Month: February 2019

Hiking in the back country. Let me start by saying I love hiking with dogs; I pursue ways to allow my dogs to simply be dogs. There is no better joy then watching a dog go primordial and simply move through nature. Relaxing obedience and permitting the dog to be a dog, all while maintaining … Read more

House pets to working dogs – is there a difference? In breed, drive and function – yes. However; in behavior, issues and problems – not so much. When training dogs clarity of task is the most important aspect of all training. Whether the purpose is to find and apprehend a suspect or dive off an … Read more

As the owner of Ridgeside K9 I get asked every question in the book about our board and train programs. Here is a short list of some questions to ask a potential company or trainer. Up front, there are many dog training companies that do “board and train” training packages. Most do a great job … Read more

Just had one of those moments and thought I would share it. The morning routine; just finished running, cleaning and feeding the dogs in the kennel. Now its the morning coffee, emails, invoices and “follow-up” things before jumping into training for the rest of the day. I literally rinsed off my breakfast plate and turned … Read more

Just some venting about the relationship I have with this dog! I’m sharing this to remind everyone that EVERY dog has issues the handler deals with daily. No matter how good the dog looks, no matter the level of training etc. There is always baggage and issues that lurk in the shadows. Objects – they … Read more

Genetics – a word we all seem to throw around, however most use incorrectly. In the dog (K9) subculture the word “genetics” is often regurgitated to either support or discount behavior. But what does “genetics” even mean and is the word applied accurately when discussing behavior or drive? Genetics is a very complicated study of … Read more

Ethics – Entrepreneurship – Drive and Hustle, can these drives be taught? What does it take to be a full-time dog trainer and business owner? Humans, much like dogs either have high-drive traits or they don’t. My question is this, can ethics and motivation be imprinted? Much like the question, can leadership be taught? In … Read more

Never Compare Dogs Place work. Place work is the foundation of many obedience programs, and for good reason. Place work establishes self-capping and control in the dog on their terms. Stay on place – good things happen. Come off place – not so good things happen. Place work is super simple for some dogs, some … Read more

Lead from the front – set the example. Allow me to explain. I am well aware of how busy my location owners are at the moment. Starting new businesses, opening locations, moving, figuring out the head aches of financial issues, training dogs around the clock, life, kids, relationships etc… In all honesty – I truly … Read more

Working on neutrality and training in my favorite little town. I always try and communicate through body language “its time to” – walk, have fun, see the world, smell the world, enjoy the world and learn to deal with the stressors the world can induce. Impartiality to anxiety caused by unknow stimulus can be the … Read more