Shake A Paw Dog Training

04/16/2026

Here’s a training session with Pudge, a 13-month-old Jack Russell Terrier.

The goal for this session:
✔️ Sit
✔️ Focus forward on the pylon
✔️ Wait for release
✔️ Independently wrap the pylon

I like to start with something easy to build a history of success. Especially with young dogs—you never quite know what you’re going to get that day. Sometimes their brain is firing on all cylinders… and sometimes it just isn’t.

Part of good training is meeting the dog you have in that moment.

For Pudge, one of the challenges is that she doesn’t love having her collar grabbed. So instead of turning that into a battle during agility, we manage it—making sure there’s a cookie in her mouth before the collar grab. This prevents her from practicing the head dodge.

We’ll continue to work on collar grabs as a separate skill, but in agility sessions, keeping things flowing and successful matters most.

This was a super successful session:
✔️ A few mistakes - a necessary part of training
✔️ Some great choices - the goal of all training is setting your dog up to make good choices. That is learning.
✔️ A clear direction for where we go next.

That’s what good training looks like.

04/14/2026

First comes connection
First comes relationship
First comes partnership

…then comes everything else ✨

I was working some flatwork with Fizz when Koda wandered over to check things out.

What made me smile?
The moment we started working, Fizz chose to walk away from Koda—no hesitation, no questions asked.

And that’s a big deal… because Koda is her favourite buddy.

Like any dog, Fizz’s journey has had its ups and downs.
That’s normal. That’s training.

But the connection? That part isn’t in question.

And that’s what everything else gets built on 💛

04/13/2026

What a great day at the Outback agility trial with our Shake-a-Paw crew!

Big congratulations to Chantal and Maple on their very first trial—such a huge milestone 🎉

Days like this remind me how special it is to be part of a group that supports, cheers, and celebrates each other every step of the way. Win, learn, or just have fun… it’s always better together.

So proud of this crew 💕

04/12/2026

That time of year is coming… ☀️

We had our first agility session outside, and it felt SO good to be back out there again.

Are we ready to officially move classes outside yet?

Not quite.

But we are getting close.

The ground is (almost) ready, the weather is (mostly) cooperating, and the dogs are definitely ready.

Here’s Kim and Koda putting in some nice weave work—looking right at home out there!

A few more good days and we’ll be making the switch… stay tuned 👀

04/09/2026

Here is the lovely Meg working on getting in a box during our Basic Manners class.

“Why a box?” you might ask… actually, there are a few really good reasons.

With young dogs, exposure matters. In today’s world (hello Amazon 📦), boxes are everywhere. Teaching your dog to confidently get in and out of them helps prepare them for real-life situations—tight spaces, different crates, or anything a little unfamiliar.

But it’s not just about exposure.

Getting in and out of a box builds proprioception—your dog’s awareness of where their body is in space. This is a big deal. It helps them move more safely and efficiently, whether that’s navigating the woods, climbing over obstacles, or just becoming more coordinated in everyday life.

As dogs progress, we make it more challenging—working toward smaller and smaller boxes. That’s where the real learning happens, as they figure out how to adjust, shift, and truly understand how to use their body.

And this is exactly what our Basic Manners class is all about—real skills, taught in fun and engaging ways that actually translate to real life.

Because training should be effective… but it should also be something both you and your dog enjoy.

04/08/2026

You don’t need a Border Collie to do agility.

Are they amazing at it? Absolutely.
But they’re not the only ones who can love the game.

This is Bosco—a Bull Terrier—out here nailing the weaves with speed, confidence, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

Agility isn’t about fitting your dog into a mould.

It’s about building skills, confidence, and a relationship where your dog wants to work with you.

Different breeds bring different strengths.
Different dogs bring different personalities.
That’s what makes this sport so much fun.

If your dog enjoys learning, moving, and working with you… they can do agility.

Maybe not like a Border Collie.
But in a way that’s every bit as rewarding.

And honestly—that’s the part that matters.

04/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DW3G5Rz5v/

Garçon is still out there, and our hearts are heavy but hopeful. 💔

We know he’s scared, and he might just be waiting for a friendly face to notice him. If you have a moment today, could you please take a look around your property? A quick peek in your shed, under the porch, or in the garage could be the miracle we’re praying for.

If you have cameras—trail cams, Ring doorbells, or security feeds—please check the recent footage. Even a "maybe" sighting gives us a path to follow.

Please share Garçon’s story with your friends, neighbors and all commnity pages. We just want him back home where he’s safe and loved. Every share brings him one step closer to us. 🐾