Author Archives: Jamie

About Jamie

I'm just a traditionally-trained artist with interests in dog training. I currently teach classes at the local obedience training club (tricks, freestyle, and Rally-FrEe) and I also teach classes professionally for an organization who helps veterans train their own service dogs.

Quit

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Jamie

I love shaping. I love that it makes our dogs really think about what they’re doing. I love that it makes me a better trainer because I have to watch for small changes and not ask for too much all … Continue reading →

Posted in Dog Sports, Training | Tagged | Leave a comment

Testing 1. . .2. . .3

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Jamie

You can learn a lot from failure. When you trial your dog you learn what you know and figure out what you still need to work on. No surprise for us, Risa’s lack of focus is still a huge issue. … Continue reading →

Posted in AKC, Dog Sports, Fear, Rally, Reactivity, Training | Leave a comment

The Other Side

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Jamie

I remember, before I switched over to positive reinforcement-focused training, laughing when I thought about not ever correcting a dog or telling them “No.” I couldn’t understand how on Earth that would work. While I was debating the thought of … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts, Training | Leave a comment

The Power of the Dance

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Jamie

Last night was the final night of my canine musical freestyle class. This is the class I have waited 3 years to teach and the first class I have ever taught. It was an amazing 8 weeks. There was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Fear, Training | Tagged | Leave a comment

What’s In Your Toolbox?

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Jamie

What’s in my training toolbox: Rewards (treats, toys, real-life rewards) Flat collar/Martingale/front-clip harness Training gates Platforms (of various sizes) Exercise pen Mirrors Target stick Target mat Wobble board Clicker Marker word Positive reinforcement (addition of something good to increase behavior) … Continue reading →

Posted in Training | 1 Comment