Confident Canines LLC by Las Vegas Animal Behavior

08/10/2026

Bye-bye, AKC! Hello, UKI Agility!

I wanted to let you know that we will be switching the focus of our agility classes and courses away from an AKC focus to more of a UKI-style agility focus. Most of you are aware of the social bullying that myself and some other students have faced at trials. This past year, one of our Novice student competitors was stalked by another competitor just outside the trial site and aggressively confronted for having reported a dog attack at a trial (and the host club did NOTHING formal about this despite a bystander who took a video of the incident due to concern for this woman's safety), a separate student had her dog attacked ringside and she was bitten in the middle of it, two other Novice competitor students had nasty comments made at them about their dog on multiple occasions, and I have dealt with social media and some bad in-person bullying toward me and my dog at trials ever since pulling my dog from Nationals due to the 100 degree temperatures and publicly advocating for AKC heat safety policies. We have all tried to simply be nice, friendly and supportive to everyone -- clapping and cheering for everyone, being nice to everyone we see and meet, but it can be a highly toxic environment.

Since the beginning of the year, I have had several issues at agility trials with unsafe course designs that most of you have either heard me talk about privately or have seen me express on my private social media. On three occasions my dog actually hit the equipment and had some very mild injuries . He has NEVER hit equipment at classes or any other trials in the past. Other high-level competitors had similar issues at these same trials on these same courses, so it isn't just us. At first, I thought it was just bad course designs slipping through, but it is becoming a more consistent feature at trials. In these instances, competitors had raised issues with the course designs during walk-throughs and the judges refused to tweak them. Many of you know that Nic and I have been wrestling for several months with whether to stop trialing in AKC and to switch to UKI or something else. We worried about our dog's safety and it simply was not fun anymore being in a highly toxic environment with widespread social bullying, no focus on the dog's or human's welfare and enjoyment. We had been very close to achieving his MACH title and another Nationals' qualification, but it isn't worth his safety. The past few trials reached a serious breaking point for me.

This is supposed to be a FUN sport. When it isn't fun for both the dogs and people, then there is a huge problem. When it isn't SAFE, there is a huge problem. FULL STOP.

I want us all to keep learning and having fun together! The course styles are a bit different (UKI is more spaced apart and more flowy, but technical), but the skills between the two should be transferable. Our classes are supposed to be a positive, fun, and supportive environment for everyone. I treat my classes and the people and dogs in them like a tight-knit and mutually-supportive community. We are planning to possibly host at-home UKI trials at our private arena for dog/handler teams since that is something that is an option in this venue, unlike AKC. This would open up more opportunities for dogs who are nervous or fearful to trial and title while they continue to work on building their dogs' confidence to excel in busy, high arousal environments like an in-person agility trial. There is an in-person UKI trial scheduled in Boulder City in January. Trialing is always optional here -- I just want everyone to feel as challenged as they want to be and to have fun!

This will be a journey with new challenges. Looking forward to embarking on it with you! Looking forward to seeing you all at classes when they start up in September!

*****UPDATE: AKC bullies/people (who I have never met or spoken to in-person) are proving my point about bullying by writing nasty comments about me and my dog on this post. These comments were deleted and any other trolling comments will be deleted as well. You are essentially proving my point about STALKING other competitors and the blatant TOXICITY that is endemic in AKC agility. This is why AKC agility entries are declining while other venues are growing.

Photo taken by Tiffany F. Photography (check her out! She is amazingly talented!)

08/10/2026

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has published a guide on how to choose a dog trainer.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ZQzZzeXB/

08/06/2026

I was honored to be invited as guest on Susan Light's podcast to discuss Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for dogs. What a great discussion! Especially this year when rattlesnakes seemed a lot more active than in some years past in the Southwest and southern California.

My unique methodology uses reward-based methods to teach autonomous avoidance of the snake, using low-concentration odor as the environmental cue for the dog to perform avoidance. There are many different ways to teach rattlesnake avoidance, but the important things are to choose ones that are both effective AND preserve animal welfare. It does not have to be a trade-off.

Access the podcast here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/rCftOX3426s

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7o5gBzCU5fUpLrLPSKA0T7?si=AMXZ5hUWT3SUMbSPTu56QA

08/04/2026

This past week, I helped a 100 lb large bully who got a cooperative nail trim and vet visit for the first time without any medications. Just a month ago he had to be injected with SEDATION by a 3rd vet clinic to receive standard vaccines after two previous vet clinics had been unable to give him his vaccinations, even while heavily medicated and muzzled. They had been through several other trainers already. I was able to help identify some signs of an illness that had been missed by vets and got him evaluated by the last vet for diagnosis and treatment. The health issue made handling very uncomfortable and was causing him to guard his personal space. Even after treatment, he still wasn't good with handling and was very suspicious, but it was now workable without there being pain involved.

