Happy Feet Dog Training

19/05/2025

🌟 HANDLER FUN-DAMENTALS FRIDAY🌟

⚠️ POSTING LATE ALERT! ⚠️
Sorry for the delayed post, handlers! I've been traveling this past weekend with spotty signal. The video's finally uploaded and ready for you now. Thanks for your patience - better late than never when it comes to building those handler skills! 🧳✈️

This week: Discover Your Dog's Reward Hierarchy!

Is your dog suddenly "ignoring you" around distractions? They might not be ignoring you—you might be underpaying them for the job!

Today I'm revealing:
• How to create your dog's personal reward value scale
• When to use high-value vs. everyday rewards
• The non-food rewards many handlers completely overlook
• Why the same treat doesn't work in every situation

👉 YOUR HOMEWORK: Test at least 8 different rewards with at least 3 NEW rewards you've never tried before with your dog this week. Create your dog's personal reward hierarchy from "meh" to "I'll do ANYTHING for that!"

Comment below with the most surprising reward your dog loves! Is it weird? Unexpected? I want to hear about it! 🐾

Complete 4 weeks of homework for another $10 Visa gift card opportunity! 💵

07/05/2025

📚DOG TRAINING TERMS DEFINED: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT📚

Continuing our training terminology series with one of the most powerful concepts in modern dog training!

Positive reinforcement isn't just a buzzword—it's the science-backed foundation of effective, humane training. By rewarding behaviors you want to see more of (with treats, praise, play, or anything your dog values), you're strengthening your dog's motivation to repeat that behavior. Behavior that is rewarded will be repeated.

This approach builds confidence, creates enthusiasm for learning, and strengthens your bond with your furry friend. What's your dog's favorite reward during training sessions?

05/05/2025

Persistence pays off! 💜 This is for all the dog parents who've stayed committed through the challenges. Training isn't always easy, but your dedication makes all the difference. What training breakthrough are you most proud of with your pup?

05/05/2025

04/05/2025

Got our official win photo from last weekend's Mountaineer Kennel Club show with my puppy Razzle! There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing all our training sessions finally come together in the show ring. Those early mornings, countless repetitions, and endless patience paid off in the best way possible. So proud of my little man who showed up with his brain and showed off! Consistency and practice really is key - both as a trainer for my clients and with my own dog. Still have more work to do but it’s fun to celebrate our victories along the way! Here's to many more ribbons in our future! 🏆🐾

02/05/2025

⭐️HANDLER FUN-DAMENTALS FRIDAY⭐️

This week's focus: The Power of Preparation!

Ever started a training session only to realize you forgot treats? Or spent half your time looking for equipment? Today we're tackling a game-changing skill: proper session preparation!

Being prepared is key! Knowing what you are going to work on and getting your treats out and prepared before you even get your dog is going to help improve your sessions and minimize any awkwardness in the beginning. You and your dog will thank you!

👉 YOUR HOMEWORK: Practice setting up your training area BEFORE getting your dog involved. Get your treats out of the bag and into your pocket or a pouch. Cut them up to appropriate sizes if necessary and gather and additional tools you may need.

Comment below with a video or photo of you being prepped for your training session before you begin.

Remember, complete 4 consecutive weeks of homework for a $10 Visa gift card! Who's on track for week two? 💪

30/04/2025

📖 DOG TRAINING TERMS DEFINED: CUE 📖

Continuing our series on essential training vocabulary!
A cue is the foundation of clear communication with your dog. Whether it's a word, gesture, or sound, cues are how you "name" behaviors, creating a language you both understand.

Think of cues as building your dog's vocabulary—each one represents a specific action they've learned to perform. With consistent practice, your dog will reliably respond to these signals, making your training sessions more effective!
What cues have you successfully taught your dog? Share in the comments below!

28/04/2025

Communication goes both ways! 💜 This reminds us that the best training happens when we truly listen to what our dogs are telling us. Paying attention to and learning your dog's body language can tell so much! What has your dog been trying to tell you lately?

25/04/2025

🎯 FIRST HANDLER FUN-DAMENTALS FRIDAY IS HERE! 🎯
This week's focus: Mastering Your Clicker Timing!
Did you know that perfect clicker timing can dramatically speed up your dog's learning? That little "click" creates a bridge between the exact behavior and the reward, making your communication crystal clear!
In today's video, I'm showing you:

How to hold your clicker properly
The secret to perfect timing
Why this skill is a game-changer for training
A fun at-home practice exercise (no dog required!)

👉 YOUR HOMEWORK: Practice your clicker timing while watching TV for 5 minutes a few times this week. Pick something repetitive and specific to "mark" with your click (like when a character says a certain word).
Comment below or send me a private message with your video of you practicing! Remember, complete 4 weeks of homework assignments to earn a $10 Visa gift card! 💵
Who's ready to become a clicker pro? Let's see those 👍!

24/04/2025

📣 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing Handler Fun-damentals Friday! 📣

Starting this Friday, I'll be launching a weekly series dedicated to making YOU a better handler for your dog!

Each week you'll get:
✅ A quick training tip focusing on human handling skills
✅ A simple homework exercise to practice throughout the week
✅ Professional guidance to improve your technique

These aren't dog training exercises—they're HANDLER training exercises! Because better handlers = better trained dogs.

🎁 BONUS: Complete your homework for 4 consecutive weeks and earn a $10 Visa gift card! Think of it as a little reward for your dedication to becoming the best handler possible.

Our first Handler Fun-damentals Friday drops this week focusing on mastering your clicker skills!

Turn on post notifications so you don't miss it! Who's excited to level up their handling skills? Drop a 🙌 in the comments!

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31/03/2025

Every connection you build with your dog is a treasure! reminds us that the joy of training goes beyond the skills they master—it's about the trust and relationship that grows between you. The real magic happens in those moments of understanding and connection. What special bond-building moment have you and your pup shared recently?

28/03/2025

📚 DOG TRAINING TERMS DEFINED: THE CLICKER 📚
Today we're defining one of the most important tools in positive reinforcement training.
A clicker is more than just a device—it's a precise communication tool that bridges the language gap between you and your dog, marking the exact moment they perform correctly. That way, even if there is a slight delay in when your dog gets a treat, your dog has complete clarity on what each treat is for.
Stay tuned as we break down more essential training vocabulary in this ongoing series! Knowledge is an important step to successful training.


Need help putting these terms into practice? Visit www.happyfeettraining.com or follow .dogtraining for more training definitions and tips!