Pups R us

09/24/2024

This little girl is such a joy to work with!
Over the last few weeks, we've started on some serious heeling exercises, and she's really starting to understand the picture I'm looking for. And even though these exercises might seem somewhat boring and repetitive at times, her ears and tail tell a story in itself (and her voice at times as well).
I'm excited to see her grow, and enjoy the road ahead of us. Cause in her eyes, the sky's the limit!

Need help staying on track with you pup's heeling?
Send me a message, and we'll get your team on track.

(In the background a certain gentleman is working on his long down stay, and knows his time will come 😉)

03/21/2024

We promised she’d be back!

Mark your calendars for the weekend of 12 through 14 April and join us for three days of wonderful training with Roxana Vlasceanu, at the farm of pups R us.

The workshop consists of three separate sessions, all with the goal of improving your bond and relationship with your dogs through games and play.

Please look at the flyer, visit Roxana’s website, https://www.hdpk9.com/services/workshops/apr2024/ , and contact me to sign up for one or all sessions. ([email protected] or text (919) 710-4380

11/22/2023

Creature from outer space?

10/20/2023

This morning, working on a perfect fold-back down with almost 18 week-old Next.
I can hear her brain trying to figure out what I'm asking her to do.
The power of working your dog for food is immens!

10/20/2023

Last night after class, we (Wendy, Hunter, and I) were playing around with Pépin doing some stretching exercises.
As I was scrolling through IG afterwards, my eye caught "Finn the ACD" working on some stretches.
This morning I was inspired to do the same one as Finn.
If/when you attempt these, make sure you have the individual pieces first. (independent front- and back leg steps)
Stretching should always be done in short sessions, after a good warm-up.

10/01/2023

16 hours to get there, 14 hours back. All for maybe a grand total of 10 minutes center stage. Worth every second of driving!
Our biggest trip until now was the US Canine Biathlon in Alabama in 2019, where at 14 months old, Pépin came in 10th of a huge field of athletes. That was an 8 hour drive, and 45 minutes of running. (yes, I ran it also with Tessa, and came in 7th place 😊)
Since then we never traveled that far because work didn't allow us to.
But, this weekend was our first time at a national event this size, first time in front of a roaring crowd, first time with a tv crew hanging over us. And the "little" guy performed like a champ!
Yes, having only competitors dogs around you at a trial can be challenging enough. But probably half of the spectators brought their dogs out as well! ("My dog is very friendly." Yes, but I still don't want him to sniff my dogs butt! 🤣)
In preparation, we focused mostly on the weavepole challenge. Making sure that no distraction would bother him. And thanks to my helping students and their dogs, and an annoying little sister running, nipping, and barking at him during practice, he was as solid as can be.
Whether he and I will be able to go again, time will tell. But in the meantime, I can say: "mission accomplished!"
Our mission was to have the best time of our lives, make new friends, and have life long memories of the event. Our success, although I'm very proud of my boy, is secondary.
Thank you to everyone involved at Purina Farms, for an unforgettable weekend!


PS: I had my tripod and phone set-up to shoot video....each and every time we went into the ring, I forgot to press the record button 🤣

09/30/2023

A full recap will probably come soon, but in the meantime a little update of what went on today.
In large dog agility finals, the podium spots went very well deserved to three 20" border collies. Pépin gave it his all, but an off-course in the opening of K**a Rueschenberg very challenging course, made us miss the podium.
Congrats to all competitors! You're all amazing handlers!

The weavepole challenge was a different story. Yesterday's prelims showed a very close field, with the top dogs being tens of a second appart.
Today's first round was even closer, and only the top four advanced to the semi-final.
After an incredible effort of my little boy, we made it to the final.
Congrats to Cynthia Hornor for kicking our butts! But I'm super proud of my boy winning a second place in the !

Yes, he had cake!

09/30/2023

What an incredible event! The show that's put on here is worked out to the minute. Every event starts right on the dot, no waiting, no delays, great competitors, friendly and helpful people, scenario worked out in details.
Food and drinks provided are fantastic, especially when each competitor gets THIS for dessert at tonight's dinner party. I brought it home, and guess who gets to eat it after we're done tomorrow?

For those who've been asking: the rumor is that it's on YouTube TV, but no one has verified that rumor 🤷
There is going to be a broadcast on local channels, sometime between Jan 6 and the end of February. There's a big film crew, and they're making a big deal out of it.
I'm gonna try to shoot some video tomorrow, and I'll post it.

We had a good agility practice this afternoon, and puckyboy clocked the 3rd fastest run in the weavepole challenge. Top 5 are within a second from each other, so it's gonna be an exciting event!

We also saw Dr. Abby..... head shaking alot....ear infection.....

09/17/2023

Phoenix risen "Next" Legend at 13 weeks.
Thought it was a beautiful morning to start working on scent pads. Her very first time!
She's a bit unsure at the start, but by pad No 3 I'm able to hold her back, and put a little leash pressure on her. She immediately gets it, and gets really eager to find her breakfast.
Yes, she most certainly will be an agility dog. But in the meantime, the little girl who likes to bite the crap out of everything, and is absolutely fearless, MUST be cross-trained.
What an absolute joy this tiny monster is! 😁

09/09/2023

That's a s**t load of weavepoles! 🤣

Practice for the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge has started!

09/06/2023

Focus Pocus and Dog Tricks for Treats!

Trick Training Workshop (Halloween Edition) and Relationships Building Games, taught by Roxana Vlasceanu (HDP K9) —This One-Day, 4-hour Trick Training Workshop will be offered at pups R us on October 6 (Friday), and October 7 (Saturday), 2023.

