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.

Just What We Needed

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Jamie

With the date of our next rally trial fast approaching, I’ve been spending a lot of time working with Risa on her focus exercises. We’ve spent almost 2 months now working on focus at heel, fronts, and other rally behaviors. … Continue reading →

Posted in Agility, Free Time, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Good

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Jamie

Despite numerous setbacks and still being unsure of what to do to help Risa, I never gave up. I constantly sought new information from friends, dog trainers, and books. We were making steady progress. I can remember the first day … Continue reading →

Posted in BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training), Classical Conditioning, Fear, LAT (Look at That), Reactivity, Training, Training Devices | Leave a comment

The Bad

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Jamie

Finally, the lightbulb went off. I spoke to several online friends who had experienced similar behaviors with their dogs. One recommended I read Fiesty Fido by Patricia McConnell. I ordered it immediately and started trying to implement some of her … Continue reading →

Posted in Fear, Reactivity, Training | Leave a comment

The Ugly

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Jamie

The other day, I was thinking about all the things I tried over the years to improve Risa’s reactivity around other dogs. Some of the things I tried were ‘ugly’ and I wish I hadn’t done them at all. Others … Continue reading →

Posted in Fear, Reactivity, Training | 4 Comments

Think For Yourself

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Jamie

I know I’ve mentioned this in a previous blog entry, but there are several behaviors I train without verbal cues. The main reason I do this is because I like Risa to be able to think on her own without … Continue reading →

Posted in Fear, Reactivity, Training | Leave a comment