Kairo's K9s Training

04/24/2025

Play Behavior 101: Is Your Dog Really Playing? Let’s Break It Down!

At Kairo’s K9s Training, we’re all about building better bonds—and safe, respectful play is a huge part of that.

Playtime is more than just fun and games—it’s a crucial way dogs learn social skills, burn off energy, and build relationships. But not all play is healthy, and sometimes it can escalate before we even notice.

So how do you know when to let play continue, when to step in, and when to separate dogs altogether? Let’s dive into the Play Traffic Light System—a super handy way to assess dog-to-dog interactions at home, at the park, or at daycare!

Green Zone: Everyone’s Having Fun!

This is the sweet spot! Play is mutual, balanced, and all parties are enjoying themselves. You’ll notice:

• Play bows
• Switching between offense/defense
• Loose, wiggly body language
• Soft mouthing
• Light, happy vocalizations
• Dogs taking turns initiating play

Just like kids, dogs need breaks. If they’re pausing naturally and re-engaging on their own, you’re likely in the green!

Yellow Zone: Watch Closely—Could Go Either Way

This is your warning zone. The dogs might still be playing, but things are getting a little too intense or one-sided. Look for:

• One-sided play or third-wheeling
• Holding, not releasing during play
• Heightened vocalizations or rougher wrestling
• Posturing (head over back, standing over)
• Submissive licking of another dog’s face

What to do: Interrupt play gently. Give a break, reset, and observe. If everyone returns to balanced play, carry on!

Red Zone: Intervene Immediately

This isn’t play anymore—it’s stress or a prelude to a fight. Stop the interaction right away if you see:

• Stiff bodies, raised tails, whale eyes
• Biting and shaking
• Hu***ng or pinning
• Resource guarding (people, toys, beds)
• Obsessive following or patrolling

This is where confidence gets damaged, and reactivity can begin.

Healthy play builds confidence, resilience, and communication skills in dogs. Over-arousing or scary interactions? Not so much. That’s why YOU play the role of referee—reading the signals and helping your dog feel safe and supported.

Want to Level Up Your Dog’s Social Skills?

At Kairo’s K9s Training, we help owners interpret dog behavior and develop confident canines. Whether your dog is the life of the party or unsure around other dogs—we’ve got your back.

Visit www.KairosK9s.ca or email us at [email protected] today!

04/23/2025

Need Help Walking Your Dog? We’ve Got You Covered!

Whether you're short on time, recovering from an injury, or just need a hand, our professional dog walking service is here to help—and we do more than just walk!

Why regular walks matter:
Dogs need daily exercise not just to stay physically healthy, but also to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced. Regular walks help reduce anxiety, prevent destructive behavior, and improve their overall well-being.

We combine exercise with basic training techniques during each walk. That means your pup isn’t just stretching their legs—they’re learning manners, commands, and leash etiquette along the way.

Let us take the leash!
- Perfect for busy schedules
- Support for post-injury or limited mobility
- Safe, caring, and experienced handlers
- Walks tailored to your dog’s energy level
- Basic obedience reinforced every step of the way

We also offer custom dog walking packages, choose how many walks and the length of time and we can provide a price for you.

Contact us today to schedule your first session!

04/22/2025

Medical Alert SDIT Azlan alerts are on point!

Azlan has been trained to alert his Mom to certain medical conditions by detecting the changes in scent his Mom gives off when she's about to have a medical episode!

Just like Service Dog Kairo, Azlan can detect the tiniest change in his mom and alert her well before a smartwatch, or even hospital equipment can!

Azlan’s nose is always working, searching for those special scents he has been trained to detect!

Fun fact: Azlan’s handler is one of the very few people that Service Dog Kairo has alerted to!

We are so proud to be a part of SDIT Azlan's journey as he continues to learn and grow!

04/22/2025

Diablo had an amazing time at his vet appointment!

Like many dogs, Diablo struggles with veterinary care. All the pokes, prodding, examinations, and uncomfortable experiences over time made him a little fearful and sassy with his care professionals.

His dedicated owners recognized the problem and asked us for help with cooperative care and how to help Diablo overcome his fear of the vet, with positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning!

We got the best news yesterday. Not only did he do well, but this big suck decided to cuddle with his family and showed a complete 180 since they began their work.

At Kairo's K9s Training- we strive to show owners how to change their dogs' perceptions over time with programs designed to teach YOU how to help your dog.

Need help? Contact us for your Risk-Free Assessment today!

Email us at [email protected] or book online at www.KairosK9s.ca!

