Lesa Crowe's Practical Dog

08/30/2026

Preparing Bridget to move from the Rally ring to Obedience trials so I joined Dr. Bercier at Deb Miller's training center while she worked Briar and I Bridget this morning - we threw some ... unusual distractions at them for proofing, neither dog disappointed.

This was the first time Bridget has been exposed to an official high jump and first ever try at the broad jump.
Her first broad jump was ... messy. She didn't just walk through or over them as many do, that would have been too easy, she CRASHED through them up ending every one. 🤡😄
Next go I used the same command I use for the high jump, "over", and she nailed it getting plenty of air!

Can't say I wasn't pleased with her work all the way around, and got some helpful tips from Deb on getting Bridget's "here" from "heel" faster, sharper and straighter, and Danielle played "judge" so we could practice B's stand / stay while being approached and touched by a judge.

We followed an hours training with an open run at the Escambia County Equestrian Center and some open field recall work.

Nice way to spend a Sunday morning. 🙂
You can never be at this long enough to not benefit from working with other trainers!

https://ThePracticalDog.net

08/27/2026

The Practical Dog's Five Week Board & Train Program:

Training for desired and needed Trade Skills™ including proofing in public places such as active parks, airports, dog friendly stores and cafes as well as proper social skills with both people and other animals.

Dogs are worked on Long Lines to enhance Duration, Distance and Distraction proofing of Obedience commands.
Your dog will go home with a long line, and if you've opted for off-leash e-collar training, the e-collar will be yours at the end of their stay.

During their stay, dogs go home on the weekends so that you can spend time with them as well as practice the things we have been working on during the week. You will need to allow for a 30 to 45 minute session each Friday at pick-up, and return them on Monday morning at our scheduled time.

This program includes 2 Private Sessions after the dog has completed the Board & Train program and invites to group pack walks.

What I bring to the table:
Over 40 years of companion and competition dog training and experience.
My own dogs are multi-titled in multiple disciplines, many with perfect scores, and always in the ribbons. I have successfully trained and handled others dogs in Obedience, Rally and Upland competitions.
Dogs have never been a hobby for me, they have and remain a lifestyle with companion dog training being of the utmost importance for mine and others; all dogs, whether competing for titles or not, should be companions first and foremost and deserve the very best so they can successfully navigate the world we live in.

For more info or to schedule a free phone consultation, use the contact form on the website: https://ThePracticalDog.net

08/26/2026

🍁Fall is almost here!
And what better way to get your dog ready for the cooler weather and more outdoor activities than a 4 week class to refine and refresh their leash and social skills!

We'll start by letting them burn off some of that "housebound" pent up energy with a run on 5 acers (fenced!) and then get to work on refreshing / improving your leash communication and refreshing some basics.

First class will be in Foley, all others will be in Loxley.

Class starts on Tuesday, September 15th at 6PM and runs for one (1) hour each week.

Cost is $225 / dog.

Sign up via the website contact form at:
https://ThePracticalDog.net

"Train Smart - Play Hard!"

Offering both pet and competition dog training. Rehabilitation for dogs with anxiety, aggression, fear. Trade Skills™, social skills, manners in and out of home

08/20/2026

🌴Paradise Dog Adventures 2nd Tuesday
September 8th, 2nd Tuesday is a trip to Historic Blakeley State Park. Located in Spanish Fort on the Tensaw River delta, Blakeley offers a 2,000-acre park where we will spend the day on a pack hike.
(Water, bowls and waste bags provided)

We offer pick up and drop off as well or meet ups along the way to hand off.

There is one spot remaining for September's 2nd Tuesday adventure. Drop an email from the website (https://ThePracticalDog.net)
or give me a call at: 251-233-2168 to reserve the last spot!

08/10/2026

I am now accepting applications for October Board & Train spots for both the Jump Start™ and the Full Monte programs.
There are currently two (2) spots available for the Jump Start™ program and one (1) spot for the Five (5) Week Program.

For details on these programs, visit:
https://ThePracticalDog.net
Feel welcome to contact via contact form on site or phone, with questions.
251-233-2168

If private training is more to your liking, give me a shout or send inquiry via the contact form on my site!

07/13/2026

👋
I realize it’s been a month of Sundays since I last posted - life takes time and is meant to be enjoyed and we’ve been busy!

We had a full house (dogs, of course!) for all of June in addition to my wonderful and dedicated private students and I took the first week of July off to hang out and enjoy some one on one time with my own.

And now I have the most adorable English Cocker spaniel with me for a Jump Start Program; learning Trade and Life Skills and refining his obedience.

If you’re interested in the Jump Start Program, 5 Week B&T or a Private program, shoot me an email from the website:
https://ThePracticalDog.net
and we can discuss your needs and available scheduling.

Milo beginning recall training - not bad for it being only his 3rd day!

06/15/2026

The moment we accept the responsibility for our role in a problem, we gain the ability to influence the outcome.

06/14/2026

Many people I work with share a similar frustration - their dog doesn't seem to give one iota what they want or ask of them. It's as if the dog is only thinking of itself and only shows them the least bit of interest when it wants something; be that food, a play thing, affection or to go walkabout.
Rest assured, you are not wrong!
Chances are that is exactly what is happening, and here's the simple truth of it.

Everything born thinks of and puts "self" first. From dogs to birds and everything in between, self is what matters most, everything else comes after, if it comes at all.
But here's the thing - "family species" such as humans, whales, chimps, gorillas, dolphins, wolves and even your dog, are taught by their educators and elders to think of "the whole", to work as one for the benefit of all.
What is a determent to the whole while only benefitting one isn't accepted and in some cases, simply not tolerated.

If "self first and always" prevails in a family species, then the "family" does without the things it needs to survive and live in harmony.

If you want your dog to think of "the whole" rather than putting self first in all things, it is up to you as the educator and elder to teach them how to do that and what is expected of them so that all benefit. It is in your hands to teach them that benefitting the whole, also benefits them and that "self first and always" neither benefits them nor the family.

There are as many approaches to this education as there are trainers opinions, learning to not think in terms of "self first and always" is never easy, but it can be clear and fair with the right approach, and one that understands and considers the species.
You can't teach a dog the way you teach a human child, or a dolphin, or any other non-candid species, and you can't teach a dog as a wolf teaches a pup because of the genetic engineering we've done that has rewired them in all ways, including emotionally, but with the right information and understanding, it can and is done everyday.

This education is not age nor breed specific, it applies to all domestic dogs, so if your dog is still living a "self first and always" mind set and that isn't working for you ... there's time to change it so that "the family" benefits.

https://ThePracticalDog.net
https://LesaCrowe.bio.link

Offering both pet and competition dog training. Rehabilitation for dogs with anxiety, aggression, fear. Trade Skills™, social skills, manners in and out of home