The Balanced Dog

05/02/2023

08/08/2022

In this interaction with Birch, I point out signs of resource guarding.

What is the best way to address this behavior before a possible escalation?

Draw from the established key commands, "Out" or "Drop It", "Leave It", "Place" and Recall (as designated). Using one or more of these commands will resolve the issue without conflict (which is crucial), and more importantly, without a serious bite.

03/08/2022

The leash is a line of communication between you and your dog.

If bad information is sent down the lead, expect bad behavior to respond.

With proper leash skills, you will signal good, clear information to your dog, therefore, you can reasonably expect desirable behavior in return.

Slip leads from thedynamiclead.com

27/07/2022

2 working spots left for September 9-11th workshop in UT.

https://www.thebalanceddogca.com/understanding-dog-drives-workshops

Day One of the July Drives Workshop, and my first session with Sam and her dog, Loren.

Sam trained Loren's obedience using the E-Collar; Loren has a very positive association with this tool.

However, in this session we are solely using the Long Line and Place command to create a calmer state of mind in Loren, with a goal of less obsessive behavior towards Sam.

25/07/2022

This is a little reminder to just slow down.

When working on behavior solutions it’s best not to focus on the strongest behavior first.

Big behaviors are typically built on a series of unaddressed small behaviors.

Slow down and focus on building small new behaviors that decrease stress and build confidence and Pack Drives.

21/07/2022

This was part of a session from the Understanding Your Dog’s Drives Workshop.
For more information on the September workshop see link below.

Winnie is currently with .

Our goal in this session was to just get hands on Winnie without sending her into Flight or pushing her into Fight behavior. In the end this builds trust as well as Pack Drive.

Next workshop is September 9-11th. 3 working spots left and a handful of audits still available.

https://www.thebalanceddogca.com/

21/07/2022

Have Your Questions Ready: Brian Agnew of The Balanced Dog is Back for Live Group Coaching on Thursday July 21st @ 3pm Eastern Time

Find the stream here: https://www.considerthedog.com/categories/category-live-group-coaching

Do you have specific training questions? Desire to get insight into the world of professional dog training? Get personalized and tailored advice?

Hosted by Tyler Muto, these Live Group Coaching Sessions are a virtual way to connect with some of the sharpest minds in the dog training world. These are interactive events with a live chat and real-time responses!

For our latest livestream on ConsiderTheDog.com, we welcome Trainer Brian Agnew to the stage. Based out of Utah, you can see his philosophies and patient approach to training in CTD Courses like Lincoln: Improving Impulse Control and The Most Challenging Dog.

These exclusive live sessions will run for 60 minutes and take place on the first Thursday of each month at 12pm Eastern Time and the third Thursday of each month at 3pm Eastern Time. The broadcasts will also be archived in our CTD Library, so you won't miss any of the action. A notification email will be sent out the day of the livestream to our members when we go live!

The best part is that there is no additional cost or sign-up required to take advantage of our Group Coaching live streams. Both the live events and the recordings are included with your membership and will be hosted directly on the Consider The Dog Website

18/07/2022

Great group of trainers and pet owners at this weekend’s Understanding Your Dog’s Drives workshop with & . So much to learn from this brain trust!! Feeling so so lucky to have soaked up so much knowledge! Good trainers never stop learning!

09/07/2022

There are a few audit spots left in the July workshop coming up next weekend! September workshop is starting to fill up quickly! Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!😁🐕🐕🐕
More details in the LINK below!

https://www.thebalanceddogca.com/understanding-dog-drives-workshops

08/07/2022

When addressing dog reactivity, the goal is to foster neutrality while in the presence of other dogs.

Allowing a dog to observe or to look at another dog, without intent, is neutrality.

Interrupting fixation, while permitting the curiosity of another dog, is the nuance to be mindful of when working with a reactive dog.

05/07/2022

My primary focus is to first work the dog into a "calm" state.

This "state of being" is advantageous for learning, and for the retention of information.

03/07/2022

Quick little video on capturing a behavior. I’m always looking for patterns when working with a dog. This morning Doug was voluntarily going into a down when loading him in the car.
I took advantage of this behavior by overlaying the word “Down” to his action. Long Line by

30/06/2022

After evaluation and much work, sometimes there will be a behavior an owner may choose to accept and live with. A seemingly impossible behavior to "fix" can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, resulting in a potential suppression of the dog's spirit.

Strong foundational training, along with repeated practice, will help to stabilize the times of challenge when the "unfixed" behavior presents itself.

27/06/2022

Getting To The Root

Doug's primary behavior that needed to be addressed was dog reactivity.

The key to fixing a behavior is to identify the root cause.

After spending a day with Doug, it became clear the root cause of his reactivity was a lack of confidence.

Building Doug's confidence, along with providing guidance to his owner, will soon turn his dog reactivity into a behavior of the past. Long Line from

26/06/2022

Ride! cruised the up hill section this time😁 Two stops. One for this photo and to navigate. Also rode the practice loop.

24/06/2022

Addressing Conflict Through Direction

When addressing an undesired behavior, e.g., conflict, it is first important to understand the "why?" of the behavior.

Corrections are a vital part of a good training protocol. However, with solid direction a lot of behaviors will soften or become nonexistent.

20/06/2022

Identifying, and understanding, a dog's Triggers will help to manage or change behaviors.

In this video I discuss the reason all Triggers, perceived as good or bad, should be addressed.