In my nosework classes, I talk more and more about how important handler mechanics are. Mechanics include your handling (position, movement, leash), timing, markers/cues, and delivery of reinforcement (having them […]

As discussed in my last blog on how training methods need to make sense to you … I’d like to chat about how I handle false alerts in nosework and […]

Scent detection training is rapidly growing in popularity in the competitive dog sport community. Known as Nosework or Scent Work, the sport involves searching for essential oils or handler scent, […]

If you are a dog trainer, how many times do you feel you are dragging yourself out of bed early to go train when you really just want to stay […]

We all know we need to be an advocate for our dogs ALWAYS. This means not putting them in an unsafe situation or not letting someone treat them inappropriately, etc. […]

Last month Savvy earned her NACSW NW3 Elite title.  With trials few and far away, I was thrilled not only for all our skills and preparation, but not having to […]

What I’ve learned about training my young intact male: I’m not more interesting than dog pee or dog smells. Food is not always a motivator, nor worth eating at meals. […]

Why do you like being with your dog(s)?  So much has changed with dog “ownership” since my childhood. Let’s call it companionship, as that sounds more like what it means […]

There has been a lot of buzz about new scent work dog sport programs over the last few years … nosework, barnhunt, and more recently handler discrimination scent work. We also […]

It’s true. Our dogs don’t have to find every hide. I still see people struggling with this concept and others embracing the idea to call it and review/recover. It’s quite liberating […]

When it comes to dog training, it can be overwhelming with everything we need to train and prepare for to trial. Skills, precision, ring confidence, OUR confidence, weaning off primary […]