Rewarded Behavior Continues

08/30/2025

"Your cookies and toys will never be more valuable than a real prey item. What happens if your dog sees a wild animal?"

Positive reinforcement training is often misunderstood. People mistakenly believe that it can't be used with "real" behavior issues and concepts. Could I wave a cookie or a toy in front of an untrained dog and achieve this result? No way! We still have to teach our dogs how to think and listen. But with the right structure, reward history, and practice, you CAN create appropriate habits and achieve big things.

After we peacefully watched this deer for almost a minute, the deer spooked and ran. Were both dogs excited and considering chasing? Absolutely. But I have a cue for that! They could hear me ask them to turn away, return to me, and to then chase and eat a treat scatter from the ground. No obsessing about where the deer went and how to go find it, just ready for the next fun thing I asked of them.

07/24/2025

Well, we couldn't keep Marge out of retirement for long--she and Maggie will both be at Watauga Humane's Pawpalooza!

Come say hi and eat a popsicle, shop some local vendors, and maybe even go home with a newly adopted friend. 🌞🐾

🎉 PAWPALOOZA IS THIS SATURDAY! 🎉

We’re throwing our very first adoption bash—and trust us, it’s gonna be pawsitively unmissable.

📅 When: Saturday, July 26 | 12:30–4:30 PM
📍 Where: Watauga Humane Society, 312 Paws Way
💥 Who: You, your crew, and all our adoptable stars (leave your pups at home—we want our dogs to shine!)

Expect adoption specials, games, tasty food, resource booths, and serious tail-wagging vibes. It’s FREE to attend, but shopping and snacking help support our animals—so come hungry and ready to browse!

Let’s make Pawpalooza a tradition to bark about.

Wanna sponsor or vend? There’s still time to jump in! 🐾 👉 https://givebutter.com/c/Pawpalooza2025

07/17/2025

We've been so busy enjoying summer in the High Country, we haven't had a chance to share some big news with you guys…

After decades of helping dogs and their humans, Marge Rogers has officially stepped away from in-person training to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. She is still active in the R+ training community, and will be continuing to pass on her knowledge and skills to up-and-coming trainers. She is loving having more time to spend with friends, family, and, of course, Zip and Bria.

But, never fear, RBC will still continue to provide training to the pups and people of the High Country–Maggie Hunter has now fully stepped in as Head Trainer! She continues to offer private lessons and is expanding her options for Scent Work lessons and classes. In September, she'll begin a rigorous 2 year program through the National Association of Canine Scent Work to become a Certified Nose Work Instructor. She is looking forward to bringing more sniffing joy to the community!

Thank you so much for your continued support, and give your dog a cookie for us!

07/17/2025

We can teach you how to help your dog or puppy be more confident in new situations.

Alfie gains confidence with each session.

05/03/2025

Looking for something fun, rewarding, and enriching to do with your dog? Join Maggie's Intro to Scent Work class and discover the joy of letting your dog’s nose lead the way.

Scent work is an exciting dog sport where your pup gets to sniff out hidden odors–it’s the “just for fun” version of what professional detection dogs do!

Playing this game with your pup:
🐾 Builds confidence
🧠 Provides mental stimulation
❤️ Deepens your bond and improves your communication
☔ Adds a fabulous “rainy day activity” to your repertoire

Whether you have a couch potato, a high-energy explorer, or a dog who just needs a fun new job, scent work is for you.

This class is perfect for:
🆕 First-timers and total beginners
🦴 Dogs aged 6 months and up (puppies, seniors, and everything in between!)
✨ Nervous or reactive dogs – we use a setup that allows each dog to work one at a time, making this a safe and accessible activity for everyone

Classes are held at Maggie's training facility in Fleetwood, a convenient 15 minute drive from Boone or West Jefferson.

Please email [email protected] for more information!

04/26/2025

04/25/2025

Food and kindness can increase the confidence of worried dogs

04/08/2025

We are the socialization experts!

We get our puppies vaccinated on time because we love them and we want to lessen the likelihood of infectious diseases that can cause illness, suffering and even death. Why then, don't people get their dog the vaccination against fear, anxiety, stress, panic and phobia?

Isn't emotional suffering and potential euthanasia enough of a reason to protect puppies as any other infectious disease?

Just like vaccinations, the timing of socialization is critical. You can't do it later. It has to be done before 14 weeks in most breeds.

Not only is the exposure important, but the nature of the exposure. Positive exposures put value in the emotional piggy bank and negative ones withdraw value.

There is no reason to avoid socialization if done well and safely, but there are lots of negative consequences to waiting to expose your pup to the world.

Give your puppy the best of both worlds—protection and preparation for a happy, confident future!

03/13/2025

Have an older dog that needs “socialization?” Check out Marge and Eileen’s podcast with The Doodle Pro for tips!

Podcast Episode · The Doodle Pro® Podcast: Positive Training Tips for a Calm & Well-Behaved Doodle · 03/12/2025 · 1h

03/10/2025

Parents - teach your kids to speak doggie.

03/03/2025

Go in the road with Guide Dogs for the Blind! We use the same positive reinforcement methods to help you train your dog.