The Artful Dog Trainer

14/08/2024

I love seeing so many more freestyle performances on AGT!

Is this something you’re interested in trying with your dog? Send me a message!

10/08/2024

We just received our results from the recent video competition we participated in. I entered Kyber in Rally-FrEe for the first time without actually planning on submitting his run. But he did a lot better than I expected on video day and he still did a lot better than I expected even now. He took 1st place with a score of 173. Not bad for a first time!

His lack of understanding of positions, inability to bow, and the fact that he still can't spin on a verbal cue hurt us but it doesn't have to be perfect to give it a try. Plus we had fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h_cIy5g9ps

Music: "Baby One More Time"Artist: Jack Black

06/08/2024

I don’t usually get into the Olympics like I used to as a kid. (I had a Grant Hill basketball jersey in 1996!) But this year, I have. I think it’s because there’s been so much joy and everyone seems so supportive. Of their teammates AND their competition. And I am 100% here for that. It’s one of the things that has drawn me to freestyle. Everyone has something good to say no matter how poorly you think you might have done.

Maybe you’re tired of the “should’ve done this” people in dog sports. Maybe freestyle’s supportive nature is exactly what you need. Let’s talk. I can help you get there.

01/08/2024

Today begins "Doggust" and the Olympics are in full swing!

In honor of both, if your dog were entered in a summer Olympic event, which would it be?

Kyber would clearly kick some serious ass in the 100 meter dash.

(Image is a photograph of a black dog running super fast towards the camera. His teeth are showing in a goofy grin as his tongue flaps outside of his mouth.)

31/07/2024

Are you looking for training ideas or tips? Did you know I have a Patreon where you can watch my training sessions for just $5/month!?

Join here: http://www.patreon.com/theartfuldogtrainer

29/07/2024

Perfection is the enemy of success. I wasn't sure Kyber had the skills yet to attempt a Rally-FrEe run but we gave it a go this weekend. It's for a video competition so I won't have the results for a while but I was so impressed with how well he did. There's still room for improvement but what a nice start for my up-and-coming star!

26/07/2024

The Olympics start today! What's your favorite sport to watch? Kyber here is practicing his long jump and, tbh, the boy would rule at track and field!

(Image is a photograph of a black dog with pointed ears jumping over a long, broad jump in the green grass. He is looking at the viewer and panting slightly.)

15/07/2024

18 years ago today, I brought home a dog who changed my life in so many ways.

It's almost impossible to list the myriad ways she improved my life. She was so much my mirror. She lead me into dog training. She improved how I interacted with dogs and people in the world. She taught me so many hard but important lessons. I owe her more than I could ever repay.

I miss her. She's popped into my mind so much lately with little reminders of lessons and loss. I work hard to maintain her legacy with my current pair of dogs and the students I am fortunate enough to teach.

It's amazing how two lives can intertwine and make such an impact on each other.

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But, because I knew you, I have been changed for good." (Line from the musical, "Wicked.")

(Image is a photo of a slightly greying black dog seated in front of white wall. She is wearing an orange and yellow bandanna with her name on it in blue: "Risa.")

04/07/2024

Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy celebrating our democracy today and every day. Be safe. Have fun!

(Image is a photo of a black dog with pointed ears leaping into the air to catch a red, white, and blue frisbee.)

29/06/2024

There are some studies that have proven this but, honestly, I'll accept my own anecdotal evidence in this case.

22/06/2024

Sorry things have been a bit quiet around here. I've been focusing on some agility training with Kyber as he had a competition last weekend. He did AMAZING and I'm so proud of how far he's come and how quickly!

What have you all been up to with your dogs?

Don't forget, I'm still running a special this month in honor of Pride! $25 off any session or lesson package. Send me a DM or email me at [email protected] to schedule it!

(Image is a photo of a young woman who is wearing a charcoal grey t-shirt and navy blue windpants. She is smiling and running forward with her head turned back towards her dog. Her dog is a black, prick-eared dog who is sailing over a green agility jump.)

20/06/2024

Happy 8th Birthday to my favorite fuzzy noodle man, Kyu!

(Image is a photo of a lightly-coated fawn sighthound dog looking up at his person while resting his paw on her hand. The image is shot tightly so that only the upper body of the dog and the owner’s forearm and hand are visible.)

12/06/2024

Super smooth moves with some spectacular speed and precision! I love seeing freestyle routines getting a wider audience. Incredible performance!

If you think this is something you’d be interested in trying with your dog, I would love to hear from you! Drop me a message and let’s discuss how I can help get you started.

08/06/2024

A little blast from the past! My recap from a rally trial with Risa 11 years ago:

“We got paid the NICEST compliment today after our run. A woman (from Excellent B ) told me I had the happiest dog and that she loved to see a dog out there having a great time over one who was very precise. That absolutely made my day and warmed my heart to get such an incredible compliment. It also helped remind me that Risa DOES love rally. She just loves doing things with me. It may not have been a very pretty run but Risa enjoyed herself. :)”

That’s still the most important part to me. The joy of doing a thing together.

