The Canny Canine
Carolyn Murray - Owner/Trainer
The Short Story:
Proven Methods. Proven Training.
Carolyn Murray has owned and operated The Canny Canine in Bozeman since 2013. She entered the world of dog sports in 2015 and has since successfully trialed and titled multiple dogs in multiple sport venues. More importantly, her students are achieving multiple trial placements and high in trial designations in K9 Nose Work. Carolyn has created an inclusive community for all levels of Nose Work handlers, competition not required! Having worked with hundreds of dogs and spent thousands of hours observing canine behavior, she has a deep understanding of engagement and motivation in canines.
The Long Story:
Every trainer has seems to have a turning point. In 2008, Carolyn was chosen by a small white shepherd puppy. Cooper was a very fearful puppy which later developed into reactivity and aggression despite socialization and training classes. After a couple of agility classes, it was clear the key to building confidence in her dog was a job. Cooper loved to work, so together they trained agility, tricks, obedience, tracking, barn hunt, and nose work. While Cooper's behavioral issues did not allow for him to compete in most sports, Team Cooper was able to earn multiple titles in nose work. Cooper was the first White Shepherd to earn the challenging Trick Dog Champion title. Cooper passed away in January 2021 but his legacy lives on through Carolyn's training methodology and programs.
Over the years, Carolyn has sought out various trainers and clinics, exposing her to many ideas and methodologies. She continues to be most influenced by trainers highly skilled in engagement and motivation...with an eye for the dog as an individual.
Carolyn specializes in K9 Nose Work® classes and is available for AKC Certificate/Title program testing including AKC STAR puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Trick Dog.
Training Methodology
The Canny Canine was created on the simple premise that pet owners who actively engage with their dog have a better relationship and often a more well-behaved, happier dog. Carolyn has created a boutique-style dog training environment where she works with clients to both create and achieve goals specific to individual needs.
There are many methods available by which to train your dog. The Canny Canine believes in using motivational methods to create thinking dogs that are eager to perform. We recognize that dogs don't make the decision to compete, therefore our emphasis is on the following in all of our training classes and activities:
- We focus ultimately on handler accountability.
- We focus on motivational methods to create a working and willing TEAM between dog and handler.
- We pay our dog "high salaries" in the form of food, toys, or play.
- "It Depends"
Dogs sports are a fantastic and highly gratifying way to create a great relationship with your dog. All of our programs are developed for the average family pet that just wants to have some fun!! Come join us!!
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Certifications & Memberships
AKC STAR Puppy/CGC/Trick Dog: Evaluator # 82732
AKC Scent Work: Judge #102425
AKC Farm Dog: Judge #102425
Big Sky Working Dog Club: Member
Do More With Your Dog: Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) - Bronze Medal Trainer
German Shepherd Dog Club of America: Member
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI™)
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Odor Recognition Test Certifying Official & Judge
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: K9 Nose Work Trial Certifying Official & Trial Judge
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Member
United Schutzhund Clubs of America: Member
Working German Shepherd Dog Promotion Association: Member
Carolyn's Dogs
SUREFIRE JEAN LOUISE -"Scout"
Scout actively competes in NACSW K9 Nose Work trials at the Elite level. She has earned the following titles:
DMWYD: Trick Dog Champion (TDCH)
UKC NOSEWORK: PT Novice thru Elite / NNE / NNI / NNC / 1ST LEG NNV / ANI / ANE / 1ST LEG SNI
BARN HUNT: RATI
NACSW: ELT-1/NW3 Elite / NW3 x3 / NW3-I / NW3-V / NW3-C / NW3-E / NW2 / NW1 / L1C / L1V / ORT / NSAM/ NSA3/ NSA2/ NSA1x2
AKC: STAR Puppy
VIGGO OF CROOKED CREEK - "Lemmy"
Lemmy actively competes in NACSW K9 Nose Work trials at the NW3 level. He is also in training for his BH in anticipation of competing in all three phases of IGP (Schutzhund). Lemmy has earned the following titles:
DMWYD: NTD
NACSW: NW3/NW2/NW1 (P) / L1I / ORT / NSAM/ NSA3/ NSA2/ NSA1x2
