Raising MacGyver

March 25th, 2016 - What Would MacGyver Do? He found all 4 black truffles (3 whole, 1 small piece).  We built in a look at me to say "found it", added a verbal cue, and practiced our reward & ending rituals.  This was his 6th exposure to black truffles.

December 11, 2015 MacGyver is an OFFICIAL Truffle Dog! Today was his 10th learning session and it was an awesome one! He found five truffles (not pictured because...he is a puppy)! This boy demands that I operate from a grounded state and with heart-centered action...in anything we do together. I am so proud of this pup and our developing partnership. Our path has been nontraditional and "outside the box", one of reciprocal learning based on organic conversation, respect, transparency, intuition, and mindful action in the present moment. Dogs are amazing teachers! The newest member of my truffle dog crew in action! This is MacGyver's first truffle hunt and it was awesomely fun to see how he put all the pieces of this game and our foundation training together. He offered to include the "face down" at the truffle and I LOVED it! MacGyver finds his first truffles after just 10 sessions with truffle odor! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7orRok4f5wg?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=640&h=360]

We just dug our first hole together! I have no idea what we were scenting and digging for, but we were working as a team to get to it :D That was a fun glimpse into our truffle hunting future!

July 8th, 2015 - This guy practiced loose leash walking in a parking lot for tonight's dinner. He was a SHOCKstar! His mama's name is Shock ;)   In Other News: July 8th, 2015 - I just had the most hilarious "first dance" with MacGyver! I have NO dancing skills so I enjoy cranking up the music and "dancing" with my dogs. I got a bit carried away and tried sliding across the kitchen floor. First crash...he came to check on me. Guess I know what to expect in agility ;)

July 6th, 2015

July 3rd, 2015 - I've been saying for weeks that we need to find some bikes for MacGyver to see. We have't been all that successful finding a safe place that also has a consistent flow of bikers. Ta-dah! It appears there is a bike race on our road tomorrow :D July 4th, 2015 - Mission MacG and The Bike Race complete! There was a perfect stream of bikers passing by for about ten minutes while he watched from the car. He didn't care. Not even the one wearing a chicken costume head ;) Check!

July 2nd, 2015 - This "guy" is one happy boy!   In Other News: June 28, 2015 - Wow! Socializing a puppy is socially exhausting. Such awesome people, kind intentions, and supportive help making all of MacGyver's experiences just right! I'm grateful for everyone!

This guy is fighting to keep his eyes open this afternoon. What a good puppy he was today visiting people and dogs at our agility trial. He was tickled to see Megan and Graham. He is so tired! Thanks again to the village of awesome dog peeps and dogs who help socialize (and wear out) this pup! In Other News: The silver lining of potty training MacGyver...at least he seeks a wire enclosure or plastic surface when a sudden urge to potty strikes. There is that :D

"Mom! It's staring at me." Fun Observations: Watching dogs interact is fascinating! MacGyver "hides" his chew in the corner and leaves it. Callie finds it and walks off with it. MacGyver follows but keeps a respectful distance (good boy). Da Vinci arrives to inspect the chew and then looks to say "I approve. You may chew on this." They leave the chew with MacGyver. Scoreboard: June 24, 2015 MacGyver 3 : Kristin 1 The good part is that with every puppy nap, it's like a whole new day! Live Learning: June 24, 2015 MacGyver's first assault by Mother Nature...possibly stung by a bee.

Just wanted to say hi!

This little guy loves his big brother!

I am not sleepy...