Boxes, bags, egg cartons and paper would normally wind up in the trash. You can use these disposal items to make homemade puzzle toys for your dogs. This is the first video from my series on "Puzzling", a concept introduced by the extraordinary trainer Sarah...
Establishing a good hold with your dumbbell is an important foundation exercise for Competition Obedience. This method enables the dog to understand the hold by shaping the "Chin Rest". The "hold" now allows your dog to make the right choice and understand the...
This is a wonderful way to teach a dog that is overly friendly, sensitive, shy or cautious of strangers. It gives them something to do while a judge in doing the Stand for Exam in Novice and Utility. It makes the action of the approach predictable and reliable....
Using props to teach fronts is a wonderful way to help your dog understand exactly what they need to do. Use the props than fade them is the key to success.
"Statics" created by Kamal Fernadez refers to teaching a dog Heel position with attention in a stand. A sustained hand touch is used to keep the dogs head up in position. This will become a powerful aid to the dog as you teach heelwork....
Adjusting a crooked front before it happens can be very useful. This technique requires no props. Just you and your dog. It will help your dog to learn how to adjust his body before coming into a sit front. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzSvj0zgk40
Teaching your dog to get on a perch. Perches are used for rear end awareness and teaching heel positon.
Having the right type of rewards will help you get the most out of your training. On this video, I talk about food rewards and the different levels and types to use. https://youtu.be/A7kgqelBqc8
Having a solid stay is essential to having a well trained dog. On this video, I discuss the foundation of "Stay". It is important to take your time and be patient with your dog or puppy. The "Stay" is saying freeze. I would only use this cue if I wanted the dog to...
Learning to "Shape" a behavior with a clicker is a great way to expand your training toolbox. By allowing your dog to offer behaviors and make correct choices creates confidence and commitment to their training. This video will help give you the foundation techniques...
This is the beginning game that we will use for teaching our dogs to get a firm hold on an object. This will be transferred to the dumbbell in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8kFYalGhy4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KT03Pg8D7M
Now that your dog is walking on a loose leash how can you add physical cues? These cues will help the dog understand where you are going and how they should follow you. Foot cues are a way to standardize the help we give our dogs when heeling in competition obedience or just out for a walk. Being consistent and mindful of what you do with your body will help your dog be better on the leash and off the leash.
Rick's Canine Workshop offers both group and private lessons on manners, behavior, agility, obedience, and more.
Private lessons can be arranged at one of our facilities or your home.
Each program is individually tailored to meet the needs of each owner and dog team. Rick uses positive training techniques in all of his programs for pet ownership and competition.