Fun fact- #clickertraining works with many animals, not just dogs! In this video, Katherine (the human) is training Bianca (the chicken) to target the xylophone. Bianca’s reinforcer of choice is mealworms, though, and most dogs would probably pass on that! #clickertrainingchickens #dogtraining#dogtrainingnc #chickensofinstagram
So you've heard that repetitive fetch is not the best form of daily exercise for your dog, but what lower arousal, lower impact alternatives are there? Try teaching a send-out!
Even during our infrequent retrieve sessions, I start with some directional work and/or heeling, warming up the dogs' bodies from a place of mental clarity and optimal arousal.
What fetch alternative games do you play for mentally stimulating exercise?
Abbey loves to forage! This exciting game engages your dog's mind and body in a low-impact, arousal-regulating activity that fosters environmental confidence and a healthy working relationship with you!
#OdeToJoy #OdeToJoyAbbey #scentwork #morelmushrooms #foragingdog #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspaniel
Searching for food is an easy game to teach and a fun way to connect with your dog in distracting settings.
#dogtrainingforreallife #scentwork #canineenrichment #salmysharenbergbebop #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspaniel
Sheldon refining his indication on morel mushrooms! Engaging his seeking system helps Sheldon to set aside mild environmental worries, building confidence and resilience.
#dogtrainingforreallife #foragingdog #mushroomforaging #scentwork #nosework #canineenrichment
Abbey's first session of fixating on morel mushrooms that she has to find first! Recreational scent work is a great form of mental and physical stimulation for any dog, any place.
#dogtrainingforreallife #foragingdog #mushroomforaging #scentwork #nosework #canineenrichment
Jet and Bebop enjoy some Christmas Eve disc play!
#fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspaniel #harenbergsfirstinflight #salmysharenbergbebop
Don't forget to use structured play as a valuable reward! Here, Molly's beautiful "down" position is marked by the cue to "chase" her Kyjen flirt pole toy.
Bebop demonstrates how useful it can be to have a strong ambidextrous heel. He is also showing off his ability to generalize basic tasks (e.g. a paw target) in a new context!
#dogtrainingforreallife
Handler training is even more important than dog training!
Students sometimes wonder what we DO teach when we say that we let puppies be puppies instead of focusing on obedience training. This is a typical puppy training session for us: Sheldon and Dizzy are learning that it's safe to explore weird surfaces moving under their feet (a life concept), but just as importantly, they are practising the critical life skills of entry/exit kennel manners and waiting their turns (building frustration threshold and tolerance, more life concepts).
#adopteddog #muttsofinstagram #goldenmix #narvinsimonfijitime #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #gundog #workingdog #purebreddog #purposebreddog #puppydevelopment #puppyschool #puppytraining
Heeling is as as much about developing muscle memory as it is about training dogs! Baby gundogs, 7 month old Dizzy and 12 month old Dala, demonstrate my favourite beginner drill for developing strong muscle memory for a functional heel position. This is their first session (and Dizzy's first session on any heeling foundation game!). The #catoplank from @catooutdoors encourages close, straight positioning with a tight tucked sit, allowing Dizzy to build muscle memory and positive associations before formal heelwork training, and tuning up Dala's positioning.
#therightbreedofgundogisoneofeach #bredtobebiddable #gundog #babygundog #puppiesofinstagram #fieldlab #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #FBESS #purposebred #workingbred #fieldbred #heelwork #friendsfurever #dogtraining #meglynretrievers #springersofnarvin
Cookie Steadiness & Searching 101
Charlie is learning to ask for a treat toss by sitting when he is shown a treat and remaining steadily in that position until sent to find it. Sniffing is an excellent arousal-regulating activity for all dogs but especially for anxious or reactive dogs, as well as adolescents who just need help learning to settle.
#caninearousalregulation #cookiesteadiness #canineenrichment #dogtraining #dogtrainingforreallife
Learning never stops! Prospective clients often ask how long it will take for their dogs to become "fully trained", but the reality is that most dogs thrive on a lifetime of mental challenge and the relationship that develops when a dog and owner learn new skills together. For many dog-and-handler teams, it helps to pick at least 1-2 tricks or skills that have seemingly no direct bearing on obedience manners. This is where your working relationship will develop, and from there, it will carry over to manners.
What trick do YOU want to see taught?
#dogtrainingshouldbefun #harenbergsfirstinflight #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #FBESS #dogtraining #dogtrainingforreallife
It's never too early to learn that passing other dogs pays!
@softpuppywarmpuppy.sheldon #adopteddog #rescueddog #shelterdog #mutt #muttsofinstagram#goldenmix #harenbergsfirstinflight #fieldbredenglishspringerspaniel #FBESS #neutraldog