All dogs new to the BlueDog program begin in Elementary School. Manners, clear communication between handler and dog, and cooperation are all taught in this level. Additionally, students are provided with tools for working through distractions using both training and management.
Stationing is sending your dog to a visual target such as a mat or dog bed and having them stay there until they are released. How to Teach: Start by building value for the station. Load some treats in your hand. Toss a treat, while your dog is getting the Read More
Every dog at some point in their life will need to be groomed. It’s important to get them comfortable with the tools you’ll be using for both you and your dog. How to Introduce: Note: You can use this same process for any handling exercises you need to do with Read More
‘Touch’ is a behavior that cues our dogs to touch our hand with their nose. Touch has several practical applications such as moving your dog somewhere new (for example off the couch), helping orient your dog towards you, or bring their focus back on you. By learning touch, your dog will Read More
A super useful skill to teach your dog is how to follow a treat toss. It sounds simple but some dogs have a tough time understanding what it is that we want them to do when we toss a treat (and/or how to find it). Having a dog that is Read More
In order to help our dogs learn there are a few things that we as handlers need to keep in mind so we’re able to make sure that our training sessions remain successful and run smoother. The best way to hold your hands when training your dog is in a Read More
Clicker training is a form of marker training. Marker training is where you MARK the behavior you like and reward it to increase the possibility of it happening again in the future! Marker training is one of the most effective ways to train your dog. There are different ways you Read More
Leash. Treats. Clicker. Dog. That can be a lot to handle all at once! This homework teaches you how you can manage them all by following Kim’s tips for which hand to use and how to hold each. Following these instructions will make holding your tools easier and help the Read More
The 1-2-3 Game is a super fun pattern game that we use to help with many things including loose leash walking. How to Play: Starting in a stationary position say “3” and give your dog a treat. Once they start anticipating that treat when you say 3, that’s when you Read More
We recommend using the 3 Second Game as a way to pet your pup. This is a method for engaging with our dog that helps us to understand what they’re comfortable with. It allows your dog to communicate with you their feelings on the interaction. This builds trust between you Read More
A treat magnet is when you’re able to move your dog around with them following a treat that’s in your hand. The point of a treat magnet is for the dog’s nose to stay connected to your hand the entire time they follow it, wherever it goes. How to Teach: Read More