Training Through Challenges with Sara Brueske [Episode 269]

In the second part of Ryan Cartlidge's conversation with Sara Brueske, the focus shifts toward real-world application as Sara shares practical insights into training foundations, teamwork, and navigating the everyday challenges that handlers and dogs face together. With her characteristic warmth and clarity, Sara reflects on what truly matters when building reliable behaviors and joyful partnerships in both sport and family-dog contexts. Sara and Ryan explore the importance of criteria that dogs can understand, why emotional stability is just as critical as technical skill, and how trainers can avoid unintentionally pushing dogs past their limits. Sara speaks candidly about what she wishes more handlers knew, how to recognise when a dog needs support, and why her approach to sport training always begins with confidence and relationship before complexity. Drawing from years of professional experience, Sara offers guidance on troubleshooting problems, adjusting expectations, and finding progress even when sessions do not go to plan. Throughout the conversation she highlights the value of transparency, communication, and steady, incremental learning for both dogs and humans. Throughout this episode, we discuss: ✅ How clear criteria help dogs stay confident and successful in training ✅ Why emotional readiness and engagement form the foundation for advanced skills ✅ Practical strategies for adjusting plans when dogs show signs of stress or confusion ✅ The importance of letting dogs set the pace and listening to what they communicate ✅ How sport handlers can balance ambition with wellbeing for sustainable progress ✅ Sara's reflections on supporting guardians with compassion and realistic goals Part two is filled with practical wisdom and thoughtful reminders that training success is not defined by perfection, but by connection, communication, and an ongoing commitment to meeting dogs where they are. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brueskesara 

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