Kizmet has a pretty good trials sendaway/redirect and the training/tests for USAR are built around the FEMA work where they move between platforms. In real life and in Advanced operational tests on a rubble pile however there are no markers or platforms and I often have to stay in one place. Getting a dog to move back/forward/left/right is then more of a challenge. So today tested where we are at in an open field. Left/Right not bad when needing to move further back directly away it gets tricky. Then tried on small piles (wood not rubble) and better but will need to build more distance (video), Have tried fading markers to small ones and using dropped toys/small bowls. Anything having small rewards out there can cause sniffing/hunting behaviour (especially in a spaniel) which is not ideal as leads to circling/quartering rather than clean go outs. Rewards all from me can lead to forward creep and a reluctance to go far out. So today was back to the ball thrower to deliver the ball out there when complete. Seems to still be the best compromise but will keep thinking how to communicate directionals without platforms, markers or lasers to guide them. A strong understanding of some sort of a keep going signal would be useful but not something I have trained before. More thinking required.

Would you rather lose the ability to read or to write?

What’s a movie everyone loves but you just… don’t get?

I’m opening a Premium Tier in this group — and the first 10 spots get something extra. This tier is for people who want: - Answers for their dog's behaviour problems - Guidance on exactly how to resolve those issues - More access to exclusive content What’s included: - 2 live Q&A calls per month - 1 monthly webinar with me or a guest trainer Cost: $29/month (=£21 GBP ) Free for Level 7+ members of the community This price will increase, but you can lock it in at the lowest price it will ever be now. Founding Member incentive (first 10 only): I want to really dive deep with you on your dog. If you're one of the first 10 to sign up, let's schedule a 20 minute call where we can discuss your dog so we can get off to a flying start. After the first 10, this incentive disappears. The free side of the group stays exactly the same.This is an opt-in layer for people who want sharper thinking and faster feedback.

I don't think we've done this before which is kind of crazy. Post your puppy photos - or if you rescued your dog you can do the first day you got them. 😍