K9 Principles Dog Training

01/27/2025

Master the ABCs of Dog Training 🐶

Ever wondered why your dog acts a certain way and how to shape their behaviour? It’s all about Antecedent, Behaviour, and Consequence—the key to clear communication with your dog.

Whether it’s teaching new commands or resolving unwanted habits, this framework has you covered. 💡

Swipe through to learn how to use the ABCs to strengthen your bond and build a happier, better-trained dog!

✨ Let K9 Principles guide your journey—visit our website today.

01/26/2025

💬 "Kelly, Dave, and the team are truly one of a kind. Their kindness and understanding shine through in every interaction. They genuinely want the best life for both you and your dog. We’ve learned so much—not just about training our dog but about improving ourselves as owners too! We can’t wait to continue our journey with the next level of training. Thank you, K9 Principles!" 💛

✨ Helping dogs and their humans build stronger connections is what we do best. From foundational skills to advanced training, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to take your training to the next level? Let’s do this together. 🐾 Visit our website to see all the services we offer 👉 www.k9principles.ca

01/25/2025

We can't forget about our Agility classes pictures. With only 1 week to go in this session, a fast course was put together for our advanced classes. The beginner class has done so well and they even got to play on a course this week as well.

Here are some pictures from this weeks agility classes.

01/25/2025

It's Time For The Weekly Class Pictures !!!! 🎉🥰

Master class 1.0 got us off to a great start Monday night and that momentum carried all the way through to Thursday's Hamilton/Burlington SPCA classes. Our level 7 dogs continue to defy boundaries and have been a joy to work with. We spent a few classes getting some level 1's ready for graduation next week and we can not wait to see how great they do. Our K9P Level 2 Superstar class in Caledonia had a tremendous recall night.

Check out a few 😜 pictures from our obedience classes this week.

01/24/2025

Our class picture of the day is of the value of instructor led demonstrations.

Imagine standing there with your pup, trying to figure out the dos and don’ts of sit-stay-come with no idea how to get there. Now picture having someone right there in front of you, showing you the ropes, guiding your dog through the motions, and giving you live feedback and explaining how they are working through any issues they encounter. That’s the magic we’re talking about and why we always use clients’ dogs to demonstrate every exercise.

Why does it work so well? Well, for starters, it’s immediate. If you or your four-legged buddy is missing the mark, you get to correct it right then and there. No guessing game involved. It’s tailored, too. Every dog is their own character so what works for one might not work for another, and that’s where seeing things live and in colour makes all the difference as you can see us adapt and explain why we must adjust our delivery to a certain dog for them to understand.

But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about your dog learning; it’s about you learning together. Watching your dog pick up new tricks and behaviours right in front of your eyes, with you understanding how to get to that point is just plain rewarding. It’s about building that bond, strengthening that connection, and understanding each other a bit better.

01/23/2025

Our class picture of the day is of our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA level 1 class doing an outstanding job on their invaluable “Place” command.

🔗 Why "Place" Is a Game-Changer:

The "Place" command is more than just a cute trick; it's a fundamental tool in building a well-behaved and balanced pup.
Here's why it's a game-changer:

1️⃣ Structure and Boundaries: Dogs thrive on structure and consistency. Teaching them to go to their designated "place" helps establish clear boundaries, reducing anxiety and promoting good behaviour.

2️⃣ Safety First: "Place" keeps your dog safe in various situations, preventing them from darting out of open doors or jumping on guests. It's a lifesaver both indoors and outdoors.

3️⃣ Focus and Impulse Control: "Place" teaches your dog to stay put, improving their impulse control and attention span. It's like meditation for dogs!

4️⃣ Stress Reduction: Whether it's a thunderstorm, fireworks, or simply a busy household, having a safe haven with the "Place" command can provide comfort and reduce stress for your furry friend.

5️⃣ Social Harmony: When you have guests over, "Place" ensures your pup remains polite and doesn't overwhelm visitors. It's the key to peaceful gatherings.

Are you intrigued by this exercise and not sure how to achieve the results? Are you ready to unlock your dog's full potential, create a more harmonious home, and watch your four-legged companion thrive? 🐾❤️ Visit www.k9principles.ca to see all the programs we offer to help you achieve this.

