The talk for tomorrow has the long and intriguing title of “Professional Secrets to Dog Training” but really… none of it is a secret. We have 50 minutes to present the talk to an over-filled room (65 attendees, more have called to ask if they can sneak in!) at Read more…
As a completion for a 4-H grant we received last year, we’re working on creating a few guides to go along with the workshops we did. The one I’m most responsible for is titled “How to Solve Training Challenges.” In the guide, we ask a series of questions. Each question-category Read more…
On Saturday was my last judging assignment for this 4-H year. This event was bigger than the others, with three judges present so that all the classes could be completed efficiently. It was very interesting that I received quite a few comments from parents and show staff, “I just Read more…
“My” 4-H kids showed today at our area fair. We only had four kids (one dropped early in the year, another decided not to show at fair). 1 in obedience, 3 in rally, 4 in showmanship, 3 in “dog care.” Some of the judging was … different … Read more…
The 2011 OSF 4-H Dog show week is now over! Agility. Showmanship. Obedience. Advanced levels of obedience. Four days of rally. Service dogs. Therapy dogs. Dog Care. Poster Contest. Skillathon. Drill Teams. Freestyle. Around 1300 entries, with many kids doing multiple events and/or showing multiple dogs. Dozens of Read more…
Last night was yet another 4-H judging opportunity. The club I work with hosted a fun match, we had about 10-15 kids attend, I did all the showmanship, obedience, and rally judging and it went a bit smoother than expected thanks to some great helpers and ring stewards. Yet again, Read more…
Tonight at 4-H practice we had a super short lesson on secondary reinforcers. As they aren’t allowed to use food in the obedience ring, we need to be sure to have lots of ways to motivate and reinforce our dogs. They may typically enjoy petting or praise, but we want Read more…
In a Monday night class, we talked briefly about the benefits and risks of other people handling and cueing Griffin. Griffin was added to my home to be my competition (obedience and agility especially!) dog…. but also my demo dog and to go out and help me help other people Read more…
The 4H Agility Games Clinic went quite well yesterday. I had fun with the kids. We did a more beginner group in the morning and a bit more advanced group in the afternoon. We were able to stick right to schedule, and if anything, I had a bit of extra Read more…
On Saturday I did a morning training clinic at Jefferson County Fairgrounds and then a fun show for 4-H’ers in the area. Most came with slip collars, a few with head halters, all were pulling on their dogs. Our obedience sessions focused on getting movement together, seeing precise behaviors, and Read more…