Here’s a little dovetail for you! Whether the dog is traveling in a car crate or we’re utilizing a harness and seat belt tether setup, seen here in the video, I like to wait for the dog to offer calm and/or neutral behavior before they get released from the vehicle. This same approach can be followed with your dog when: *Exiting the crate *Waiting at the door to be released to the yard or to be at liberty to explore the environment *Incorporated as a way to practice impulse control and composure during structured play
Prepping Arthur the Border Collie puppy for safe car travel with a harness & seat belt tether for he heads home to his new family next week 🚙 While a strapped in & secure car crate is going to be the safest option for your dog, the harness & seat belt tether combo is the next best setup if you aren’t able to accommodate a car crate in your vehicle.
🌧️ Rain or shine, every day is a dog day around here! ☀️ Want to learn all about communication and the power of play with your dog? Looking for group training in a safe, welcoming environment with like-minded dog owners? 🐾 Spots are still available for the Engagement First Workshop with guest trainer Jen Sotolongo on Saturday, April 12 and for our Skills & Success and Beginner Success group classes starting April 19! 💻 To register today, email [email protected] and include the name of the workshop or group class you’re interested in attending in the subject line. Prefer a tailored, one-on-one approach? Our custom board & train program offers immersive training in a structured home setting. Now booking for July & Summer 2025!
A little glimpse at some real world, everyday training for you - Life is full of lots of early mornings and long work days right now, but the new RDDT training room is coming together! And I got in some quality distraction training with Puppy Arthur as he prepares to go live in a bustling metro environment with lots of folks telling him what a cute puppy he is. It’s true, Arthur buddy. But we can’t say hi to everyone all the time, even if they look really fun. 🙌
There are so many items, objects, and things in our environments that can be used as training opportunities with our dogs! Arthur here, who just turned 16 weeks old and is growing taller by the day, wasn’t so sure about this stack of moving boxes at our new place. So what do we do? We turn it into a training opportunity! Little Arthur caught on quick that going to “Place” on the boxes produces rewards. He continues to offer the behavior throughout this video, and his initial apprehension toward the stack of noisy, slick cardboard melts away. What is something fun you’ve been working on with your doggo? Let me know in the comments! 🐶
🍖 Arthur’s first session with the Treat & Train (a machine that dispenses food for the dog to eat. Beep feature is turned on.) - Arthur’s food motivation helped him work through some initial uncertainty about the Treat & Train. By the end of our session, which lasted approx. 4.5 minutes, the puppy went closer to the machine and started licking it in hopes that more food would come out. When Arthur looks away toward the cone, I take that as a great opportunity to dispense more food. This will turn into a larger training picture for this little dude over time. Good job, Arthur!
Welcome back Cricket! This little lady is back for her custom 14-day on-leash board & train program. Here’s a peek at what we’ve been up to. 👀 Cricket’s family met with Red Dirt for a meet & greet lesson several months ago to get started on their board & train prep homework to jump start their training plan. This puts us in a nice position to start to build on the dog’s foundation training.We help adventurous dogs & their humans be set up for success with support before, during, and after our board & train programs. No cookie cutter dog training over here! 💥
Pro Tips for Puppy Play Dates
Dog-social dogs and puppies can do really well with finding their own play flow. Sometimes, it’s best to hang out on the sidelines and supervise without offering them your human attention or affection.🐕🐕 When we step back and observe, we give them the chance to figure out each other’s play styles, build confidence, and learn those all-important canine social skills.
👉 In this clip, Arthur and Tilly are having a blast with their vigorous play style, taking breaks and communicating clearly when play gets a little too rambunctious—just how it should be
🎯 Pro Tips for Puppy Play Success
✔️ Stick to playdates with familiar, well-matched dogs instead of taking your dog to dog parks with a bunch of unfamiliar (and potentially sketchy) dogs.
❌ Avoid interactions with strange or unfamiliar dogs to prevent issues.👀 Watch for signs it’s time to step in—like hiding, cowering, dogs continuing to navigate to corners or small spaces, or body language signs that can communicate discomfort (think whale eyes, lip licking, or pinned ears).
Supervised, short, and fair play sessions = Positive experiences for your puppy.
💕🐾 And remember, it’s OK if you’d rather not have your dog interact with other dogs—do what works best for you and your pup! 🐶💖 I’m incredibly selective in what, if any dogs, meet and play with my personal dogs.
If you’re here for your daily dose of Arthur the Border Collie puppy, here you go! He’s in that fun phase of puppyhood where those ears have a mind of their own and the baby shark teeth are out in full force. 😄 What a happy, well-rounded pup at almost 11 weeks old.
If you’re here for your daily dose of Arthur the Border Collie puppy, here you go! He’s in that fun phase of puppyhood where those ears have a mind of their own and the baby shark teeth are out in full force. 😄 What a happy, well-rounded pup at almost 11 weeks old.
Arthur & The Art of Doing Nothing 🐾
Doing nothing is actually doing something! Arthur is learning that, as he watches the world around him. By settling and gearing down, he’s building impulse control and strengthening his “off switch” — a key part of any dog’s training.
This takes time, consistency, and practice, especially with young pups like Arthur. It’s simple, but there’s no cheating. You just have to invest in practicing this stuff with your dog.
Arthur is right on track as he enters Week 3 with our pack, learning that he can chill out and be neutral around other dogs, cats, and humans.
Y’all shared your votes to guess our next intro post, and you were so close with your guesses! Welcome Rogue, the 19-week-old Mastiff hybrid.This gentle giant is not only growing into her paws, she’s also learning all about marker training, loose leash walking, age-appropriate socialization, and more with her fam. Stay tuned for updates on this cutie as she makes her way through our Puppy Success program! 🐺
Red Dirt Dog Training offers dog training services for dogs of all ages & sizes in Corvallis, OR.
