Katherinek9 - Katie Mcguire Cpdt-ka

06/14/2024

Back by popular demand, I will be starting two new classes next week!

Focus & Impulse Control
5:00PM on Wednesdays starting next week (6/18) and running for 4 consecutive weeks. This class was originally designed for Agility dogs, but it is useful for any dog, whether they do agility or not. You can register for the class on the My Best Friend Obedience website (link below).

Intro to Rally Obedience
6:00PM on Wednesdays starting next week (6/18) and running for 6 consecutive weeks. Dogs should already know how to sit, down, stay, and heel, but don’t need to be masters at it (yet 😉). We will go over what Rally is and how it works, and cover all of the AKC Novice Rally signs, and how to perform them. You can register for the class on the My Best Friend Obedience website (link below).

Both are listed under Advanced Classes:
https://bestfriendobedience.com/mbfo-group-classes

Just click on the class title and scroll down to the box where my class is listed ☺️ If you have any trouble figuring it out, just message me!

02/16/2024

Is it weird that when I have a board & train dog at my house I say “I love you, goodnight” before bed? 😂 I just love them all 🥰

08/02/2021

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.land.com/sport/hunting/gun-dog-trainer-robert-milner/amp/

Robert Milner wants to ask sportsmen a personal question: Would you discipline your own children with a shock collar?

07/02/2021

From 3 years ago! What a day of dog training looks like 😉

05/07/2021

Good morning!

04/13/2021

Nyx, my blonde, blue eyed, SoCal beach girl 😍

05/02/2020

04/16/2020

https://www.welikela.com/tips-for-training-your-dog-in-the-time-of-social-distancing/

We spoke with two Los Angeles-based dog behaviorists about the basics of dog training, along with opportunities and challenges that come with social distancing.

03/15/2020

With events and classes canceled, and social distancing measures recommended, most of us will be spending a lot more time at home! This means that our pups a...

02/19/2020

Great job Jessica Ajoux and Perry DeWitt on bringing more attention to our amazing sport of dog agility, and for making it look good! 😉 You guys are an inspiration, and this short documentary is an awesome glimpse into the highest levels of the sport. Way to go you guys!

The fast-growing sport of dog agility has become one of the most popular events at shows like Westminster and a welcome alternative for those who believe conformation shows are archaic and outmoded

02/18/2020

It’s so important to work on basic husbandry behaviors with your dog! Nyx isn’t the biggest fan of grooming, so we have slowly been working with her on consent, or choice based training, with this. Initially she would be rewarded for each step by throwing a treat off of the table, and we would only continue if she got back on the table. In this video more of the rewards happen on the table, but she can get off if she wants the grooming to stop at any time (she does get off the table to get a treat, and then return when she’s ready to continue once during this video). You will also see a moment in this video (at the 1:27 mark) where she starts licking the hand that I am using to brush her. This was an indicator that she was uncomfortable, so at that point I stopped for a moment, then restarted when she was ready.
By her having the choice to continue or not she has become much more comfortable with the idea of grooming, and will stand without any restraint to accept brushing and trimming of knots in her coat.

02/13/2020

It’s always flattering to see my training videos referenced in articles, newsletters, or on websites! I recently found this awesome breakdown of the best potty bells to use, and they listed my video as their reference for training! Thank DogLab!

https://doglab.com/dog-doorbell/

No more potty problems. Use a dog doorbell! We test and review 15 different doggie doorbells to find the best!

02/05/2020

The third episode of my podcast is available to listen to now!

https://anchor.fm/katherine-mcguire/episodes/Motivation-in-Agility--Faking-It-ead08l

Motivating your agility dog through reinforcement and emotions.

02/04/2020

I have a Pyrenean Shepherd so that’s why I am just so excited.
😂

01/29/2020

Check out the second episode of my podcast!

https://anchor.fm/katherine-mcguire/episodes/The-dog-who-changed-my-mind-eacvnf

In this episode I talk about my dog Opal, and how she changed my mind about dealing with behavior problems in dogs.

01/26/2020

Hey guys, check out my new podcast!

https://anchor.fm/katherine-mcguire/episodes/Introduction-eacuuh

Who I am and what this podcast is all about. Katherine McGuire CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed)

01/18/2020

😂

01/11/2020

Play is a very useful reward and motivator for many dogs. However, not all play is created equal. The key is to figure out your dogs favorite play style, and create rules and structure around it.
I have been working with Nyx on developing a constructive play style to not only utilize for training, but also to enhance our relationship and communication. Nyx loves to tug, but has always run off with the toy rather than bring it back. Her other favorite games include barking at and biting me, specifically grabbing my shoes and pant legs. We have been working on changing that play style, and I got a video tonight of a little of the work we have been doing.
When Nyx wants to bite me, I ask her to go grab a toy instead. Then when I get the toy I will offer to tug, or I will throw it. If she brings it to me and drops it, I will throw it, but if she brings it and holds it, we will tug. The purpose of this game is to allow her to chose how she wants to play.
Since we have started working on this she shows much less frustration in play, and is far less demanding of playtime. You can see at the end of the video she opts to come get love and affection rather than biting at me; a major improvement!

P.S. I am home sick today, so enjoy the robe and slippers I have on for this video! 😂

01/04/2020

👏👏👏

Life Lessons from a Dog Trainer with Connie Cleveland

12/21/2019

What a great idea! Sounds like a pretty awesome gift for the holidays too 😉

“When are you going to do a kids’ book?” I kept hearing. “About clicker training, but written for kids?” I thought a clicker training book for kids was a great idea. Clicker training is not only go…

12/18/2019

That moment when you realize that you’ve trained yourself to be super consistent about your criteria for releasing through the front door because you say “Okay” even when there is no dog around 😂

11/22/2019

Animals think; here's how even the experts came to agree.

11/17/2019

Some trainer humor for you on this beautiful Sunday 😊

11/09/2019

I was just having a conversation about what chews I give to my dogs and how I decided on them. Sometimes it can be hard and stressful trying to find the right chew for your dog! It can be a confusing decision to make, as each dog is different and has their own chewing style. Figuring out what chews will work for your dog usually means spending some time observing your dogs’ chewing habits, and trying a few things.
For my dogs, I personally prefer Benebone chews, and water buffalo horns, both of which are intended to be chewed and not eaten (although small bits may be injested safety). My dogs don’t spend a lot of time chewing, but when they do chew they are pretty intense about it. Dogs who really clamp down and put pressure on the item they are chewing on can crack, loosen, or break teeth, causing major dental problems. Dogs who chew like this can also cause brittle chews to splinter and come off in pieces. If your dog also likes to gulp things down, this combination is very dangerous.
This is why I stay away from hard bone chews, antlers, lamb horns, and of course rawhide (which is really not digestible anyways). I also stay away from the smaller, or brittle water buffalo horns, as they can have those same issues (the large, thick ones don’t have this problem).
Whatever chews you use, check on them periodically to be sure that no large chunks are becoming dislodged, and as they get worn down replace them with new ones.

What are your dogs favorite chews? Have you ever had problems with any dog chews?

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-antlers-safe-dogs/

Dogs love chewing on bones and antlers. This fact is reinforced in cartoons, the media, advertising, and even in our speech. Ever heard the expression, "li