Systematic Training 4 dogs

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

And then there is Redi!...a month after the vet appointment that I feared would be her last, 13 years old and still climbing out of places she doesn't want to be... sigh...🤣

11/07/2025

My new assistant trainer, "Dummy", is proving more of a distraction than assistant!

04/07/2025

Great information about harnesses and how they affect your dog!

This is a repost(ish) but well worth repeating. Many of you have heard me harp on harness fit time and again. Having spent decades evaluating harness fit in working dogs of all types with thermal imaging (as well as having years of working and active dog experience combined with a strong biomechanics knowledge base) using front-clipping or "Gentle Leader" type harnesses only guarantee more structural stress in active dogs that makes for more work for me and other chiro/sports med colleagues. PLEASE only use harnesses that fit with proper ergonomics! [NOTE: I've tweaked the English & syntax in the added-on description below so it might read a little differently.]

"All dog owners should know this fact! A harness like this is a terrible injustice to your pet!! AVOID USING THIS TYPE OF HARNESS !

In a dog's forward movement, a harness with a tape that crosses its chest from side to side hinders it in the same way humans would bother going hiking with an elastic band holding their arms. Physiological movement of the front extremity is prohibited. Just like rubber would inhibit the pendular movement of our ARMS.

Thanks to the "Study of Canine Movement at the University of Jena", we now know that in the dog, the center of rotation of the front limb is at the top of the scapula, but in the human the center of rotation in the arm is in the shoulder. Jena's study demonstrates, among other things, the importance of scapular movement for dog locomotion. Now we understand the importance of taking into account the free movement of the dog's shoulder when choosing a chest harness.
That means there SHOULDN'T be bands across the scapular (orange) area, and they shouldn't cross the chest side to side either.

From the point of view of biomechanics and physiotherapy, it is recommended not to choose getting harnesses that have a strap that goes through the chest laterally, or that have straps that touch or press the scapula.

Always lean towards harness models with ERGONOMIC design, to allow maximum freedom of movement for your dog, improve his well-being and safety during his walk.
Source : REAL CEPPA"

29/06/2025

Weego update...3 weeks ago today, our daily routine changed dramatically. Following a slip or something in the tunnel at an agility trial, Weego was in a lot of pain and diagnosed with bilateral iliopsoas (based on clinical signs and some tests done by manipulating his rear legs). Yesterday, I took him to the local trial to be seen by a massage therapist and a chiropractor. I learned some massage techniques to try to help the healing process.

Piyat update... living up to his registered name - Yankee Dals Class Clown. He loves the Gator he got for placing at dalmatian specialty. You can see why he is confined while I'm working on Weego!

1 year ago today, Weego earned his 1st MACH. He was on track to have finished his 2nd before this weekend... now I'm hoping he can return to playing our favorite game!

27/06/2025

I finally had the chance to get some mirror pictures of Piyat and top add to my collection of professional shots of Weego. Thank you, Tanya Lee, for such beautiful photos!!

I can't pick a favorite!

26/06/2025

You're not really confident until you're "I'm gonna lie right here and make the giants walk around me" confident... thank goodness they are sweet giants!!

26/06/2025

The saddest comic I've ever seen has St. Peter telling a little dog at the pearly gates "... YOU! you are a good Boi!"

25/06/2025

I know I've posted him before, but you just cannot appreciate his size from pictures!

21/06/2025

Piyat's first dalmatian national specialty was amazing - and exhausting!!

His results, in order...
Heartland regional specialty 12-18 month males, 8th place
Chicagoland regional specialty
12-18 month males, 3rd place
Sweepstakes, 12-15 month males, 3rdplace
Futurity 12-15 month males, 3rd place
DCA National specialty 12-18 month males, 4th place glass trophy

It was thrilling when Piyat's litter mate sister WON her class!!

Scentwork
Novice interior 7th and 12th place
Novice container 6th place
All searches under 40 seconds.
I'm super proud of his scent shoes...Not only was this Pi's first scent trial, it was his first time searching anywhere but my house. Yes, you should always take your dog to new places and practice... but, "the cobbler's children have no shoes".🙄🤣

Barnhunt
Trial 1,1st place. With only 2 practices before, this was his first barnhunt experience. I suspect this will prove to be his most difficult ever... across the road from the barnhunt area, crews were clearing debris and trees, mulching trees, bulldozing, and bush hogging. There was a large generator spewing diesel fumes next to the blind. (All of these activities have VERY strong odor associated with them. 🫠) On top of that, the wind was strong enough that the pop up tents that served a blinds were blown several feet - even with 4 or 5 weights on each leg!! (Wind has a tendency to also move odor. 🫠) Added to all of this is the 14 month old boy's biological imperative to cover odors with his own🤬... even so, Piyat qualified, with a 1st place in trial 1. We will not discuss trial 2...🙄🤬🤣

We learned a lot, met many new friends, learned tons - and saw so MANY gorgeous Dalmatians!

20/06/2025

How many times have you heard that dogs don't really like being patted on their head?

My dogs are weird. 🤣🤣🤣