Small white puppy standing in green grass

Ping Pong Pattern Game

Similar to the up down game, ping pong is a pattern game that allows your dog to take in the environment in a structured way. The difference between the two games is that ping pong is active and uses a predictable motion while up/down is a stationary exercise. For some Read More

Dog holding a massive stick

Introducing a Grooming Tool

Every dog at some point in their life will need to be groomed. It’s important to get them comfortable with the tools you’ll be using for both you and your dog. How to Introduce: Note: You can use this same process for any handling exercises you need to do with Read More

Pet CPR

Touch

‘Touch’ is a behavior that cues our dogs to touch our hand with their nose. Touch has several practical applications such as moving your dog somewhere new (for example off the couch), helping orient your dog towards you, or bring their focus back on you. By learning touch, your dog will Read More

Following a Treat Toss

A super useful skill to teach your dog is how to follow a treat toss. It sounds simple but some dogs have a tough time understanding what it is that we want them to do when we toss a treat (and/or how to find it). Having a dog that is Read More

Swimming Dog

Neutral Position

In order to help our dogs learn there are a few things that we as handlers need to keep in mind so we’re able to make sure that our training sessions remain successful and run smoother. The best way to hold your hands when training your dog is in a Read More

Introduction to Clicker Training

Clicker training is a form of marker training. Marker training is where you MARK the behavior you like and reward it to increase the possibility of it happening again in the future!  Marker training is one of the most effective ways to train your dog. There are different ways you Read More

Cocker Spaniel sitting on a fence

Managing Your Leash, Clicker, Treats, and Dog

Leash. Treats. Clicker. Dog. That can be a lot to handle all at once! This homework teaches you how you can manage them all by following Kim’s tips for which hand to use and how to hold each. Following these instructions will make holding your tools easier and help the Read More

The 1-2-3 Game

The 1-2-3 Game is a super fun pattern game that we use to help with many things including loose leash walking. How to Play:  Starting in a stationary position say “3” and give your dog a treat.  Once they start anticipating that treat when you say 3, that’s when you Read More

Voluntary 1-2-3

The voluntary version of 1-2-3 is a next step for your dog after they have mastered the 1-2-3 pattern. In this version of the 1-2-3 game your dog communicates with you when they want to move forward. Thus, the voluntary version puts the decision for progress forward to either stop Read More

How to Pet Your Pup

We recommend using the 3 Second Game as a way to pet your pup. This is a method for engaging with our dog that helps us to understand what they’re comfortable with. It allows your dog to communicate with you their feelings on the interaction. This builds trust between you Read More

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