Author Archives: lizpalika

Archer, dogs, a 12 year old boy, 1600 miles, and me

My favorite kind of a vacation is a road trip. Here’s my latest adventure: http://www.honestdog.com/2012/04/15/archer-dogs-a-12-year-old-boy-1600-miles-and-me/  

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I believe in a well stocked first aid kit

In fact, I have three of them – one at the Kindred Spirits dog training yard, one in my car, and one at home. Injuries, illnesses, and emergencies never give you advance warning, after all. http://www.honestdog.com/2012/02/06/my-first-aid-kit-is-laughed-at-but-used-often/    

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Be careful when choosing training treats (or any treats!)

From Liz Palika: The training method we use at Kindred Spirits Dog Training uses treats as a motivator, a lure, and as a reward. That means in the beginning of the training process a lot of treats are used. As … Continue reading

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More fun games to increase attention

We’re teaching our dogs all the time. Everything we do teaches them something even if we’re not aware of it. For example, if you’re sitting at your computer while reading this, and your dog nudges your arm, what do you … Continue reading

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Teaching attention skills should be fun

I was watching a dog owner and her dog in class last week. The dog, a young mixed breed with some lab heritage, was sniffing the ground, watching the birds fly overhead, and was pulling on the leash away from … Continue reading

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Bashir conquers his fear of water!

Bashir has always been afraid of water and I have no idea why. But when we went on vacation he conquered that fear. Why he decided to do that now who knows. But he got lots of praise for being … Continue reading

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“I want my dog to be good for me, not treats!”

When I began training one of my dogs years ago (and no, I won’t tell you how many!) the trainer used food treats as a training tool. Having previously trained my German Shepherds in schutzhund with a trainer who did … Continue reading

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September tends to be a hot month in San Diego

San Diego has a temperate climate. The Pacific Ocean tends to keep us from getting too hot or too cold. September, however, is our hottest month and there have been some really hot days the last few weeks. Although our … Continue reading

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Riker is Number One!

Riker, my now 12 year old Australian Shepherd, is the first dog registered in the American Kennel Club’s brand new program to recognize therapy dogs. http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2011/08/09/riker-is-number-one-and-not-just-with-me/comment-page-1/ Riker is often silly, never serious, and thankfully rarely shows his age. He’s also … Continue reading

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It’s a good thing Bashir doesn’t have thumbs

I’ve had Australian Shepherds for twenty-five years – give or take – so know the breed quite well. In those twenty-five years, my dogs and I have competed in conformation and obedience, done stock dog work, agility, carting, weight pulling, … Continue reading

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