Article – Black Magic Dog Training

Creating a Custom Fitness Plan for the Canine Athlete (or Weekend Warrior!)

ArticlesMarch 13, 202090Views 0Likes 0Comments

Q Proi You see it in the explosive drive of the agility border collie, the powerful leap of the dock-jumping lab, and the relentless endurance of the sled dog. But you also see it in the shelter mutt who lives for their Saturday hike at Soos Creek Trail, or the senior retriever who still believes…

The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Training a Hairless Dog

ArticlesMarch 13, 202077Views 0Likes 0Comments

Q Proin There is a presence, an almost electric stillness, that a hairless dog brings into a room. My standard Xoloitzcuintli is more than a pet; he is a living piece of ancient history, a warm, sleek statue that moves with a primal grace. But beneath that unique, striking exterior lies a mind and a…

How to Train a Primitive Dog Breed: A Guide for Motivating the Xoloitzcuintli, Shiba Inu, Basenji, and More

ArticlesMarch 13, 202098Views 0Likes 0Comments

Q Proin You fell in love with the foxy, defiant smirk of the Shiba Inu. You were drawn to the elegant, ancient silence of the Basenji. Or, like me, you were captivated by the otherworldly grace of the Xoloitzcuintli. You brought this living artifact into your home, ready for a unique partnership. And then you…

Tools of the Trade: A Balanced Trainer’s Guide to Leashes, Collars, and Other Gear

UpdatesMarch 13, 2020220Views 0Likes 0Comments

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How to Proof Behaviors: Getting Your Dog to Listen Everywhere, Not Just at Home

UpdatesMarch 13, 2020237Views 0Likes 0Comments

Q Proin You’ve done the work. In your living room, your dog is a model citizen. Their "sit" is crisp, their "down" is lightning-fast, and their recall is flawless. You feel a surge of pride—and then you take them to the park. You call their name, and you’re met with the profound indifference of a…

Is Your Dog AKC Fit Dog Ready? A Pre-Course Assessment Guide

UpdatesMarch 13, 2020209Views 0Likes 0Comments

Q Proin The image of a fit dog is often one of extremes: the muscular agility athlete soaring over a jump, or the lean sled dog pulling through snow. But canine fitness is not just for the professional competitor. It’s the foundation for a long, vibrant, and pain-free life for every dog—from the weekend hiking…

Fueling the Mind, Not Just the Body: The Role of Nutrition in Canine Behavior

UpdatesMarch 13, 2020232Views 0Likes 0Comments

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Building a Heeling Foundation for Sport and Everyday Obedience

Q Proin There is a profound difference between a dog who isn't pulling on the leash and a dog who is actively heeling. One is an absence of a problem; the other is the presence of a beautiful, focused partnership. A true heel is a conversation without words, a dance where you are the lead…

Prey Drive Channeling: Turning Problems into Performance

Q Proin The sight is both mesmerizing and terrifying: your dog, a coiled spring of intensity, locks onto a squirrel. Their body trembles, their whine is piercing, and in that moment, it feels like they’ve forgotten you exist. For many owners, this raw, primal energy is a "problem" to be managed, suppressed, or apologized for.…

Winter Wellness: Keeping Your Dog Fit and Active During Washington’s Rainy Season

Q P The Pacific Northwest winter is a unique kind of beautiful. The evergreens are a deeper, more profound shade of green, the air is crisp, and a quiet hush often falls over our forests in Kent and the surrounding valleys. But for dog owners, this season also brings a familiar challenge: the relentless, bone-chilling…

The 5 Key Components of a Successful Canine Behavior Modification Plan

Q Proin You’ve identified the problem. Maybe it’s the heart-pounding lunging on walks, the frantic barking at the doorbell, or the anxious destruction when left alone. You know something has to change. You’ve tried a tip from a friend, a YouTube tutorial, or just raising your voice, but the behavior persists, or even worsens. This…

What I Look for as an AKC Evaluator (CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Trick Dog Novice, Intermediate, Advanced)

Q Proin As an AKC Certified Evaluator, I hold a stack of paperwork, a pen, and a clipboard. On that clipboard is a checklist—a series of tasks that a dog and handler must perform to earn a title. From the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) to its urban and community variations, and through the ranks of…

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