Training Bullytin #6--
Top Dog Training Resources for Owners
In a recent discussion with fellow dog trainers we shared our favorite resources for dog owners. This is by no means a complete list but I wanted to share options in different mediums in order to have a little something for everyone.
Podcast
Bravo Dog Knowledge, hosted by Renee Erdmen
In addition to being a fellow Academy for Dog Trainers alum and bulldog lover, Renee is accredited by the IAABC, CASI and is BC SPCA Animal Kind Accredited. She also sits on the Board of Directors at Whistler Animal Shelter and is on the Ethics committee with the IAABC.
Instagram Account
@The_Toby_Project, hosted Toby’s mom
They are working their way through Toby's rather intense leash reactivity. Toby’s training journey is downright inspiring; even for seasoned dog trainers. I get a lot of calls from owners whose dogs bark and lunge when on walks and I now point them to @The_Toby_Project for examples of excellent training by an owner who is not a professional dog trainer.
Book
Meet Your Dog, by Kim Brophey, CDBC, Applied Ethologist
Kim’s application of modern dog training using a multi lens approach has turned heads across the dog training community. Her L.E.G.S. dog training model provides a whole- life perspective on dog training and enrichment. What I love about the model is the way it highlights how different breeds react to different environments. No, it is not only about how you raise them!
Blog
De Marinis Dog Training, https://demarinisdogtraining.com/blog/
Anthony De Marinis is a seasoned dog trainer with experience in everything from puppies to aggressive dogs. I first met Anthony in the Aggression in Dogs Master Course but soon learned his experience was vast. I often reference his blog posts to my clients because they are technical enough to help clients meet specific goals but accessible enough to be helpful to trainers and clients alike.
YouTube
Dog Training by KikoPup, https://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup
Emily Larlham is a dog trainer’s dog trainer. She focuses on key concepts using practical methods. Her videos cover everything from practical tips, like curbing counter surfing, to fun stuff like trick training.
Facebook Groups
WAGD Canine Enrichment, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1303395143104856. What A Great Dog! hosts an enrichment group on Facebook. Enrichment is the new exercise and this group is a fun place to learn about enrichment for dogs. Topics ranger from Snifari Walks to Food Searches to Dog Play. The group is inviting and supportive and I love seeing so many dogs benefiting from creative enrichment opportunities.
Website
I Speak Dog, http://www.ispeakdog.org
Start with the amazing Jean Donaldson, add the talented Sarah Pennington, sprinkle the writing of Tracy Krulik, and the artistic genius of Lili Chin and you have the best website dedicated to dog body language on the internet.
I Speak Dog is a go-to for all dog trainers to highlight the body language dogs are using to show us they are scared, happy, relaxed, worried, excited, etc. Being able to read dog body language is crucial in solving dog behavior problems and this website provides fantastic examples in pictures and videos.
Online Classes
Doggy Geeks University, https://www.doggygeeks.university
Courses at Doggy Geeks University cover topics from dental care to leash reactivity. All online instructors are certified professional dog trainers with the experience to hone training plans that are are manageable for owners and work for dogs. Definitely check out Calm, Cool, and Collected; their online course helping owners with dogs who jump!
In Person Classes
What A Great Dog!, https://whatagreatdog.com
Based out of Richardson, Texas What A Great Dog! has a dedicated following with professional trainers and owners recommending their group classes. Topics range from puppy primer to advanced nose work. The professionalism at What A Great Dog! is top notch!
VBS The Training Studio, https://www.vbsthetrainingstudio.com
It’s no secret that I became a dog trainer because our bulldogs where both human and dog aggressive. We were actually twice kicked out of puppy school! That’s right, at less than 12 weeks old my dogs were barking, lunging, and snapping at any stranger or dog that got within 10 feet of them. After a few private lessons and some home training we were able to enroll them in classes specifically designed for dogs who are not wholly comfortable being around strangers and other dogs. This was a big step in our dogs’ training journeys.
Few training facilities offer group classes for reactive dogs. Why? Because it’s not a money maker. Training classes are highly profitable when they can accommodate ten or more dogs. That combined with the risk involved makes bringing in reactive dogs rather unattractive to most dog training facilities. The Training Studio specializes in group classes for reactive dogs and limits attendance to around four dogs per class. They offers everything from Pandemic Puppy to Nose Games to Reactive Rover classes.
* In full disclosure, I (along with other trainers) teach Reactive Rover and Nose Games
classes VBS The Training Studio.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the resources I recommend to dog training clients, but it is a nice example of the fantastic information available to trainers and owners. It is way too easy to stumble across poor, if not dangerous, dog training advice. I hope this list helps you find fun, informative, and accessible dog training information.
Please do no hesitate to reach out if you need dog training advice or resources.
Happy training,
Jenelle Bell, CTC, CPDT-KA
Your Dog’s Champion 214-215-3464
