Northern Sky Dog Training

08/15/2026

We got charged by three off leash dogs today while walking through the campground. The first, a German shepherd, I turned around fast and yelled no loud twice and it hightailed it back to it's site. That was a dog charging out of fear reactivity. Those ones will almost always turn around if you go at it. The owner had left it outside the camper with the young kids....

The next were two golden retrievers. I didn't see them coming so I had no time to react. They did not care about Kya's aggressive growling and just kept coming closer. Dex was fine, so I focused on keeping them away from Kya. These were "friendly" dogs, but Kya is not and I don't need them in her face. It's not going to end well. The owner made no attempt to get them quickly and actually just stood at the edge of her site for far too long.

Just because your dogs are friendly, doesn't mean all dogs are. The golden retrievers upset me a lot more. They just kept coming and if Kya had managed to bite one, I'm sure I would be to blame despite the fact my dogs were both on leash.

The owner never apologized or said a word either.

I'm not opposed to your dog being off leash at a campground, but just make sure it's not causing problems for others.

08/14/2026

Happy Friday!

What are your plans for the weekend??

We're going on an adventure!

08/14/2026

It was a long day, but check out June! June is a Mini American Shepherd.

A fun fact about her? She is DEAF! Or very hard of hearing. She can hear some things, but not talking or average household noises.

This is the first deaf dog I have worked with. I expected it to be drastically different, but it hasn't been.

June was lacking confidence and even tried to land a bite on me when my back was turned. Our first session was very stressful for her. New person and new rules that she wasn't used to following.

June now has more structure in the house and that is going well. She needs a strong leader or she's going to get herself in trouble!

She's not very big, but leash walking was no fun with her constant pulling. Her and her owner are both enjoying walks now.

She's been getting out more to work on her confidence and is doing really well! We were at the park today and while she was stressed, she did just about everything we asked of her. I'm super happy with the progress being made!

She still has a way to go, especially with other people, but she's so much better since our first session! Go June!

08/13/2026

The water is very low. Dandy is definitely a flight risk if he gets out. For me, probably not so much, but for his elderly owners, definitely. He's gotten a TON better with the work I've done - long leash recall work and e-collar work. What I didn't catch in time to record, was me recalling him paired with the e-collar.

I tell him to figure it out because he was unsure of how to get back for a moment.

If the water was where it was supposed to be it's very unlikely he'd venture around that fence. He's not exactly a water dog, but will dip his toes.

That being said, more fencing is being installed this week, so the owners don't have to worry about him getting out.

Also, we REALLY need rain! 🌧

08/13/2026

I need to get out in some woods to practice, but I was lazy last night.

She had fun with this. She does not like the second antler, it is different than the rest.

Also, watch her with the fifth antler...🤦‍♀️

I had some technical difficulties at the end as well...😅

She did a good job!

08/12/2026

Think I could train him to throw the ball for Kya?

08/12/2026

Some fitness training last night. She used to be super wobbly on these, but has gained a lot of stability this summer by being active. She still struggles with her back feet somewhat, but they are a work in progress.

Exercising your dog doesn't always mean running or fetch or some high intensity exercise. Only doing those is more likely to cause your dog to have injuries. It's always a good idea to incorporate things like this to work on the small muscles that stabilize the larger muscles.

08/12/2026

Obedience classes in Bemidji!

I don't teach classes, so here is your chance!

Join us for Fall Classes!

08/11/2026

Basic obedience class in Grand Rapids!

Classes are available for sign up! Puppy Class is half full, still openings in Basic Obedience