Fitness guidelines

I've updated my fitness guidelines! To view the original Google Drive file please click on this link. JPG's of the file are below:

#FDSANaNoWriMo blog post number 18

November 2018

For ever learning

So most of you will know by now that my 'proper' job is a teacher. I'm in charge of the Science curriculum at the local Junior High School.

Not only is it part of my job to model being a lifelong learner, but it's also one of the things that drew me to the job. I genuinely love learning new things. I love the geeky intricacies of Science, and how things are ever changing with new evidence.

So obviously that is going to seep across to my dog training. As someone charging for dog training services, I believe that it is vital to continue to progress my knowledge and understanding. It's a responsibility I have to my students. It's part of what they are paying me for!

So where do I go, and what do I do to learn more about dogs, and dog training?

Here's my go-to information, and courses: 

• Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. They have SO many online courses to choose from each term and are excellent value for money. The FDSA also has webinars and an excellent supportive online community. Many of the international presenters I have hosted at Hybrid Training are FDSA instructors. 
• The Cognitive Canine blog and Cog Dog radio podcasts. 
• https://www.dogwise.com/  A whole bunch of amazing books, by amazing trainers. 
• https://www.bookdepository.com/  A good source of books widely available, but at a great price delivered to your door. 
• 'Drinking from the toilet' Podcasts and FDSA Podcasts
• Karen Prior Academy

Jumping Gymnastics and Worked Up! Seminars at Hybrid Training with FDSA Instructors Sarah Stremming and Leslie Eide. 

This is just the start of an extensive list! I'm also a big fan of books. Because who doesn't like books! It seems that the faster I read them, the faster I add new ones to my collection. 

Stay tuned for future blogs where I talk about some of my favorite books.

#FDSANaNoWriMo blog post number 4

November the 4th 2018

Florimania TDCH

We have a new champion at Hybrid Training! At just over 5 months old Flori has gained her Trick Dog Champion title.

It was somewhat of a challenge finding the right tricks for each level, that not only were appropriate for her size and age, but also that we were capable of training with only a few short sessions. I'm very conscious about not putting too much demand on my young dogs, both physically and mentally.

I decided to use working through the trick titles to give me some specific skills to work so we could both work together to learn how to work as a team. Also so I could learn how Flori learns, and we could fine-tune our communication skills. I also wanted to work on these skills on tricks that if we had issues wouldn't have a long-lasting impact on skills that we might need for any future performance sports.

If you are interested in looking at information about the Trick Dog titles go to http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/ . It's not cheap to work through all the titles to Champion, but something that I really wanted to do.

Now to plan what Flori and I work on next!!

My favorite trick - Flori and Evo's 'Up high, down low' tandem trick

Flori's full application for her title

If you are interested in training trick's I'm happy to help! Email hybriddogtraining@gmail.com to arrange a lesson. 

If you would like help with the details of the Trick Dog titles, and having tricks certified contact Carolyn Bassett (Pawz Perfect Trick Dog: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pawzperfectNTDsparkteam/) 

#FDSANaNoWriMo blog post number 9

November the 8th 2018

When is a problem not a problem?

So here's the thing. My last two puppies have been pretty good and easy puppies. Maybe this is because I've gotten better at finding lines and litters with good tempraments, but I also think it's my approach to managing, and dealing with 'problems' that arise.

I really like training. I like approaching a problem or skill and breaking it down. I like looking at the geeky science of training. But I'm also super busy, and a tad lazy. You know what? I'd much rather spend my time working on something fun, than fixing a problem.

Here's my take on problems (and having less of them to deal with).

Manage the environment to help avoid problems developing.  

There is a reason that my young puppies are in puppy pen, crates, or other restricted spaces when they are not being directly supervised. It helps with toilet training, and them feeling safe and secure, but it also helps in stopping bad behaviors like chewing rugs, eating socks, or digging holes from occurring. Not only is this less time and energy for me in the long run, but it also helps ensure their physical safety...... Foreign object removal surgery is expensive!

Flori has recently developed a real liking for my socks and underwear on the clothes airer. So I moved them to the top, only to discover she can climb it. So I found another solution. Because yes I could probably work on this training wise, but I'm hoping with a simple environmental tweak I can avoid this behavior becoming habitual and reinforced.

Note: Underwear and socks are now hanging up high, off the curtain rail.

Decide what bug's you enough to fix, and what you really don't care about!  

Every dog has behaviors that are less than desirable. Deo is a horrendous alert barker at noises outside at home. Yes it bugs me, but living rurally on a busy State Highway with traffic noise means that no-one but me and the other dogs can hear it. It is one of these things that I have decided is less than ideal, but not worth the training time. And you know what? This could potentially bite me in the bum in the future, like if I was to move somewhere with neighbors, but I'll deal with that when, and if, that happens. 

My dogs are allowed on couches at home. I love sitting with them and having cuddles! Some people would see this as a problem that needed fixing. I don't! They get off if I ask them too, and if I was ever to be at another persons house who didn't like dogs on couches (unlikely as all my friends are fellow dog weirdos) I would leave them outside or in the vehicle, or use a station which is a behavior that I have trained! 

Just watching some Netflix on the couch..... So comfy! 

So be smart. Control the environment and decide what you are, and are not ok with! Then you'll have more time to train the fun things. 

If you DO want help with training the things like not jumping on the couch, email me on hybriddogtraining@gmail.com

#FDSANaNoWriMo blog post number 3

November the 3rd 2018

Overthinkers anonymous.

My name is Kelly, and I'm an overthinker. Sometimes I even find myself overthinking about being an overthinker.

Of course when it's about something as important as my new puppy the overthinking is huge. And stressful. Because obviously that one time that she stood weird and had an elbow that rotated out most definitely means that she has major orthopedic issues and will never walk, let along be able to jump agility jumps. And that one time her eye looked weird totally means she's obviously going to be blind.

Let's be honest - we put a lot of weight into the future of our young performance dogs, and we want everything to work out. For many of us, it's a substantial financial, emotional, and time investment. Some of us have intensive well-designed training plans, others do bit's and pieces and hope for the best. But no matter what you do (or do not do) many of us will overthink about it.

But you know what? We overthink because for many of us it's our nature. But also because we really care. About our sport, about our beautiful puppy, and about showing the world how truly awesome they are.

So.... enjoy your puppy. Try not to stress. Trust in your training, and that you won't screw your beautiful new puppy up too much! Try not to overthink so much.

#FDSANaNoWriMo blog post number1!

November the 1st 2018