29/08/2024
September classes are here! I have limited spots for each class, so snag yours while you can. Prices have also increased to $260, but classes will remain small. After September, classes will be on hold until January. 🐾
Telltail Dog Training
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- Telltail Dog Training
Compassionate, communication-focused training offered in the Little Rock area.
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27/08/2024
Meet Baxter! He was giving his person a run for their money with how chompy he was. Turns out he was pretty tired! Puppies can get shark-like out of nowhere for several reasons:
🐾 They need a nap!
🐾 They have to go potty!
🐾 They are hungry or thirsty!
When babies don’t know their own bodies very well and don’t know how to communicate very well, teeth can come in handy. 🐾
27/08/2024
Anyone else got those “upside down beetle” dogs?
23/08/2024
Do you see how she tucks herself in? Very demure. Very mindful.
19/08/2024
The branding for Telltail at the Vale is done, and I am obsessed! I've included the main logo and new social media announcement for the Open House below. If you're free, please come on Saturday at 1 pm to the Telltail at the Vale Open House!
18/08/2024
Violet and Buddy. A couple of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever met. 🐾
18/08/2024
Huck has hit the forever home lottery.
18/08/2024
This is Sophie. She is a princess. That is all. 🐾
16/08/2024
Moxie and Millie just get better and better every single week. 🐾
16/08/2024
Settle work with a giant puppy. Penni has a lot of energy, so we started our session with polite greetings (all four on the ground, sits). Then we worked on taking turns (with four dogs this can be tricky, so I love the name game to help). Then she put herself into a down, which I reinforced quite a bit and then slowed down. As I slowed down the reinforcement, she realized she was tired, and then I got to witness this progression of head down, laying on side, and then finally, laying down on her bed. 🐾
16/08/2024
I learned yesterday that one of Sammy’s signs of affection is just resting his nose against you. I was petting his leg and he went SMOOSH. 🐾
15/08/2024
I saw try this and while I don’t normally jump on trends, I had to give this one a shot. Hilarious and accurate.
06/08/2024
Love this! Dogs disobey for so many reasons, including not feeling well. Jeeves would get burrs in his paws and stop walking -- all without whimpering or whining at all. If I forced him, I'd be putting him in more pain. Dogs say "no" for many, many good reasons. (And if a trainer is forcing them to say "yes" all the time regardless of circumstances, that's a big red flag).
“Intelligent Disobedience” — Our blog village talks this week about dogs who don’t do what we say, and why we’re grateful for it!
I’ll bet you have your own examples! Read on: https://bit.ly/3WD8eAm
25/07/2024
Couple of reminders from what I’m seeing floating around:
- AKC labels are for evaluator privileges. It is not a certification. Folks are AKC Evaluators, not AKC Certified.
- Dog trainers bragging about being bit multiple times are not handling dogs properly. Bites should be extremely rare, especially for a dog professional.
- Dogs don’t need to be outstubborned. They need to be listened to. Forcing a dog to do something it doesn’t want to do can be overlooking a serious issue like burned paw pads, burrs, cancer or tumors, or spine or hip issues.
08/07/2024
I'm in a little bit of a limbo right now with my business as I'm in talks for a business partnership that includes a facility. It's a big step, and I have to make sure it's viable, but so far, so good.
Learning about this process, along with hearing about the history of the facility was a really eye-opening experience, because it reminded me of how we don't see the resources that other people have. It looks like some people can just step into a space and announce themselves and they are instantly successful, but there's always so much more going on behind the scenes that we just don't get to see.
I built Telltail Dog Training with no resources, just working on strong relationships with really wonderful people like Marlow Ball-Williams and April Leitzsch, who have continued to work with me on things and move forward.
I've been wondering about the next step for awhile, and I got a random text on a Tuesday that offered a possibility.
I'll share more as the details are finalized, but for now, here are my July workshops that start this week. There will be big changes in August - September, but for now, we get to take a couple of weeks and learn some things. I have some limited spots left, so email me at [email protected] if you're around this summer and want to get some training in.
06/06/2024
Telltail Dog Training is offering shorter classes and workshops for the summer session. This time of year, a lot of folks are traveling, so I wanted to offer options that can fit around travel plans.
With this round, there will be no opportunity to make up class outside of scheduled class time, so please bring someone else if you can, who can take over if needed.
