We are continuing to struggle through training this year. The wildfire smoke made training outside dangerous, so club days were canceled. Now, the rain has us cooped up inside. Poor Bacchus has just had one thing after another limit his training, from my changing schedule when he was a pup to moving to COVID closures to this. He has been a good sport, if a little wound up, about it all though. We’re trying to work on nosework inside, but even that has presented some issues, not the least of which is my partner getting irritated by me parading the dog through the house, saying, “Find it!” as she tries to have a conference call. Also, I am surprised and disappointed with the limitations on sport training options in a city as large as Portland. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of people taking part. 

Anyway, we are waiting for a nosework seminar to actually take place because I think we have his odor recognition down. Maybe it’s time to start looking at the odors required in American Schutzhund.

How are you keeping your dogs active during this COVID/Murder Hornet/Wildfire/Hurricane summer? If you have some pointers, I would love to hear them.

Speaking of “hearing,” don’t forget to listen to The American Canine podcast, available wherever you download your podcasts. If you like it, rate and review. If you don’t, any feedback would be appreciated. Our most recent podcast features a volunteer and longtime proponent of Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

There is no one better to run with, in my humble opinion, than your dog. This simple pleasure can be extremely difficult, if not impossible for some people with special needs. With that in mind, I want to share an article about an incredible person who is out there clocking the miles with their companion dog.

In other doggy news: Big Apple to big dogs! A public art project has taken over New York’s garment district. Woof!

Until next time, make sure you have registered to vote, wash your hands, and get out there and do something with your dog.