Noble Canyon K9 Facility

02/06/2025

Basic Obedience: Building a Strong Foundation for Your K9

When I take my dog out in public, I often get compliments about her behavior—“I want my dog to do that!” people say. But when I work with other handlers, I notice a common misconception: many think that simply knowing a command like “sit” is enough to achieve great obedience. However, what I’ve learned over the years is that true obedience stems from practicing the basics, consistently and deliberately.

It’s not just about saying a word and expecting the dog to comply. There’s so much more to it, especially with something as simple as a “sit.” For many, the approach looks something like this: “Hold your hand a certain way, say ‘sit’ a couple of times, and if they get it right on the first try, reward them!” But what happens when the dog gets up or walks away when they choose to? That’s a red flag that the dog hasn’t truly learned the command.

So, What Does Proper “Sit” Look Like?

You need to ask yourself: Does your dog really understand what “sit” means, or are they just guessing?

Here’s how you can evaluate:
1. Does the dog understand both the verbal and non-verbal cues?
• The sit command should be something they understand immediately and without hesitation. If your dog isn’t responding quickly, they haven’t fully grasped the command yet.
2. Is your dog able to hold the sit for a duration?
• A dog that gets up after a few seconds is not obeying a sit command—they’re guessing. In order for a dog to “sit,” they need to hold that position until you release them.
3. Release Command: Do You Have One?
• If you don’t have a release command (such as “free” or “okay”), your dog is not fully respecting the sit. Without a release command, they decide when the sit ends, not you. This shows they don’t understand the full concept.

So, what does proper “sit” training look like?
1. Understanding What’s Asked
• The first step is clarity. Does your dog know exactly what you mean when you say “sit”?
2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues
• Both your voice and body language should be in sync, and the dog should respond to both cues immediately, without the need to repeat the command.
3. Building Duration
• Once the dog understands, can they sit for longer than a few seconds? Gradually build up the duration, rewarding the dog for staying in position.
4. Sitting Under Distraction
• A true test of obedience: Can your dog hold the sit while a toy is thrown, or other distractions are happening around them? If your dog gets up, they haven’t mastered the command yet.
5. The Release
• And finally, can your dog remain seated until you release them with a specific command? If they leave the position without your release command, they’re still not fully trained.

The Key: Consistency in Basic Obedience

When I watch advanced trainers working with their dogs, what I often see is a focus on perfecting the basics, over and over again. They understand that a dog’s obedience is built on these small, consistent steps. The sit is one of many foundational behaviors that require repetition, patience, and incremental progress.

Why Basic Obedience Matters

When you sign up for a basic obedience class, it’s not just about learning commands. It’s about mastering the fundamentals: understanding the command, executing it properly, holding it for duration, and performing it under distraction. Your dog’s ability to sit properly is a building block for more advanced commands and behaviors. So, even if it seems like a simple task, it’s important to practice and reinforce these skills regularly.

Remember, mastering basic obedience isn’t just about teaching your dog; it’s about practicing these skills consistently so your dog can respond properly under any circumstance. So, the next time you’re working with your dog on the basics, take a step back and assess: Have you truly taught your dog the “sit,” or are they just guessing?
Noble Canyon K9 Facility

01/10/2025

She can excel in various tasks:
* track a scent for miles
* demonstrate impeccable obedience
* protect - guard - bite with no hesitation

However, the most crucial aspect for both of us is learning to slow down and simply exist in the moment. Teaching her to calm her nervous system and self-regulate is essential. This skill not only helps clear her mind but also empowers her to make wiser choices and savor life more fully. When she achieves this state of regulation, she can switch into work mode almost instantly, yet she also knows how to unwind when her tasks are complete. This ability to balance work and relaxation makes her remarkably stable compared to many others.

12/30/2024

While at the Texas Pet Sitters Conference recently, we had the chance to hear from Dr. Roy Madigan, a veterinarian, and the principal scientist in the Canine Chagas Treatment Study.

We felt it imperative to share with our clients, and our community, the surprising information we learned.

Chagas disease is a parastic disease that is spread by kissing bugs. Similar to heartworm disease, animals can become infected with Chagas if they're bitten by, or ingest, a kissing bug.

The symptoms of Chagas can show up in a variety of ways. For less severe cases, lethargy, decreased appetite and weight loss may present. In more severe cases, you may see fluid in the abdomen, heart failure, vomiting, and unfortunately, sudden death.

