Lifestyle Dog Training

07/20/2023

Team K9 is looking to welcome new performers!!
We are looking for dogs who can first and foremost participate in basic agility skills which would support steeplechase, high jump, relays, and barrel racing. Weaving is not essential but definitely a bonus. Disc dog skills also a bonus.
We have show dates in August, September, and October.
Handlers with multiple dogs definitely a bonus.
If interested please send email to [email protected]

06/26/2023

come see Team K9 performing at Downey's Market on July 1st. Show times are 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

04/30/2023

This man was forced to give his dog to Humane Society due to lengthy hospital stay. This nurse went to the shelter and adopted his dog. She brings him to visit daily & will return him as soon as the man is released! Be the light in this world, even through the dark times ❤️

-Lydia Cornell

04/22/2023

Hello All > please check out our new sister training page B A R K Dog Training and be sure to follow us
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092148930791

B.A.R.K
Believe, Achieve, with Respect, and Kindness

02/15/2023

01/06/2023

MYTHBUSTING MONDAY: It's not dominance. Seriously, it's not. There is no dominant breed. You don't have a dominant dog. Your dog's behavior is not a "dominance thing."

Now, I realize those statements might be causing some hardcore cognitive dissonance right now. Because from the moment you even became aware of dogs, you have been told that dogs are pack animals and a bunch of dominance stuff based on that assumption.

From the Merck Veterinary Manual:

"The dog’s social structure has been referred to as a pack hierarchy, but this does not accurately or entirely describe the relationship of dogs with other dogs or with people."

"The term dominance...is a relative term established by the value of the resource to each individual and the cumulative effects of learning."

For example, Animal A might challenge Animal B for a mate. Animal B might defer. But does that make Animal A the dominant animal?

What if Animal B waits until Animal A is distracted and mates with that female at another time? Is dominance even relevant at this point? I would argue that learning is far more pertinent than hierarchy.

The problem is that people tend to think of hierarchies in dogs just like hierarchies in humans. Governments, militaries, churches, schools, corporations all have linear hierarchical structures.

However, when it comes to dogs, it's not that simple.

"Hierarchy in dogs is neither static nor linear, because the motivation to obtain and retain a specific resource, together with previous learning, defines the relationship between two individuals for each encounter."

In other words, if you push me out of the way to get the last chocolate truffle, and I walk away...but I don't actually like chocolate truffles (I don't), you're not actually establishing dominance. I didn't want the resource, anyway. Or maybe I learned that, by walking away, I will be given the key to the room full of caramels. Mmmmm. Caramels.

What about aggression?

"A 'dominant' animal is not the one engaged in the most fighting and combat. Most high-ranking animals seldom have to contest their right of access to a resource. Instead, high-ranking animals are usually better identified by the character and frequency of deferential behaviors exhibited by others in their social group and by their ability to respond appropriately to a variety of social and environmental circumstances."

So, it is not the "dominant" dog who growls over a bone or fights with other dogs at the dog park. When your dogs are fighting at home, identifying the alpha is about as productive as a snipe hunt.

Why does it matter? Because if you are told that your dog's behavior is the result of dominance, the solution is almost always some form of rank reduction. Everything from making the dog sit for every bit of affection to methods that are too disturbing to detail. And it's all called "leadership."

Trying to change a dog's rank in an imaginary hierarchy only serves to delay behavior modification. In many cases, it makes the situation much worse.

If we want to change behavior, we need to explore the dog's health, environment, and learning history, as well as identify triggers and consequences for the behavior. From there, we can develop a complete plan that addresses the needs of the individual dog, reducing their stress, increasing tolerance, and reinforcing desirable responses.

Next time someone tells you that if your dog jumps, pulls on the leash, leans on you, sits on your foot, sleeps on top of the couch, barks, mounts/humps, doesn't listen, or anything else that isn't obedience or cowering in the corner, it's dominance, what they're really saying is that they don't understand dog behavior and are probably not someone you want to take advice from....let alone pay for that advice!

