The Clever Hound Dog Training

Cara’s weave pole session from today. I know a lot of people train weaves younger and progress faster, but I like to wait until growth plates are likely to be closed and take my time building understanding and independence. We started in early April and have 6 poles closed now. Next steps are to add more poles, move the start platform back and eventually fade the Pet Tutor. My goal is for her agility debut to be next year’s specialty, so we have plenty of time. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

Silk ran clean on both premier and regular standard today at the NAC. We don’t have a video of her running with David Esherick in standard, but here’s premier. #australianshepherd #handling360 #akcagility #cleverhounddogtraining

Spice had a really good time on the first day of the NAC. She was pretty wound up from 3 days of travel and took a few liberties on the premier course this morning but made up for it with a really nice standard run. Since we‘ve been focusing on distance work for FAST, I need to remember to pay closer attention to off course options with her. The highlight of the day for Spice was learning that after a long shortage, dehydrated rabbit ears are once again available from Wild at Heart. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcagility

Spice made it a perfect Invitational with this jumpers run. Not sure where we’ll end up in the standings, but I wouldn’t change anything about any of her runs. Love my 🎃Spice-girl❤️. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcagility

Here’s another Cara training video from this week, introducing “around”. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

Spice hit an agility milestone today with her 50th premier standard Q, which means we are officially done with premier. Someone pointed out that her time of 50.50 was perfect for the occasion. Yes, her face is full of burrs- she did that this morning and I only had time to remove the ones blocking her vision. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcagility

Here’s another Cara training video- this time we’re working on middle. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

This video won’t be very exciting if you don’t do scent work, but today was the first time I saw a definite head snap at odor from 13 week old Cara. She was working for her lunch, so there’s some eating time at each hide. The hide is a cocktail of the 5 odors we encounter in competition, not paired with food. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

Some tracking with Cara. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

Not the best camera angle, but this is 10 week old Cara’s introduction to scent work odor. The hide is a cocktail of the 5 odors we train nestled between 2 colanders. I’m clicking when I hear her inhale with her head in the colander. Will repeat this for a few days before splitting out the individual odors and starting easy container searches. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining

Finnegan’s morning walk. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #preservationbreeder

Morning walk with Cara and Jameson. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #preservationbreeder

How we introduce the crate to 5 week old puppies. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #preservationbreeder

The puppies are exploring their musical talents. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #preservationbreeder

Spice’s hybrid run from today #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcnac

Gromit also came through for his fans with a premier standard Q today #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcnac

Silk will run with David Esherick for the rest of the weekend, but she and I got to have some fun in premier standard today. #australianshepherd #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcnac

Spice Q in premier standard #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcnac

Spice was Star of the Car today. 10th QQQ to finish her Triple Q Excellent title. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcagility

Spice today- QQ with placements and 1st in Premier standard. #realpbgv #cleverhounddogtraining #handling360 #akcagility