We are good to go!
@miku_skypuppy
Birdy came to class today at Narrabundah and was a great help - or no help at all depending on how you look at it. 😄 She wasn't able to distract the other dogs at all, they were too into their people and everyone worked with lovely focus around each other, learning Middle and Down positions. Amazing progress and so good to see in just 4 weeks of class. 🙌🏽🔥
After everyone was gone, we did a little more work on our own. What I'm most pleased about is Birdy keeping her head in the game here despite the wind, which she finds challenging. I chose to work off leash, which is kinda dumb BUT paid off today. I'm careful about where I let her off lead because we're always just a random duck away from disaster. 😂 Good work Birds I'm proud of you. @miku_skypuppy
This little troublemaker got himself into a bit of mischief today! Styx, my teenage dirtbag, managed to get behind our hallway door when it was accidentally shut - my daughter didn’t realise he’d snuck into the bedroom (which is usually a dog-free zone!). He leather boots and, like any good dog, went to town on it. 😄
When I got home, the evidence was waiting for me. I was annoyed, but he didn’t get into trouble. Styx is a mix of terrier breeds, whippet, AND koolie - basically, he’s a bundle of energy in a tiny body. This week, I’ve been super busy and he’s had less activity than usual. He also missed his regular day out at @canine.culture.aus
A walk a day with my partner just isn’t cutting it for him, and it shows! After a quick 5-minute play session together, we both felt way better. A little meaningful play goes a long way, and hopefully, Styx will feel less inclined to chew any more shoes. 😂
#goplaywithyourdog #biologicalfulfillment @miku_skypuppy
Deebs has officially warmed up the Hoopers yard, and the course gets her paws-up of approval! 🐾 @canberradoghub
I’m curious to see how the dogs tackle Week 2! 🐕 If last night's superstars was any indication they are going to ace it!!
#caninehoopers
Want to know secret to dog training? Spoiler alert: it’s not a secret at all! The real deal is PLAY!
Got a new puppy? Play.
Need to boost confidence? Play.
Want your dog to focus on you? Play.
Come back when called? Play.
Feeling overwhelmed by a high-energy breed? Play, play, play!
Dealing with reactivity? You guessed it. Stop walking around at 5 am, go play with your dog!
Find what motivates your pup and turn it into a game. Put it on a start and finish cue and play for 5 minutes every damn day.
Possible side effects are increased health, a better relationship and a happier, calmer dog. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Halloween can be tough for dogs because of the excitement and noise from trick-or-treating. I mean how weird are humans 😄
However, it's also a great opportunity to test your social responsibility skills around some pretty novel distractions. Last night, Watson and I took on that challenge, and I was amazed at how well he handled it! He definitely got a pretty wicked treat after all his good choices! 🙌🏽
@messyc
Monday with Watson. I got some nice nail cutting done today! 🙌🏽
Watson does not like having his nails cut. So we've been working on it.
Last weekend, I worked on social responsibility (SR) skills with my dog @miku_skypuppy. In hindsight, the session went a bit long, but Miku stayed engaged the entire time, which is always my main goal.
I love training SR in public spaces. A common challenge I see is people struggling to apply what they’ve learned in class to real-life settings. SR is all about making obedience functional - and it starts with FUN! (See what I did there 😊)
Today's session with Watson. We were playing around with down stays, recall to front and treat pouch mugging 😊
For me, dog training is something we do together—it’s not just a means to an end. I see a lot of people trying to stop their dogs from displaying perfectly normal behaviors. In most cases, there's no need to stop them—instead, engage with your dog and do something!
Just like going to the gym builds your strength, regular training helps your dog become mentally and physically strong. Yes, you can teach useful behaviors, but if your dog isn't engaged and excited to train, you're missing out on the fun!
Training just to have a 'good dog' has never been my jam. My motivation is to challenge the dog, teach them to use their brain, to build confidence and a real sense of agency. A calm, socially responsible companion is just a bonus really.
Anyway, here’s a 9-minute video that only Watson's mum will probably watch 😊, inspired by @outdoor_paws_act awesome real-time training reels. #keepingitreal
Very best boy Watson knows baby ducks are not for chomping. Which is quite refreshing honestly #iykyk
This turned into an impromptu front session. I do wonder sometimes if my phone becomes a cue to pay attention to me! 😄