Relax. It's not dominance. Now we've got that out of the way, let's focus on changing behavior!

See more:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/social-behavior-of-dogs
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©2017 Lisa Mullinax. All rights reserved. Feel free to share, but downloading for redistribution in any form, for any reason is a copyright violation. Thanks!

01/06/2023

01/05/2023

01/02/2023

12/28/2022

Want them to settle nicely while you enjoy coffee with friends?
Teach them to relax.

Want to be able to answer an important phone call?
Teach them to relax.

Want to be able to live without constantly entertaining your pup?
Teach them to relax!



[image description: on a green background is a profile of a human runner mid-race. Nearby is a profile of a greyhound dog, also running. Below that is a small brown spotted dog wearing a blue striped sleep cap and sleeping on a blue pillow. The text reads "athletes gain stamina by exercising more. why would your dog be any different? A tired dog may be a better behaved dog, but they also may just be harder to tire tomorrow. Teach your dog to relax."]

12/08/2022

for anyone dealing with separation anxiety in their dogs .......

I did it!! I’m now a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)!

After 150 hours of webinars, discussions, reading, homework and exams (under the guidance of world-renowned expert Malena DiMartini) I’m ready & able to help dogs who suffer during alone time ❤️ And I can help anyone anywhere! This training support is 100% virtual!!

So to my friends and colleagues around the globe — I can help those people you know with stressed out pups. Just reach out 😊

(Website update coming… it’s busy cuz I’m already helping clients and their dogs 😉❤️)

12/02/2022

I've used this analogy for years to explain why punishment does not work

A simple explanation as to why punitive tools and methods appear to work so well.

11/29/2022

An excerpt from Suzanne's June Trainers' Workshop on training thresholds.

09/01/2022

08/30/2022

Most behavioral problems are welfare problems first! The human world is one that dogs are highly adapted to, but it is far from their natural environment. Problems like excessive barking, chewing, digging, and even reactivity and aggression are born when a dog's basic needs are not being met. The four areas of exercise, enrichment, nutrition, and communication are underutilized as problem prevention. Learn how to help your dog heal or stay well in this innovative course.

The four steps to behavioral wellness are
1. Exercise
2. Enrichment
3. Nutrition
4. Communication

Want to improve your dog's mental health one step at a time? Join me for this self-study course and get my comprehensive guide to The Four Steps to Behavioral Wellness.

Click Here To Sign Up Now ⬇
https://bit.ly/3cr8CyM

08/24/2022

We know that there is a correlation between stress and unmet needs. When our dogs are stressed, their needs are more acute and when those needs go unmet, they experience more stress.

But there is another layer in this equation: How our human responses and behaviors come into play.

When our dogs' needs aren't met, they experience stress and find outlets for meeting them. This, in turn, stresses us as their guardians because the outlets that are available to them usually aren't aligned with our wants. Ironically, this can result in less of our dogs' needs being met because we disconnect and fail to recognize the root cause. And the cycle continues.

To prevent this, try to be as proactive as possible in meeting your dog's physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs.

08/17/2022

THE GIFT OF THE GROWL
Why growling should never be punished and also never be ignored
Not all growls are negative. Some growls are play growls, attention seeking growls, pleasure seeking growls or frustration growls. They may all sound a little different and may be unique to the particular dog. This post is not about different types of growls, but about warning or aggressive growls.
When a dog growls, maybe even at us, the natural human response is to feel offended and maybe even angry. Surely dogs need to learn not to growl, growling is bad, growling is unacceptable, growling is a problem and needs to be punished so a dog learns it’s wrong, disrespectful and not to do it again, right?
NO, this couldn’t be further from the truth! A dog that growls has just provided us with a very valuable communication signal. In their way, they have just communicated to us how they feel without resorting to a bite. Dogs use growling in an attempt to avoid having to resort to biting, not to initiate it. They could just as easily have not even bothered to growl and gone straight to a bite.
Growling is a dog's way of saying "please stop," "stay away from me," "go away," “I’m not comfortable with this and I’m feeling threatened”. A dog that growls is trying hard to communicate and punishment suppresses this ability to communicate. Punishment doesn’t change the level of the dog's discomfort; it creates more stress and the dog will feel more threatened.
Growling is not the problem. Growling is the result of and the symptom of a problem. A dog that bites without the warning of a growl is a far more serious problem than a dog that growls but doesn’t bite.
Look for any other early warning signals that may precede a growl. Recognize and take note of what makes your dog feel threatened and create distance between your dog and whatever is triggering them.
Be grateful for the gift of a growl - it provides us with an opportunity to address the cause & prevent the bite.

