Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Archive for category Animal Behaviors

Toys to Keep Pets Challenged

Jun 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When I work with animal communication clients regarding certain behavioral issues with their dog or cat, it is not uncommon for a part of the cause to be related to

  • anxiety or boredom,
  • prey drive/hunting instinct, or
  • territorialism.

Of course, every animal’s rationale for their behavior is different and it is important to understand what is driving them to react as they do. But quite often the solution involves redirecting the pet to a less destructive, more productive activity. Toys to keep your animal companion challenged, mentally and physically, can be just the ticket.

Consider your pet’s breed, which gives a clue as to their in-bred instinct. Obviously a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever dog loves to retrieve. It’s great exercise for them to chase balls, Frisbees, and sticks as thrown by their guardians, and until these dogs approach their golden years, they could partake in this activity for hours. You can add more mental challenge for them by rubbing their favorite retrieval item with a food scent and hiding the item. This is great for an retriever dog who might have a bit of anxiety or destructive behavior when you leave them alone for a few hours. Give them the “job” of finding their toy, assisted only by scent, and then guarding or protecting it while you are away.

Other dog breeds may not have a strong retrieval instinct, but may be very motivated by food. Toys that allow a special treat to be locked inside can keep these canines busy and mentally challenged for hours.

Cats have a strong prey drive, and they don’t lose that instinct just because they are indoor cats. Sometimes their frustration at not being able to stalk and hunt builds to a point of frustration and unwanted behaviors can develop, not to mention stalking and hunting is a great way for a cat to keep themselves fit. Scratching posts, catnip toys, and interactive games with their humans are all great, but consider adding some challenge for your kitty by making a simple toy to allow them to express their natural instinct, AND allowing them to reap the final reward at the end. A few bits of dried chicken or their favorite fish flakes in a recycled (empty) water bottle with small punctures for the aroma to escape will keep them redirected from yowling at the window, attacking your visitor’s feet, or scratching the furniture due to boredom. Small, light-weight bottles are all the better for skittering across the kitchen floor, just like a mouse would do. And best of all, if you don’t tighten the lid much, repeated batting and rolling around will eventually allow the lid to come off and the treats will be revealed. This kind of foraging toy, while not identical to hunting a mouse or snake in the garden, will allow your feline to honor his natural instinct for hunting, and a redirection to this game from an unwanted behavior could make your home much more harmonious for all.

If your pet is exhibiting unwanted behaviors and you suspect they are bored, find a mentally challenging game for them which is appropriate for their breed and personal preferences.

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Thunder Fear in Dogs

Apr 22

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Thunder and lightning season is upon us. Our dogs are probably acutely aware of that fact already! A portion of my animal communication work in the spring and summer months relates to dogs with thunder fear or anxiety. My own dog, now passed, had thunder anxiety so I know first hand that it is not fun for the dog or human when storms start to roll in.

Not all dogs have a reaction to thunder and lightning, and some dogs develop anxiety over time. A good friend emailed this morning stating that their six year old lab had his first thunder storm reaction last night. He was severely panicked, yet he has never been bothered by storms in the past.

Thunder is, of course, a very loud and lasting rumbling noise. Just the noise is the culprit for some dogs. Thunder also often has accompanying lightening, and the flash of unexpected light in the sky can be a shock for some dogs. Thunder is also a vibration felt from the ground, which dogs feel but generally humans don’t. Many dogs, however, have explained to me a feeling of an electrical current, or static electricity, in the air that feels overwhelming, sometimes suffocating, and always disconcerting. Quite often I learn that it is this electrical charge in the air that is the most difficult for dogs to deal with. We might be able to muffle the sound of thunder, put them in a dark room to shield them from lightening, or hold them in our lap so the vibrations are lessened, but I have yet to come up with a way to minimize the static feeling in the air.

Thunder fear can be difficult to reverse. There are training and behavioral modification techniques which may work for some dogs. There are aids – flower essence remedies, herbal remedies, homeopathics, and pharmaceuticals – which may work for some dogs. Animal communication can work for some dogs, and a combination of all of the above may be the best solution. Every dog is different in their reasons for reacting to storms, and their type of reaction is different. Therefore, the solution needs to be individualized; your health care provider and/or animal communicator can help identify resources appropriate for your dog.

