Dog training for your lifestyle!
(3)
Private in home sessions
Basic obedience
Reactivity
Off leash
Links to my most recommended products here ⤵️ https://linktr.ee/dexthebirdhunter
Meet Peaches! She is a two year old American cocker spaniel. Peaches struggles with leash walking, recall, reactivity to other dogs, cars, bikes, golf carts - you name it going down the road. We've been working on these things and also place, leave it and arousal/over stimulation in the house. She's a very active dog and is really quick to learn. We just need to get her focusing on her humans better rather than everything in her environment. Keep it up Peaches 🍑, we will get there!!
It rained alll day yesterday and Dex doesn't like thunder so we did some indoor fitness. This is lateral movement that uses muscles he doesn't normally use. He's had reoccurring issues with his shoulder and hip, so things like this help. If you have an active dog, keeping them in shape is key. Running and hard charging activities are great, until they get injured from overdoing it. Stretching and other mobility movements are great to keep them in top shape.
Had a great session with a client last night. Her puppy is leash reactive/aggressive to other dogs. I was able to see this first hand when I dropped into her work a few weeks ago. I brought Dex with me and we started walking - about 30 yards apart or so (I'm bad at figuring distance...). Her dog was struggling to focus on her, so I increased the distance until he was able to listen to her commands. As we walked, I slowly decreased the distance. He was still extremely interested in Dex, but able to take treats. We were able to decrease the distance to about 15 yards and then sit at opposite ends of a picnic table, with no negative reactions. Then we made our way to the bike path and successfully walked along that without negative reactions and only some mild interest in each other.
The point here, is to not let your dog run up to another dog on leash. If your dog or the other person's dog is fearful, anxious or stressed, this could result in a fight or bite. I rarely let dogs meet on leash - it is unnatural for them to be restrained and try and greet another dog properly.
In the end, Dex and the other dog never got closer than about five feet from each other. Dogs have great noses - they can smell just fine from a lot farther than that. They knew exactly who each other were.
If this is something you're struggling with, let me know!
The EZ-900 is my go to. It's easy to hold and function.
Hopefully everyone can see this but here's a chart that shows the differences between each system. 💛 Which one's your favorite and why?
Working on reverse for rally. We're are very rusty on this! When he backs up, he wants to turn out to the left, which is not unusual because he wants to do that when heeling too. I think because he wants to be able to see my face. Reverse can be used in UKC levels three and master. I'm hoping to start on his master title this year.
Opening tonight in Park Rapids!
218-851-9548
Tilly's Pet Supply is the winner of Headwaters Animal Shelter Battle of the Businesses! Congrats to Lindsey and Justin. The dogs are the real winners! It was a slow two weeks for adoptions, please keep sharing to help get these good pups and kitties adopted!
A little bit of field training this past week. The birds weren't flying well, so he got a couple traps. His retrieve will forever need work.
One more day in the ! Who will win?? In the end, the dogs and cats win, so let's get these good boys and girls adopted!!
Let's go Tilly's Pet Supply !
Headwaters Animal Shelter
A nice retrieve of an antler tonight. We still have a ways to go, but he gave me a couple good ones.
372 days in the shelter! Please help find Koba a home!
Headwaters Animal Shelter
Looking for a dog out of the puppy stage? Look no further than Kira! She's three years old and looking for an only dog home. Do you have room?
Let's help Kira get home!
Headwaters Animal Shelter
💐Kira💐
Sweet, sweet, Kira is a 3 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Kira has such a gentle personality with some excited, race-car like “zoomies!” She does take some time to warm up to people, but she once she does she is very loyal and bonded to her handler. We have tried to introduce Kira to other dogs, but she enjoys invading their space by hu***ng them. Our meet and greets have been so far unsuccessful. An only dog home would be optimal for her, but may do well with a quiet companion.
Kira has quickly become a staff favorite because of her cheeky personality. However, meet and greets tend to be difficult with Kira due to her being timid and very shy. If you are willing to meet Kira and allow her to open up in her own time, she will quickly become your new best friend!