(Image is a photo of a greying black dog in a metal crate with the door open. There’s a green plush toy in front of her and, to her left, a red rosette with a green qualifying ribbon on it. The dog is smiling at the viewer.)

07/06/2024

Happy National Donut Day! The day when I decide between getting a delicious, sugary treat for myself or get the kind I can share. 🤣

FWIW, I do like the Old Fashioned donuts anyway.

(Image is a photo of two dogs in a kitchen. There is a plain donut in the foreground being held by the photographer. Both dogs are looking at the donut expectantly. 😋)

05/06/2024

05/06/2024

A little fun freestyle noodle from my childhood.

Competition is great but sometimes just goofing off and enjoying some fun with your dog is even better.

03/06/2024

Feeling down? Feeling stuck? Seeking freestyle inspiration or training tips? Don't forget I have a Patreon where you can view and ask questions on training videos of me working with my dogs. For a measly $5/month, you can't go wrong!

http://www.patreon.com/theartfuldogtrainer

(Image is a photo of a woman walking slumped over. Her hair is drooping over her face and her arms hang limply at her sides. Along her left side is a black dog with pointy ears who is wearing a shirt collar and a bow tie.)

02/06/2024

Well-trained dogs make life easier outside of sports, too. I love taking my guys with me to pet friendly stores. And we love to shop small whenever we can!

(Image is a photograph of a fawn, lightly-coated sighthound standing in front of a shelf of various art papers and supplies. He is smiling at the viewer.)

01/06/2024

Happy Pride Month!

To celebrate, take $25 off any lesson or package the entire month!

(Image is a photograph of two dogs sitting in the grass in front of a wooden fence. The dog on the left is black with pointy ears and is wearing a rainbow collar with guinea pig unicorns on it. The dog on the right is a lightly-coated fawn sighthound wearing a collar with rainbows on it and green trim. He has a flag sticking out of the collar comprised of four colored bars: purple, white, grey, and black.)

31/05/2024

How did you get into the dog world?

I got involved immediately with my first dog. I already knew I wanted to do dog sports with her long before I'd even started looking for her!

(Image is a photograph of a slightly greying black dog. The image is taken at an extreme close up so only her face is visible against a bright, blue sky.)

29/05/2024

If the only criteria you met in a training session was JOY then it was a successful session!

(Image is a photograph of a young woman standing upright in front of her lightly-coated sighthound. She is dressed as if to go hiking with a green backpack on her back, a blue t-shirt with a mountain scene on it, dark pants, and hiking boots. Her dog is wearing a green and blue collar and is jumping up gleefully at her. The same text written above is included on the image.)

28/05/2024

Don't forget! Video consultations are only $25 this May and time is running out!

(Image is a photograph of a golden-colored dog with long hair and drop ears blissfully emptying the contents of a blue and white marbled Kong dog toy.)

27/05/2024

🇺🇸 Today, on Memorial Day, we stand in solemn remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. May their courage and dedication never be forgotten.

24/05/2024

What are your favorite sources when you're struggling with dog-related problems? Training or otherwise?

Share below! And don't forget to like and follow this page for more!

(Image is a photo of a black dog with pointy ears wearing an indigo-colored harness leaping over a fallen log in the woods.)

23/05/2024

Kyber finished his Novice title with a third place and I just got Kyu’s title certificate in the mail today. So proud of my talented teammates.

(Image is a photo of two RFE title certificates: one for Kyu—Chall MF/X and one for Kyber—MF/N. On the left side of the image is a white and purple third place rosette and there’s a purple qualifying ribbon on the right.)

23/05/2024

"Training Takes Time"

Have you watered your dog today?
(Also, because the world needed more Laekenois content)

22/05/2024

When I'm not training my dogs, I love photographing them. I never liked taking photos when I was a kid--nothing I photographed ever came out well! I had to take photography in college, however, and that's when I fell in love with it. I loved having full control over the camera's options and then further exerting control over the results in the darkroom. These days, I shoot digitally and edit in Lightroom but it is still something I really enjoy.

What are your favorite non-dog hobbies? Do you have a fun origin story with that chosen activity?

(Image is a photo of a lightly-coated, fawn-colored sighthound seated in the forest behind a log. Bright green plants surround him and accentuate the brown leaf litter on the ground.)

20/05/2024

**Check the Rules!!**

In most freestyle organizations, attire for dogs is clearly spelled out. It's usually a decorative collar or bandanna or wearing nothing at all. Full body costuming is generally not allowed.

(Image is a photo of a lightly-coated fawn-colored sighthound circling a prop during a freestyle performance. The prop is a trail marker sign like one would see while hiking and says "Nine Trails" on the sign. Fake vines are wrapped around the pole. The dog is wearing a green collar with foliage and foxes on it.)