This is the last reminder for my obedience followers for my TEAM to Trials: Novice Obedience class.

If you have been meaning to work on heeling, fronts, exams, finishes, or some trial prep then don't forget! Thic class runs once a year.

All levels welcome! If you are new to obedinece, the main skill you will want is a pivot on a perch. If you are super experienced, then you also know that heelwork and fronts require lifelong maintance ;)

Ginny's Magic Wand Exams

I wanted to share a quick preview of what I am working on with Ginny right now for exam prep.

Ginny isn't really a nervous dog in general, but she is very nervous about people interacting with her. Dog sport environments go fine because unlike the general public, people don't really reach out to other dogs. She can still be nervous of direct approaches, but generally can hang out very close to people and feel safe.

Exams however are something we have been working on for just about 2 years (once a week usually, sadly not every week). And truly have made some amazing progress! We can't trial in AKC obedience until she can handle an exam by a stranger, under the presssure of a trial!

In her exam setup mode she can handle a person starting at her side and reaching to touch her withers. And she can handle a walk by. Even a direct approach.

What we have been stuck at getting is the approach + reach. Some sessions she can do it, many sessions she can't. Or only with many warm up reps.

While progess is technically happening, I am experimenting now. If you're not reall progressing then something needs to change!

So I am trying a "wand."

Ginny is already used to this, or at least was, for her measuring prep that we did 2 years ago. Which we never made it to the level we needed for a stress free measurement; but I did the best we could before making it happen with treats and a collar hold the few ones she needed to be able to play.

The goal is that the magic wand is a way for the helper to touch her with less pressure. The touch will be more standardized in addition to less of a reach needed by the helper!

This 1st session she thought she was going to die. Then remembered she had the foundation!

And then I added a helper after several review lessons of me touching her with the wand.

This 1st session had the helper at a small distance and touching her with the wand. But we did get a rep with a foot step and the wand over her. A nice easy intro of skills she can do well.

And I now have done 2 more sessions with the helpers starting at a small distance, taking 1 or 2 steps towards her and touching her with the wand!! There isn't much of a "reach" with this, but it's technically approach + touch!!

Finger are crossed.

This method is NOT in my novice class running now as it's still an experimint in progress. But my exam steps are well broken down and have helped many exciteable and "do not touch" dogs! And hopefully Ginny's wand progress will be in next year's class :)

Current February Classes

Last day to register is today, Sat Feb 15th!

Heeling, fronts, exams, stays!

From TEAM to Trials: Novice

Does obedience feel scary?! I feel you! There are so many little pieces.

But I love showing people how much fun it can be! It can be energetic, joyful, and bouncy :)

This class looks at unsticking your heeling.

Dumping the front platform and actually teaching your dog how to line up without a big prop.

And breaking down exams with a start button so both our anxious dogs and our over-greeters learn it's not about petting!

Follow me on the social media platform of your choice to try and catch all my daily training videos. I hope they inspire you to try something fun with your dog! And join my free facebook group on building ring confidence for dog sports!