Kira is spayed, fully up to date on shots, and ready to go into her new 🏠! If interested, send our dog manager an email at [email protected] or give her a call at 218-237-7100!
Did you know that June 11th is National Corn on the Cob Day??! 🌽🌽
Well Corncob here would like you to celebrate his special day with him and help him find a forever home!
Why is this sweet boy still here?!?!
🌽Corncob🌽
Corncob was brought to us as a stray in February. He appeared to be healthy upon arrival and was only around 5 months old. He is such a sweet boy and just wants someone to play with him! Corncob has done well with the dogs we have introduced to him and he loves playing outside in our runs! He is extremely smart and would make a great companion for just about anyone.
Corncob has been neutered, he has been vaccinated and is all ready to go into his new home! If interested, give us a call at 218-237-7100 or email our dog manager at [email protected]!
Headwaters Animal Shelter
Ollie is still looking for his forever home! Let's find him a new family!
Headwaters Animal Shelter
Still available!
Contact me today to get this spot! June 12 after 5:00. Exact time determined on location.
🫶Uno and Dos🫶
Our sweet boys are still looking for their new homes. Due to all of the mud and rain, we haven't been able to get fresh pictures of them as they LOVE playing in the puddles! Uno and Dos are both around a year old and are neutered. Potty training has been difficult due to the inconsistent schedule here and their unknown history. These two have the best personalities, as they are personable and loving. Uno tends to be more playful and toy motivated, whereas Dos just wants to be loved!
To adopt one or both is being left up to the adopters discretion. We understand the amount of work that both of these dogs will need. They have been evaluated by a trainer and could go together or separately.
If interested in providing a fresh start and soft landing to either or both of these boys, give us a call at 218-237-7100 or email our dog manager at [email protected]! 🐾
Koba is another pup on This big guy is ready to go home! Please share to help get him out of the shelter!
Headwaters Animal Shelter
Article: Should I Use a Prong Collar on My Dog?
When people get a new dog, they know they need a leash and collar. But first-time dog owners never start with a prong collar. This is because the subject of a prong collar only comes up if a behavioral problem develops. Then, a friend or local dog trainer tells them they need a prong.
That's when they do a little research and find this article.
On the right dog, prong collars are a great training tool. I describe them as putting power steering on your leash. They allow small people to control large dogs. They produce behavior changes at a correct level that is often 90% less effort than what is required on a flat collar.
The first impression people have when they see a prong collar is “It looks like some kind of a torture tool.” Like every single dog training tool, they can be abused. But that's not a good enough reason to not use it in your training protocol. A slip collar or even a flat collar can also be abused as well. But when prong collars are used correctly, they can actually produce far fewer injuries than a slip collar or choke chain collar.
Read the Full Article: https://leerburg.com/prongcollaruse.htm
The score is tied! Let's get some more dogs and cats adopted, help spread the word!
Tilly's Pet Supply
Headwaters Animal Shelter
Looking for a summer lake buddy? Look no farther than Tuti!
Beau Dacious is another pup on my team for Headwaters Animal Shelter ! He's just over a year old and out of the little puppy stage for those wanting a young dog but maybe not wanting all the little puppy behavior. Check him out today and please share to help get him into his forever home!
💚Beau Dacious💚
Beau is a 1 year old, Australian Cattle Dog. He was born on 4/9/23! This sweet boy is excitable, friendly, and loves all of our staff. He tends to be shy in the beginning, but once he warms up to you he is Velcro to your side! ACD’s can be trying dogs, but trained correctly and stimulated, they are the most loyal and fun companions! He will need an active household with toys, space to run, and a job.
If interested, give us a call at 218-237-7100 or email our dog manager at [email protected]! He is on the schedule to be neutered in June, so he will need to make a pit stop back at the shelter for this appointment! 💚🐾
Meet Maggie! Maggie is a mixed breed that turned six months old today. We have been working on basic obedience, recall, place, confidence building and jumping. She's come a long way in the past couple months and I'm very happy with the progress she's made! She's a smart, happy little puppy that's eager to please. Maggie is going to grow up into a great dog!
