Wags to Wishes K9 Training

04/01/2026

Classes resume Tuesday. Due to having to split a class, I have spots open in Canine Life Skills - Tuesday evenings Jan 6 and 13, Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24. Please e mail me: [email protected] ASAP if you would like join this class.

30/12/2025

Harnessing the power of the Predatory Motor Sequence.

Understanding the Predatory Motor Sequence and how it is played out in your dog can help optimize your success in Barn Hunt. I am offering a presentation to help you understand the predatory motor sequence, identify how it is modified in different breeds and consider how we can tap into the power of the predatory sequence to enhance performance in Barn Hunt trials.

I am currently planning Zoom sessions for this presentation. I will be sending out an e mail to everyone I already have on my list - if you previously signed up but don't receive the e mail please drop me an e mail ([email protected]). Check your spam folder first as there is a good chance it will be there, but I did have trouble deciphering a few e mails so I am concerned that a few people might not get the e mail.
If you have not previously signed up but would like to - please e mail and I will add you to the list.

Presentations will be ~2 hours, over zoom with max of 10 participants per session so we can have ample opportunity for discussion. There will be multiple sessions so if one time / date does not work for you there will be other opportunities.

Cost is $15 by e transfer (do not send until I have confirmed dates for you)

Possible dates:

January 8 at 6 pm MST
January 12 at 4 pm MST
January 29 at 6 pm MST

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

17/12/2025

Is anyone travelling to Saskatoon (Delisle actually) over Christmas that would be able to take a small Cairn Terrier with them? Dazzle needs a ride .... please e mail me if you might be able to help. [email protected]

13/12/2025

16/10/2025

I have one spot available in a beginner rally class Monday nights starting October 27. Please e mail me if interested. [email protected]

13/10/2025

If you signed up for Barn Hunt drop in tonight - please note that it is cancelled due to the cold. Check your e mail for details.

02/10/2025

Fall classes....

If you are interested in a set of classes for this fall please let me know what you would like. I am planning for classes up to Christmas and will pick classes based on interest. (no more Barn Hunt Classes till April).
Please e mail classes@tarahillcairns/com rather than replying here or messaging as it is easier for me to keep track if all requests go to one place.

* tricks
* rally
* beginner scent work
* just for fun class (a few tricks, conditioning, games etc)
* CGN prep
* Loose Leash walking remedials

Canine Life Skills and Puppy Life Skills classes start October 21 - please let me know if you want a spot in either of those classes.

If you are interested in being on the invite list for Drop in Show Handling practice, e mail me and request to be placed on the list. I send out e mails to let you know of availability. Max 8 dogs per session. Usually Wednesday or Friday evenings.

02/10/2025

Drop in Barn Hunt Practices - Monday nights 6 pm - 8 pm in October as long as the weather holds. If you would like to come you must e mail [email protected] (Please do not reply here, message or text) as I will cap attendance to 4 dogs per hour. $15. One ring but set up can be for any level.
Dates for now: October 6 & October 13. Will look at later dates a bit closer when we can see what the temperature is like.

29/09/2025

Show Handling this week - I can do either Wednesday or Friday. If you are interested in coming, let me know by e mail ([email protected]) which day works for you (also if both days work, let me know that too). I will pick the most popular day.

Send a message to learn more

18/09/2025

This is for my Barn Hunt peeps!
Think about your reinforcement in the ring. Are you meeting your dog's needs?
- Does the style of intended reinforcement align with what your dog actually finds reinforcing?
- Are you providing enough reinforcement? Even in the pressure of a timed event?

My mantra is always - Be prepared to surrender the Q (by taking more time to reinforce and risking timing out) in order to win the title (by ensuring your dog continues to want to tell you where the rats are). If your reinforcement isn't actually reinforcing you are in effect punishing your dog for telling you where the rat is...and while effective reinforcement strengthens the desired behaviour, punishment diminishes it. If you have diminishing indications, this is clear evidence that your 'reinforcement' isn't actually reinforcing - and something about the process is punishing the very behaviour you need.

Send a message to learn more

17/09/2025

Hits the nail on the head!
Have you heard any of these common myths?
The most common ones I hear are that "my dog is stubborn".