Dog training

First Impressions That Stick My first exposure to German Shorthaired Pointers in detection work left an impression I won’t forget. They’re loud, excitable, funny, determined and brutally honest about your handling. Pointers don’t hide their opinions; if you’re late on a cue or clumsy with your leash, they’ll let you know. In their minds, the […]

I’ve always been drawn to the different ways trainers approach odour imprinting. At the end of the day, we’re all chasing the same thing a dog that recognises odour, understands it, and shows a reliable indication. But what keeps me interested is the why. Why does this method actually work? What behaviour does it really teach […]

In dog training, everything starts with a strong foundation. For us, that foundation is the marker. If we get this right, we set our dogs up to learn with confidence, motivation, and clarity. If we rush it, everything built on top becomes shaky. We want our dogs to be confident, to carry hope (drive and motivation), […]

Finding the right detection dog can make a big difference in your work. One breed worth considering is the Working Cocker Spaniel. Known for their bravery and friendly nature, these dogs are great at searching and have a strong work ethic. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of […]

I watch my young German Shepherd grow up. As a dog trainer, I look at her behaviours differently. I notice positive signs (green flags), but I also see warning signs (red flags), which could lead to problems later on. When these red flags appear, I know exactly what to do. Instead of choosing the easy […]

Last night, as I was getting ready for a detection dog job, I thought it would be good to share how I prepare for it. So, I wrote a blog post called “How I Get Ready for a Detection Dog Job.” Well, my carefully crafted plans for getting ready for a detection dog job went […]

Depending on the type of job and its location, I may need to travel across the country or to a different state. I prefer travelling by car because it allows me to bring multiple dogs and all the necessary gear. Additionally, the dogs can comfortably sleep in my van, as I have spacious kennels for […]

Understanding how to reward dogs is key when training them. For working dogs, the rewards typically include things like dry dog food, high-quality treats like Prime100 or meat, and at least some toy, this could be a ball or a tug. It’s also important to know about two kinds of rewards: passive and active. Passive […]

You may have seen discussions on social media about balanced training versus force-free training, and you might be wondering where you stand. I believe in using methods that resonate with you while also considering what is best for the dog in front of us. It’s not important to label yourself; what truly matters is finding […]

Communication system with my dog Here’s a guide on how I establish a communication system with my dog(s). Depending on the individual dog, I might use the entire guide or just certain parts. I utilise various tools, along with hand signals and verbal markers. This approach is clear for my dogs and easily generalises to […]

When I get a dog, whether for my business or for myself, I always have a clear idea of the purpose of the dog. I may develop it to become a detection dog, a dual-purpose dog, or, in the case of my newest addition, Halo, a sports dog. Having clarity on your goals and vision […]