Focus for Heeling

This is how I start it with all dogs, pup or adult, trained or untrained. I do modify it as I progress and see either strong progress or issues. Each step is started in a neutral environment, as the dog progresses in that step distractions are slowly added. I hold my hands away from my…

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Retrieve with Scent Discrimination

I wrote this article in 2007 in response to a question on Belg-L. Someone was having problems teaching their dog the AKC Utility retrieve exercise. This is not some breakthrough concept, I was just playing fetch with Enzo a number of years ago on a riverbank. I think it was back in 1996 or 97…

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The Road to the Championships

Originally printed in the 2010 4th Quarter NARA Newsletter   For many competitors in 2010, the road to the Championships started months before the actual trial.  Competing in a series of club, pre-regional and Regional level events throughout the year, competitors tested their dogs, their training and themselves to earn the scores required to compete…

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