Regardless of the use of any remedies or behavioral modification techniques, there are some things that YOU CAN DO to set the stage for a calmer experience. First and foremost, as we know, our animals are sponges and pick up on their human’s state of mind and being. If you have anxiety or fear of electrical storms or loud noises, your pet is very likely role-modeling your own fear. If you are particularly stressed with work, family or personal issues, your pet may pick up on that stress and when the thunder begins, the stress they feel in you can lead them to believe the thunder is the cause and they react accordingly. I wish I could give you a magic tonic so that you would never be anxious or stressed, and that I could take away your own thunder anxiety. As lovely as that would be, it’s not possible. I am not saying that your dog’s fear of thunder is your fault either; however, how you respond to your dog during thunder storms may affect how quickly they recover from their anxiety.

Many of my clients say “my dog knows a thunder storm is approaching hours before I ever hear or see thunder and lightning.” So true, and that was my experience with my own dog as well. Sometimes it took me quite awhile to recognize his anxiety as related to an upcoming storm. The sooner we recognize the symptoms, however, the better.

As soon as you notice a change in behavior indicating an approaching storm, immediately begin visualizing your dog in a calm state, much like you see him or her on any normal, clear day. Really see in your mind’s eye your calm dog, roaming around in his normal routine. Feel the serenity he experiences as he explores the garden, moves from room to room to check on his humans, and takes a peaceful nap on his dog bed in the sun room. Through all of your vision, keep recognizing that your dog is 100% safe. Calm, peaceful, and safe. Those are your mantra words. The more you can envision the scene as you want it to be (and don’t let your mind focus on the panic and fear you have come to expect), the better. This exercise not only gives your dog a clue on how he can and should behave as a storm approaches, it also keeps you calm, and the focus on your beloved canine at this time will put any of your own fear and stress on the back burner.

Pay attention to the words you use with your pet during this fearful time. If your dog is in a fearful state, saying “it’s okay” or “you’re okay” is actually reinforcing his fearful way of being. Instead, use words like “stay calm” and “you are safe” to reassure him. Ultimately, we want to support our pets to cope and console themselves. Your sincere belief that they are, and will remain, safe will go a long way in convincing them!

Whether you utilize an aid or behavioral technique in addition to these calming words and visions, know that the storm will pass, and your pets will return to their happy state of mind shortly thereafter.

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Animal Communication and Body Language

Apr 16

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

An animal communication client of mine has been studying up on animal body language as they get to know their new puppy. They wonder about a dog’s body language and how it relates to their feelings from an animal communication point of view. I’m so glad they asked! I’ve never thought about this before, and I’ve taken some time ponder.

More than 90% of my animal communication consultations are done via phone. I generally have a photo of the animal(s) with which I am working, but photos don’t convey the ever-changing body language present in all beings. Since I am not in the physical presence of animals during most of my communication sessions, do I notice body language? Do I utilize it while communicating with animals?

I realize, Yes I do! This is one of those things I hadn’t noticed until I actually thought about it. An animal’s body language does come though in various ways as I work with them telepathically. I tried to dissect my process of receiving information from animals as it relates to body language – is it my perception, or does literal body language come though energetically?

Turns out, there is some of both. When I chat with a cat, for example, who conveys an unwillingness to consider a change of opinion or behavior, I might receive an image or a sense of the cat sitting back with his or her arms crossed with a very stubborn attitude. Obviously cats don’t have arms, nor do they cross them in the same posture that humans use. Yet very often the emotions expressed by animals, in this case a cat stubbornly expressing her disinterest in changing her behavior, comes through in such a way that I perceive a typical human expression of body language, and this is often the best way I can convey that strong emotion to the cat’s human. When I work with extremely fearful or aggressive animals, I feel and/or “sense” their fear or aggression; similar to viewing body language of a tail tucked between the legs or a certain posture with correlating snarl or exposed teeth.

On the other hand, animals can and do send me information that contains literal body language which is important in understanding how they are feeling, or what they are trying to convey. I have a number of experiences where the animal sends an image or a sensation of themselves to explain just how they are feeling. A dog once said to me “I’m a Princess” and showed me an image of her walking through the house in a very regal way. Her princess-like attitude was very clearly conveyed to me in body language to illustrate her royalty as opposed to her being diva-like.

