It's easy to assume we're all born knowing how to play - but sometimes reclaiming that childlike sense of fun is harder than it looks! Join us for a conversation on the skills we need to rediscover and those we need to teach our dogs to get toy play everyone involved can enjoy. 

One of the skills you'll need for retriever hunt tests is the blind retrieve — where the dog retrieves downed game that they didn't see land. In this episode Jennifer talks me though exactly what that means and how she approaches it in training.

Wondering what the hype is about when it comes to Location Specific Marker cues? Shade and I talk about what they are, what they can offer your training, how to decide when it's time to consider adding a new one, the role of anticipatory behaviors and more! 

Have a dog that's easily distracted or driven to chase prey-like critters? In this episode Tracey and I talk about overcoming critter distractions and building behaviors so you can both enjoy the outdoors again. 

Ever wondered if your dog can remember which hides they've already found? In this Episode Julie and I dive into problem solving multiple hides and using contrast to create clarity in nosework.

What really goes into having a focused dog? Join us for a conversation what it means to train focus — and how we can split a complex behavior down into component parts to build a strong but flexible skillset every sports dog needs.

What's the big deal about play, anyway? Join us for a conversation on the benefits of play... and how to tap into your inner child, so both you and your dog can enjoy playing together!

In this episode Sharon and I talk about what engagement looks like for those “differently motivated” dogs and how to handle it when our dog appears to be ignoring our cues.

Ever wonder how herding dog handlers get those fabulous downs at a distance? Hélène Lawler joins me to talk about building reliable behaviors at a distance... useful whether you want to herd sheep or nail your startline stay and drop on recall! 

Wellness is about both the physical and the emotional being. Today Kelly and I take a deeper look at what that means and what we, as handlers, can do to ensure the wellness of our canine athletes. 

Choice and habit both play a role in our dog training - and if we want to change behavior, it's important to determine which that behavior falls into to create an effective plan. During this episode, Irith and I talk about how to know and what to do!

Engagement and attention are not the same thing — In this episode Petra dives into what training engagement looks like and why it's crucial to compete successfully.

Competing in conformation is so much more than running in circles — join me and Ashley for a conversation on the skills it takes to become best in class.

Ever wondered what to expect at our annual in-person event? This week we'll hear from several people who have attended multiple events about what they love and why they keep coming back.