This is a serious message to dog owners in San Francisco. I’m asking you to ask yourself a few questions before you take a side on an issue that seems like it could only be good for dogs, I do not believe it is what we need to protect our dogs. The post Ace Dog Vlog: Dogs & Democracy appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

When handling is restricted by individual obstacle performance issues we can miss out on some of the fun that handling can be! This week I’m using both poles and contacts as the example of obstacles that can get weak if they are not maintained properly, meaning the handler is not giving each individual dog what they actually need to keep up the good work or continually improve. It is easy to have skills erode when we handle around our training issues, opposed to fixing them. There is a teeny, tiny (I promise) plug for my 2-On/2-Off program (book, webinar and class) at the end. The post Handli ..read more

In this VLOG I’m suggesting that if you want a responsive dog it would benefit you to learn how to be more responsive yourself. One way to look at it is to imagine you and your dog engaging in a game instead of a lesson. You are each making a “move” in response to the other’s “move.”  I use the example of the recall to illustrate how necessary back and forth communication is, especially when there’s no leash. I also go into detail about the importance of understanding the difference between giving the dog a reward and providing genuine, heartfelt praise. You will learn how praise can be ..read more

This VLOG does have the classic “how to entertain the dog indoors” tips but, as usual, it goes a bit deeper. Ideas on how to improve your game as your dog’s teacher, handler, and being the competitor you would like to be in 2023. I know how much invaluable learning can be done without the dog, but many of my students think they need to be training their dogs to be learning. NOT SO! Have a listen/watch to get ideas on using your outdoor training time indoors for training and learning without training. [CORRECTION: at 5:30 Sandy says three 40 minute videos, but they are three 40 SECOND videos ..read more

I took the season of holiday gatherings to give you some ideas on managing your dog when guests come over. I touched on the overly friendly dog, the scared dog, the aggressive dog, the beggar, and the jumper. Some dogs can wear all those hats at the same party! I even mention how to keep peace between the people when solutions for Fido collide! The post ACE Dog Vlog: Having guests over when your dog is less than perfect appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

Some viewers won’t know what a Rolodex is! If that is you, it is an old-fashioned way to keep track of your contacts, like your cell phone does now. It is instant information at your fingertips. I have mine in my brain when it comes to my cues and options for training my dogs. Let’s see if this vlog explains what I am talking about and what an advantage it is! The post ACE DOG VLOG: Rolodex of cues or options appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

This month’s VLOG is a video I made for my B.A.M (Boomerang, Anchor and ME) online class. I answer three great questions a student had. I feel all three answers have value, even for those not enrolled in the class. The subjects are: 1) How long should a training session be? 2) Can “real life” living ever undermine important training? 3) How to get value from online classes with multiple dogs. The post Three Great Questions Straight Outta B.A.M. appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

Having a dog that comes when it is called is wonderful. Maybe you have experienced it, maybe not. This vlog is about the missing links, what I’m calling the recall puzzle pieces. They go beyond typical recall training and will help you understand some of the key elements that go into your dog WANTING to be with you. Dogs that want to be with their human do not have the same terrible recall issues that many dogs have. The post Ace Dog VLOG: The Recall’s Puzzle appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

I speak to three different audiences this week: the agility instructor, the newbie to the sport, and the seasoned handler on the importance of footwork in agility and when is the best time for the handler to learn it. The post ACE Dog VLOG: FOOTWORK appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more

If you feel that the lack of confidence and/or trust you have in your dog, or yourself is negatively impacting your agility goals this VLOG is for you! The post Getting both confidence and trust in your dog appeared first on ACE Dog Sports ..read more