why compete in dog sports or competitions?

In one of my training groups there has been a lot of conversation on the importance of dog competitions. It was a heated topic for discussion to say the least, but it made me do a lot of thinking. 

Some said that they find competition boring, others that it is too “political”. The competitors say it makes you a better trainer, and so the conversation went. So…I proposed that those that compete in any type of dog sport, simply state what it has done for them. Then I started to pinpoint what it has done for ME and my dogs.

More Kate and Gin – Britain’s Got Talent – border collie canine freestyle

Here is one more of Kate and Gin. As I said in my last post, this dog just makes me want to go out and do more with my dog. I have seen lots of video footage of canine freestyle and I’m always impressed. Every time I see one these it’s a lot of fun. This gal looks good, I can hardly even see any cues! Hope you enjoy!

border collie freestyle – Kate and Gin

OK so this is one of two performances I could find with Kate and Gin on YouTube….I couldn’t resist posting this here. It made me want to go out and do something more with my dogs! I have been highly impressed by Canine Freestyle since the first video I ever saw of it, I just love the energy. I have 2 left feet, but boy, this is one that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Check out Gin’s sense of Rhythm!

Designer dog breeds

 

Cosette - picture by Kristi Chesley

 

 

What would I get if I crossed a maltese poodle mix with a papillon? Would that be a papimaltipoo? a maltipapipoo?What about a poopapimalt? Ok so this could start to border on the ridiculous in a hurry. But with the latest trend in designer dog breeds, I wouldn’t be surprised if the above suddenly were considered “rare and exotic” and a pup was sold for over a thousand of those hard earned dollars! Which would be sad, considering a well bred papillon from champion lines could cost that much at least!

How do I become a dog trainer?

Many people have approached me over the years with this question. They usually think it would be fun to work or play with dogs all day, and consider my job to be a “dream job”. First let me say, that while training dogs for a living is fun, it is also WORK. I’ll write on what it’s like to be a full time pro trainer in another post. In this post, we’ll talk about how to become a trainer.

Enjoy Your Dog – Enjoy the Journey

Tonight I received a link for a video on YouTube that had been put together by Susan Garrett. I don’t know this trainer, but I have to say her slideshow really hit home. I didn’t get to see all of it, YouTube was being temperamental but it got me really thinking.

Sometimes we are so busy “training” a dog that we forget to stop and listen to what they are trying to communicate to us.

Strange Dogs and control the kids!

I was out walking with a client last week who owns a very large male Rottie. We were at the park and working on loose leash walking when from out of nowhere a young child comes up and starts hugging this big boy. Mom kind of sauntered up behind her child, and stood their watching. I held my breath and then stepped in between the dog and the child, concerned even a well behaved dog like this Rottie was has a limit. I

How do I find a good veterinarian?

Oh this is a tough one for me. WHY? because I have had the same fantastic  vet for over 14 years (Dr. Sandy Sanford at Sweetwater Veterinary Clinic in Agua Dulce, CA). Needless to say, there ARE times when I’m not close enough to be able to get my dog in to him, or there are times when I can’t get in for whatever reason and I have used other area vets as well. 

“How do I crate train my puppy?”

 

Maestro enjoys his crate

Crate training is a simple way to keep a pup out of trouble, or to give an older dog their own “bedroom”. Dogs, as den animals, are generally more comfortable in small confined spaces. It can help them feel more secure, and provide a safe haven from a variety of problems. 

Bonding with your puppy!

  

Bonding  with your puppy is one of the greatest joys of owning a puppy. There is something to be said about the close relationship between a handler a pup he/she has raised from a young age. Not that you can’t create a close bond