My own girl-pug dog does NOT like to talk to me about serious issues; she says “I just want to have fun with you!” So when I broach a serious topic when communicating telepathically with her, I quite often see an image of her turning her head and becoming disengaged in our conversation. If you have teenagers, you probably know the same body language!!!

All of the subtle bits of information come together to form a picture of the animal with which I am working, and just exactly how that animal is feeling. Body language certainly plays a part, even telepathically. How does body language benefit animal communication? The solutions to a behavioral problem with a regal-princess vs. a diva-princess are slightly different; therefore how we proceed in the conversation would be slightly different as well. It is important to be in tune with energetic body language when solutions to the particular topic are delivered to the animal. An animal who hears an expectation or request and responds with the proverbial “arms crossed” will probably need some more convincing, but a dog that receives the expectation of a change in behavior by sending me an image of an enthusiastic tail-wag is good to go!

Thanks for asking this question about body language and animal communication. It has given me something to ponder, and I hope has helped explain an aspect of animal communication which will help you understand your new puppy better!

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Talking To Your Animals is Great Validation!

Feb 11

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

Animal communication is, in its simplest form, validation for both you and for your pets. External validation helps us know we are on track and making a difference in our world and for those around us. It serves the same purpose for our pets.

The dictionary definition lists:

Validation - to make somebody feel valued as a person, or feel that his or her ideas or opinions are worthwhile; confirm truthfulness of something – to confirm or establish the truthfulness or soundness of something; make something legal–to declare or render something legal or binding; i.e. validate a passport

Just as we humans enjoy a well-timed “atta boy” or “atta girl” from family or co-workers on a job well done, our pets enjoy knowing they are on track and making a difference in your life as well. Praise is immediate gratification to our pets, and most species react physically to sincere praise. An enthusiastic wag of the tail, a special “this is just for you” rubbing and purring, or a little nuzzle on the arm from a horse all give us indication that our pets appreciated our praise – the validation from you to them that they did something well or right.

In the reverse, most animals *love* giving validation to their humans for what is going on in our world. Very often, however, we humans are too preoccupied to catch the praise coming our way from our animals. Sometimes we even minimize or discourage our animals’ attempt to validate our efforts. How often have you responded to your kitty coming to give a nice leg-massage, “oh that’s just Fluffy – always asking for more attention.” That could be true, but it is not unusual for our pets to want to participate deeply in our life in the ways they know how. They want to congratulate you on your accomplishments, AND they really want to thank you and acknowledge all that you do to keep them safe and healthy. Perhaps in that moment Fluffy was sincerely expressing her pride in your accomplishments.

So many of my animal communication consultations reflect exactly this desire, and serve as a wonderful opportunity for your animals to give you some “atta boys (or girls)” on jobs well done. My list is long of animals who have jumped at the chance to tell their beloved humans:
“I love the new house; good choosing on this huge back yard!”
“That’s the *perfect* job for me – thank you for thinking of it!”
“Thank you for cooking my food; and you could add a little more {xyz} sometimes if you want to!”
“I really appreciate that you moved my litter box out of that scary room”
“You are doing a great job taking care of me as I get older; thank you for asking my opinion on what the next step should be”

What human wouldn’t relish this kind of sincere validation that we are, in fact, making a significant difference in our pets’ quality of life?

Similarly, many of my animal communication sessions provide the human with the opportunity to validate the animal in a very deep way. A nice rub on the head and a “good kitty” goes a long way in showing our immediate emotions to our pets. Adding some words around how deeply grateful we are to our animals for just being them, and a “thanks” to them for being in our lives often elicits a deep feeling of pride in animals. Quite often the ability for humans and their pets to share in mutual validation results in a much deeper emotional connection and a stronger relationship.

Yes, we certainly do communicate in some form or fashion with our pets every day. We know when we’ve given Rover a job which he performs with precision and enthusiasm, and the empty food bowl generally indicates that Fluffy likes her food. Working with a professional animal communicator can take it one step further and expand our understanding of what our pets love and desire, and can provide the validation that we need as our relationship with our pets evolve and grow.

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Animal Articles Worth Reading

Nov 30

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets, Recommended Reading about Animals | No Comments

I enjoy reading a variety of animal-related magazines regularly. There are a lot of good ones out there! Occasionally I will call your attention to an article here or there. The current issue (December/January 2010) of Animal Wellness magazine has a number of helpful articles which may be relevant for you and your animal family.