04/22/2025

Today, on World Earth Day, we’re reminded of the importance of protecting the planet we all share. As dog owners, we have a unique opportunity to contribute positively to the environment—simply by being mindful during our daily routines.

Here are a few simple ways to make a difference while spending time with your dog outdoors:

1. Always Pick Up After Your Dog.
Leaving waste behind can harm local ecosystems and pollute waterways. Choose compostable waste bags and dispose of them properly.

2. Reduce Plastic Waste.
Opt for reusable water bottles, biodegradable poop-bags, and eco-friendly accessories instead of single-use plastic.

3. Respect Trails and Green Spaces.
Stay on designated paths, leash your dog in protected areas and city limits and consider picking up any litter you come across to leave the environment cleaner than you found it.

4. Choose Sustainable Products.
Support brands that prioritize sustainability in their dog toys, treats, and gear.

5. Prioritize Training for Safety and Stewardship.
Teaching your dog a reliable recall not only keeps them safe but also helps protect local wildlife and ecosystems.

At Kairo’s K9s Training, we believe that responsible dog ownership extends beyond obedience—it includes being thoughtful members of our communities and caretakers of the natural world.

This Earth Day, we encourage you:
While out on your next walk, take a moment to pick up even one piece of litter. Small actions, when multiplied, can lead to lasting change.

Let’s train well, walk responsibly, and care for the Earth together.

04/21/2025

Our friends at Wag.Sk are beginning to gather supplies for the new facility they have opening soon - if your anything like me - it's time for some spring cleaning of your dog room!

Have anything your looking to get rid of? Send them a message!

*insert panic breathing*😅😮‍💨

The countdown is ooonnnnn. We have 6,000 indoor square feet and 5,000 outdoor to fill and make feel like a home! ❤️ If you have any of these items on your “soon to be replaced” list let us know and we would love to help you find a new home for them! We are planning on having a full day of pick ups so once we plan a date- please have the items in your garage/driveway/at the front door so we don’t have to worry about bonking up your walls and creating a ruckus 🤪

Shoot me a message with your desired price and let us help you out with some spring cleaning 😉

UPDATE: I think we have enough tires but I’ll repost if we get into the space and need more! Thank you so much😭 my heart is so full

04/21/2025

Meeko of nailed the assignment at our last session!

When we first met Meeko, he was pretty animated around other dogs, especially on leash, and loved to fence fight with a gusto!

Not to worry, we gave Meeko’s family a comprehensive plan to work through it, and they hit the ground running, both working independently, and taking some other classes offered in our area, and when we came to see them this weekend,

The transformation this amazing team has gone through is nothing short of legendary.

Beautiful heelwork, handler focus, and a much more neutral Meeko was on display as his handler showed a confident demeanor, helping Meeko by guiding him to make the right choices, and showing the world they GOT THIS!

Meeko happily ignored Kairo on our walk together, and we transitioned to the yard and positioned Kairo where Meeko typically struggles, and he absolutely smashed my expectations!

We are so happy when our clients take our advice, run with it, and work hard to see the results they are looking for.

Does this mean their journey is over? No. Far from. - it's just beginning. - but now, they can use the tools they have to manage this, while they push towards new goals!

We are so proud of this amazing team.

Well done !

04/21/2025

Junior Trainer Atticus has been working hard at Kairo's K9s Training - helping socialize puppies like Daisy to teach them that kids are safe and fun to be around!

He worked with a few clients this weekend, socializing, acting as a distraction, and getting the opportunity to show his everlasting love for the clients we serve.

He is a hard-working young man, assisting in classes, pooper scooping, and learning the ins and outs of dog behavior.

Junior Trainer Atticus says he wants to be a dog trainer like his Dad one day, but he thinks owning a business like his Dad is a lot of work.

He is learning that working hard for your money feels great at the end of each day and is an example for his peers worldwide, as he doesn't shy away when the going gets tough.

Atticus is a core part of Kairo's K9s Training and we are so proud of the young man he is becoming.

04/21/2025

We got an amazing update from Jalapeño's family sent to us, and they included some photos of their amazing vacation!

"I just wanted to share with the help from you guys we we're confident enough to take her on her first family vacation and she managed to "leave it " the whole weekend thanks agin everyone was amazed how well behaved she was the whole weekend "

We love hearing success stories from our clients on the progress they have made since they started working with us!

The success our clients see is due to the amazing work and practice they put in between sessions, and we are happy to see Jalapeño has grown into a beautiful young adult!

Congratulations 🎊 - be proud of your hard work!

04/20/2025

Kairo plays multiple roles in our business, from demo dog to our reactive clients, to educational resource for when we need to demonstrate a finished behavior.