Dr. Madigan estimates that up to 23% of companion dogs in Texas currently are positive for Chagas (compared to about 3.3% that are heartworm positive).

Chagas tends to attack the heart tissue, and is a progressive disease. The most common symptom seen when this happens is arrhythmia. It is also known to attack the brain.

Testing for Chagas is not common. The pet owner usually has to seek it out. There is currently a reliable test called "ELISA" that costs around $120.00. Dr. Madigan tells us that by next year, a new version will be available that will cost around $35.00 and will include a heartworm test. It will be readily available to all veterinary practices. They are currently awaiting approval from the FDA.

The treatment for Chagas is in a pill form and lasts for 12 months. Dr. Madigan reports that while it is 100% effective, it does not fix the harm that has already been done to the body by the parasite.

Our best defense against Chagas is preventative action. Pyrethroid insecticides will kill kissing bugs. Oral flea and tick medicine will kill Chagas.

If you see your pet with a kissing bug, do not squish the bug. Use a plastic baggie to capture it (don't touch it!) and contact https://kissingbug.tamu.edu/contact/ for instructions on how to submit it for testing.

It takes up to three weeks for a pet to test positive after exposure to Chagas, so don't immediately get your pet tested.

It is not only dogs who get Chagas. Cats also are affected. Chagas is the number one cause of seizures in cats.

Humans can also get Chagas. If your pet tests positive, every pet in the house should be tested, as well as all humans.

Antibodies are not effective at preventing reinfection, so a vaccine is not an option. Researchers are currently working to develop a slow-release injectible to protect pets.

Our takeaways:

*Chagas is impacting more pets than most people know. If your pet is showing unusual symptoms, ask your veterinarian to test them for Chagas. The sooner it is detected, the better off your pet will fare.

*Chagas is a treatable disease.

*Be aware of your enviroment. Keep your yard clean. Turn off outdoor lighting. Bring pets inside at night. Remove piles of rocks, leaves or wood near your home. Keep vegetation trimmed regularly. If you find a kissing bug, submit it for testing.

*If your pet tests positive for Chagas, test ALL your pets. Also, test all humans in the house.

For more information, please visit https://kissingbug.tamu.edu and www.vidapharmacal.com

09/26/2024

09/25/2024

I am excited to announce the addition of another dog to my nature therapy and recall program, enhancing our offerings with new drop-in sessions. These sessions are ideal for dogs that thrive on one-on-one attention, allowing us to explore a variety of outdoor environments beyond the city limits. From serene forest walks to expansive farmers' fields, these experiences will immerse the dogs in a rich tapestry of sounds and scents, encouraging them to get their paws dirty and engage with nature. This approach is incredibly beneficial for their mental and physical well-being.
While the dogs explore their surroundings, I will focus on reinforcing recall skills. For me, recall transcends simply responding to a call; it involves teaching dogs to assess their environment and make independent decisions. For instance, I want them to instinctively check in and return to me when they sense a vehicle approaching, without needing a command. This skill is paramount for their safety and overall development, as it fosters a sense of awareness and responsibility in the dogs.
By integrating these elements into our program, I aim to create a well-rounded experience that not only nurtures the dogs' instincts but also strengthens the bond between them and their handlers. The combination of nature exploration and focused training will ensure that each dog leaves our sessions more confident and attuned to their surroundings. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on their growth and happiness.

Please TEXT 250-808-4432 for more information. Or email [email protected]

09/05/2024

Such an easy loop to get into and such a difficult one to break. 🤦
Over aroused/ "hyper" dogs.
They want MORE so we give them more.....sounds like a good plan, right ?
This is exactly what the majority of these dogs DON"T need.

I get it.
Nothing seems like enough for these dogs.
There wouldn't be a week go by where I don't have a handful of clients affected.

Make no mistake, for the vast majority of these dogs all MORE does is exacerbate the issue and create "adrenaline junkies" that NEED and WANT more....much more than anyone can give.
The stamina these dogs have built up is incredible....and that isn't a good thing.

There are those in the industry that believe the answer to hyper and over aroused dogs is to exercise them harder, faster and for longer. It is endemic in the dog training world that these dogs need to be "tired out more" by heavier exercise and physical activity.
Then there are those in the industry that KNOW the huge issues these dogs are facing and how absolutely damaging the "prescription" of more exercise can be.