December/January 2010 issue

December/January 2010 issue

The article “Aging Gracefully” by Barbara Nefer lists seven steps to a happy senior. Some of the seven steps are common sense for animal lovers, but I found a few tips I hadn’t thought of.

My animal communication practice sometimes deals with dogs who have a desire/need to eat things that are not edible. “Strange Tastes” by Debbie Swanson talks about the dangers of this obsession and offers tips to break the habit.

Have you ever considered meditating with your animals? It’s fun AND beneficial! The article “Peace on Earth” by Kathleen Prasad explains that animals respond well to meditation, often responding with deep relaxation and extra lovin’ for their human.

I was particularly grateful for the article “Making the Switch” by Shawn Messonnier, DVM which lists several very relevant and important questions to ask when considering moving from a conventional to a holistic veterinarian.

Another frequent topic in my animal communication practice has to do with dogs who are anti-social or show aggression to other dogs. Every dog I work with has a different rationale or reason for exhibiting these behaviors. The article “Is He Antisocial?” by Sharon Athanasiou helps illuminate how humans are a factor in the equation with a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” to clip out and post on your fridge!

There is also a short update on the “Happy Bill” which, if passed as written, would give a tax deduction of up to $3,500 per year on pet care expenses. You can stay up to date on this pending legislation http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501.IH:

If any of these topics are near and dear to your heart, I encourage you to pick up the current issue of Animal Wellness magazine or subscribe here.

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Keeping Our Pets Safe During the Holidays

Nov 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Late fall often signals a flurry of questions from clients about keeping their pets calm in the midst of all the holiday happenings. Those of us in the United States will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving, and the celebrating continues on holiday 3through early January. That’s almost two months of parties, house guests, marathon shopping, extra food in the house, the delivery drivers ringing the door bell, and then fireworks on New Year’s Eve to top it off.  That’s a lot of possible stress for our pets. Hey, who am I kidding? It’s a lot of stress for humans, too! As enjoyable as the holidays are, they can lead to some mild (or more) anxiety, less sleep, less exercise, and chaos around the home. Our pets are right in the middle of it all.

Remember, our state of mind affects our pets. When we are worried about the in-laws week-long visit, or stressed that we haven’t found that perfect gift for Aunt Sally, our pets can take on – mirror – our anxiety. When our stress is intensified because we haven’t been to the gym for a week and a half, we might begin to see our companion animals exhibiting unusual behaviors.  A stressed-out human often equates to a stressed and mis-behaved pet. It is important, for your sake as well as your animals, to stick to your normal routines during this busy time.

Sure, easier said than done! But consider strategies and opportunities to keep your routine in place and to minimize anxiety as much as you can. Try to calm yourself before walking in the door to your home or stable. It’s a cycle – if you are calm when you greet your pets, then they do their favorite thing of keeping you calm and entertained all evening long. The calmer you are, then the calmer they are, then they calm you more…. and the cycle continues.

Consider the things in the next couple of months that will be out of the ordinary in your animal’s perspective. Will your home be a revolving door of visitors, a college student returning home, or relatives taking up residence for a few days? Or perhaps your family will be vacationing for a few days and your pets will be staying in a kennel or cared for by someone else. An animal communicator can help prepare your pets for these short-term changes.

And what about the food? All that glorious food! Both dogs and cats have intolerance to certain foods that humans take for granted – onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and some nuts are just a few. While cooking for a party or a family gathering, be aware of tasty but possibly toxic morsels that drop on the kitchen floor. 

The rich and abundant food during the holidays is intensified with the potential side-effect of less time and attention to
exercise. Remember that even during the most hectic of times, getting out with your animals – a nice trail ride with your horse or regular walks with the pooch – will benefit your animals AND you.

HolidayFinally, keep in mind that the holidays often bring in elements which can be harmful, even toxic, to your house pets. Christmas trees with lights strung on the low branches can be snagged by dogs and cats, resulting in the animal getting tangled or stuck, and a struggling pet may have the strength to pull the tree down on themselves. The water in the tree stand is far from fresh and clean, so try to keep the well of the tree-stand covered. Broken ornaments, tinsel  and  holiday ribbon could be deadly for pets if swallowed. Extra candles, possibly scented with essential oils, can have an adverse effect on cats. And remember seasonal plants like poinsettias, azaleas, and holly are beautiful and festive, but also pose serious danger to animals if ingested.

