This might be a fun training opportunity. So I recently got into disc (frisbee) golf and there is a course behind my house. I took Tigger tonight and played 3 holes. It was wild to say the least. The process is throw the frisbee, walk to it and throw again. I have him sit and stay but the violence of throwing a “toy” really gets him going and he takes off for about 10 feet but comes back. I need a hard stay. Are there tips or drills for stay command in the wild, especially when you’re throwing something the dog wants to go after?

John, we were recently traveling to my daughters townhome in a new area for Maya. She slipped off leash and took off running (playing to her). We chased her for 20-25 minutes with one close call in a high traffic road situation. Thankfully the car stopped when he saw me waving my arms. She ultimately stopped to chase a groundhog that she jumped and we were able to tackle her and get her back on the leash. The "come" command was not working nor kibbles. We did not scold her once we were able to get her back. She went about a 1/4 mile and in and out of house of a neighborhood. I am really interested in ideas of thoughts when this happens. We also increased training immediately with the "LONG" leash. We did not have the e-collar on at the time either. She is fine and I look forward to getting you back out for our final two sessions.

Do you recommend the elevated dog beds for training for a place to put and stay out of the way?

"Maya whines when she is wanting something. It can be she wants to play, hungry, pee or poop or just whines to get attention. We tend to respond and do what we thinks she wants. Ideas?" Great question! Sometime today or tomorrow, I'm going to record and add a brief response video here with my take on how I would approach this kind of scenario. If any other group members have some thoughts, feel free to chime in before that. (Some context here is that Maya is a young high-drive Australian Shepherd). Like I said, I'll add a video below when I get a chance today or tomorrow walking you through my thoughts but just wanted to pass this question I got to the group.

A lot of times I think we humans often can be sort of co-dependent on dogs they haven’t met before. It’s like we want to make ourselves feel good by the dog liking us or wanting the interaction with us. Neutrality, spatial respect, and giving the dog options are always a better route. Definitely don’t approach new dogs like the man in this video…this is really really important. (Then read below…) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDw8NUEoZaA/?igsh=MThuYWZ6OXlhb2YwYQ== Instead… 1) let them come up to you (if they even want to)…and just be relaxed and neutral…not needy of any affection from the dog…do not lean over top of them. 2) if they want to come near you, then let them sniff then see what they do after they’ve “gathered information”. Their nose activating like that…is simply their brain taking in tons of information. 3) If it seems now like they are seeking physical interaction from you, by leaning or sitting next to you, etc…verify by calmly / sort off passively even…presenting your hand to them from a slight distance of possible…present at a height a little lower than their shoulder height (not in front of their face…but lower for sure…so it doesn’t come across as a threat) 4) If they accept you, then go ahead and pet for 3-4 seconds…BUT then stop and calmly pull hands away and stop talking to the dog…This gives them options to continue, or to just be neutral, or to escape / walk away if it’s too stressful for them (no need to pet above eye level or on top of the head…shoulders, neck, chest would be better options unless they are presenting their butt for example. 5) Then, keep it simple and double check off and on by moving on or acting physically neutral so you can really see whether or not the dog is ACTIVELY seeking out your attention / physical touch. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDw8NUEoZaA/?igsh=MThuYWZ6OXlhb2YwYQ==