Author Archives for Sydney

Musings from a Recall Warrior

I live in a busy city with many things competing with me for my dog’s attention. I need to be on my game and engage my dog giving her good reason to check in with me. Enter The Recall Warrior. I practice calling my dog multiple times everyday. On the sidewalk, parks, in the house… View Article

The Art of Reward

It’s a hot, sunny, summer day at the beach. Not a cloud in the sky. The waves gently lap the shore, gulls call to each other. The sun is beating on you and you’re thirsty. You’re waiting for your friend. Finally you see them walking down the beach carrying a gift bag. “Sorry I’m late!”… View Article

Decoding Your Puppy Raising Priorities

Congratulations on your new puppy! This little critter is soaking up his environment and everything you have on offer to teach. Are you set with a good game plan for these coming early weeks? Have you done your homework? Are you prepared with your lessons and a good puppy coach? Do you have all the… View Article

Barking Basics

Puppies bark. The problem isn’t that they bark, the issues arise from how we deal with the barking. Thankfully more breeders are starting to do some great early work with their pups. This means that the first time the puppy is separated from his mom and littermates isn’t when you bring him home. This means… View Article

Training Your Puppy in New Places

A thoughtful connection between you and your puppy will take time to cultivate and will require patience and consistency. Set an intention to create such a relationship, its worth should not be underestimated. You want to create a connection so that your dog is interested in you! As with anything worthwhile, when you put in… View Article

Finding the Balance on Leash

Four thousand three hundred and eighty hours. These are the number of hours you and your dog will spend together on leash if you were to spend approximately one hour a day on leash for twelve years, give or take a little. Of course I’m pulling these numbers out of a hat. Some dogs will… View Article

Nipping and Biting Strategy

Part of raising a puppy is getting mouthed, nipped or sometimes bitten so hard you want to cry! You signed up for this when you got your pup. There is no way around this one. Your response to the biting is what counts. It might seem counter intuitive but encourage gentle mouthing from your pup. This… View Article

Taking it on the Road!

Taking a puppy Taking a puppy on an outing requires preparation – set yourself up with a knapsack, ideal because it’s hands free. Pack extra treats and don’t forget the toys!! Fill a thermos with water and bring a collapsible water dish.  The long line allows room for your pup to run, but with insurance…. View Article