He was voluntarily getting nail trims and vet exams without issue after a few weeks of cooperative care training that counter-conditioned and cultivated predictability while giving him a sense of choice and control. This is not unusual. Some dogs and cats can take a little more time, others are quicker, but it is about meeting the animal with where they are at and what they need. The "get 'er done" mindset that forces immediate compliance in grooming and veterinary settings often worsens outcomes over time. Cooperative care protocols are essential for animals to feel they have choice and to feel predictability with what is happening to them. Situational medications can be a game changer for some animals if a test has to be done while still working on behavioral and emotional changes with learning cooperative care. These medications can prevent negative emotional learning from occurring that would likely result in worsened future vet visits. If people think their dog would never cooperate with a blood draw or nail clipping -- think again!!!! I see shocked owners over and over who are surprised about what their dog or cat will do.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HryGbZUgV/

08/04/2026

Class spots are almost filled!!! Beginner Agility (FULL), Adv Beg/Intermediate (2 left), Intermediate (FULL), and Competitive Agility (2 spots left!),

Agility Group Classes Start in mid-September 2026!
(Registration further below, sign-up link is in the comments)

Summer is flying by and cooler weather is right around the corner!

Come join the fun!

Classes are held in EIGHT week sessions.
Small class sizes for personal attention and development.
Class location is a newly resurfaced private, full-sized outdoor arena in Northwest Las Vegas with competition-grade equipment. The vast majority of our agility students are adults, but mature junior agility handlers ages 10+ years are allowed as long as a parent is always present at class.

Dogs in group classes must be friendly and non-reactive in close proximity with both dogs and people (no barking, lunging, growling at anyone standing or walking nearby). If your dog struggles with a group environment, let's work on behavior modification first and prepare them to be able to enjoy classes in this type of setting.

Active agility students in good standing are eligible for weekend arena rentals for private practice.


***We use reward-based, well-being focused methods in our classes. Tools like prongs, shock/remote/e-collars are not allowed on the premises. Yelling, intimidation, fear, pain, and verbal corrections are not allowed. Dogs who have only received training through harsh methodologies may benefit from first doing group or private reward-based obedience classes with their handler. We have unfortunately had many dogs who had only known that type of training arrive at classes and simply zoom around the ring, would not recall to their owner, and showed no interest in the handler since these harsh tools and intimidation had been removed. They had not been trained with these tools but instead simply were controlled by them. Value in working with the human cooperatively as a team must be built! But it CAN be done!


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Beginner Agility
Mondays at 6:15 PM, beginning Sep 14th -- $350

This class meets 1 hour every week for 8 weeks. Dogs must have completed basic obedience training (or equivalent), possess good physical health, have a good recall, and be friendly in close proximity with dogs & people (no barking/growling/lunging at nearby people/dogs for any reason). Minimum 8 months old. We will work on the basic agility obstacles, body awareness & foundation skills to prepare teams to advance toward running AKC competitive agility.

Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Agility
Mondays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 14th, 2025 -- $350

This class meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks for dogs at the Advanced Beginner -or- Intermediate levels. Dogs must have completed at least six months of agility training, must be physically sound, friendly and non-reactive (no lunging/barking/growling at nearby dogs or people), have a reliable recall and be friendly with both dogs and people. Dogs must be able to safely complete all obstacles including six weave poles.


Intermediate Agility
Thursdays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 16th -- $350

This class meets on Thursdays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks. Dogs must have completed at least 6 months of agility classes, must be physically sound, friendly non-reactive with dogs & people (no lunging/barking/growling at dogs or people nearby), & have a reliable recall. Dogs must be able to perform twelve weave poles readily. No refunds, transfers, make-ups or substitutions.


Competitive Agility
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 15th -- $350

This class meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks. Dogs must be friendly and non-reactive (no barking/lunging/growling at people/dogs for any reason) & physically sound. Students must have completed at least 1 year of agility classes, must be competing in agility and readily perform 12 weave poles. We will use short and progressively longer sequences to work on teeter, table, tight turns, handling skills, cueing collection, etc.

Photograph taken by Tiffany F. Photography (at the Boulder City Gamblers Club Agility Trial, February 2026).

08/02/2026

Agility Group Classes Start in mid-September 2026!
(Registration further below, sign-up link is in the comments)

Summer is flying by and cooler weather is right around the corner!

