Canine Development and Testing

06/03/2026

Our May SDDA Excellent and Elite trial is all wrapped up but we couldn’t say good-bye to another year at Global without Mike’s fabulous photos!

Thank you Mike for coming out to capture these moments!

Photo collection by Little Brown Horse Photography

06/03/2026

I avoid having strangers give my dogs treats in most scenarios, especially for dogs with a history of stranger directed aggression. Instead…

Go for a walk.
Off-leash if you can. Let your dog move freely, make space, take in the new person’s vibe on their own terms. Use a muzzle so if your dog makes an inappropriate choice, they fail safely.

Play.
The known handler starts the game — throw the ball, let the dog bring it back. Then pass the ball to the new person to throw. Suddenly, the stranger is the best thing that’s happened all afternoon.

Both of these work because the dog never has to choose between comfort and connection. They get to warm up naturally, and every rep is a deposit in the bank with new people instead of eroding trust.

But here’s what I love just as much…these strategies give the human something to do.

“No touch, no talk, no eye contact” sounds simple, but it’s basically reverse psychology. Tell someone not to look at the dog and watch what happens. These strategies redirect that energy into action.

Comment KIBBLES to chat about your dog!

06/02/2026

Getting out in nature tends to solve a lot of life's problems! Thanks Monique!

https://www.parksforpets.com/

06/02/2026

The boring reps. The early mornings. The endless drills. Many days look and feel unremarkable. Until one day, it starts to look like success.

Consistency over intensity.

06/01/2026

PSA: Your dog doesn’t need to be constantly entertained or “under command” on place to be well-behaved.

Nobody told them to go find a stick. They just did.
That’s what happens when your dog understands their windows of opportunity. If I haven’t opened a session for play or training, or running around, they choose something calm on their own.

That comes from coaching choices every single day. just good ‘ole fashion consistency and feedback. Place training is easier for most people which is why as trainers, we reach for that skill. But it doesn’t have to be the case. I don’t like with my dogs like that.

When people come over or we’re at a family BBQ, I’m not worried about what my dogs are doing. They read the room and make appropriate choices because I’ve spent a ton of time exposing them and coaching them.

Comment KIBBLES and let’s chat about how to help your dogs learn to read a room!

05/31/2026

Many people that call us about their dog think the crate looks like a cage. It feels like punishment. Or prison.

So they leave their dog with full run of the house because it feels kind.

But here’s what that dog is actually experiencing….

Every sound, every movement, every door, every car, it’s all incoming information your dog needs to process.

The crate is the only place in the house where nothing is being asked of that dog. No decisions to make. No environment to monitor. No threats to assess.

That’s not cruel. That’s the most generous thing you can give a nervous system that is struggling to regulate.

Clarity is kindness.

DM “Kibbles” to chat about your dog!

05/30/2026

This advice has been around forever. Reach into the bowl while your dog eats. Desensitize them. Show them hands near food are normal. 🛑Please stop!

You’re creating so much conflict and pressure around the resources. The easiest way to avoid resource guarding before it starts is to give your day a safe space to eat, like their crate.

Teach them that you’ll provide resources for them, and that you’re safe and predictable.

If your dog is already guarding food or high value items, DM me “Kibbles” to chat!

05/28/2026

Your dog isn’t “anxious.”

They’re under-stimulated.
They’re over-managed.
They’re confused about expectations.

Most “anxiety” in pet dogs isn’t a disorder.

It’s unmet drive.
It’s zero decompression time.
It’s freedom with no structure.

Call us if you want to learn more 1 (403) 457-8811

05/25/2026

Fortunate to be passionate about what we do! 💙🐾

📲 Ready to join us for a class?
Click the link, call, or text (403) 457-8811 to get started

05/23/2026

Anyone else?