At the core of Lee's philosophy about dog training is the fact that dogs are a working species -- they are happiest when they have a job to perform and know their role in the pack.  "Jobs" can vary greatly -- teaching your dog to wait before he is fed his supper, or sit quietly while you put his leash on are jobs that communicate to your dog his role in your pack.  Jobs give your dog a sense of self-confidence;  When a dog has a feeling of confidence, well being and value, the nduesirable behaviours in which insecure and bored dogs indulge are diminished or eliminated entirely.

Some handlers take "jobs" for their dog to a new level and compete in performance events like flyball, agility, obedience trials and, like one of Lee's students, Mark Stuart, dock jumping.  Several years ago when Mark first rescued Hogan and enrolled him in Lee's Novice course, Lee told Mark that Hogan needed a job in order to increase his confidence and help Hogan be the best canine family member he could be.  Mark decided to take Lee's suggestion to heart - in a big way!

Mark and his black Lab Hogan have been instrumental in bringing the sport of Dock Jumping to the greater San Diego area.  You can read more about Mark and Hogan's story at www.hoganflys.com . These days Mark and Hogan are not only competing in Dock Dogs competions (look for them on ESPN this summer as part of the Great Outdoor Games) but in a new event for dogs, the high jump.

Shown below are photos of Hogan at a recent competition where Hogan tied the world record for the high jump!  Way to go Mark & Hogan.  Dock Dogs will be coming back to San Diego this July at Wags For Wishes, a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you think your dog would like to get wet while doing his job, contact Mark Stuart and his dog Hogan

Another sport for dogs popular with many of our students is agility where dogs weave through poles, jump, and navigate tunnels and other obstacles in a race that combines precision and speed.  There are several trainers in the San Diego area; our students use both Ann Croft in the North County Coastal area and Angie & Vic Monteleon (619-443-8944) in the southeastern San Diego area. 

Shown below are Tricia Kellogg and her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Mandy, going over the A-frame and Kate's Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kobe, maneuvering through the weave poles.