Come join the fun!

Classes are held in EIGHT week sessions.
Small class sizes for personal attention and development.
Class location is a newly resurfaced private, full-sized outdoor arena in Northwest Las Vegas with competition-grade equipment. The vast majority of our agility students are adults, but mature junior agility handlers ages 10+ years are allowed as long as a parent is always present at class.

Dogs in group classes must be friendly and non-reactive in close proximity with both dogs and people (no barking, lunging, growling at anyone standing or walking nearby). If your dog struggles with a group environment, let's work on behavior modification first and prepare them to be able to enjoy classes in this type of setting.

Active agility students in good standing are eligible for weekend arena rentals for private practice.


***We use reward-based, well-being focused methods in our classes. Tools like prongs, shock/remote/e-collars are not allowed on the premises. Yelling, intimidation, fear, pain, and verbal corrections are not allowed. Dogs who have only received training through harsh methodologies may benefit from first doing group or private reward-based obedience classes with their handler. We have unfortunately had many dogs who had only known that type of training arrive at classes and simply zoom around the ring, would not recall to their owner, and showed no interest in the handler since these harsh tools and intimidation had been removed. They had not been trained with these tools but instead simply were controlled by them. Value in working with the human cooperatively as a team must be built! But it CAN be done!


--------------------------------------

Beginner Agility
Mondays at 6:15 PM, beginning Sep 14th -- $350

This class meets 1 hour every week for 8 weeks. Dogs must have completed basic obedience training (or equivalent), possess good physical health, have a good recall, and be friendly in close proximity with dogs & people (no barking/growling/lunging at nearby people/dogs for any reason). Minimum 8 months old. We will work on the basic agility obstacles, body awareness & foundation skills to prepare teams to advance toward running AKC competitive agility.

Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Agility
Mondays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 14th, 2025 -- $350

This class meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks for dogs at the Advanced Beginner -or- Intermediate levels. Dogs must have completed at least six months of agility training, must be physically sound, friendly and non-reactive (no lunging/barking/growling at nearby dogs or people), have a reliable recall and be friendly with both dogs and people. Dogs must be able to safely complete all obstacles including six weave poles.


Intermediate Agility
Thursdays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 16th -- $350

This class meets on Thursdays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks. Dogs must have completed at least 6 months of agility classes, must be physically sound, friendly non-reactive with dogs & people (no lunging/barking/growling at dogs or people nearby), & have a reliable recall. Dogs must be able to perform twelve weave poles readily. No refunds, transfers, make-ups or substitutions.


Competitive Agility
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, beginning Sep 15th -- $350

This class meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM for one hour for 8 weeks. Dogs must be friendly and non-reactive (no barking/lunging/growling at people/dogs for any reason) & physically sound. Students must have completed at least 1 year of agility classes, must be competing in agility and readily perform 12 weave poles. We will use short and progressively longer sequences to work on teeter, table, tight turns, handling skills, cueing collection, etc.

Photograph taken by Tiffany F. Photography (at the Boulder City Gamblers Club Agility Trial, February 2026).

07/29/2026

I have heard people describe the dancing Doberman behavior as cute, and occasionally owners expressing frustration that their Doberman won't stand still. Well, new information from genetic research has discovered that it is due to a genetic health condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, causing them to keep moving the hind limbs to offset pain and weakness.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CWeiC8xGv/

07/29/2026

What if the dog won't do what you want?

"Why?" Matters a LOT.

I will say with confidence that I am never 100% sure of how my dog is feeling. I have a ton of insights, but he cannot tell me, so I never truly know. Even with humans, we never know if someone near us has a headache, arthritis, or belly cramps. We don't know if they are stressed, frustrated, eagerly anticipating something later that day, contemplating self-harm, nor do we truly have any idea at any given moment. What we can see is their body language and how they are reacting and responding to our actions and things in the environment in that very moment. Is it different than their usual behavior? That is the insight we DO have.

My dog Gilgamesh has inflammatory bowel disease that can flare up without warning. He normally loves to work as my diabetic alert/response dog and doing demonstration work for client appointments every day. I thought he seemed ok on the day this photo was taken -- other than some minor allergies that were maybe bothering him a little...no different than me! ...Or so I thought. He was all wet in the photo from having a bath earlier. He normally enjoys being blow dried but he didn't want it that today, which I thought was unusual. I didn't think much of it, but it was a clue.

