Iworkdogs Dog Training Co.

06/01/2024

Yo! Sport dog friends… If you are struggling with your dog creeping fwd for position changes, you need to sign up for this!

How do the transitions affect position changes for obedience

04/25/2024

So recently, I’ve encountered a few dogs that were extremely over-aroused in the bitework. Is this who they are? Possibly, but I’d bet it was more likely that they were reinforced to be this way.

I can admit that in raising my first malinois and going from a corso to a malinois, I spent an inordinate amount of time of drive building in a dog I did not need to build anymore drive. I in essence made her antsy. Even in her ripe old age, she is still twitchy if someone gets up or moves around the house.

This topic alone of reinforcing/building traits either willingly or unknowingly is a huge thing in and of its own, but it overall got me to thinking about puppy/dog development in bitework. It made me think of the idea of a “strong dog.” Because when people see a puppy or young dog exhibit characteristics of a “strong dog” they tend to give them more fight. Build more intensity in a creature that is plenty intense.

For the dogs who are not so intense we do have to do things to help compensate. For whatever reason, I tend to get a lot of dogs that not that tough and so I spend a good amount of time creating a system that allows them to win. A system that allows them to push through incremental adversity and still win. This predictable cause and response can give the impression of a strong dog, but does not always accurately portray who the dog is both in that moment and genetically.

So this got me to thinking… at some point the dog will compete or end up on a decoy that does not deliver the predictable response to their counter. They could be met with more violence and indifference to their efforts. Or they can be met with just awkward moment from the decoy that defies their previous experiences. .

My question for you all is, at what point and how often then is it important betray their expectations in training?

I’m curious to hear you alls thoughts.

Gamba biting pic for tax
📸 Emily Nikzat

06/27/2023

Still have a couple slots open for Fernando Dosta Decoy School. It’s completely immersive experience spread over the course of 5 days. (7/10-7/14) Great opportunity for new and seasoned decoys alike.

Now, he’s not only an extremely accomplished decoy, but has also podiumed as competitor in The French Ring Championship back to back 2022 & 2023

Personally, I always learn even just watching him, but this is an opportunity to learn from one of the best if not THE best to ever do it.

DM Karin Chan Wright for more info.

Got to spend some time with my friend and decoying mentor, Fernando Dosta, at OJ's mondio trial. He ended up doing a Mondioring decoy seminar the next day. D...

10/04/2022

Working on some Halloween decor with our friend Homeslice from

06/09/2022

Training or just being cute ?

Both! Ice is quite shy and tends to take a while to acclimate to new people and environments, this morning was big for him because he willingly went and met some new people and was comfortable enough to be cutesy.

While he’s here we’ll be focusing on building his confidence to match his cuteness level so he can explore LA with his parents.

Do you guys love the split face ?

05/08/2022

I am OBSESSED with clogs , every year I hyper-fixate on a set style of shoes . Two years go : crocs, last year: platform shoes, this year: clogs of all kinds.

If I wasn’t running around training dogs all day I’d literally live in heeled clogs , I love them sm.

05/05/2022

We don’t want to believe Duke is actually aging , many years ago Karin & David over did a looong immersion program to get him ready to be a PPD for his familly.

As a young shepherd Duke was a pushy dog, definitely punked me when I began training, happy to say we’re buds now and he definitely makes the house feel safer. Aside from the graying face he is still large and charge and acts like he’s still 2.

We’re currently watching him and letting him get a few bites in while his parents are away.

04/28/2022

Well- Bell helps us a lot whenever she comes hang out at our house with our rowdy dogs, the perfect combo of social & good canine citizen, she knows when it’s appropriate to play and when she just has to ignore.

Not pictured is the wiggly puppy that was across the room learning to focus on something other than dogs while Wellie did this 😂

04/15/2022

We’ve known Duke for a few years, he came to us with some reactivity and being his size he was definitely large in charge.

Once we helped him learn some manners and what is expected of a house pet (prior he lived outdoors) he became a wonderful companion for his little girl and his mom.

These days Duke has limited mobility due to a slipped disc , when his mom is away he comes and stays at our house to relax on our couch and keep up with his PT.

We love watching our dogs come back for boarding and this guy definitely holds an extra special spot in our hearts and our home.

04/07/2022

Dog training related-ish .

A large number of you know that I (Jaz) am now in charge of iWorkdogs, most of you don’t know I was born in little Ensenada in Baja California and I guess my dog interest began there , my family always had dogs, probably because I had a thing for strays, and thankfully I was taught to love and care for them.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of information and resources in a vast majority of the area, as well as the culture is just different.

Fast forward to now, many years later and many dog related jobs and volunteer positions, our pack is now in a place where we can foster.

As dog trainers we see a lot of rescue dogs that can be wonderful companions with just a little bit of training and some understanding of dog behaviors from their owners. Sadly, we see just as many failed adoptions for a number of reasons,one of those being lack of training/ understanding.

It has always been our hope to work with a rescue to aid in giving dogs and people a higher chance at a successful adoption and healthier relationship with their new dogs.

When we learned about and met some of the dogs they took in, as well as how much they understand that dog training is just as important as rescuing to ensure a successful adoption we knew we wanted to work with them.

Meet Olivia , you’ll see a lot of her around , we’re going to teach her some manners to help her navigate life as a pet in the states and give her a place to decompress so she can make someone very happy .

Isn’t she the cutest?

02/28/2022

“Come on brain, think so smart”

Oscar working on some door thresholds today, as he can be a little bit of a bully with his moms. Very excited for this little pup’s future , he’s getting so handsome and learning so much.

02/12/2022

Efrafra does the stickiest down when he’s excited because his puppy body wants to defy his smart mind and get up 😂

Starting our morning with this guy and coffee is always fun , what is your morning routine on Saturday?