Notes from the Field:
A Dog Training Blog
Welcome to the Sunflower Field! This is a place for my tips, information, and thoughts about dog training, sighthounds, and raising a behaviorally healthy dog. Enjoy!
Why train your dog?
Good training isn’t just about getting your dog to do what you want her to do.
When your dog says she’s done
I spent this weekend at a huge positive reinforcement training conference, packed with renowned training experts who were giving tons of fascinating presentations. I was so excited to go and learn from some of the best in my field.
But I barely got through a single full session.
And it’s not that I wasn’t interested.
Here’s what happened.
Dog Parenting on Low Battery
As a dog guardian with a chronic illness, I know what it’s like to wake up and have a “low spoon” day where you feel like garbage, but you’ve still got living creatures depending on you. I know how frustrating and guilt-inducing it can be to not be able to engage in more physically demanding activities with your dogs, like long walks or hikes. But there are lots of low-effort activities that can make these days just a bit easier on everyone.
Sighthound Training: Are Sighthounds Too Stubborn?
Are sighthounds really too stubborn to be trained? Let’s talk about it.
Training a Hand Target for Confidence and Connection
Have you ever heard of teaching your dog a hand target? This is where your dog “targets” your hand with her nose. In the most basic terms, the way it looks is you hold your hand flat with your palm facing your dog, and your dog touches her nose to the “target” – your hand. Usually, we use the verbal cue “touch.”
It’s a neat trick – but why teach it at all?
Puppy Socialization: A Quick Guide
Puppy socialization! You’ve probably heard of it, but what does it actually entail?
What exactly is clicker training, anyway?
An introduction to the basics of clicker training!