During a client appointment, I asked him to demonstrate a cooperative care handling protocol with me. Normally, he loves doing this but he does not like being touched if he has a belly ache. On this particular day, I did not realize he had a belly ache until he opted out of working with me. He did not want to come over when I asked. He saw and heard what I asked him to do and basically said "nope!" and went back to his bed to rest. He seemed a bit more tired than usual, which was another clue.

Autoimmune IBD causes serious fatigue, body aches and abdominal cramping when it occurs. But we can't SEE those symptoms other than lying down and resting, which can seem "normal". He later demonstrated some easy skills for clients but he did not want to do anything involving cooperative care or body handling. Later, he allowed me to I feel him after he went to the spot where he goes to indicate he wants Gas-X or Pepto-Bismol. I felt him and he was having a gassy belly (you can feel the hardness and distended fullness of the belly) so it was NO WONDER he wasn't in the mood for me touching him, even for high value treats doing a favorite "game". The next day, he was excited about doing the cooperative care training again because he felt better. Would he have felt that way if I had forced him to do it the day before? I definitely don't think so. That would have betrayed his trust.

Bottom line, if your dog refuses to do something you ask... figure out why! Dogs are sentient beings who should be allowed to have choice and personal boundaries. When they aren't allowed to have choice and personal boundaries aren't allowed, that is when conflict aggression problems often develop. We often think we have a fuller picture of their health and feelings about situations than we actually do. Avoid taking the bait to make it a personal offense that they failed to obey what was asked. If it is a training issue where they do not understand or see value, then this can be addressed. But sometimes, it is a well-being issue. If they don't want to work with you when you ask, it is more important to figure out why than to obtain behavioral compliance in that moment. I see my dog as my partner, not a subordinate. Cooperation is what persists in the long run because it is built on mutual respect.

07/29/2026

Inflated Credentials. I am going to start calling myself a theoretical physicist. I have a graduate engineering degree (isn't that close enough?) and have read a ton of books and listened to lectures. Why not?

That seems to be a similar argument of why people call themselves an "animal behaviorist" or "applied ethologist" without any science degree, no animal behavior degree, no graduate degree of any kind. Others call themselves a "certified" dog trainer, but they aren't certified by any organization.

Why do people inflate credentials? They do so to give themselves an air of superiority and authority in a field that they have not actually achieved. They can earn trust that maybe they do not deserve and maybe obtain clients that they would not otherwise be able to attract. Maybe they do possess some level of knowledge, but they have not earned the title that people will understand it to mean when they use it. If I call myself a "theoretical physicist", one would assume I have at least a degree in physics. Probably a graduate degree, if not a postgraduate degree/PhD. What if I started marketing my services as a theoretical physicist to teach classes and help with military projects, space, or other problems sets. How about teaching kids in high school programs? All based on my self-proclaimed credentials that no one checks? It could have serious implications.

An applied animal behaviorist or ethologist? Most people would assume that to be used by someone with a graduate or professional degree. At the very least, one would expect someone to possess some kind of undergraduate science degree. Not a title where "I read a lot of books so I think I'm as smart as someone with a degree". I confronted a recent person who was making such claims. I initially believed them and then shared that I felt misled, and that was literally their argument. They claimed degree programs did not exist so they started using the title because they read books. This is nonsense because these types of programs have existed for decades. But even if they somehow did not, the inability to go to school for physics -- either due to the location of the school, the cost of tuition, childcare, or other factors -- is not a reason to justify calling myself a theoretical physicist. Nor is it an excuse to purport to be any other type of scientist when one is not.

This causes real harm. Unfortunately, people do not do their due diligence to actually check that people possess the credentials they claim. I recently did a search on Petworks for dog trainers and animal behaviorists and came across TONS of people claiming IAABC certification who are not actually certified through that organization. Every week or two, I meet with a new client who said they thought they already worked with an animal behaviorist and thought they were getting the best help from someone with an advanced graduate-level degree because they called themselves an animal behaviorist. The people certainly charge that price. Unfortunately, they received help from people with no education or credentials, no certifications, and simply a self-proclaimed title who provided knowledge and help beneath the industry standard.

Be skeptical. If people inflate their credentials then everything else they say is suspect. Check organization websites to ensure someone is actually listed as a certified member. People lie about his far more than anyone would imagine in a field that is unregulated. Anyone can set up shop and call themselves a "certified dog trainer", "animal behaviorist" or "applied ethologist". A lot of it is unfortunately smoke and mirrors. We need regulation...like, yesterday!

I blanked out the name because I confronted this person directly and do not wish to shame them. Simply, people need to pay attention and check credentials. There is a huge transparency problem.