Sondog Agility

07/10/2025

We still have one two day spot available in the stock dog clinic with Jared Epp on July 18 & 19. And a one day spot as well if you can't commit to two days. Unlimited auditing if you would like to watch a clinic to see how Jared trains.

06/23/2025

We will be hosting a stock dog clinic with Jared Epp on July 18 & 19 at Sondog Farm and a few spots have opened up. We are 15 minutes from Saskatoon. Please contact me for more info if you are interested in attending!

06/22/2025

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06/15/2025

A landmark study that directly addresses this question is:

Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102722
Summary of Key Findings:

Study design: This was a controlled, scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Lincoln. It compared three groups:

Dogs trained using e-collars (shock collars) by experienced industry trainers

Dogs trained by the same trainers but without shock

Dogs trained by independent force-free trainers using positive reinforcement only

Trainers were certified and professional, with Group A and B trainers belonging to the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and having extensive experience using the devices.

Key results:

There was no significant difference in training efficacy between the groups using shock and those not using it.

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

The study concluded that the use of shock collars was unnecessary and posed welfare risks without added training benefits.

Salivary cortisol levels, behavioral stress indicators (e.g., yawning, lip licking), and vocalizations were higher in the shock collar group.

Conclusion:

The researchers explicitly stated that the use of e-collars "has negative welfare consequences for some dogs" and "no clear advantage over reward-based training"—thus the use of shock collars is not justified.

So, even if the person operating the collar is a manufacturer-trained professional, this study showed the results were no better than training without shock, and the use of electronic collars resulted in unnecessary stress.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer

05/20/2025

The much needed rain held off and we had a great, fun weekend playing agility with wonderful friends. Congratulations to the winners of the fastest tunnelers runs - Wendi and Drift in Elite, Liane and Twist in Open, Michele and Phoenix in Novice and Lori and Ladybug in Intro.

A big thank you to our wonderful Judge Patty LeRoy, she brought such fun and challenging courses and we got to meet her new boy Louis - can't wait to see them running at trials.

Thank you to Donella for everything you do to keep us "legal" and to Michele for stepping in on Saturday while Donella had to be away.

Thank you to Liane our amazing course builder and Lori, Randy, Ed and everyone else that was out there helping her. Doesn't that equipment get heavier every year!

Thank you to everyone that jumped in to work, we were a small trial so we needed everyone to pitch in. You all made it such a fun, positive weekend of great runs and belly laughs. And thanks to all of our dogs for playing with us. These weekends are so good for the soul.

Today Wes drew for the volunteer prize and Lori won, most deserving!! Thank you Lori for everything you do!!

Hope to see you all next weekend in Red Deer!

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05/11/2025

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04/18/2025

Love running Rue, she is so enthusiastic! Here is her Novice Touch and Go, not perfect but pretty good for a baby dog!

04/17/2025

A fun run with Fin at the PACE trial last weekend. Thanks Ed for recording our runs!

03/30/2025

Great trial! You should go!

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03/07/2025

A service for the founder of NADAC.

02/16/2025

Such lovely flowing courses, here’s Rue’s Gamblers. Thanks Ed for being our videographer.

01/01/2025

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