Email Elizabeth at [email protected] or [email protected] to let me know which class you’d like. Something to keep in mind with shorter class sessions and workshops is that progress may be harder to track, as a longer six-week class really showcases how much dogs learn and grow. There will be a lot of valuable skills to absorb, regardless.
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Summer Workshop Descriptions
The Puppy Paws Bootcamp is two or three weeks of play, socialization, training, and tackling common puppy issues. This is ideal for puppies about four months and younger, but please email about exceptions for slightly older puppies. Four spots available. $75 for two weeks and $115 for three weeks.
The Trick Training Workshop is two or three weeks of trick training, building confidence and communication via fun tricks. This workshop is ideal for dogs who have already taken a class. Four spots available. $75 for two weeks or $115 for three weeks.
The Leash Manners Bootcamp is three weeks of leash training. This class takes place indoors. This class is best for dogs who have already started leash manners, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. (This is not the class for reactivity.) Four spots available. $115.
The Attention, Please Bootcamp is three weeks of getting your dog’s attention. This is for the anxious or distracted dogs. We will use examine issues and use fun games to help build your dog’s communication with you. Four spots available. $115.
The Foundations Workshop is two or three weeks of building the basics needed to train with your dog, including a marker word, a release word, and how to effective use food in a way that doesn’t have you holding up a treat or shaking the treat jar. This is best for dogs with no previous formal training or those who need a bit of a touch up on current skills. Four spots available. $75 for two weeks or $115 for three weeks.
The Enrichment Event is a one-off class that covers enrichment while building enrichment activities and helping you find the best enrichment options for your dog. This is a dog-free workshop. Ten spots available. $50.
The Let’s Settle Workshop is developed around helped your dog calm down and relax after all of their needs are met. These are the cues for watching television, eating meals, and going out to eat. We also work on redirection and working through distractions. Four spots available. $115.
The Foundations II Workshop builds on all of the essentials for dog training and adds in additional cues. Four spots available. $115.
The Leash Manners II Workshop advances leash skills and adds in additional distractions and challenges, like walking by other dogs. Four spots available. $115.
Six-week classes will be back in September, with registration opening in early August. Please email info@telltaildog training to be included on the list to be notified first when registration opens.
03/06/2024
The last time I met River (left), she had such extreme fear that she couldn’t approach me or eat treats, and she kept her distance in another room barking at me the entire time. I didn’t see her for awhile, and her vet ended up recommending medication. The difference has been extreme — she stopped barking at me quickly, she approached, she took treats from my hand, and she let me work her.
It can be frustrating to see folks criticize medication, and while I absolutely agree medication shouldn’t be a first resort and it should be incorporated into a solid behavior plan, medication can also make life just a bit more bearable for a dog having a hard time.
Please note: Medications should only be prescribed by a qualified veterinary medical professional. 🐾
05/03/2024
One of my favorite things out getting new clients is learning their dogs' names.
SNOOP?? TWIX?? IKORA?? SCOOTER??
Amazing. 100/10. No notes.
29/02/2024
We would love to hear what you wish you'd known before bringing home a puppy or a rescue! Did you learn more about socialization? How to introduce dogs properly? That maybe the high energy dog you got for jogging turned out to be a bit too much? Sound off in the comments!
23/02/2024
Registration for March is OPEN! I have 4-6 spots across two locations and nine class opportunities. We were able to work with Bow Wow and Meow Bakery last round, and this time, we're working with Hillcrest Dog Spot!
The Dog Spot is one of my preferred recommendations for doggy daycare due to the small batch focus.
(We may alternate between the two locations, so let us know what locations work best for you.)
You must sign up at the Dog Spot's website (hillcrestdogspot.com) for Tuesday's classes, or email info@telltaildogtraining to sign up for Wednesdays and Saturdays.
23/02/2024
Looking forward to this! Hillcrest Dog Spot is one of my preferred recs for doggy daycare needs due to the small batch, personalized focus.
We are THRILLED to announce 🥁🥁🥁🥁
✨Telltail Dog Training✨ will be joining us for several weeks with a series of classes that you do not want to miss!!! 😍😍😍😍
Get a jump start on sign up TODAY!!
Go to my website www.hillcrestdogspot.com click register today, create a profile and upload vaccination records! 🐾🦴
08/02/2024
The power of cooperative care! No forcing required. We can do this with our dogs, too.
