The economics of behavior! The Cost of Behavior As cool as Freestyle and Rally-FrEe are, they can also be challenging sports for both dog and handler. We ask our dogs to stay engaged while training complex behaviors and while putting those behaviors into longer sequences and routines. That’s a proper challenge! It’s no wonder our efforts to keep our… Continue reading…
Appreciation All Around
So many people make RFE special! In case you haven’t seen it on the Rally-FrEe For All group, members have been showing their gratitude to those that maybe aren’t in the limelight, but are always there to help, do a bit extra, or who are someone they can count on when needed! We had an overwhelming response of… Continue reading…
Phee’s First
How we’re prepping for our first Rally-FrEe entry! I’ve just started practicing the course for Phee’s first entry in Rally-FrEe Pre-Novice class. I’m nervous and excited! She recently passed her Skills Test. (That allowed me to assess whether we were ready to take the next step and enter a video event.) I thought I would… Continue reading…
The Judges Speak
Top tips for overcoming common struggles It doesn’t have to be perfect. If you’re competing by video, it’s easy to just start over every time there is a mistake. But that can be demotivating for both teammates. Sometimes the best things come out of spontaneity! Be sure the person filming you knows to orient the camera… Continue reading…
Building Bonds and Overcoming Odds
An interview with Claudine Illg Tell me a little bit about yourself and your dog. Augie is a five year old Australian Shepherd and I adopted him from a shelter; I’m actually his third mom. He’s the reason that I got started with any kind of dog sports. If you know anything about Australian Shepherds,… Continue reading…
Trial and Error? No Time for That!
Why and how to set up for success We’ve all heard it – maybe even said it. “Dogs learn through their mistakes” With any luck, we all learn from our mistakes! But is it really the best way to learn? Should we embrace errors as an effective form of learning? In training for performance, there’s no time for… Continue reading…
Smooth Moves July 2020
Train Your Dog Some Smooth Moves! We’ve been having fun with #smoothmovesmonday and How-To Friday videos on our Facebook page! Monday features a dog fluently performing a RF and/or MF behavior, and on Friday I share my top training tips for it! Check out how to train “tween” in this How-To!
Smooth Moves June 2020
Train Your Dog Some Smooth Moves! We’ve been having fun with #smoothmovesmonday and How-To Friday videos on our Facebook page! Monday features a dog fluently performing a RF and/or MF behavior, and on Friday I share my top training tips for it! Check out how to train “tween” in this How-To!
Waiting For Our Best
Do you know when you and your dog are there? I recently entered the World Wide 1 2020 video event with what will be the last routine I will perform with Kashi, my 10 year old Tibetan Terrier. Age and a lifetime of managed health challenges are taking their toll. Responding to my verbal cues and… Continue reading…
Fluency on Cue!
Cue fluency and how to tell if your dog has it Let’s talk fluency. It’s something we all strive for in our behaviors. Fluent behaviors are: consistent, dependable, and reliable. They have been generalized to various location and contexts. In short, the dog has honed their skill in executing the behavior beautifully. We not only need to… Continue reading…
