Arty’s Tricks & Tales Blog
OUR BLOG
Here I’d like to share my love of training, and show how it can improve the relationship with your dog. For example, my dog, Arty, enjoys any new challenge, and we often demonstrate new tricks. Seeing him engaged like this shows that trick training—or any positive training—can make it a JOY to have your dog around. A trained dog is a happy dog and happy owner!
My training methods are one of many approaches to dog training. It is not intended to compete with other trainers or methodologies, as there are many different and valid ways to train your dog!
Illustration by: Alison Czech
RECENT POSTS
Crossing Paws Crossing Paths
Crossing paws. Crossing paths.
We cross our arms. We cross our legs. We even cross our eyes! We also cross paths. Carl Jung stated "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
Going in Circles?
Ever feel that all you do is run in circles, trying to do 10 things at once, cutting corners right and left, never stopping to catch your breath, and ending up exhausted & behind? We’ve all been there at some time in our life when chaos reigns. Enter Arty. Leave it to a dog to take the phrase "going in circles" and turn it into a masterclass on slowing down.
The Magic of Missteps
Who wants to make mistakes? Nobody, right? We'd all prefer smooth sailing and instant success. Yet when we stop expecting perfection, we find the real magic is in the missteps. In this video, watch Arty attempt to do what I asked of him (“Sit”). A gallant effort that spit that stool right out from under him!
The Visit Effect
Seeing a real smile—even a furry one—isn't just nice. Quality face time ~ it's as essential as food and water! Mr. Smarty Arty learned a trick that makes saying "Hello" easier! We all thrive on real, authentic connection. And dogs want it just as much as we do. Let’s explore why this one simple act is so powerful for both ends of the leash.
Diffuse the Heat
“If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!” Arty didn’t have the option to “stay out of the kitchen” while trekking through the national parks on hot pavement. However, not only did his paws stay protected from the hot surfaces, he was looking pretty stylish! Will you be this cool in the heat?
Off-Leash Living
Arty has earned his Off-Leash “Dogree”! Freedom he worked hard to earn. This time of year we celebrate graduates from all disciplines of life, They have just earned their freedom too. What does it look like for these graduates to live “off-leash”, and what does Arty have to say about it?
OVERLOAD Impulse Control!
EMOTIONS! Like a roller coaster sometimes, right? It turns out dogs aren’t the only ones who need impulse control. Handling emotions is just like teaching Arty a trick—it takes a lot of repetition, a few "accidents" along the way, and a whole lot of positive reinforcement.
THANK YOU!
Hip Hip Hooray! Arty and I completed our first year online, no joke! April Fool’s Day - great day to begin, eh? What a journey of growth and gratitude it’s been. Growth in our craft, Arty in his tricks, and gratitude for this experience. He’s here to say THANK YOU for being his friend.