training industry (at least locally) is offering and everyone offers private lessons.
A huge thank you to the clients I have had to switch things up on for being so so understanding.

Stay tuned for updates in the coming days.

04/06/2023

I think we are almost in the clear for Spring so I am beginning to plan some outdoor events!

The first up is Group Training Field Trips! Once a month or so, I will choose an outdoor, dog friendly, and training friendly location in the Twin Cities. Me and my usual Group Training crew will come out for a day on the town. This is an awesome opportunity for anyone who has wanted to see what Group Training is all about to come without the commitment of driving all the way up to Harris.

These Field Trips are specifically designed to challenge our advanced dogs so if you have not attended a Group Training session or private lesson with me, your dog will need to stay at home but we would love for you to come and observe and ask as many questions as you want for a significant discount.

The first event is May 21st at 10am at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. We will spend at least an hour walking around and practicing our dogs' obedience around the sculptures.

You can sign up here: https://commongroundcanine.as.me/?appointmentType=44568315

03/24/2023

Let me tell you about the two greatest things about Group Training that you just can’t get in any other type of training service.

1. Access to structured encounters with other dogs and people. The hardest part about working on any kind of behavior modification is finding safe ways to expose your dog to triggers. Sure you can do “pack walks” or group classes but that’s often pushing the limits of too much exposure and you’re on your own to support your dog. Private lessons usually mean you and your trainer have to go out to a public place and search for triggers. In all of these situations, you’re at the will of inexperienced dog owners to provide your dog with the right kind of exposure. And we all know that doesn’t usually work as expected.

Group is different. All dogs take turns working individually until it is time for them to work around other dogs. When that time comes, we have access to a handful of dogs and owners that have been vetted to ensure they provide exactly the right kind of exposure for your dog.

If dogs don’t really spin your dog up but people do, just about every one of my regular clients has been around the block with aggressive or fearful dogs and carry themselves in ways that are only going to benefit your dog. You can’t really count on that when you sign up for just any group class and definitely not when you just go out to Home Depot.

2. Community. It can be nerve wracking coming into a new setting with your dog and standing up in front of strangers with them. This group of people have seen it all before and they are not phased. Hell, most of them started with me for the same reasons and felt the same feelings you will have standing in front of us all for the first time. You will never be judged or ridiculed here. I’m not going to do it, my people aren’t going to do it. In a group class everyone is so focused on their own dogs to engage with each other and when the class is done, so are those potential connections. Since dogs work one at a time, you have the opportunity to socialize between turns and get to know the people around you. You’ll finally feel like you’re not alone in this.

Group Training takes place in Harris, MN on Thursday nights, Friday mornings, and Sunday mornings. The cost to attend is only $45/dog. Find more details about Group Training and the link to sign up on my website here: www.commongroundcaninemn.com/group-training

02/27/2023

www.commongroundcaninemn.com/seminar

02/25/2023

Linkin (Formerly Torg from the Elkhound x Golden litter) is officially adopted! Again!

My good friend Hanah has done so much to find this guy two great homes now but hopefully this one will be his last! I can’t take an ounce of credit for him landing in what sounds like the perfect spot but I am very excited to see it!

Thank you Hanah for helping him out so much!

Trout and Brew are still available. Find details here: www.commongroundcaninemn.com/available-dogs

02/08/2023

Do you live too far away to see me regularly but you still want to train with me? I have a few options! Let me breakdown each one.

🐾 Subscription: $10/month - This is another online service for people who want to stay in touch more regularly and be a part of my ✨ Inner Circle ✨. With this subscription you get access to a private Instagram account where I post livestreamed discussions of various concepts, a group chat full of great conversations, behind the scenes content of my routine with my own dogs, you get background information about my clients’ dogs and my thought processes behind coming up with their training plans, insider point of view content from the terrier trials and Cover Dog trials, etc. You also get discounts on other services!

https://www.commongroundcaninemn.com/subscribe

🐾 Virtual Consultations: $60/hour - Typically these consultations are focused more around deep diving into a discussion about various topics. Most commonly I am called to talk about behavior modification (reactivity, aggression, guarding behaviors, etc), habits that a dog has picked up that really baffle an owner and they just need to talk through it, and by young dog trainers who want to talk shop and make sure they are heading in the right direction with their career.

https://commongroundcanine.as.me/?appointmentType=36370632

🐾 April Seminar: $200/two days - This seminar is perfect for anyone who wants to travel to me and get everything about the Common Ground Canine experience jam packed into a weekend!

https://www.commongroundcaninemn.com/seminar

🐾 Private Weekends/Weeks: Rate varies - If you are up for a road trip but can’t make it in April or maybe you want more of my attention while you’re here, throw the dog in the car and come on over! Send me an email at [email protected] and we can plan a weekend, a few days, or even a week for you to come visit and get some training in!