You cannot throw that ball enough.....
You cannot walk/run them enough......
You cannot tire them out enough.....as physical exhaustion only "fuels" this behaviour.

If you want more information there is also a video on this in the comments✅.

When those physically exhausted dogs wake up.......the over aroused/hyper loop starts all over again.
However if you recognise it.....you can help this.

Not all the behaviours shown are behaviours only shown by hyper aroused/overly excited dogs but these are definitely common to those particular dogs.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

09/05/2024

I am seeking a reputable breeder for a well-bred red or golden retriever. My client is interested in a puppy that can fit into her active lifestyle. If you have any breeder recommendations or information regarding the lineage of these dogs, please share. Thank you!

08/31/2024

Taking our dogs for a walk often sparks a flurry of questions. When asked if I want to join, I find myself inquiring about the specifics of the dog: What breed is it? How old? Is it male or female? Is it spayed or neutered? What’s its personality like? How does it behave around other dogs and people? It feels like conducting an interview just to agree to a simple walk. This thoroughness stems from a fundamental understanding that dogs learn from one another's behavior. Their manners and reactions in various situations are influenced by their interactions. If a dog is unresponsive, it raises the question of whether I should trust its behavior. Personalities can clash, leading to conflicts that may result in lasting trauma. This is one of the primary reasons we do not advocate for dog parks. Finding the right match for playtime can be incredibly beneficial, especially for puppies. They need role models to emulate, learning the behaviors we hope they will adopt. In the accompanying video, you will witness a well-trained puppy who has gained invaluable lessons from his human. His experience is enhanced by an older, confident dog guiding him through the forest. Together, they navigate challenges like crossing a noisy bridge and exploring the creek, showcasing the importance of mentorship in a dog's development. The older dog’s guidance instills confidence in the puppy, allowing him to thrive in new environments and situations.

08/29/2024

Livestock Guardian breeds - will be aloof, not overly people friendly, and yes will bark all night because it’s their GENETICS JOB to defend their property and wander their perimeter (which is why they NEED perimeters). It’s literally hardwired into them. They do not have great listening skills because they aren’t bred to serve PEOPLE but to serve their livestock. Now cross those on a breed that’s bred to do the opposite? Like a GSD? Or a Border Collie? What a genetic disaster. And a very common cross I see in client dogs desperate for help.

Border Collies / Australian Shepherds / Herding breeds - yes they will chase your kids. Yes they will chase anything that moves, fast. They also move, fast, and will use their teeth to encourage whatever it is they are chasing to move the direction they want it to. They feed off energy and will amplify the environment they are given. They will also amplify themselves uncontrollably if not given the mental stimulation they need. I didn’t say physical, I said MENTAL. These dogs need mental stimulation more then they need physical stimulation. You can have an extremely fit BC that will still chase your kids or destroy your house if it’s not mentally stimulated. Certain genetics can be nervy, a little wiggy, which can leave you with a nervous or timid dog if you don’t raise it properly or pay attention to its lineage. Cross these breeds on each other and you can often get a complete genetic malfunction leaving you with a dog that needs to be drugged to simply exist in the world.

German Shepherds / Belgian Malinois / Bear Dogs etc - these dogs are also herding breeds but with a hefty dose of natural protection instinct which usually bares its ugly teeth in the form of reactivity. They also like to chase and eliminate anything that moves, fast, but with even more teeth and twice the size behind them. These dogs are one person dogs, exist to please their handlers and generally have a natural stranger danger type personality. These dog’s WILL bite, attack, lunge etc out fear, frustration, or flat out “I will F you up“ confidence (but it’s usually one of the first two). They also feed off energy and will amplify the environment they are given. They will also amplify themselves uncontrollably if not given the mental stimulation they need.

Huskies / Malamutes - friendly but lack any real desire to cooperate, generally. They are in it for themselves and will decide when and where they want to listen and for how long. While they are pretty to look at their buttholes aren’t all that pretty when all they are doing is running away from you because they hold more value in their environment compared to you. Yes they are vocal, especially when happy, sad, mad, frustrated, scared…. Now cross them with any of the above breeds and don’t complain when you get a dog that’s genetically confused on how it wants to coexist with you and just yells in the process.

Labs / Retrievers -bred to go alllll damn day in the field, but are most commonly asked to be a suburban house pet. They will bounce off the end of their leash anytime they see something that makes them happy because EVERYTHING makes them happy but they don’t know impulse control so they bulldoze your guests, rip the leash out of your hands, jump up and lick.lab crosses are seen as the “safe choice” because they are generally a friendly, happy go lucky breed but they need just as much structure and training as any of the other working dogs.

