Training Resources

This page contains my blog posts and articles that directly relate to dog training and agility handling along with some links to on-line articles from other authors that I have found helpful.

Training Fundamentals

  • When You Hit a Training Bump or Wall – first published in Clean Run in October 2018. This article discusses a dog training approach that keeps you in solution focus. cleanrun_1810_Training Bump
  • Building a Reward System for Effective Dog Training (2 parts) – first published in Clean Run in Feb and Mar 2018. These articles are about how to improve the way you use rewards so you can teach behaviors quickly and accurately, and strengthen your relationship along the way. Part 1: cleanrun_1802_Reward System I Part 2:  cleanrun_1803_Reward System II
  • The Value of Videotaping Your Training Sessions: a blog post published October 27, 2017.  The Value of Videotaping Your Training Sessions.
  • The Power of Placement of Reinforcement – published April 19, 2017.  This blog post discusses a powerful training tool – the placement of reinforcement.  The Power of the Placement of Reinforcement.
  • First Principles Thinking – Reinforcement Builds Behavior – published March 21st, 2016.  This blog post discusses the importance of knowing what is reinforcing for your dog. First Principles Thinking: Reinforcement Builds Behavior
  • Is Your Dog Getting What He Wants? – published September 4th, 2013.   This blog post reflects on observing what our dogs find motivating.  Is your dog getting what he wants?
  • Why You Should Play With Your Dog – first published in Sept 2012 as a Clean Run Article, this article describes how dog’s naturally play and how we can tap into their playfulness. Why You Should Play With Your Dog
  • Motivational Do’s and Don’ts – a Clean Run article by Rachel Sanders with many good reminders. Motivational Do’s and Don’ts
  • What to do when it falls apart on course – important tips from Power Paws trainer Nancy Gyes to grow your tool box.  What to do when it falls apart on course
  • Training a Retrieve
    • a great article by Mary Ellen Barry published in Clean Run.  Foundation Fundamentals: Retrieve
    • a video of my Nick (5 months old) in retrieve training, using the back-chaining approach described in the above referenced article by Mary Ellen Barry.  Video link

Agility Handling

  • Anatomy of a Front Cross Wrap – published August 25th, 2015
    This short video illustrates the elements of handling a Front Cross Wrap, when the handler directs the dog over a jump and the dog immediately comes back to the handler with a side change.  It was inspired by watching handlers struggle with this maneuver at a local trial.Anatomy of a Front Cross Wrap
  • The Information Zone – published April 1st, 2013
    This blog post and video describes the Information Zone…the space between the obstacles where the dog receives cues from his handler as to where he is going next. The Information Zone
  • Weave Pole training
    A New Twist On Training 2×2 Weave Poles – published April 2009
    In this Clean Run article, Mary Ellen Barry presents her approach to training 2×2 weave poles, originally developed by Susan Garrett.  A new twist on weave pole training

Mental Management

  • Goal Setting:  – published Dec 26th, 2013
    This blog post describes a simple goal setting process to help plan and prioritize your training. Goal Setting: Looking back to move forward
  • Keeping the Fun in Agility: published March 2nd, 2016.  This blog post discusses keeping the “Fun” in agility. Be Playful, Try Hard and Have Fun! 
  • My Favorite Books on Mental Management
    • “10 Minute Toughness’ by Jason Selk
    • “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack
    • “With Winning in Mind” by Larry Bassham
    • “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind” by Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch

Puppy Articles: