I wanted to talk a bit today about doing brainwork with your dogs. This is something I talk to many of my clients about, especially those with high-energy, active or hyper dogs. Most people say "what is brainwork?". Basically, you are letting your poor dog use it's brain. Anything goes... from 'puppy pushups' (which is sit, down, stand in any order) to training tricks, to eye contact. When a dog uses its brain even on a semi-regular basis, it settles the whole dog. The 'edge' disappears, and your dog will become calmer and more manageable. My recommendation is to do 2 or 3 sessions of brainwork for 1-3 minutes a day. There is not one person out there that can't commit a few minutes a day to their dog, and if they can't, maybe they shouldn't have a dog...

I like to start off with some eye contact games. This helps your dog to start looking to you for direction, and lets him know that it's ok to look you in the eye... this is not a natural behaviour for most dogs, and training is required. My next favourite thing is to teach tricks. Doesn't matter what it is- I am always working on a new trick or two with my younger dogs. From sit, down, wave, roll over, play dead, to weaving in and out of my legs, bowing, scooting backwards around me, speak, ohhhh, the list goes on. It is fun for both you and your dog, and only serves to build the relationship between the both of you, and settles the dog down. Done consistantly, even with the more challenging dogs, you will find within just a week or two, you have a whole new dog that respects you more, and gives you undivided attention, and loves to play with you more than anyone else. What could be better than that?

The gardens are coming along wonderfully right now, and the orchard is now about 65% complete. More fruit trees are going in every week right now!

I attended a couple of seminars at Seedy Saturday in Qualicum on the weekend. They were terrific, and if you ever get a chance to go to a local Seedy Saturday, try it out! Lots to do and see. The main seminar I attended was on how to grow veggies allll winter long. I am so excited about this! I will soon be able to extend my CSA shares into the spring, fall and winter months because of what I have learned. Also, CSA members, BEWARE.... lots of yummy veggies are coming your way! I have some new ideas, and will be experimenting with crops not listed on my website. Hopefully there will be some great surprises in some of the CSA bags this summer! 

The farm just finished the busiest few weeks with the dog boarding... it was tonnes of fun, and we had the most awesome group of dogs here. Everyone got along, the weather was wonderful, and we spent most of our time outside in the gardens. The dogs were such a big help.... lol!