01/22/2025

This week in our Masters 1.0 class, our dedicated canine companions and their owners have truly raised the bar! Excelling in close-quarters heeling, mastering the art of the down-stay through uncontrolled distractions, engaging in public interaction drills, showing no fears of carts, and mastering the art of impulse control suitable for working dogs, they've shown outstanding adaptability. Not to mention, their ability to effortlessly switch into a state of calm when stationary is nothing short of remarkable.

Over the course of just three weeks, these dogs have made exceptional strides in honing their impulse control – their progress has been nothing less than extraordinary. And the best part? We're not even halfway through our journey, with another four weeks of transformative training ahead.

Swipe through to witness a snapshot of their incredible efforts from this week's sessions. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of excellence in canine training!

01/21/2025

Are you inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviours in your dog? It's a common scenario: your dog halts during a walk, or fails to respond when called, and you resort to using treats as a lure to encourage compliance. While this may seem effective at the moment, it can actually perpetuate the very behaviours you're trying to eliminate.

The key lies in the timing of rewards. Consider this analogy: if you were in your dog's place, and the treat was $100, would you repeat an unwanted behaviour for more rewards? It's crucial to be mindful of what actions you're reinforcing.

Your dog associates their actions with the rewards they receive. By rewarding them at the wrong time, you might be unintentionally encouraging behaviours that you wish to discourage.

01/20/2025

Endless energy draining your patience?

Discover the secrets to managing your dog’s hyperactivity and creating calm at home!

✨ Exercise smarter
✨ Engage their minds
✨ Create a routine that works

Visit K9 Principles to get expert help and start your journey to a peaceful home today.

🐾

01/19/2025

Ladies and Gentlemen, for the last time our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA November 21 Level 1 Graduates! 👏🎉👏🐾

Thursday night was a truly special moment as we marked the graduation of our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Level 1 class. This group of dedicated handlers and their dogs left us in awe with their remarkable progress, enthusiasm, and hard work.

A heartfelt congratulations to Bon Bon, who shone brightly throughout her training journey. Her growth has been incredible, and she’s now more prepared than ever to thrive in her forever home. 💕

Once again we extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing SPCA staff and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to Bon Bon and other animals in need. Your dedication makes a world of difference.

Fantastic job to the entire class! We’re excited to see you continue your journey in Level 2. Thank you for choosing to train with us at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, where half of your registration fee supports animals in need, just like Bon Bon.

01/18/2025

We can not forget about the weekly pictures of the agility classes. 👏📣

It was week 4 of this session and the dogs are having a great time! The beginner class.....terrific! The confidence in these dogs has soared and they are doing so well! The Family Fun classes had a challenging course set up for them this week that was rather deceiving but after a few goes at it, they all figured it out.

Here are some pictures from this week's agility classes.

01/18/2025

It's time for the weekly class pictures 🥰🎉

Caledonia was hopping on Tuesday night. We welcomed a new level 3, level 4, level 6 and the incredible level 7's back to continue their outstanding dogs' training. We also welcomed a new level 1 class Thursday night at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. If that was not enough, we can not tell you how happy we are with the results from our Thursday, November 21 HBSPCA level 1 class, they knocked their graduation out of the park!!!!

Check out a few pictures from this weeks obedience classes.

01/17/2025

🎓 Cheers to Our Incredible Hamilton/Burlington SPCA level 1 Graduates! 🐾

Last night, we celebrated our November 21st Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Level 1 class graduation, and WOW—this group absolutely blew us away! Their progress was off the charts, and the dedication from each dog and handler was nothing short of inspiring.

A special shoutout goes to Bon Bon, who truly excelled in her training. This sweet pup has shown so much growth and is set to thrive with her eventual forever family. 💕

A massive thank you to the SPCA volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly to support Bon Bon as she awaited her eventual adoption. Your efforts make all the difference in helping her reach her full potential.

Great job November 21st class, we can not wait to see you again for level 2. Thank you for trusting us with your dog training and taking our classes at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA where half your registration fee stays with the HBSPCA to help them care for animals in need like Bon Bon.

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01/16/2025

IT'S A GRADUATION NIGHT!!! 🎉🥰

Our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA November 21st level 1 class has been doing tremendous and working very hard. Tonight we put all that dedication to the test but we know they will knock it out of the park and have no problem.

