Are you doing anything doggy this weekend? Training? Trialing? Hiking? Playing? What's going on for you? I've been evaluating runs for being in my new Semi-Private Lessons class over on Clean Run and I'm designing courses for that, but my own dogs only got a good ball playing session today. I'm not sure what tomorrow brings for us. I've been working with these flat rubber targets I just got from Clean Run, plus I very much need to finish one of my Whippet's Intermediate Trick Title. :) Hope you all are well and reasonably warm!

Hi All! Just a quick note to tell you that I've returned the group to "public" status so more people can see it and decide if they'd like to join us. If you get weird or unwanted private messages, please use the three dots to report and ban the users who reach out to you. If you have a problem with someone, please send me their name, and I'll report them to Skool directly. Please note that the March Challenge is pinned in the classroom and you can start at anytime. I hope you give it a try and submit your videos! If you have a moment, please consider visiting my Buy Me a Coffee page (https://buymeacoffee.com/brennafender) and check out the free and low-cost items in my ever-growing shop. You can also help support this group by sharing it with your friends. Here's the link: https://www.skool.com/backyard-dog-training-matters-2491/about I hope to see you in the group! Brenna

Is there a February challenge that I missed?!

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to send out a quick note because today I wrote about behavior modification, including a quick summary of B.F. Skinner's theory, in my newsletter, "My Phone Booth Phase." It is not a newsletter about dog training, but this week I wanted to talk about how we modify behavior in animals and people. It's a free weekly mailer, but you don't have to subscribe to read the article. It's called No Drama Llama. You can find it here: https://myphoneboothphase.substack.com/p/no-drama-llama In other news, some of you asked about the February Challenge. I am going to do a March Challenge, but start it early. I hope to post it later this week. How are you all? What have you been working on and what's ahead for you? I helped a friend at a conformation show again this past weekend and poorly handled a little dog that really didn't want to hang out with me, but it was fun anyway. I also got to see Fetch competition at this AKC show and I'm excited about it! I started training my Whippet immediately and I need to see when he can make his debut. It seems so fun! Have you competed in Fetch? Thanks for being here! Brenna

Complete 8 specific behaviors in this order to complete the ParCOURSE Challenge! Video submissions should consist of one video showing the completion of the behaviors in the prescribed order below. The behaviors can be performed as a course, moving from obstacle to obstacle, or separate videos of the behaviors can be edited together into one video. So you can do them in a series around your house or yard, or as single behaviors in a small space. You can even do one recording and pause your camera in between behaviors. No labeling or text on the video is required. You may use the same obstacles more than once, and it is okay to use agility obstacles as they are designed to be used. You may use treats and toys to reward in between behaviors. You must not have food in your hands during the behavior. Please make it clear that your hands are empty before and during the performance of the behavior. If you need assistance understanding how to complete any of the behaviors, or have any other questions, please post them below. DEADLINE: March 31st "COURSE" 1. Sit for 3 seconds on the left or right side of the handler. The sit does not have to be straight and can be angled to any degree. The dog must just be on the side of the handler. 2. Figure 8 around two items. Your dog goes around each of two items/posts/barrels/etc. in a figure 8 pattern. The handler does not do the figure 8. This is done in traditional canine parkour and can be seen in our previous challenge. ALTERNATIVE VERSION: The dog and handler heel around two items in a figure 8 pattern as is done in traditional obedience. Heel position may be imprecise. 3. Front 2 feet on an obstacle of any height. This pose must be held for a minimum of 3 seconds. 4. All 4 feet on an obstacle that is hock height or lower. The obstacle must not be flat on the ground, so there needs to be a height of at least a half inch, approximately. The dog must remain on the obstacle for a minimum of 3 seconds. No specific position is required. The dog does not have to be perfectly still, but should not be walking around for the 3 seconds. The dog must have all 4 feet on the obstacle and may not be resting their front feet on the handler.