How important is it?  This is a question I ask myself when I am working on a training technique with Shep.  And especially when he presents some resistance.   Listen in to see what I mean and what happened to us on our hike this week! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Rain is a great time to get outside and have it all to ourselves!  The harder the rain, the more likely we are to be able to play off leash everywhere we go.  And today is one of those days.  A rainy day is also a great day to practice or learn some doggy tricks.  I've decided to work on "roll over" with Shep. Which is something he does not know.  And he's not a fan of learning new tricks.  So, I've got to keep it fun with lots of great rewards and baby steps.  Jump in here and listen to what we're up to this rainy Monday.  --- This episode is sponsored ..read more

Here is a little rundown of the top training tips Shep and I have learned over the past almost 2 years.   I hope you find them helpful too!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Have you ever been out on a leash walk and had an unwanted unleashed dog approaching your dog?  How did you handle it?  Shep and I have had some encounters with people and dogs and even cars that we've been able to manage.  No doggy fights to date.  Thankfully.  But, we avoid dog parks and places where this might be more likely.   Listen in and see what I've read recently about unleashed dogs and how we can best manage this.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: h ..read more

Shep isn't lured or calmed easily with food when we are training or working outside of the house.  Food works just fine for us in the house. But when we are out and about, a stick is our magic wand.  Listen in and see how we plan to use our all powerful stick at a boarding drop off coming up.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Here are 2 of our favorite doggy treat recipes that you can make so easily at home.  Grab your pen and paper!  Because your pup is sure to love these as well! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Shep has developed a hidden hot spot that he just can't leave alone.  So, our training is taking a bit of backseat right now.  Or maybe I should say it's being redirected.   Listen in and see what's up! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Shep and I continue to work on impulse control.  Specifically this week when we are out hiking and playing stick.  And I've learned that when he's tired he's unable to make good choices.  So, we just wrap up our play time and come on home.  Listen in and see what we're working on for fun this week.   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more

Shep and I are taking a couple of steps back this week.  We plan to focus the next 7 days on foundational recall training and name reassurance.  He had a bit of an episode barking at a vehicle while walking this week on leash.  So, I'm taking a step back - big step back - and that's perfectly fine.  He needs to know that all is well and I've got his back.  Join us this week and listen in to what we're doing.  And if you have a reactive pup and would like to join us, we invite you and would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave us a voicemail message.   ..read more

This week I've decided to convert some space into a Doggy Time Out Room.  This is now a gated room that provides Shep with a quiet, darker space to unwind.  And gives me some time as well.  So far, it's working out great.  Listen in and see what we're up to.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/april-thompson47/support ..read more