Whether you are traveling or staying at home, enjoy the holidays and help your pets fully enjoy this time as well.

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Halloween Safety for our Pets

Oct 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

As the holidays approach, it is important to keep our pets in mind. We don’t always consider Halloween as part of the holidays, but nonetheless it is a day, or series of days, which may cause some stress for our pets. Let’s consider the things during this Halloween season that will be out of the ordinary in your animals’ perspective.

Halloween graphics 2Put yourself in your animal’s paws and think about what must be going on in their mind when the door bell rings repeatedly in one evenings time, and every time the bell rings there is a ghost or monster or animated character yelling (in their heightened sensitivities) at their beloved humans. To us, this annual trick-or-treat ritual is normal. For them, it can be very threatening and scary.

Every animal’s reaction and every environment is different, so be aware of your own personal situation and take care of your pets as your circumstances dictate. If you have a skittish kitty, consider keeping him or her in an interior room (like a bathroom or laundry room) with some white noise and visit them regularly. 

For dogs, consider their individual personalities and work with them accordingly. Be compassionate if they have some fear, but don’t coddle the fear either.

Think about your horses too. Stables can be an easy target for pranksters looking for a little excitement on Halloween. Consider keeping your horses in their stalls inside, if possible, away from easy drive-by shenanigans, and check on them as you can.

Presentation1Remember also that Halloween typically brings with it a proliferation of tasty sweets that may beckon your cats and dogs. Individually wrapped candy with shiny wrappers might look like a fun toy to a playful cat. This is innocent enough, but if the wrapper is torn open, the contents may be harmful, even fatal, to your house pets. Carmel apples and popcorn balls sitting on the counter may lure your dogs for a little counter-surfing leading to, at best, an upset stomach. Keep all Halloween goodies up and out of reach.

Finally, keep in mind other Halloween elements which can be harmful to your pets. Halloween decorations such as small plastic spiders, marble eyeballs, and spray-on hair color are all accidents waiting to happen. If you have curious animals in the home, be aware of all the various decorations. Put yourself in your pets’ paws and see which out-of-the-ordinary objects would appeal to you!

With the proper precautions, your family – both human and animal – can have a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween!

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Dog Training – Finding the Right Trainer for You

Oct 9

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | No Comments

Guest Blogger, Christi Campbell, shares her professional perspective on dog training. Part one “The Benefits of Dog Training” discusses reasons why training your dog are important. Today’s article discusses how to find the right trainer for you and your dog, and describes a few types of training that may suit your needs.

 

Christi Campbell with Wally and Rider

Christi Campbell with Rider and Wally

Okay, I’m Convinced I Need One.  How Do I Find A Trainer?  Finding a good dog trainer is a little like finding a good veterinarian, or a dentist, or a doctor.  Talk to friends, neighbors, people at the dog park.  Find out where they took their dogs for training, and what they thought about the trainers.  Get out the phone book and make some calls.  A trainer should be willing to give you two minutes of their time on the phone to describe their training philosophy and methods.  That does not mean that a busy trainer will agree to diagnose and train you and your dog over the phone.  Keep your initial conversation limited– ask about their training style.  Do not get into your dog’s life story unless the trainer asks for that information. 

Trainer or Behaviorist?  A dog trainer can help you establish lines of communication with your dog and help you teach your dog specific behaviors (Sit, Down, Stay, etc.).  A Behaviorist can help you live peacefully with your dog by helping you to understand how your dog thinks and how to shape their behavior in everyday settings.  If you aren’t sure which one your dog needs, it is always good to start out with a basic training foundation; every dog can benefit from learning the basics.  If you think your dog may have issues that a basic training class cannot address (extreme levels of fear or aggression, for instance), you may wish to pursue some basic training with a behaviorist.  Many trainers are also behaviorists, just ask when you call.

Interviewing a trainer:  Ask about their education and experience, bearing in mind that dog training is still very much a “learned on the job” kind of profession. Membership in a professional organization is a signal, but not a guarantee, that a trainer takes their profession seriously and tries to stay up-to-date with the latest training news and methods.  There are, however, many wonderful trainers who are not members of any organization, as they may have been training for many years and the organizations are all relatively new.