You got this November 21 class, let's get to work 💪

01/16/2025

Our class picture of the day is of Max and all the benefits he gets at his agility classes.

Agility is a very exhilarating sport for dogs to play. They run through tunnels, over A-frames, dog walks and navigate the always challenging weave poles all while their owner guides them through the course. It is a fantastic thing to do to help build the bond with your dog and their confidence.

Here are all the benefits of playing agility with your dog:

Enhanced Physical Fitness: Agility training is a fantastic way to keep your dog in top shape. Navigating through obstacles improves their strength, coordination, and agility.

Mental Stimulation: This isn't just a physical workout; it's a brain game too! Agility challenges your dog's mind, keeping them engaged and mentally sharp.

Deepens Your Bond: Working together through an agility course strengthens the trust and understanding between you and your dog.

Boosts Confidence: For dogs of all ages, mastering agility obstacles is a great confidence booster, helping them become more adaptable and confident in other areas of life.

Socialisation and Fun: Agility training is a joyful and social activity, providing an opportunity for both you and your dog to meet and interact with others who share your passion.

The next agility session starts Wednesday, February 12 if you would like to try this with your dog. We start off very basic by introducing how to use all the equipment safely and build up to running courses as the weeks go on.

01/15/2025

Our class picture of the day is the value of continued education and the incredible benefits it provides for your dog.

Continued Education is the key to a well-rounded dog. Training doesn’t stop at the basics/level 1. It’s an ongoing journey—a commitment to helping your dog become the confident, well-mannered companion every family dreams of. Henry continues to embark on his journey as he arrived last night for his first night of level 7!!!

What can continued dog training provide?

It can help develop and strengthen skills. Training builds over time. By continuing, you reinforce what your dog has already learned, ensuring those skills last for life.

Helps your dog adapt to real-life challenges. As your dog grows, so do their experiences. Continued education equips them to handle new environments, distractions, and situations with ease.

Deepens the bond you have with your dog. Every training session strengthens the connection between you and your dog, creating trust and understanding that makes everyday life a joy.

Unlocks new adventures. Whether walking through a bustling market, visiting friends, or enjoying off-lead freedom, advanced training opens doors to more shared experiences.

Training isn’t just a phase—it’s a lifestyle. Every new skill adds another layer of confidence, reliability, and joy to your relationship with your dog.

01/15/2025

🌟 Week 2 Highlights: Master 1.0 Class 🌟

What an exhilarating journey it's been for our Master 1.0 class! This past week, they've embraced challenges with remarkable grace and focus. 🐕💪

Amidst bustling aisles and ever-changing distractions, our canine students have mastered the art of calm, exhibiting unwavering relaxation even in the busiest of environments.

Their dedication is inspiring! Each task, from navigating intricate paths amongst shoppers to maintaining focus on their owners amidst a sea of distractions, was tackled with admirable precision. 🌈🛒

Our trainers stood by every step of the way, guiding the dogs and owners through increasingly complex scenarios. Their support was key in boosting our dogs' confidence, ensuring they were ready for anything!

After a rigorous week, we're pretty sure there were some very contented snoozes last night. 🛌💤

Next week's session promises to be even more challenging, as we venture into one of the toughest environments yet in the Master 1.0 journey. Stay tuned - you won't want to miss this! 🚀🐾

Do you want more information on our Master classes where we take our training outside the confines of the classroom and into the real world? Check out www.k9principles.ca/programs-masters-1-0 for more information.

01/14/2025

Dogs get bored just like us, and many behaviour issues can be developed from a bored dog with pent-up energy.

Your dog does not need a 2-hour hike in the woods every day. They would be very happy to get out of the house and go for a walk in your neighbourhood. If you throw a bit of training in there as well, that could be enough to take the edge off them.

Using a device like the Chuck It can tire a dog out in even less time. Ever heard of bikejoring? Our dogs love it and get so excited when they see the harnesses come out.

When the weather does not cooperate, do a 15-minute training session with them to help stimulate their brain.

Another option is the numerous dog mental stimulation toys that could occupy them for a good amount of time depending on the difficulty.

Not giving them anything to do day after day can lead to behavioural issues that you do not need to deal with.