60 Posts Tagged With "Spark"
My Dogs' Verbal and Marker Cues
04 Jul 2025
Lists of the verbal and marker cues I use in training/handling my dogs.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Snap! And Spark Earn USDAA Qualifying Q's For Cynosport!
03 Feb 2025
Snap! and Spark earned USDAA Steeplechase and Masters Challenge qualifying Q's for Cynosport!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Dana Pike Int'l Training Sequence - Video
26 Jan 2025
A Dana Pike designed a Standard agility training course based on a Jan Egil Eide course. I've included the course diagram, a discussion of handling options, and a video of Spark and me running the sequence with some of the options.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Using a Jump Wing as a Training Prop for Back Side/Threadle Slices - Video
21 Jan 2025
I demo adding a jump wing on the take off side of a threadle slice for Spark when he was having trouble finding his take off spot after I raised his jump height up to 24."
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
USDAA Trialing For Cynosport Qualifications
19 Jan 2025
First time trialing Snap! at 16", even as he's coming up on 9 he's still pretty speedy!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
When ALL The Verbals Were Needed!
18 Jan 2025
When you forget to cross on the entry to the weaves and put yourself behind on a 130’ line with a running dog walk...
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
We've all been there, right?
27 Dec 2024
When you forget to press record on your phone.
Framing up Prints of Spark at the US Open
21 Dec 2024
Now to get them, and over a dozen already framed photos, hung on the wall...
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Happy Holidays from the whole gang!
19 Dec 2024
The whole gang wishes you Happy Holidays!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark Contact Photos at the UKI US Open
09 Dec 2024
Some of these photos are pretty funny!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Happy 3rd B-Day to “Periland Lightning in a Bottle” Spark ⚡️
03 Dec 2024
It's Spark's 3rd birthday!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
NOISE!
29 Nov 2024
Spark's debut in the massive UKI US Open Gambler's final ring almost didn't happen.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Ego or "You got to know when to fold 'em".
28 Nov 2024
After running in Biathlon finals Saturday night a friend asked if we were running in Challengers.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Let's Play "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda"!
27 Nov 2024
The game where you look back at a run and see what the outcome could have been if you had made different choices.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Summing up our 2024 UKI US Open Experience
26 Nov 2024
So, so grateful!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark UKI US Open 2024 - Sooo close!
22 Nov 2024
Spark ⚡️ is on 🔥🔥🔥 another oh so close run.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark US Open 2024 Snooker Third Place Finish
21 Nov 2024
Celebrating Spark's third place in the 20” snooker at a national event, securing a spot in the games finals.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's US Open Biathlon Jumping
20 Nov 2024
I'm really happy with Spark on this challenging course.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Preparing for the UKI US Open: Goals and Experiences
15 Nov 2024
As I pack for the UKI US Open, I'm focusing on the experience rather than podiums.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's First AKC Trial - Learning and Success
09 Nov 2024
Spark competed in his first AKC trial, not everything went perfectly, but proud of his progress!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Combining Verbal Cues
04 Nov 2024
Instead of adding more verbal cues, I'm playing with combining them.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Waiting Our Turn
03 Nov 2024
Spark and I waiting our turn to run at Canine Sports Zone.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark ISC Level 2 Jumpers - Petr Pupik
03 Nov 2024
Turns out I need to cue all the things...
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Last Minute Table Training for Spark
01 Nov 2024
Spark learns the table command before his first AKC agility trial.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Breaking Connection in Action
26 Oct 2024
Watch Spark's agility run where my connection faltered.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Adapting UKI Masters Courses for Backyard Agility Training
09 Oct 2024
Missed the UKI Masters Series? See how I modified courses for backyard practice with Snap! and Spark, focusing on handling and long jump skills.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Let's have fun!
