Huge News! @Alex Lato & I have teamed up. In October we are going to be running the 4-Week Play with Purpose Challenge. It will be hosted here on Skool. If you’re an advanced handler or trainer, you already know: food fades, toys wear out, and pressure only takes you so far. But when you unlock the true power of play, you’ll: ✅ Create engagement that holds under pressure & distractions ✅ Use play as the ultimate currency — more powerful than food or toys ✅ Build confidence so your dog thrives in new, stressful, or chaotic environments ✅ Forge a relationship so strong, your dog wants nothing more than to work with you ✅ Turn training into the most rewarding game of your dog’s life Most trainers waste play. They treat it as a “break,” a quick reward, or just fun with the dog. But here’s the truth: 👉 Play is the most powerful tool you’ll ever have to build world-class engagement, bulletproof motivation, and unshakable focus — if you know how to structure it. In this 4-week challenge, Alex will show you the exact system he uses to transform play from a casual game into a high-value, competition-level reward that creates unstoppable dogs. What You’ll Get Inside the Challenge 🔑 Weekly deep-dive trainings on how to structure play for maximum impact 🎯 Step-by-step drills to build motivation, engagement, and confidence 💡 The system Alex uses with working dogs, sport dogs, and high-drive companions 📈 Feedback & coaching so you don’t just learn — you implement ⚡ A community of handlers & trainers pushing for next-level results This isn’t another £20 webinar you forget about. This is a 4-week intensive challenge where you’ll walk away with a proven system you can use for the rest of your dog’s career. ⚠️ This opportunity will pass quickly. Once the doors close, they’re closed. Join the Waitlist Now. Be first in line when enrollment opens. Secure your place before this fills up. The countdown has already started. If you want to join the waitlist for the challenge then you can do so here: https://playwithpurpose.scoreapp.com/

Sunday group walks always fill our cup. I am so proud of Frank he is completely neutral now around other dogs and just happy to prod along with them ☺️ I have been getting in MVP assignment practice though the day in 5min bursts when it’s not too hot. Got Ninos feedback on our focus heel and we are nearly there. He just wants a straight head which I’m aware of (regretting the “pocket hand” training I did for years) Working on heeling assignment and the last freestyle at the same time so I don’t overload the old boy with too much focus heel. We have until December, will see 🙈 With Abby I’m going back to puppy training and just working on throwing treats and her chasing them. Keeping it simple for the old girl ☺️

I am going to experiment with a new format here. Hosting all of my daily entries in one thread. I'll periodically create a new thread when it gets too long here. For those that don't know the two dogs I will post about here are Lupe & Onyx. In the photo Onyx is on the left, Lupe on the right. P.S. If you want to also host your diaries in one thread feel free to experiment yourself.

What went well this week?

Hey! I'm excited to welcome you to the community! Please leave a comment and tell us where you are from. Thanks, Nick P.S. Don't forget to watch the onboarding so you can make the most of the group.