11/12/2025
Ginkgo and his handler wrapped up their foundational obedience lesson package this month! Ginkgo’s owner put in amazing work throughout the week, came prepared each lesson with purchasing gear, finishing course work, sending homework video submissions throughout the week, and they as a team even got a chance to practice managing Ginkgo’s reactivity in a controlled environment around the best dog distraction around, Mr. Plums.
The thing I am most proud of this team for is their emphasis on fostering a good attitude with their tools and communication system. Both Gingko and his handler never used a prong collar before and were understandably nervous to start on their own. That’s why we spend time on understanding the tool as a whole, how to properly use it (with delicate fingers NOT a hammer), and most importantly how to condition it properly to mean something to the dog.
Some of the most rewarding moments are to see dogs and handlers develop better communication together and to see dogs get excited to train/have their gear put on—because the dog has been patiently taught how to understand the tool and the dog feels confident in controlling the sensation!