06 Oct 2024
Let's have fun! Everyone is talking about Lenka Fuksová leaving her dog Hippie in the weaves and Hippie weaving away from her.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Moving from Training to Competing with Young Dogs
11 Sep 2024
Shifting from training to competition with my young dog, Spark, as we prepare for upcoming agility trials and big events.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Successfully Registering Spark with AKC
08 Sep 2024
After a whirlwind of a photo session, I finally registered Spark with AKC.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark Shines in Senior Speedstakes
30 Aug 2024
A thrilling agility trial with Spark winning 2 first places and Snap! making a comeback.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Use NFC/Mulligans for New Environments/Equipment in Competition - Video
17 Aug 2024
Use NFC/FEO and mulligan runs to acclimate your dogs to new equipment, flooring, and other environmental factors. It was the best $20 I've spent!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Plan the Work and Work the Plan
09 Aug 2024
I got scolded by both my instructor and by Snap!'s rehab vet in class and I knew better!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Stacie Cwik Intl Course and Small Space Training Sequences
25 Jul 2024
Stacie Cwik setup a fun international style course in her class last week. She let me share her full size course and I extracted a small space section of the course. Both have multiple "either/or" handling options. Set it up and have fun!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Dana Pike Courses Inspired by UKI US Open 2024 Judge Ivan Amez - Video
12 Jul 2024
Dana Pike modified a course by one of this year's US Open judges Ivan Amez for class this week. There are two sequences for the same setup. They were a blast to run!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Colored Weave Poles, Background Colors, and Depth Perception
05 Jul 2024
I discuss how similar colors between weave poles and the background might not be as big a factor in dogs missing the weave entrance. But, purposely matching pole colors to wall colors seems unnecessarily challenging for our dogs.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's First A-Frame Session
24 Jun 2024
I'm teaching Spark to do the A-Frame using Justine Davenport's method. Here's his first session.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Training on a Floppy Teeter - Video
09 Jun 2024
Training on such a floppy teeter helps dogs get used to the worst situation they'll ever encounter. But it can hurt sensitive dog’s confidence!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Getting started on teeter training with Spark
14 May 2024
First step is unburying the teeter!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Threadle Distance Challenge - Take 2
29 Apr 2024
I tried the threadle distance challenge again with Spark to see how far away I could get.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
We Tackle Dave Munning's Threadle Distance Challenge
28 Apr 2024
Here's a great backyard training challenge courtesy of Dave Munnings and Q-Me Agility Training! He called it the threadle distance challenge.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Dog Walk Supports - Stabilizing My Dog Walk
15 Apr 2024
I wanted to reduce the flex of the planks in my older dog walk. I found some adjustable supports that work great.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's UKI Invitational Experience - Video
03 Apr 2024
Spark's first UKI Invitational experience and what I learned about running a young dog in a high energy environment.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
UKI Invitational 2024 Overview - Snap! on the Podium
01 Apr 2024
It was a mix of sleep deprivation, excitement, waiting, strategizing, and "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" at the UKI Invitational. Snap!, Spark and I had some wonderful results.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's First Snooker Run - UKI Invitational
29 Mar 2024
Spark's first ever snooker run and it was at the UKI invitational!! The youngster looked great.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Working Through Pre-Event Jitters
28 Mar 2024
With the UKI Invitational coming to my area this weekend I'm wondering why am I burning mental energy on stuff I can't really control? In my usual way, let me work through this and see if my situation is something that resonates with you.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's Running Dog Walk Practice - Full Length - Left Turns
01 Mar 2024
It's light outside after work! Worked Spark's left turns with ~30' send to a jump wrap about 30' in front of the DW. I love how he…
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Spark's Running Dog Walk Practice - Raised Plank
09 Jan 2024
Training Spark's Running Dog Walk on a slightly raised plank.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Dana Pike Course - Jan 1 2024
05 Jan 2024
Fun and challenging course from Dana Pike. Here's my handling approach/notes.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
NFC/FEO for Start Line Training and Snazzy Photos
04 Jan 2024
I took Snap! and Spark to a UKI trial at Agility at the Farm on NYE day. I decided to work Snap!'s start lines by running NFC/FEO. I "ran" Spark in two runs. Here are some nice photos too!
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
DIY - Dog Walk Mat Attachment
02 Jan 2024
Time to move Spark's running dog walk mat onto the plank. I used some grommets and a bungee cord to hold it in place.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
(Re)Training Weaves with Guides and 2x2s
18 Jun 2023
In this blog post, I'll explain how to train a dog to weave using 2x2s combined with weave guides, whether they have previous experience or are new to weaving.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Stacie Cwik Inspired Small Space Sequences
07 Jun 2023
I loved running Spark and Snap! on Stacie Cwik's class course last week and the opening/closing made for a perfect small space practice setup. So I mashed the opening and closing together into one sequence and came up with three additional (and challenging!) training sequences.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Are You Training Enough Threadle Handler Locations?
16 Jan 2023
I want my threadle physical and verbal cues to be proofed enough that I don't have to be perfectly positioned for my dogs to take the obstacle as a slice or a wrap. How accurate does your dog need you to be?
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Two Proposals for Determining Invitees to the AKC Agility Invitational
06 Jan 2023
I present two proposals for selecting teams that can perform well at the AKC Agility Invitational without requiring popular breeds to trial nearly every weekend.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Dana Pike/Steve Skills Sequences
25 Nov 2022
I loved running Spark on Dana Pike's skills sequence at this week's class and she kindly let me share it. I've added two more sequences to give you three jump-only skills sequences for a long narrow space that let you work on jump wraps, 270s, back side slice/wrap, and a threadle.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
AKC-like JWW/Premier Novice through Masters Practice Courses
12 Nov 2022
Three of each AKC-like Jumpers/Premier sequences for novice/advanced and excellent/masters teams from a recent seminar of mine.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Fun AKC-like JWW Novice/Advanced Practice Courses
07 Nov 2022
Five fun and challenging AKC-like Jumpers sequences for novice/intermediate teams from a recent seminar.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Three Backyard Back Side and Threadle Practice Sequences
02 Sep 2022
Snap! and I need to work on him taking the jump on a back side slice while I'm moving fast away from the jump he is taking. Also threadle wraps when I'm past the plan of the jump. So I created these three sequences and thought I'd share them.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Birgitta Hermansson Tunnels/Jumps Practice Sequences - Video
26 Aug 2022
I always enjoy the practice courses Birgitta Hermansson posts on Facebook. After having so much fun running one of her sequences I came up with three more sequences for the same equipment setup. I also shot some video of me practicing with Snap! and 8 month old Spark for fun.
![tag cloud of all blog subjects]()
Improve Your Game by Training Away Your Weaknesses
18 Nov 2014
When it comes to dog agility training there are two areas where many of us need to focus: "Removing the Buts" and "Removing Issues". If you…