These two boys have had a hard start in life. Uno is on Dos is on . These boys are available to go home together or separately. Please share so we can get them into the homes they deserve!
Corncob again! He is still a young boy, only around 9 months old! Let's help get him into a forever home!
🌽
Why is this sweet boy still here?!?!
🌽Corncob🌽
Corncob was brought to us as a stray in February. He appeared to be healthy upon arrival and was only around 5 months old. He is such a sweet boy and just wants someone to play with him! Corncob has done well with the dogs we have introduced to him and he loves playing outside in our runs! He is extremely smart and would make a great companion for just about anyone.
Corncob has been neutered, he has been vaccinated and is all ready to go into his new home! If interested, give us a call at 218-237-7100 or email our dog manager at [email protected]!
Black Jack is one of the cats on my team for the Headwaters Animal Shelter ! He does well with dogs and is very friendly! Stop in and see if he'd make a good fit for you!
🃏 Black Jack🃏
Black Jack is a 2 year old, all black DSH. He is an extremely friendly, affectionate, and active male! He did well with one of the staff’s dogs, in-fact, he just snuggled right up to it. Unfortunately, Black Jack requires an only cat home as he tends to be a “bully.” He is currently located in our kitten room and he does well with the 12 week old kittens in the room.
Black Jack has quite the personality and is always excited to greet individuals as they come in the room. If interested in Black Jack, give us a call at 218-237-7100 or email our cat manager at [email protected]! 🐾
Look at this blue eyed beauty! 🤩 meet Frenie! Frenie was recently adopted at three years old after being moved around in foster care for quite awhile. She has crate and general anxiety and does not recall off leash. Her mom needed a couple refreshers after not having a new dog in about 15 years. I got her set up for success and am confident she will do great! I can't wait to hear how Frenie is doing as the summer progresses!
Contact me today to get this spot! June 12 after 5:00. Exact time determined on location.
Willow has been adopted!! Congrats!
Congratulations Willow and adopters! We are so excited for your new adventure! 🐾
June 11th has been filled.
I still have this spot available! I also have a spot available in Longville or Walker on the 12th.
Opening filled!
Opening June 11th! Please contact me asap for more info!
Another pup on my team! Please share so we can help get her adopted!
💐Kira💐
Sweet, sweet, Kira is a 3 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Kira has such a gentle personality with some excited, race-car like “zoomies!” She does take some time to warm up to people, but she once she does she is very loyal and bonded to her handler. We have tried to introduce Kira to other dogs, but she enjoys invading their space by hu***ng them. Our meet and greets have been so far unsuccessful. An only dog home would be optimal for her, but may do well with a quiet companion.
Kira has quickly become a staff favorite because of her cheeky personality. However, meet and greets tend to be difficult with Kira due to her being timid and very shy. If you are willing to meet Kira and allow her to open up in her own time, she will quickly become your new best friend!
Kira is spayed, fully up to date on shots, and ready to go into her new 🏠! If interested, send our dog manager an email at [email protected] or give her a call at 218-237-7100!
Walker, MN
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It rained alll day yesterday and Dex doesn't like thunder so we did some indoor fitness. This is lateral movement that uses muscles he doesn't normally use. He's had reoccurring issues with his shoulder and hip, so things like this help. If you have an active dog, keeping them in shape is key. Running and hard charging activities are great, until they get injured from overdoing it. Stretching and other mobility movements are great to keep them in top shape.
Working on reverse for rally. We're are very rusty on this! When he backs up, he wants to turn out to the left, which is not unusual because he wants to do that when heeling too. I think because he wants to be able to see my face. Reverse can be used in UKC levels three and master. I'm hoping to start on his master title this year.
A little bit of field training this past week. The birds weren't flying well, so he got a couple traps. His retrieve will forever need work.
A nice retrieve of an antler tonight. We still have a ways to go, but he gave me a couple good ones.
