March 10th, 2025

Impossible, It Cannot Be Done

I get a lot of incredulous looks when I say that I don't necessarily use tools or treats in my training - especially not when training my own dogs. Of course, there are some exceptions: high-distraction environments, demonstrating for a client, or the occasional treat that falls out of my pockets.

I keep treats in my house and usually in my car, but I do not like relying on treats, tools or charged batteries when I take my dogs to places.

I do not know about you, but most of my activities include my dogs. I bring them everywhere because I never want to end up needing a dog and not having one.

Emma sitting in a client's driveway waiting for me on March 4th, 2025.

My dogs have incredible listening skills, responding equally well to whistle and voice commands from 200 yards away. That does not mean I started by asking them to recall from that distance - I began the way I tell everyone to: on a leash.

Establish your parameter first. Before giving your dog more freedom, make sure they can handle it and that you can keep them and everyone else safe.

In the woods, my girls understand that sometimes they are free to run, be silly and just enjoy themselves. Other times, they need to walk behind me, wait at the side for people to pass, or slow down.

I never used treats for that kind of work because, in those moments, the only thing that matters is understanding. Sometimes, I really need something - and my dogs should recognize that.

Happy Training!

Addi and her dogs