Make a new years resolution to teach your dog this year. Join a class, pack walk or team event. Think your dog knows how to sit? Have your dog sitting at your left side reliably each time you stop while on a walk. This is called auto sit. To teach this, walk ten paces and command sit, do this at least five times and then try not saying sit. Did she sit? If not, continue walking ten paces, give command and so on. Remember reward with praise and motivation!

I would like to thank all of my clients at this time of year and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and very productive New Year. Please join us this next year as we introduce new and exciting training classes. We will be forming a Rally O team and are looking for anyone interested to contact us soon for more details. Peace, Tom Steinbacher, CDT

Does your dog know when it is being trained? Consider an on/off switch in the dogs mind. Starting with the off by releasing saying"o.k.! and throwing your hands in the air. Now Fido is out of training mode. To turn on, have Fido do a solid "sit" and make eye contact with you, now she is "on" and in training mode. Work on this daily and always release or "turn off " her off. If you need assistance with this command series, feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Teaching "stay" can be easy inside the home. But let's add the distraction of going outside where the sounds and smells are. Purchase a long leash and have your dog do stays at 10, 20, and 30 feet. Have your dog stay and throw a ball. All obedience commands must be proofed with distractions.

Consider teaching your dog "place" command. This command is used so little but is most convenient for owner. Say your friends invite you over for dinner and ask to bring your dog along. Wouldn't it be great if your dog could go to a place and relax while you are eating dinner? If you need assistance with this command, contact us and we will be happy to help.

Always have your dog sit and momentarily wait when feeding your dog. You are now teaching him to focus and learn wait command. Now use wait command in everyday situations such as going out the door, getting into the car, etc.

When teaching heel command, consider walking along a fence with your dog between you and the fence. You are taking away the opportunity for your dog to go left and right and to concentrate on moving forward. Walk with a brisk pace and encourage your dog each step of the way.

Think about agility basics as a fun way to strengthen your bond between you and your dog and increases your dogs confidence .