We had a field day at Pine Shadows yesterday. A great day with the Diamonds and Dogs and dog crew! #imnotshootinghim #englishspringerspaniel #huntingspaniel #huntingdog #birddog
Off leash heeling with a dog and a person ahead of us. The other dog always gets very excited to see another dog, so I want Dex at the very least appear calm. #heeling #dogtraining #englishspringerspaniel #dogtrainer #heel #offleash #offleashwalking
A couple low pressure retrieves with lots of praise and treats. Taking it slow with this and trying to keep it fun.
Running into the weekend! What will it bring?? #dogtraining #englishspringerspaniel #running #trainyourdog #offleashtraining #offleashlife
There's a weird owl on a stick. No idea why, it showed up yesterday. He spotted it and was totally weirded out by it. I'm not going to force him to get closer. I don't want him afraid of it, he'll figure it out. The only reason I was saying his name was because it was six in the morning and he was barking..🫠 Don't force your dog into what they think is a scary situation. You're not doing it any favors. #englishspringerspaniel #dogtraining #fearreaction #trainyourdog #dontforceit
Working on a new trick. This is actually something I started years ago, but it fell by the wayside. Let's see if I can follow through this time. Dex already knows the 'touch' command. So if I ask him to touch my hand with his nose, he will. Now I'm asking him to touch the glass with his nose. The goal right now is to have him hold his nose on the glass for more than a quick second. That's not the end goal however. The end goal remains to be seen!
Yard antler search. Need to go somewhere else to practice. I don't think he's appreciating the front yard too much. 😅
Remote sit. I typically use this at intersections and when a vehicle is coming. He was a little slow to respond here, I could have used e-collar pressure for a quicker response, but did not (it was 5:30 in the morning 😅). He's also supposed to sit until I release him, which he did not the first time. If there had been a car, I would have told him to sit again and more than likely reinforced with the e-collar. He knows the difference in scenarios- he'll sit on his own when he sees a car coming a lot of the time. Repetition and consistency got us to this point. It's not perfect, but it's functional.
Easy antler finds. Just wanted him to do a few retrieves. I'm also working on not rewarding after every retrieve. He's always looking for that treat after every retrieve. Giving treats on the course is a total time suck when it's a timed trial. The faster the better. My goal is just to reward him at the end. And I'll probably need to start using something better than kibble. 😅 🧀🧀🧀
Exercise is important for your dog (and you! 😉). If you have a high energy, working, or an adventure dog, make sure you vary the kind of exercise they get. If you walk your dog on leash, make sure they get some free running time. If they get a lot of free running time, try something like biking with your dog trotting, or running yourself with them on leash. Here Dex demos some good resistance training. He's been having some issues with his shoulder and hip, so I've been trying to vary the kind of workouts he gets. On leash runs, bike trotting and canicross hiking are some of the things I do with him. When the lake warms up, we'll add swimming. How do you keep your dog in shape for the sports you play?
He's already destroyed one of six 🦖. I couldn't resist this cute toy on Chewy. There are no rules with toys like this, so long as he isn't eating the pieces. Remember to have fun with your dogs too. Playing with them helps build your bond. 🤗
Favorite online dog training classes - where do you go for these? Other than Fenzi, which I do use. Thanks!
Rally in a new place tonight. This was our second run through and he did pretty good! It's always good to take your dog to new places. This helps build up their confidence!
Doing a rally demo at a friend's obedience class tomorrow. Thought we should knock some rust off. He did ok, obedience is not his favorite thing. Sneak peak Angie's Grooming & Training 👀
A battle with thr tripod. 😅 #fail #dogtraining #shedhunting #englishspringerspaniel #doglife #camerafail
Recall training with Ember. This is really the first time I've worked on it with her. I say her name and come and pull her in with the long line. Once she realizes I have food, she doesn't want to leave me. 😂 Not exactly ideal, but I work with it. Curiosity gets the best of her. We'll work on this more in more distracting environments so she's less interested in the food. I won't be letting her off the long leash until she's consistently recalling when asked. Ember is available for adoption through the American Belgian Malinois Rescue. https://www.malinoisrescue.org/
