Mastermind K9

03/08/2024

Somehow, the skill that is one of the most critical for a dog to have to in order to live harmoniously with us humans, is the skill that so many trainers and owners have missed.

Instead of developing a comprehensively well rounded dog, with both an on and off-switch, we focus obsessively on action. More commands, more play, more exercise—as if all that action will train a dog how to actually relax and be calm when needed, and not just the for the fleeting moments when they’re tired.

Folks, action—motion, doing stuff—is wildly easy for dogs. Being calm and still, especially in the face of tempting distractions, is anything but. And yet, most continue to blindly drink in, and act upon the old, overly simplistic adage of “A tired dog is a good dog.” No, a tired dog is simply a temporarily tired dog, and unless you’ve taught them specifically how to be calm, still, and chill when needed, you’re simply creating an athlete who doesn’t have an off-switch, and who will only need more and more action to be “a good dog.”

You’re creating a motion j***y, and you and your dog will pay the price.

Instead, teach all the aspects and skills your dog—and you—need to enjoy life together. While it’s counterintuitive, training dogs to do nothing for extended periods of time while the world goes on around them is one of the least taught and least understood aspects of successful dog training. And to be clear, this isn’t encouraging folks to not train action-based work, or play and exercise their dogs—no—what it is encouraging is to BE SURE to teach the less obvious but incredibly valuable skill of stillness and calm on demand. It’s encouraging folks to see that often what doesn’t look like much, and won’t impress your friends or colleagues, is the thing you’ll likely most enjoy (need!) when calm, quiet, and peace is desired.

If you’re struggling, and you’re doing all the action, perhaps take a step back and honestly assess how much time and energy and focus you’ve put on training stillness. In my experience, it’s the the thing most often missed, and as I said above, least understood.

11/06/2024

07/06/2024

On June 6, 1944, Lance Cpl. Ken Bailey of the British 13th Parachute Battalion jumped out of a plane over Normandy. With him was his “paradog” named Bing. He was one of several K9s who would land in Normandy that day.

Today, 80 years later, on the anniversary of D Day we remember the heroes, both two- and four-legged and their sacrifices. We can never truly thank them enough for their valor.

18/05/2024

A police officer and his dog riding a motorcycle circa 1930.

04/05/2024

Distractions and proofing! while we can't anticipate everything we will ever encounter, if we can train through enough variables we teach our dogs to generalize the behavior.

22/04/2024

Respect the dog you have by finding the activity that is right for them. You will both be happier if you stop trying to force your square dog into the round activity.

12/04/2024

Dog training like most things has differing levels skill and experience. You can find lots of cheap trainers or you can save time and money, get results and avoid frustration by going to someone who gets results.

07/04/2024

The brave were rewarded with some verry happy pooches 😍🤩🥳

07/04/2024

A bit chilly but the brave had some very happy pups! Here are a few pics from today

18/03/2024

Come join us for our next intro session: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/t4K5mgRMFQQaFYXB/?mibextid=Nif5oz

14/03/2024

Such a nice memory 🤩 I have always had such amazing clients!

This came this morning and I had to share! So very proud!:
Here is Levi and I winning HIT at our Dane specialty last year
HIT trial picture after one class with you!

02/03/2024

This is a hot and hefty topic, but you know we keep it real around here… 🔥

The unfortunate truth is that, in many scenarios, this statement holds validity. Regardless of our dog's good behavior, the unpredictable nature of other dogs in the environment poses a risk to our pets.

A lack of understanding of canine body language is widespread, leaving numerous dogs feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and stressed in places like dog parks. These emotions can escalate and result in conflicts.

How do you choose to spend quality time with your dog, considering alternatives to the dog park?

06/08/2023

When owners put in the effort they are able to give their dogs the best life possible!

Training that is Fast, Fun, Easy and Effective!

09/07/2023

You have grass and a handful of kibble, you have a snuffle mat. Limit had a bit of a limp today so instead of our typical run we did snuffle in the grass instead.