“Oh, No, Otto!” – The benefits of the Long Down Exercise
This video made the rounds on the internet recently, and we felt it was a great opportunity to discuss the value of working The Long Down exercise with your dog, especially if you have the dream of a pleasant morning coffee at your local cafe with your dog without causing this level of chaos! If […]
The Down Position
Down is the last of our three main obedience positions. Great for settling our dogs, having them hold long stays, completing husbandry tasks, doing cool tricks, and more! For our purposes, the criteria for down will be that the dog is in a down position and also has both elbows on the ground. Lure Down […]
The Place Command
What is place? Place is a go-to-your spot command. The dog should go to an object when commanded and put all four feet on the object. The dog should remain on the object until directed to do otherwise. Why are we teaching place? Place can be used to get dogs in and out of their […]
Stand Position
Manual Stand The manual stand is a great tool to help your dog get comfortable with body handling exercises. We would use this exercise to help decrease anxiety in stressful situations, help to desensitize them to veterinary examinations, and as the first step towards getting your dog to accept nail trims. It is SO effective […]
Sit/Stay
Days 1 & 2 Start with the dog sitting in heel position. Adjust the collar so that it is high and snug, at the top of their neck, with the active ring coming straight up between their ears. Since upward pressure means sit now, by maintaining slight pressure, we are giving our dogs a continuous […]
Beginner Group Class Checklist [Download]
BGC Training Checklist Click the link below to download a training checklist for the Beginner Group Class.
Go outside, go potty!
Potty Training 101 Where should I go if I have to poop? It’s something we all have to learn. Potty training isn’t exactly easy, even when we are teaching human children to go. Add in a change of species, a language barrier and the fact that dogs haven’t evolved enough to use toilets, and things […]
Finish to the Right
Return to Heel Position Finish (to the right) Start with your dog sitting in heel position. Tell them to stay, and stand directly in front of them (less than 1ft away from them). Pass your leash from your right hand to your left hand behind your back. Ask your dog to “Heel” as you step […]
Stay – Down Position
Down/Stay Days 1 & 2 Start with the dog sitting in heel position. Command your dog to down. Place the palm of your right hand in front of the dog’s face and give the command “Stay.” Step off with your right foot, and stand directly in front of your dog, facing them. After a few […]
Left About Turn
Left-About Turn Start walking with your dog in heel position, and your leash in your right hand (walking position). Turn left towards your dog (without crossing their path), a full 180°. Pass the leash from your right hand, to your left hand behind your back. Begin walking in the new direction. Pass your leash from […]