01/21/2023

A little over a year ago I decided to start a project I had been dreaming of for years. I had a good group of clients turned friends who I knew would support me and I rented a space in the next town over to try to put this idea into action.

I wanted a group option that wasn’t a class and that didn’t have a specific curriculum. I wanted an atmosphere that was as much of a social outlet for dog owners with tricky dogs as it was beneficial for their training goals.

This core group of eight or so clients showed up every week and we worked on anything and everything their dogs needed. Soon this group of eight doubled then tripled then quadrupled. The service was a hit. When the weather warmed up we moved out of that small grooming shop we had outgrown and I started meeting everyone at a quiet local park. Now we meet on my property in Harris.

These people became my family and meeting every week became the time we were all looking forward to the most. we celebrated so many successes together as a group and have created so many memories.

Group Training is quite literally the best idea I have ever had. The way it’s structured has been exactly what all of these dogs have needed to find success and I’ve seen dogs make huge strides in a shorter amount of time than those who did hour long private lessons once a week. And the support my new clients received from my regulars certainly added to the quick progress on both ends of the leash.

In group we address anything from dog reactivity to puppy raising to simple obedience up to advanced obedience. Every person and dog is met where they are at and is only expected to keep up with their own goals. Unlike a group class where everyone is expected to move along with the curriculum on the same schedule.

Here are some photos from the last year. If this sounds interesting to you, we meet once a week on Sunday mornings. You can find all the important details on my website here:

www.commongroundcaninemn.com/group-training

01/20/2023

Hannah Halvorson has become known for her unique perspective on dog training and specifically reactivity and behavior modification training. Taking a simple and practical approach to training while empowering dog owners to confidently take on whatever their dogs throw at them. Hannah’s perspective that reactivity is a series of behaviors that can be addressed with the right approach versus a personality trait that cannot be fully altered removes the heavy and seemingly never ending weight of being a reactive dog owner. The clients who regularly lean on Hannah for help with their training leave lessons feeling strong and capable.

Hannah has been training dogs professionally since 2015. In that amount of time she has dabbled with many different training styles and worked with a variety of breeds of dogs and types of owner. Lately she has found her niche in working with clients who feel overwhelmed by and burnt out on the training goals they have set for themselves. Typically these clients have been DIYing their training and/or have worked with one or two other trainers who helped get the ball rolling but left the clients feeling like they have more work on top of an already heavy burden. Other trainers may have addressed some of their dog’s behaviors but the client doesn’t feel like their needs are met. Finding a “Common Ground” between dog and human, is where Hannah shows her skills. Lending perspective on the dogs she meets and adapting the training to the unique lifestyles of each client.

This event will be small and intimate with only ten seats open. It is designed to give you an introduction to this fresh perspective. Each person who attends will receive a coupon for a future training session to put what they learn during this event into practice. The room at Copilot is small so dogs will be left at home for this human only event. Pick up a cup of coffee at the Dunn Bros next door and enjoy it with like minded dog owners in a supportive and encouraging environment.

TIckets are $25/person and include a coupon for a free Group Training session or $50 off a private lesson with Hannah on her property in Harris, MN.

Sign up here: https://commongroundcanine.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=40730423

01/02/2023

I took Wiley and Wishbone for a walk on the property this morning. Wiley finally stopped eating snow for a split second to give me the opportunity to snap a photo.

This is the only photo I got of them. 🤦🏻‍♀️

12/24/2022

Book a Virtual Consultation for sometime between January 1st and January 15th and pay what you can. Virtual Consultations are hour long meetings done via a video call from the comfort of your living room. All you have to do to book is shoot me a DM or email!

Rate applies to one hour long session. Additional sessions available for $75/hour.

