Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors
The Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors by Courteous Canine is your go-to guide for mastering every level of AKC Fetch — from Novice to Retriever. Designed to support both judges and handlers, this quick-reference tool simplifies the rules, requirements, and expectations so everyone can focus on teamwork, accuracy, and fun. At the Novice level, dogs fetch from 30 feet using a [...]
Dog Dock Jumping: Fun Dry Land Games to Build Drive and Motivation
Dog Dock Jumping: Fun Dry Land Games to Build Drive and Motivation Keep your dog active and focused with exciting dry land games. Build motivation, toy drive, and confidence before hitting the dock. Learn how preference testing helps you choose the best rewards. Discover if your dog prefers new or familiar treats. Understand how novelty can boost motivation during training sessions. Create strong toy drive [...]
Pool Tricks for Dogs! Fun and Safe Water Games for Every Pup
Pool Tricks for Dogs! Fun and Safe Water Games for Every Pup Make a splash with your dog in our fun Pool Tricks for Dogs class. Teach safe, easy, and exciting pool skills. This one-time 90-minute group class helps dogs learn simple and entertaining water tricks. Each activity is tailored to your dog’s comfort. Dogs already familiar with swimming will enjoy this next step in [...]
Conquer the Challenge of Agility
Conquer the Challenge of Agility Agility is often seen as a sport that celebrates canine athleticism, but behind every successful dog is a dedicated human partner. In “Conquer the Challenge: The Human Half of the Agility Team,” Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C., CAP2, reminds us that agility is truly a team effort—and that both members of the team need care, preparation, and attention. While handlers devote [...]
To Crate or Not to Crate
By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 designed by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI It has become a popular notion to crate dogs, especially during adolescence to encourage a reinforcement history with people rather than the environment. However, is keeping a dog crated for 23.5 hours a day appropriate? This article does not aim to exclusively answer any of the questions posed but [...]
Play, Don’t Train
Play, Don't Train By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Are your clients less motivated then you would like them to be? Stop telling them to train their dogs, and start telling them to play. It's often much easier to get them to be consistent when they are having fun. Are you feeling a little bored with your own dog’s training? Stop training, and start playing! [...]
Is Your Dog Bored?
Is Your Dog Bored? Enrich Your Dog’s Life! By Kimberly Archer, Dog Behavior Technician Have you ever wondered what a day is like through your dog’s eyes? You may wake up, have breakfast, catch up on the news, do work, socialize with coworkers, relax with your partner, eat dinner, watch TV or read a book, and maybe even do some more socializing at a [...]
Agility for Dogs with Issues
This means that for some dogs playing the game of agility around other dogs can make other dogs seem fun also. The same thing can happen if a dog is afraid of people, being around people when doing agility can come to signal fun.
Choosing a Floating Motivational Toy for Dock Jumping and Swim Training
Choosing a Floating Motivational Toy for Dock Jumping and Swim Training A great floating dog toy for dock jumping can make swim sessions more exciting, motivating, and rewarding for your dog. The right toy can help build enthusiasm for the water, encourage confident retrieves, and make dock jumping practice feel like a favorite game. Different dogs enjoy different types of rewards, so choosing a toy [...]
Five Benefits of Playing Fetch with Your Dog
Five Benefits of Playing Fetch with Your Dog Playing fetch with your dog is more than a fun way to pass the time. This simple game can support physical fitness, mental enrichment, confidence, manners, and overall wellbeing. For many dogs, fetch provides a rewarding combination of movement, focus, and interaction with their favorite person. One of the biggest benefits of fetch is exercise. Running after [...]
Flirt Pole Fun for Dogs: Safe and Happy Playtime
Flirt Pole Fun for Dogs: Safe and Happy Playtime Flirt pole training for dogs can be a fun way to provide physical exercise, mental stimulation, and an exciting outlet for natural chase behaviors. A flirt pole uses a long pole, flexible line, and attached toy to create playful movement that encourages dogs to chase, pounce, and engage. The key is to introduce the game gradually. [...]
Dock Jumper Has Impressive Debut
Dock Jumper Has Impressive Debut By Brenna Fender Photo by Hillary Fuentes Three-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Zac, made a big splash at a recent Courteous Canine North American Diving Dogs competition. On Saturday, he began jumping at 4' and went to 5', and on Sunday he started at 4'8" and it went to 5' again! It was a very impressive performance by a young [...]
