Now to answer an unanswered question from last week; when exactly DO I use a NRM? The answer is I only use a NRM if, by not using one, the dog can earn reinforcement. Routinely I can only think of two examples in my training [...]
To follow up on a comment written on yesterday's blog; what do we do when we are shaping one thing but our dogs get “stuck” offering something she already knows. My first choice is to set things up in my favor to avoid this from [...]
It seems everyone has a slightly different slant on their application of Non Reward Markers (NRMs) in training. Here is a little more on my approach. First of all, I never use them in training during a value building session (shaping). Actually, I rarely use [...]
Oh my those Kiwi have quite the sense of humour. This is from Chelsea Marriner, who actually won the Jumpers class at the IFCS World Championships (with a borrowed dog). Enjoy! Today I am grateful for positive outlooks.
I just got the official word (and poster) that this year's Canada Cup event is going to be held on Canada Day! So no longer do you need to take extra days away from work as there will be both a Canadian and an American [...]
While writing my last post about value building in Crate Games I was reminded of a post I answered about using a food toy such as the Tug It toy or other container with food in it. One reader on a forum asked; Why not [...]
I got a question on my YouTube site last week about Crate Games, but for some geek-type reason unknown to me, my response never gets through, so I thought, why not blog about it? Here is the original question; I have been using crate games [...]
Recently I responded to a post on a forum about someone struggling with their 2x2 training and wondering what they did wrong (or perhaps was the method flawed and not appropriate for all dogs). Obviously I feel the method works wonderfully for all dogs but [...]
Well my last agility event for 2010 has been put to bed. Encore and I had the honour of representing Canada at the American Kennel Club Invitational last weekend. The annual event has 5 of the highest pointed dogs of each breed that competed in [...]
Full disclosure today folks. You get to see vintage video of me 40 pounds overweight, in desperate need of a haircut and the most hideous looking, over sized, shocking blue outfit I have ever owned. I bet you can't wait eh? John Cullen's "Pre Competition [...]
Moving into the last day of another great skills camp. Super group of people, super group of dogs. Since all dogs and handlers are returning for a continuation of Critical Elements we have been able to take massive steps forward this week. Day [...]
Next week I am starting a Newsletter series on Being a Good Student. The series is based on a short article I wrote in a magazine many years ago. Now I don't pretend to be the worlds authority on educating, but I have taught dog [...]