24/01/2024
If you were thinking about taking Puppy Kindergarten, but missed the deadline, I have good news! I have two spots left and the class will start on January 28 instead. Email [email protected] or comment below with any questions.
14/01/2024
Love this idea!
12/01/2024
Reminder that classes are coming up soon! I added a 10:30 am level 1 to Saturdays. Maumelle is almost full. Wednesday has a bunch of spots left. Come have fun with your pup!
09/01/2024
Group class registration is open! I have two locations (possibly may be three next round!), three days, and ten classes. I don't expect all of them to make (I need at least three per class), but they might!
Check out telltaildogtraining.com/group-classes for the schedule, and email [email protected] to register or for more information.
I'm also always open to day requests or class requests!
08/01/2024
I don't tend to care about awards or rankings because at the end of the day, my clients' perspectives of our work together are the most important part of what I do.
However, getting recognized is still fun! I have the top spot for CommunityVotes as the Platinum winner (more important than gold!), and I've been recognized as the top positive reinforcement trainer in Arkansas by Sniffspot for 2022 and 2023.
I started working full-time with Telltail Dog Training 3.5 years ago not thinking that it would become anything of significance. It felt like it could end at any time. It felt important to me - that I could do what I loved, but it felt intangible in a lot of ways, that it could slip away at a moment's notice (and it probably still could, it just wouldn't as easy now).
And every year, it grows. Every day, I get recommended by my clients to their friends and family and neighbors.
Every day, I get to do what I love, and I get to meet the coolest people and the most awesome dogs. I don't take it for granted.
Here's to building better systems in 2024, which includes getting a software for client management and marketing and classes. Here's to more classes and private lessons and puppies and misunderstood dogs.
Thank you to everyone for being here, for referring to me, for voting for me, and just for supporting what I do.
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Videos
Gwen: "Do you want to go to dog school and see Miss Elizabeth?" Poochie: "Right NOW?? Yes, please!"
Cocoa is a high energy, young Labrador, and one of the things I love to work on with a dog like her is capturing good behaviors, particularly settling. This should be done after exercise and enrichment, but also can just be captured throughout the day. I sat on the couch and waiting for her to do something I wanted to see more of (sit or down is usually a good place to start). Then I captured with “yes” and dropped a treat. Rinse and repeat. 🐾 Video description: POV of a chocolate Labrador, peering from couch as she offers down on the wood floor. #CocoaTrainingWalk #LittleRockTrainingWalk #LittleRock #Arkansas #TelltailDog #LittleRockDogTrainer #LittleRockDogTraining #TelltailDogTraining #TrainingWalk #PositiveReinforcement #TrainYourDog #CentralArkasnas #NorthLittleRock #MaumelleArkansas #SherwoodArkansas #LittleRockArkansas
Moxie struggles to stay in down on place, so we’re working on duration, my timing of the reinforcer and where she is on the blanket. Video description: A person works with a pibble in a living room, using a blanket as place.
Cuddles with Neko at SoMa Animal Clinic are my favorite.
I’ve been getting creative with my level 3 pups, and for our last class round, we hit up some dog friendly establishments that included Lowe’s, Home Goods, Stone’s Throw Brewery, and Petco to work on place, leash manners, and engagement and redirection. Boomer, Penny, and Franklin all did awesome. Video description: The camera pans over three dogs on towels in a retail store. They are two tan doodles and a dachshund.
Practicing some off leash leash manners with miss Lily. 🐾 Video description: A person walks outside with grey French Bulldog.
I love a verbal u-turn cue for a lot of reasons. It’s helpful for dog that’s pulling or who gets too far ahead. It’s also great for dogs with triggers. Or just because. 🐾 Video description: A large black dog in a blue harness and leash responds quickly to a verbal “this way” cue.
We’re working on fading out reinforcers for Koa and seeing how many steps we can get in while he keeps formation. This was super hard for him, so we may increase the rate of reinforcement slightly next time, but he did awesome. 🐾 Video description: A person walks outside with a tan Pomeranian, practicing leash manners.
We worked on some of Koa’s tricks in his most recent session as well, building out his “sit pretty” to continue without a lure and working on ab strength to hold it, along with his “stand” and “bow” cues. 🐾 Video description: A person trains with a tan Pomeranian on a blue couch.
