Wilkes-Barre Dog Training Club

08/02/2026

Think your dog knows what “sit” means? Here’s a challenge to see how well they know it.

What level is your dog at?

Does your dog really understand “Sit”—or do they only understand it when you’re standing in front of them in the kitchen?

Try the Sit Test Challenge and see how far your dog gets.

Start with an easy food lure, then gradually remove the help and change the situation: hand signal only, verbal cue only, outdoors, from the couch, with your hands full, from another room, around distractions—and eventually at a distance when something exciting is happening.

A struggle at a harder level doesn’t mean your dog is stubborn. It simply shows you what you still need to practice. Go back a step, make it easier, and reward generously.

Try it with your dog and tell us:

Which levels can they do—and where do they get confused?

And what challenge would you add to the test?

For a limited time, save 75% on Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior Problems.

Get lifetime access for $25, normally $100:

https://dunbar.info/solutions-75

08/02/2026

This is lovely, thank you to DogsDear for sharing.

06/30/2026

The Fourth of July is almost here — and while we love the celebration, our dogs? Not so much.

Fireworks are one of the leading causes of lost dogs every year, and even pups who seem "totally fine" can be stressed by the noise and vibration. I’ve written about this more than once, and the advice is as important as ever:

✅ Don't bring your dog to fireworks displays, no matter how calm they usually are.
✅ Make sure their ID tags are on and secure.
✅ Set up a quiet, cozy space away from windows and exterior walls if home; or consider this a good time to go to that cabin in the woods?
✅ Learn to use counter conditioning to prevent a fearful response—loud noise = treat!
✅ Consider tools like Thundershirts, or — for dogs with serious noise phobias — talk to your vet about medication options ahead of time.

The time to plan is NOW, before the booms begin.

How do you handle the Fourth? Share your tips (and coping strategies!) in the comments.

If you’re interested, here's a deeper dive into thunder & fireworks phobia: https://bit.ly/4oTVrao

06/30/2026

On the left is the team that won once. They got the ribbon, the title, the photo, the recognition.

On the right is the team that kept showing up.

The team that came 5th. The team that didn't place. The team that struggled. The team that kept training. The team that kept entering. The team that kept learning.

Both are champions.

In dog sports, it's easy to look at the podium and assume that's where success lives. But the reality is that most of our growth happens in the runs nobody remembers. The off courses. The NQs. The missed contacts. The blown startlines. The moments where you drive home wondering what went wrong.

Every run teaches something.

Every trial builds experience.

Every challenge overcome strengthens the partnership between dog and handler.

The dog doesn't know whether the ribbon says 1st, 3rd, or nothing at all. They only know that they got to play the game they love with their favourite person.

So if you're currently in a season of near misses, frustrating results, or feeling like everyone else is progressing faster than you, keep going.

The teams that stay in the sport long enough to become truly great are rarely the ones who never fail.

They're the ones who keep showing up after they do.

🏆 A ribbon might make you a winner for a day.

❤️ Perseverance, partnership, and dedication make you a champion for a lifetime.

06/29/2026

It’s going to get hot this week! Get that A/C ready to keep your pup cool (and you too)!

06/11/2026

Unlock your dog’s show-ring potential with a dedicated Beginner Conformation Handling Class taught by AKC Breeder of Merit, Kim van Hemert. Learn the foundational skills of stacking, gaiting, and ring presence from a highly successful owner-breeder and handler.

Kim van Hemert brings decades of hands-on, competitive expertise to the ring. Specializing in Border Collies, she has owner-handled multiple dogs to Championships and Grand Championships. Her versatile expertise also extends to Shetland Sheepdogs and Dogue de Bordeaux.

What You Will Learn

Stacking Basics: Teach your dog how to set up beautifully for the judge.

Gaiting Patterns: Perfect your speed, rhythm, and ring spacing.

Exam Etiquette: Help your dog comfortably accept hands-on examinations.

Ring Confidence: Build a solid bond and partnership with your dog under pressure.

Whether you are aiming for an AKC title or simply want to learn how to showcase your breeding program, Kim’s proven owner-handler methods will give you and your dog a winning edge.

Class starts on Monday, June 22nd at 6pm. Cost is $150.

Call 570-829-8430 to register.

06/03/2026

Level 1 classes will be starting on Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30pm. Cost is $150. First is without dogs in attendance.

To register or get more info- Call 570-829-8430 and leave a message

04/01/2026

New titles anyone can work on with their dog! 😁