Play to Obey Dog Training

12/30/2025

Reposting this for the New Year. Enjoy 2026 with your dogs❤️

I have yet to meet a handler who has gotten into dog sports as a means to gain fame and fortune. Most of us started this journey because we loved a dog. As we sought to better communicate with him or her, we began to train. We were thrilled with each new “trick” that we learned together. We discovered how much deeper our bond became as our understanding of each other grew through the learning process.

Fun with our dog exceeded a simple game of fetch. We became a team. We learned to dance with each other.

There are times when one of us might forget what we are doing, take a wrong step, or get distracted and lose our rhythm. There are times when we feel like a total klutz, unworthy of taking up space in the realm of competition. Stress opens the faucets of self-doubt and the drains of confidence. We forget why we are there.

We are there to enjoy the kinship we share with our dogs. Sure: we like those Q’s. Sure: we like those high scoring runs. National and international rankings are thrilling. But if we are not having fun with our dogs, we’ve lost our purpose.

I can't deny that I am a bundle of nerves as I wait for our turn to enter the ring. I fear that I won’t hear my number being called. I’m certain that I’ve misplace my dumbell. I worry that I’ll suddenly have to p*e as the person in front of me has just about finished their run.

But here’s the thing: once I step into the ring, I see a whole playground in front of us, and for a few minutes it’s all ours.

Time with our dogs is all too fleeting. Our time competing with them is even shorter. Why, then, would anyone want to do this without thoroughly appreciating every graceful AND not so graceful step of the dance?

Delight in your partnership. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Have fun with your dog wherever you are! And never forget that you started this journey because you loved a
dog.

-Perri Yinger, obedience and rally instructor, Corral Creek Dog Sport Center, Newberg, Oregon.

📸 Skinny Dog Photography

12/03/2025

I LOVE Kamal!
Well said!

11/03/2025

Quite frequently I video my training sessions with my own dogs. This helps me uncover my own mistakes, check positioning, and gives me something I can send to my students when they need a refresher. It's an invaluable training tool and I encourage my students to use it freely with their own dogs.
Recently, I discovered a new purpose for those training reels. They've been extremely useful in illustrating to my rehab vet, what my girl's normal posture and gait looked like before her TPLO surgery. Her sit was straight and not by nature, sloppy. She could solidly anchor both her front and rear ends. By filming her current condition which is nearly 6 months post-op, and showing it next to my girl's pre-surgery videos, the Doctor had, yet, one more tool to measure her recovery.
I encourage everyone to regularly video your training sessions. You'll be amazed how useful those reels can be!

09/12/2025

This is Donald. He had never trained in any dogsports until a few months ago when he joined our Beginner Rally Novice class. Even the concept of heel position was new to him. But the relationship he has with his darling girl is loving, respectful, and solid.
And they work very hard!
His first Virtual Rally entry came back this week. This awesome team earned a perfect 100 for their very first Rally leg!
I am so thrilled for Donald and Juniper!
WTG TEAM!!!🎉🎊🏆👏👏👏

08/28/2025

08/27/2025

This little gal came to me with skills and a great relationship with her dog. She knew how to present herself in the ring and the importance of good sportsmanship. As she was preparing to compete in Rally Advanced, however, the dog began to disconnect in the ring. That's when I met them.
As I watched them doodle around in our arena, I saw such lovely teamwork. As soon as I asked for something a little more structured though, this young handler became very serious.
Giving her permission to praise her dog, to be able to paint the structured exercises with fun, and to bring their bonded and engaged relationship into the ring with them, turned her competitive endeavors into games of success at the State 4-H obedience and Rally competition.
WTG TEAM! I hope to see you in the AKC rings before too long.
I received the following from her mother this past week:

Guess who got third place in showmanship, and Grand Champion in Novice Obedience and Grand Champion in Advanced rally?

08/14/2025

Portland/Willamette Valley, as hot as it's been, we all want to be at the heat with a dip in the local lakes and rivers.
DON'T take the risk if you see anything even remotely similar to what is described in this article!
https://www.multcopets.org/news/toxic-algae-alert-willamette-river-locations?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMK6BJjbGNrAwrn9WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeXT5YVxqV8O67SmBfIYQF9jxuvhW0cTAdVlzJWm05FS-HQH7WikzZG73osyI_aem_KXHAeYxXsJEkizDB8nl5Qw

Toxic Algae Alert: Willamette River Locations Aug. 13, 2025 PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) expanded a recreational use health advisory today for the Willamette River to include Ross Island Bridge downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park. While collecting samples today for lab...

06/24/2025

Even SophiaBadPuppah thinks scheduling new classes is exhausting!

06/24/2025

Grey Muzzle Games are Back!
Play to Obey at Corral Creek Dog Sport Center Center in Newberg, OR is once again offering our retired working dogs an opportunity to have some fun on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
We will start as soon as we have enough dogs to party!
Click here for class description. At the bottom of the page you'll find the link to the registration form.
http://www.jungersohn.com/play-to-obey.html

06/21/2025

Play to Obey has opened enrollment for new Rally Classes at Corral Creek Dog Sport Center in Newberg, OR
- Beginning Rally Novice
Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Rally Novice/Intermediate
Wednesdays 5:30
Classes will start 6/25/2025 or when the minimum number of students is met per class.
The following classes may periodically be held off-site in Newberg due to facility events:
- Rally Advanced/Excellent
Fridays at 10:00 (ongoing class)
- Rally Intermediate/Advanced
Sundays at 9:30 (ongoing class)
Follow link for registration and class descriptions.
http://www.jungersohn.com/class-registration.html

05/27/2025

BEAT THE HEAT!
Corral Creek Dog Sport Center
32655 Corral Creek RD
in Newberg, OR

Hot Summer days are just around the corner. Early mornings offer the ideal conditions for Summer classes.
If you are interested in Obedience or Rally classes on weekdays between
7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. starting late June or July, send me message with your level of OB or Rally and all the days/times you are available.
Hopefully we can greet the day together!
Email at [email protected]