Abby and Kate crashed my training session with Ellie and I was delighted because they have been pretty standoffish with me previously, especially Kate. She would get on her bed and completely ignore me, even if I tossed treats. And now she was ready to work and seemed completely comfortable with me, including enough to get right on my lap. 🐾 Video description: A person sitting on a couch works with a white poodle mix before getting interrupted by two grey merle poodle mixes.
Koa has been having a hard time with his teeth brushing skills, so we took a step back and are working on mouth handling for now. He’s doing a lot better with this step than before. 🐾 Video description: A person on a couch sits with a tan Pomeranian. They work on touching and treating at the same time to be able to brush his teeth.
Jessie and I worked on advancing her stay with turns and distance. She had the hardest time when her girl came outside to watch, but recovered nicely. 🐾 Video description: A person works outside with a yellow lab on a long lead, asking her to stay, and incorporating turns and steps away. She breaks when a girl comes outside but resets. Later on, she is released with “thank you.”
Ellie has been super nervous about her leash, but this time, her sisters, Abby and Kate, joined in (both of whom have been very suspicious of me previously), and Ellie was not only okay with her leash this time, but we got some good walk practice in. 🐾 Video description: A person walks back and forth with a white poodle mix on a leash while two smaller gray merle poodle mixes walk around. Everyone gets reinforcement in treats and praise.
We worked on Koa’s stay for this session. We did a full three minutes, but I just took out a clip. He only truly broke his stay (getting down from the coach) once in the entire three minutes, which was incredible for this little guy. He would make a little noise when he was thinking of breaking, and that’s usually when he sat instead of down, so I still reinforced, since sit to down or down to sit isn’t a big deal here. 🐾 Video description: A tan Pomeranian on a blue couch is told by the person holding the camera to “stay”. They move out of sight and wait. They re enter the room and ask for a down and reinforce with a treat.
We found a pretty shaded, very large parking lot for this edition of Cleo and Loki Explore. There was lots of smells and interesting things, including a hollow tree stump that Loki jumped down into. I wasn’t sure of bugs and critters, as he startled, so I just asked him to get out and he obliged. 🐾 Video description: A white and black husky and white and tan lab mix in long lines and harnesses explore a parking lot.
Ellie has been nervous about her leash and collar, so we practice leash manners without the leash attached to her. I held it, rewarded her for coming with me, and gradually changed the shape of the leash. Then we worked on her allowing me to touch her collar and clip the leash (I clipping immediately). 🐾 Video description: A small white poodle mix walks with a person in a garage. Then the person sits and works with the poodle on her collar and leash.
I did some long line work with Jessie for her most recent session. I missed some check ins, so I’ll be more mindful of those next time. She could take any length of the leash she wanted, but she stuck pretty close, so I incorporated some “go sniff” and fun in with the leash manners and check ins. This is a great way to get out some zoomies as well when there’s no fence. 🐾 Video description: A person with a yellow lab on a long line trains leash manners and recall in a yard.
Working with Koa on his extended out of sight stay again for this session, but I didn’t speed it up. The reinforcers help me get out of sight and then increase duration. So enjoy this video of Koa quietly waiting on a couch. You’re welcome. 🐾 Video description: A tan Pomeranian lays on a blue couch for stay work as a person reinforces throughout.
Ellie struggles with new, unknown things. I accidentally dropped this poop bag and she NOPE’d on out of there. So we tried some different things: 🐾 Not forcing her to approach it, and rewarding every choice (to not approach, to approach, both get rewarded) 🐾 Rewarding even glances at the scary item 🐾 Allowing her distance and to approach on her own terms 🐾 Advancing only when she’s comfortable (ie, dropping the bag) Allowing her to have room and choice has helped her get more comfortable much more quickly with anything she’s nervous about. Video description: A white poodle mix explores a green bag and gets reinforced with treats for her choices.
There was a worker on the roof when Hamilton and I went outside, so I used him as a gentle distraction (something that’s different in the environment, but may not cause a reaction, which helps me advance with Hamilton without stressing him out). We started with our pattern games (up/down, ping/pong), then moved onto walking when Hamilton’s focus on me was good. 🐾 Video description: A person trains with a large black dog outside while a service worker makes some gentle noises off screen.
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