"You know those moments when you are in the flow and lose track of time doing something you love? That’s where the magic happens! Now, how about recreating that with your dog? Imagine doing something you both enjoy while also building focus, engagement, more value in the reward, improving your skills as a handler, your communication and timing, improving obedience reliability, and strengthening the connection between you and your dog as you work together as a team… It’s a win-win on so many levels!"
~ Roxana Vlasceanu

If that sounds like something you would like to learn more about, join us either on October 6 (Friday) or October 7 (Saturday) at Pups R us, as we host our first Trick Training Workshops! Topics covered: communication (marker systems and timing); focus and engagement; reward events; variations and applications of touchpad and retrieve exercises and more!

The point of convergence will be on tricks that can be crossed-over to real world skills, service dog type of tasks, and dog sport exercises. As time allows, we will also review the requirements for AKC Trick Titles, from Novice (TKN) all the way to Elite Performer (TKE). While similar concepts will be presented on both days, details may vary from Friday to Saturday to accommodate the skill level and needs of the working teams who have signed up for that day.

Working spots (dog/handler teams) will have the opportunity to demonstrate current repertoire of tricks, functional obedience, and sport foundation, if any, and to receive feedback and individualized training advice. Handlers will also get recommendations as to the best route to the preferred AKC Trick Title (if any), customized to their dog's current known behaviors and capabilities.

This workshop is limited to 6 working spots ($120) and 10 audits ($40) for each day.
Working Spot Requirement: Dog must be at least 12 weeks of age, vaccinated (core DHPP), food motivated, and comfortable around other dogs and humans. If the dog is fearful, displays aggression towards other dogs or humans, or is excessively vocal, s/he must be evaluated by a Pups R us trainer prior to signing up for the workshop. If your dogs is not an ideal candidate for a working spot, you may opt to audit and follow up with a trainer during a private lesson.

About Roxana Vlasceanu — Roxana founded her training company, High Drive Pups, LLC (HDP K9, hdpk9.com) in 2012. While her professional focus has been on obedience training and behavior modification, she is very passionate about relationship building games, and protection dog sports. She began competing in IPO with her Dutch Shepherd, Zulu in 2014, and in Mondioring with her Belgian Malinois Azande in 2015. Both of her dogs earned their BH, and Azande has been titled to Level 3 in both Mondioring (MR3) and French Ring (FR3), competed at two USMRA National Championships (2nd place at Level 2, 2017) and competed at the MR World Championship in Spain. Azande completed the highest level of AKC Trick Dog titles, Elite Performer.

For more information on Roxana, visit her website HDPK9 – Training & Behavior at hdpk9.com.

08/28/2023

Never thought we'd make this list... Coming in HOT 🔥 at # 2:
(thanks for pointing this out, Jane Hefner Brightwell )

08/26/2023

Some of my students know how to get me up and going!

08/22/2023

The CGC classes and certification filled up quickly, YAY! And it promises to be an exciting and educational session. For those of you who missed their chance, we'll put another series together soon.
In the meantime, I promised you more exciting news, so here we go:

On Sunday, September 10, we'll start our "Club Obedience".

Club Obedience is a 3-hour group class for real training enthusiasts and is held each Sundays from 11AM till 2PM. We will be working one-on-one with each dog and handler, while other participants will be observing. This class is geared towards people who want to get ready for competition in all venues and all sports, or people with young dogs who aspire to compete in the future.
Let’s make obedience, with all its facets, FUN! No boring heeling patterns ever motivated your dog.
Work on your tug skills, marker and reward system, retrieves, start-line stays for Agility, etc..
These sessions are open to all ages of dogs and humans. However, all dogs need to be fully UTD on vaccines, puppies need to have their last boosters.
We start our first Club on Sunday, September 10.
Bring a folding chair, toys, food, and your pup, and join the fun!
Weather permitting, we'll be in the outdoor fenced field, or indoors during inclement weather.
$40 per dog/handler for this 3-hour session. Weekly sign-up required (max of 10 handler/dog team) by DM or [email protected]

Picture is of a typical Shepinois, doing a perfect retrieve.... 😉

Stay tuned for more exciting things to start happening, here at the farm!

08/15/2023

Hi friends,

Exciting new things are about to happen here at pups R us!
On August 31 I’m starting a weekly class (max of six participants) to get you and your pup ready for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7 till 8:30PM. These classes will get you up to speed with the ten test items ( https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/canine-good-citizen-test-items/ ) you and your dog will need to pass the certification.

At the end of the series, I have a very special guest coming for you and your pup to be tested. She made me promise not to reveal her name yet, but I can assure you that the weekend she’s here is going to be epic! (More on our mystery guest when we reveal our weekend program for October 6-8)

Class dates are Thursday evening, August 31, September 7, 14, 21, and 28. The certification is following a Obedience and CGC workshop on Sunday, October 8, starting at 10AM (Coffee and such at 9:30)
Admission to the series of five classes: $150.00 per person
Obedience and CGC workshop, including certification test: $120.00 per person.

Please send a DM, or email [email protected] for questions or to sign up for this great opportunity.

More exciting news about our new "Club Tracking" and "Club Obedience" coming soon!

The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society.

08/15/2023

What would Pups R us be without a pup?
Meet "Phoenix risen Knavish Next Legend"! (you may call her Next!)
The devil reincarnated, Satan in sheep's clothing, but Pépin and I totally in love....

First real night at home 🥰

https://youtu.be/yjYg_3UevrI

07/27/2023

Look what greeted me at the agility field this morning 🥰

07/22/2023

Took advantage of the cool weather this morning. Little by little there's more equipment appearing in the field, thanks to dear friends that need to get rid of stuff! ( Lisa Wells Cindy Hensley )
✅ Agility training!