08/14/2022

Tackle your Dog's reactivity easily and fast

08/12/2022

Many thanks to Canine Principles for this...

I always say to people I help, who have a dog who growls, that a growl is a wonderful thing, a very clear communication, and we should listen to that and respect it. 🫶🐕

https://www.facebook.com/canineprinciples/photos/a.936859899723776/5312790925463963/

08/12/2022

Truth

07/21/2022

“Muzzles have done more to protect owners and their dogs than legislation ever will”, a quote by Dr. Mugford.A muzzle is not a bad thing.

Yes, that’s right let us say it again. A muzzle is not a bad thing. Many people feel a tinge of shame, fear, or embarrassment when they are told their dog should be muzzle trained. I would love to see the muzzle stigmas removed. Here is my attempt to help dog owners understand muzzles just a little bit better.

LET’S START BY BUSTING SOME MYTHS:

My dog can’t eat or drink with a muzzle on.

There are different types of muzzles. Some are ideal for vet clinics and others are perfect for training because they allow your dog to drink, pant, and eat through the muzzle. The best muzzles for training are basket muzzles.

A muzzle will not fit my dog.

Yes, it will. Deerhounds, Rotties, Pugs, and Great Danes there is a muzzle that will comfortably fit every dog breed. There is a muzzle on the market for every dog in every shape and size… heck there are even goat muzzles available. Baskerville makes muzzles that can be purchased, heated up in boiling water, and custom fit to your dog’s face. Make sure that you pick a muzzle that fits your dog.

Muzzles will make my dog look scary looking.

Maybe, this is true, but muzzles are frequently used by responsible owners in all sorts of situations, such as controlling excitable animals during vet visits, when meeting new dogs, or during busy events and gatherings. Muzzles provide peace of mind if you are worried about a dog’s reaction which helps the owner remain calmer.

Besides, they now come in lots of cute colors and styles. A muzzle is proactive and it should be considered as such. Much like seeing a horseback rider wearing a helmet.

My dog can’t protect himself in a muzzle.

Yes, that right they can’t. That being said it is our responsibility to protect our dog. If you are putting your dog in situations where he feels like he needs to protect himself or needs to protect himself then that maybe is an even bigger problem that is setting your dog up for failure.

Remember that if you are putting your dog into situations where he has to protect himself he is more likely to be defensive in the future. If your dog has an opportunity to bite a human or another animal that could be a really big problem. This allows you to protect your dog from his behavior in case of an accident.

“I can handle my dog without a muzzle.” and “I really don’t think he needs one”

A dog biting a human or animal is a big deal. With tougher laws surrounding antisocial dog behavior coming into force. If their dog gets into a situation owners might find themselves worried about what the changes could mean for them. The legal changes

mean a possible 14-year prison sentence for owners of dogs that kill, as well as tougher terms for people whose animals attack a person in a home or private property or attack other animals with assistance animals such as guide dogs holding heavier fines. Here’s the deal you don’t only wear a seat belt when you ride in a car because you anticipate getting into a car wreck, it is just in case. If you wear it and don’t get into a wreck it’s no big deal, but if you get into a wreck and you’re not wearing one you may wish you had been. The same is true for a muzzle, if there is any potential for your dog biting a human or animal it is your responsibility to fit your dog with a muzzle. Don’t let ego cloud your judgment.

Thank your neighbors when you see a muzzled dog.