04/22/2023
It's been a while since we posted here. As you all know, circumstances led to our closing the facility at 9th and Fremont streets in downtown Las Vegas. We're still providing exclusive board and train options along with private training programs as we make plans for the next iteration.
In the meantime, we'll (and by "we" it's going to be almost entirely me, Cathy Brooks) be posting occasional training videos that show various programs that we offer. You'll be learning about dog training methods, and also how the way you engage with your dog has bigger and deeper implications for the way you engage with ... well ... pretty much everyone and anything.
If you want to learn more about leadership coaching specifically, you can check out Unleashed Leadership LLC or hear my weekly perspectives on Talk, Unleashed - Podcast.
What you're seeing below is a "light line" exercise. Attached to Roothie's collar is a "tab" - a 6" loop of cord. Attached to that is a 60 foot length of braided, nylon cord. About 18" from the collar is a loop tied into the line.
This exercise, which is designed to strengthen and shape Roothie's off leash heeling skills, involves a series of patterns - leash on collar, leash attached to the loop on the line and, finally, she's just dragging the line with no leash.
So, technically, she's "off leash" but there's a sturdy line attached in the event I'd not done proper training to date and she bolted, or if something "happened" I still have a mechanism for stopping her, or pulling her in.
PLEASE NOTE - This exercise is SEVEN WEEKS IN to a 12 week program. This is NOT a beginner exercise or initial exercise and should not be attempted without the weeks of training that come before it. If you are interested in that program, we'll have a class starting up late summer.
The purpose of showing this video, though, is about the subtlety of building a respectful and loving and connected relationship. You'll notice that as we go, I'm giving Roothie the space to find the spot that is most comfortable for her by my side. When that spot is determined it's marked.
So the overall decision - that she gets to be with me, by my side, is the choice *I* make as her guardian. She has agency in that she can find the zone of comfort that works for her, and then I work with her so that she's consistent in *that* placement.
If she drifts, I gently remind her back ... note the emphasis on gentle. It's a correct-action direction. She's not given punishment to be forced, but rather reminded of the choice that she made.
It's easy. Comfortable. And you can see that while she's focused and concentrating, there are also moments of joy as she "gets it".
I'm not looking to create an unthinking machine of a creature who does whatever I say. I'm looking to engage with a thinking and feeling creature, whose agency has some latitude but is guided overall by the choices that I make. I make, because I am her leader and guardian.