The list goes on, and on, and on, and on. A cross doesn’t mean you get the best of both worlds. If I’m honest, you often get the worst. Clients come to me with dogs that are riding the struggle bus because they are a genetic disaster and are at war with themselves because they are crosses of breeds that are so opposite of one another it doesn’t even know it’s a dog. Sometimes you can’t out train genetics. And that’s what so many people want me to do. A purebred can be just as difficult if it’s been selectively bred for high drive precise work (working line German Shepherd vs Show Line for example) and you’re not fulfilling it’s needs and it’s stuck finding its own outlets.

If you want a cross, google BOTH/ALL the evident breeds it consists of and decide if you want to train through any possible discrepancies in those.

If you want a purebred, research the Breeders and figure out what BOTH parents are like. Just because it’s purebred doesn’t mean it’s WELL BRED.

08/14/2024

💯 🙌

08/13/2024

💯

Many people are ✨shocked✨ to see that my dogs aren’t super dog-friendly. They’re a dog trainer’s dog, how can they be so mean?

“Mean” because they don’t run up to other dogs, mean because they aren’t dying to meet your dog, mean because they don’t tolerate inappropriate behavior..

To me, they’re an example of dogs with healthy boundaries and relationships to others. It seems to be the “norm” for a lot of dog owners to expect other dogs to tolerate all of their own dog’s behavior. If your child was being harassed by another child, would you tell them to tolerate it? Of course not; we would intervene and the same should be happening for our dogs.

Any inappropriate behavior (posturing, face licking, jumping, excessive sniffing), or really any behavior that makes the receiving dog uncomfortable, should be interrupted or punished.

This can happen in two ways: we intervene which is the preferred method. If your puppy is face-licking your older dog and your older dog isn’t enjoying it/is trying to get away, etc, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to remove the puppy from the older dog. We should not except any dog to tolerate annoying behavior and we certainly don’t want to raise our puppies to continue this. Or if your male dog is excessively sniffing a female dog to the point she’s uncomfortable, you can interrupt or punish that with a “no,” a nick on the ecollar, separating them, etc. It is your responsibility to manage your own dog and advocate for others.

The other option is to allow the receiving dog to correct the inappropriate dog, but this is rarely efficient and should only happen under very strict circumstances. We never want to allow a dog we don’t know to correct our dog. There’s a good chance they won’t, which will teach tolerance, and there’s an equally good chance they will overcorrect, resulting in injury or fight.

Often a puppy is raised where other dogs are expected to tolerate behavior. One day the puppy runs up to a dog and starts behavior that they’ve rehearsed, the new dog doesn’t tolerate it and corrects the dog/starts a fight...

Read the full article here:

https://www.horizonretrievers.com/post/socialization-1

07/18/2024

You asked? We answered!💥
•
Lots of people have requested that we find a way to bring these fabulous humans back to the Okanagan and they are officially coming!
•
Angrand k9
Hollenhund K9 Inc.
•
October 5-6, 2024. This is a full two day seminar that you don’t want to miss!
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Working and Audit spots are available:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/FlorenceJarrett/BRINGITToTheNextLevelASeminarWithCassandraBeachAndRockensonAngrand
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Location: The Canine Hub Field at 1945 Otter Lake Cross Road, Armstrong, BC

07/15/2024

⚠️‼️ The only activities we should be doing in hot weather with our dogs are ones that involve being in or near water. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperatures like we can in heat and it’s physically uncomfortable for them to be hot and panting heavily as they desperately try to cool their bodies down.

Dogs with shorter muzzles have an even more difficult time keeping cool so be extra careful with those breeds et rotties, pugs, French bull dogs.

Dogs can get heat stroke in as little as 23°C. I have personally witnessed it and thank goodness I caught the early signs because heat stroke can kill very quickly.

Please be careful out there with your dogs this week, walk near water and in the shade, do not encourage them to do anything other then walk at a relaxed slow pace. Physically exerting them with running behind a bike can can lead to death very quickly.

Also, remember dogs don’t wear shoes and the pavement is very very hot for their paws. Consider your dogs comfort over the desires to take them every where and tire them out. I would hate for you to experience the devastation of losing your best freind.

- The Dog Listener