12/21/2022

I ended up with two cancellations for Boarding this week so if you are looking for last minute boarding or even a Mini Board and Train, shoot me an email at [email protected]!

12/20/2022

'Tis the season for traveling! Do you know who is watching your dog? We have almost a decade of experience training and handling a wide variety of dogs which makes us the best place to send your dog. Relax on your vacation knowing your dog is in safe hands and enjoying themselves on over 300 acres!

Most dogs are welcome but we specialize in in boarding dogs who don't enjoy spending time with dogs they don't know. Dogs are not required to participate in group play here!

Find out more details about boarding your dog with us and book here:

Board your dog with confidence in Harris, MN on over 300 acres!

12/16/2022

You guys have been begging me for an episode with Kyle that was all things Setters/Field Trials/Bird Dogs and I finally convinced him to join! As a bonus I got AJ Kalupa, our good friend and Easy’s breeder, to join us as well! We just barely scratched the surface in this episode but I think it’s still chock full of information you guys will find interesting.

Follow Kyle on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/mudlakebirddogs and AJ here: www.instagram.com/highpoint_setters If you want to hear more from me in between episodes, join my subscription service here: www.commongroundcaninemn.com/subscribe and join the podcast discussion Facebook group here: In The Woods With Dogs Podcast Discussion Group

Listen to the episode on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Zr6K7G0llP8VDKW2qIxb3?si=eKTSimFkTmK4IyBJpg5KeA

12/12/2022

I am looking for someone who may want to start an apprenticeship program with me. Flexible schedule, must be able to drive up here to Harris once (or as often as you want to) a week. If this is something you are interested in, shoot me a message and we can discuss details!

12/12/2022

One of the things I enjoy doing with my personal dogs is recovering deer and bear for hunters in our area. The season is coming to an end but I got one last opportunity to train one of my green dogs on a confirmed kill last night.

12/01/2022

I will be down in the cities next Thursday the 8th for a vet appointment with one of my dogs. If you would like to squeeze in an in home lesson with me, that would be a great day to do it since I don’t regularly come down to see clients.

Cost is $100/90 minutes.
Availability will depend on you location but the window will be between 10am and 12:30pm (my appointment is at 2:30pm)

Shoot me a message or an email at [email protected] to inquire!

11/30/2022

Tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of this promotion!

Between now and December 1st get a ⭐️FREE⭐️Mini Educator when you
- Prepay for 4 In Person Lessons ($400)
- Prepay for 4 Virtual Lessons ($300)
- Prepay for 6 Group Training Sessions ($330)
- Book and pay for an Ecollar introduction Mini Board and Train ($750)
- Book and pay a deposit for a full length customized Board & Train

Don’t need an ecollar? Take $100 off any of these options:
- Prepaid package of 4 In Person lessons
- Prepaid package of 4 Virtual lessons
- Prepaid package of 6 Group Training Sessions
- Any Mini Board & Train
- Full Length Custom Board & Train

DM me or email [email protected] to inquire.

Find details about services here: commongroundcaninemn.com

You can book your lessons and board and trains into the next few months, in order to be eligible for discount or collar you need to pay for them in full before December 1st. For full length Board and Train programs a 20% deposit is required prior to December 1st in order to receive the discount or collar.

11/25/2022

Between now and December 1st get a ⭐️FREE⭐️Mini Educator when you
- Prepay for 4 In Person Lessons ($400)
- Prepay for 4 Virtual Lessons ($300)
- Prepay for 6 Group Training Sessions ($330)
- Book and pay for an Ecollar introduction Mini Board and Train ($750)
- Book and pay a deposit for a full length customized Board & Train

Don’t need an ecollar? Take $100 off any of these options:
- Prepaid package of 4 In Person lessons
- Prepaid package of 4 Virtual lessons
- Prepaid package of 6 Group Training Sessions
- Any Mini Board & Train
- Full Length Custom Board & Train

DM me or email [email protected] to inquire.

Find details about services here: commongroundcaninemn.com

You can book your lessons and board and trains into the next few months, in order to be eligible for discount or collar you need to pay for them in full before December 1st. For full length Board and Train programs a 20% deposit is required prior to December 1st in order to receive the discount or collar.

11/23/2022

The first of my Thanksgiving guests were dropped off this afternoon. ❤️

Blurry because puppy 😂