Real Life vs. Classroom Skills

Kenna & I having an offleash 'dance'

If you've poked around any of the Longsnouts social channels, you'll see that we're rather unique in our approach. We so highly value Real Life experience, we make it our priority.

Do we love a well-mannered dog? Absolutely. There are basic manners that all dogs should be exposed to, like the more common sits, downs, stands, with mes, etc. Longsnouts tends to meet the folks are ready for that next step: ones who are ready to build a deep relationship with their dogs, so we can go out to do the fun stuff.

Whoa, are you saying that humans that focus on obedience (comptetiion or not) don't have a deep relationship or love for their doggos? Not at all! There are many dogs and humans who excel in the more precise world of obedience.

15 year old me at Interlochen summer camp!

The best analogy I can offer is that I was a dancer for all of my youth. I began with "good toes, bad toes" at 3.5, learning all the positions, steps, and historic choreography from the marvelous world of ballet. I learned all about body and spatial awareness, mobility, and that strength looks different for all of us. That I could drop into any class and be able to follow along simply because the movements were globally used was a wonderful way to plug in to a new community.

And then - THEN! - I was given a glimpse into the world of Modern/Contemporary dance. The focus was on using the whole body in new, innovative, and even obscure ways. We stretched our brains and bodies. Sure there was some uniformity, though nothing like ballet. Plus, I could be barefoot!

12 year old me dancing with my Contemporary Dance School in Kuwait

The difference, for me, was in the permission to move, fluidly, in ways I wanted. While it took a bit to translate that to my working-with-dogs experience, the dancing together, as a partnership, not just a couple moving through positions, is where I know I feel most comfortable. Which is why Longsnouts focuses on opportunities like Confident Puppy, Go Anywhere Dogs, and all the nosework, sniffy fun!

We'd love for you to come dance with us...all styles are welcome!