Make a list of questions to ask all of the trainers you interview, that way you can compare apples to apples when you make your decision.  Some questions you might want to include:  When did they start training dogs?  What do they do to keep current on training methods and techniques?  How do they teach the Sit command (literally, step by step)?  How do they make learning fun for the dog?

Making a decision:  Most people and dogs will have their needs met by a basic group class, and, because the cost of the trainer’s time is spread over a group, these classes tend to be less expensive. If your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs, or fearful of people, or simply too disruptive to participate in a group class, having one or more private sessions with a trainer or a behaviorist is well worth your time and money, and can prepare you both for a group class in the future.

What about logistics? You need to decide what your priorities are.   Are you willing to drive 20 or 30 minutes to your dog training appointments or classes?  Is the cost of the class your main concern?  These are just some of the questions you should answer in order to narrow your list of potential trainers.

The best way to find a trainer that you and your dog will be comfortable with is to talk to them, *several* of them.  Will they allow you to come observe a training session or class?  Are they patient with you on the phone?  Do they sound like you might like them?  Trust your gut.  And don’t be afraid to leave a class and not return if things are not working out.  This is a relationship, like any other, and it must work for both of you.  As a side note, I use the Internet to find almost any service I am looking for.  You may be tempted to email a trainer to get their answers to your questions, and that is fine, but it is very difficult to “read” someone from an email, and I suggest that you follow up with any promising candidates by phone.

No matter who you choose:  If a trainer ever asks you to do something with your dog that makes you uncomfortable, STOP.  Have them explain their reasoning and what they hope the training result will be.  If they cannot or will not explain, or if you are still uncomfortable, DO NOT KEEP TRAINING.  Your first duty is to your dog.  He trusts you to make sure nothing bad happens to him.  LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE AND HONOR YOUR DOG ABOVE ALL.  A good trainer is flexible and has many tools in their toolbox, they will keep trying until they find something that works for both you and your dog.  If a trainer ever tells you that there is only one way to do something, walk away.

Types of training:  Every dog (and every human living with a dog) should start with a foundation of a basic obedience class.  The basic class provides a way to start developing a shared language with your dog.  Basic classes cover things like Sit, Down, Stay, Come and Walk on a leash.  These life skills are wonderful additions to any dog’s repertoire — they are also the foundation for any advanced training you may want to do.  Many trainers will require you to attend a basic class, or demonstrate some basic proficiency, before moving on to more challenging work like off-leash training, which opens the doors to fun activities such as hiking with your dog off-leash or participating in dog sports.

Christi and Red Rocket Rider competing in Houston, Texas

Christi and Red Rocket Rider competing in Houston, Texas

After you have completed the basic training, you may want to continue your learning partnership with fun dog sports, such as: 

Agility – an obstacle course where the dogs jump over bars or through hoops and run through tunnels, over A-frames, across dog walks, teeter-totters and much more.

Frisbee/Canine Disc – dogs catch flying discs in several formats: short distance; long distance; and freestyle, where they perform choreographed moves to music.

Flyball – a relay race where dogs work as a team to be the fastest to finish each dogs’ run over a series of hurdles, catch a ball from a specialized box and return to the start.

Rally/Obedience – dogs perform a variety of obedience commands in sequence.  Rally obedience is less formal than traditional Obedience competition.

There is a dog sport or activity suited to everyone and every dog!  Lure coursing, earthdog trials, dock diving, musical canine freestyle, carting, sheep herding…  and many, many more.  Playing with your dog is a great way to keep the lines of communication open and to keep the learning fun!

 

Christi Campbell, J.D., is a partner in Harmony Animal Wellness in Kittredge, Colorado and offers private training by appointment through Harmony Animal Wellness, 303-674-6288.  Christi has been training dogs for more than 30 years, professionally for more than 15. In her quest to understand the canine mind and body, she has taken animal communication classes, trained in TTouch and Dorn Therapy and become a Reiki Master.

Christi travels nationally and internationally teaching training seminars and judging canine disc competitions. She volunteers as a trainer for Freedom Service Dogs, Colorado Disc Dogs and several rescue groups. She lives in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado with her husband, four dogs and two cats.

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