From Click to Connection: Family-Friendly Dog Training
Positively reinforcing good dog behavior — one click at a time.
I’ve been so excited to finally bring my Clicker Training for Dogs classes to life here at Moose Ridge Farm.
Just like with the horses, I’ve found that training through kindness, clarity, and positive reinforcement makes all the difference — for both the animals and their humans.
These classes are designed to be fun, family-friendly, and confidence-building, a chance for you and your dog to learn together in a relaxed, natural environment.
What Clicker Training Is All About
The clicker sound is a bridge between asking for a behavior or marking a behavior your dog is showing on their own.
It’s like saying “YES!” — and then you follow it up with a treat.
I like to think of the treat as a bonus payment for doing an extra good job at work.
Because you’re in charge of the food, you naturally become the leader your dog looks to for guidance.
Once you start clicker training, those “free treats just because” stop — they lose value when given without meaning.
The goal is to positively reward good behavior — the things you ask for and the things you want to see more of.
Once your dog understands “the game,” they’ll be happy and eager to please.
Your Role as Trainer
It’s really important, as your dog’s trainer, to:
Stay calm — in your voice, in your breathing, and in your body language.
Go slow — there’s no need to rush. Pausing gives both of you time to process and relax. It also lets your dog feel safe and seen.
Be consistent and set boundaries — when you’re clear and consistent, your dog feels secure knowing what’s expected, and training becomes so much smoother.
I always remind people: spend more time rewarding the behaviors you want, and less time reacting to the ones you don’t.
In the end, you’ll get more of what you treat.
Treat Values and Keeping It Fun
Not all treats are created equal!
Steak is a “high-powered” treat, while a cookie might be nice but not quite as exciting.
Keep a few different kinds of treats in your pouch so you can really reward the big wins — those harder moments your dog nails.
They’ll remember it!
Clicker training should always be fun.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a pause.
Keep sessions short and positive.
Your dog will learn best when you’re both relaxed, laughing, and enjoying the process.
Why I Love Teaching This Work
I’ve owned and run Moose Ridge Farm for over 20 years now, teaching children through adults in riding, dressage, and positive reinforcement. I first discovered clicker training for dogs more than two decades ago when I brought my chocolate lab Ula to Canine Connections — and it completely changed the way I looked at training. It was so kind, effective, and full of joy.
After years of using clicker training with horses (and several family dogs later), I realized it was time to share this approach with our local dog community.
Now, these classes bring together what I love most — learning, connection, and those quiet moments of understanding that happen between people and animals.
We train in the soft, sandy footing of the arena, through the barn aisle, along wooded trails, and sometimes around the farm pond, where dogs can swim, sniff, and just be themselves.
Fall Session Details
Intro Class Series:
4 Wednesday evenings — October 29 through November 19
6:00–7:15 PM
Free / By Donation
Location: Moose Ridge Farm, Lincolnville, Maine
Contact: 207-322-8958
In addition to group classes, I’m also available for private sessions here at the farm or house calls for one-on-one training in your home.
These personalized sessions are a great way to work through specific challenges, fine-tune your communication, or just get a stronger start with your puppy or rescue dog.
A Note on Safety
All dogs attending must be current on vaccinations and remain under their handler’s control at all times.
Please supervise children closely and come prepared with a clicker, treats, and a short leash.
By participating, you agree to release Moose Ridge Farm, its owners, and instructors from any liability for injury or damage to persons, property, or animals.
I’m truly looking forward to sharing this amazing work with you — it’s simple, kind, and deeply rewarding.
There’s nothing quite like watching a dog’s eyes light up when they understand you — that moment when communication turns into connection.
If you’d like to join a class or set up a private session, reach out anytime — I can’t wait to meet you and your dogs.