Honey’s breeder strongly urged us to expose Honey to as many different people, places, and things as possible while she was still a puppy. That’s how I knew we had found the right breeder. Puppies need to be socialized to a wide variety of situations so they don’t fear them as they grow up. We …
Training & Socialization
New K9 Nose Work Instructions – Try It Today
Last week I had some serious computer problems that really threw off my rhythm. I’ve always said that if I were a superhero, I’d be Inertia Girl–once I’m started, I can’t stop. But once I stop, I can’t start. I apologize for getting a week behind in posting nose work instructions. If you’ve been following …
Sometimes Cesar is Right
Ok now. Take a deep breath. Don’t start creating an angry rant in your mind. Just hear me out. Cesar Millan, with his multimedia empire, doesn’t need me to defend him. He has plenty of followers with an amazing ability to repeat his talking points. Even the Republican party isn’t as good at remaining on …
Introduction to K9 Nose Work
If you’ve been reading Something Wagging This Way Comes for a while, you know that Honey has been taking a K9 nose work class at the local SPCA. I’ve written about it here, here, and here (or search for “K9 Nose Work” in the search section of the sidebar to see the titles and posts …
K9 Nose Work – What’s It Good For?
Last night we had our 5th (out of 6) session of K9 Nose Work and Honey still loves it. When it’s her turn to search, Honey goes tearing down the hall to the sniffing room door before looking back to see if I’m with her. As I put my hand on the door handle, Honey …
K9 Nose Work – Focus and Do One Thing at a Time
Honey failed last night. She tried to do more than one thing at a time. Then found she couldn’t do anything well. Last night Honey had her fourth K9 nose work class. We’ve advanced from hiding treats in boxes for her to find and now Honey is expected to find treats randomly hidden in a …
K9 Nose Work – Honey’s Second Session
Do you ever stop to think about how your dog smells? No, I don’t mean after he’s rolled in a pile of rot. How does he find something with his nose? And how is his sense of smell affected by changes in the temperature, wind direction, and even distractions in the area? Honey has started …
5 Great Things I’ve Learned About Dogs (and 5 Great Teachers Who Taught Them)
Once we get beyond what to feed our dog and how to exercise her, we still have lots to learn. Who are our teachers? Here are just a few of my teachers and the lessons they’ve taught that enhance my relationship with Honey every day. Use one special word for calling your dog and always …
The Nose Knows – K9 Nose Work
I can never walk far enough or fast enough to tire a dog. But if there’s a lot to smell? Ahhh, that’s another matter. I’ve learned that when Honey comes home tired from a walk, it’s entirely due to the work she’s put into catching all the scents on the ground and in the air. …
Everyday Agility
I’d love to try agility with Honey. I’ve taken her to a couple of competitions where she’s enjoyed watching the dogs go through their paces. Unfortunately the closest agility classes are ten miles away and I don’t see well enough to drive in the dark. Next best thing? Find agility obstacles around the neighborhood and …