K9 Tales: Training and Assistance Dogs

For the last week we have been carefully monitoring our puppies reaction to sudden loud noises. Puppies are currently fearless and react with what's called a startle response. It is short, with no lasting negative impact. During this phase we introduce puppies to lots of different sounds to develop noise desensitisation. However, the reaction of puppies needs to be carefully monitored as they enter another developmental stage in which puppies have a fear responce and become sensitised rather than desensitised. At this point our training takes a different approach to ensure the puppies do not have negative experiences and learn how to overcome low levels of fear. #labrador #mondilabs #ankc #responsiblebreeder #labradorretriever

Pebbles Puppies

Siesta time!!

It wasn't that long ago, when Rachi started puppy school and look at him now. Rachi has graduated to our group classes and continues to build his skills and loves every moment.

Working this girl is always a pleasure. To have a healthy mindset we need to be able to manage our emotions and behaviour. Dogs are the same. Pebbles is demonstrating having mastered emotional stability and impulse control keeping focused the entire time.

At K9 Tales we strive to consolidate and expand our skills by regularly attending different workshops and seminars. This weekend we had the privilege of participating at the Sidney Aarons Aggressive Dog workshop. It was great to see how not only the dogs but also the handlers transformed. We look forward to helping people make the change with their dog.

Puppy Spam: Zeke having his first feed (not from mum)

Zeke is already one week old and has proved himself to be an excellent milk sucking, poop machine, thanks to the dedication of Pebbles. But so much more has been going on. It appears that Zeke is having a wonderful sleep but you can see his body twitching. This is known as activated sleep and plays a very important role. Electrical impulses are sent from the brain to stimulate and build muscles. Watching puppies twitch is a good sign and means Zeke is growing well and healthy.

Alot of people have been asking how our latest recruits are progressing so here is a bit a sneak peek. Most of our training is focused on positive socialisation, building engagement, strong bonds and lets not forget the fun and games. Here, River and Willow are practicing their basic obedience and doing a fantastic job at approximately 14 weeks of age.

As a dog trainer we often hear how good the dogs are at home but it all falls apart when they hit the road. When going for a walk it often ends up becoming a nightmare with the four legged companion having a mind of it's own. To keep our dogs working well we need to master the 3 D's to proof our behaviours in all environments: the 3 D's being duration, distance, and distraction. Working on each of these criterias one at a time, allows our dogs to develop the stability needed to consistently work well. Here you can see some of our dogs working at maintaining a stand stay with lots of high level distractions thrown their way.

Leash skills and engagement

Size of your dog is no excuse for not being able to walk your dog politely on a loose lead. After Abby stayed at K9 Tales headquarters for a week, she couldn't wait to show off her skills.

Having good leash skills and engagement make walking your dogs so much easier and enjoyable. At K9 Tales we try and challenge our dogs while building and strengthening our relationships with them based on trust, respect and lots of fun.

Introducing Leroy

Introducing Leroy!