But the most important role he fills in our home is Christopher's Medical Alert Service Dog.

Kairo is trained to detect the smallest changes in his condition, and will alert to blood pressure, seizures, migranes, as well as guidework, object retrieval, deep pressure therapy, and other minor quality of life tasks.

Kairo is the reason our company exists, because without him, Christopher wouldn't have the freedom to live the life he wants to.

We often have clients comment, when they see Kairo's nose scent the air, "what is he looking for?" - the answer is quite simple. He's checking on his handler.

He always has 1 ear towards his handler, and will happily disobey his Mom if he thinks Christopher needs something.

In our household, he's allowed to disobey everyone, even Dad, because his job comes first.

This is why - we are Kairo's K9s Training- because without Kairo. Our dream wouldn't be possible.

Kairo isn't an easy dog to live with, with a big personality and an attitude for days, he often drives us crazy with his antics.

We love him just the same and appreciate the work he does everyday to keep Christopher safe

04/20/2025

This morning in our household is filled with Easter fun - I can hear Atti asking Kairo where the bunny is. - while also asking him if he can help find the eggs with his highly trained nose

Kairo is happily screaming at the anticipation of finding the bunny, as they both tear apart the house, searching for different things.

Atticus is searching for illustrious chocolate filled eggs, and Kairo wants the bunny.

One of them will be successful - the other will drive me mental by noon.

Happy Easter to you and yours 🐇

04/20/2025

New client alert!

Meet Jessi! She is a shepherd mix and a Saskatoon Dog Rescue Alumni!

She is here at Kairo's K9s Training to start her puppy basics program and met with our trainer Christopher for an assessment and basic lesson!

She's smart as a whip and learned leave it, the basics of heel, and out, as well as the marker words all our clientele use every day!

Her family was happy with how well she caught on to the basics and joined in the fun, using our new communication skills to strengthen what she already knows!

She's a real firecracker with a sassy attitude and a willingness to work, and we can't wait to see her again!

Looking for help with your dog?
Check us out at www.KairosK9s.ca or email us at [email protected]!

04/19/2025

has been doing their homework, and it shows!

Teddy is reactive to dogs and kids, and today, with the help of Junior Trainer Atticus and SD Kairo CGN , Teddy has his first official lesson with the Kairo's K9s Training team!

Teddy showed his new skills to his Mom, playing the LAT game, demonstrating his heelwork and impulse control, and as the session went on you could SEE Mom and Teddy’s confidence together as a team shining bright as they worked together to accomplish their goal!

We love seeing our clients take what we teach and run with it, and we are exceptionally proud of this amazing duo!

Well done, !

04/19/2025

Atticus isn’t a perfect handler by any means. He makes mistakes. He doesn’t always communicate perfectly with his dog. He lets things slide that I wouldn’t — but…

He’s learning.

One thing I see far too often in the dog world is how quickly people rush to criticize other handlers, dogs, or even kids who are just learning, growing, and genuinely trying to improve.

Hell, I’ve made mistakes, too. I’ve gotten caught up in the politics of the dog community. I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth more than once — especially when critiquing other professionals for not meeting the same standards I hold myself to. - especially trainers I used to work with who I thought should know better.

But it wasn’t until I watched my own son learning with his own dog that I truly got it.
I was wrong to criticize. I was wrong to play politics.

Not everyone has the same knowledge or the ability to absorb information the same way. Not everyone even gets the same opportunity to learn about dogs — let alone the experience of owning multiple dogs with wildly different personalities and needs.

We all form our opinions based on our own experiences.

Helping my son understand dogs has made me a better teacher, a better trainer, and honestly, more tolerant of what I see in the industry amongst professionals.

Even when I don’t necessarily agree with something I see in the dog world — that doesn’t mean I need to say something about it.

In fact, it’s probably better that I don’t.

Because that’s not my journey.

My journey is to educate. To teach. To help.
To guide people toward their goals — not sit around and talk about what Person A did with Dog B, or Trainer A's methodology vs Trainer B.

There’s a lot of that going around right now.
But I’m too busy training dogs, raising kids, and making a difference in my community to sit around on the rumor mill.

So here’s my advice:

Run your dog. Not your mouth.

Stay out of the politics within the dog community - and put your own journey first.

04/18/2025

Congratulations 🎊 to Tacey Boychuk and Boone —the lucky winners of our $200 gift card giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who participated and showed support for Kairo’s K9s Training. We’re so grateful for this amazing community and can’t wait to bring you more fun giveaways in the future!

Stay tuned—and as always, keep building better bonds with your pups!

04/18/2025

A huge moment for SDIT Azlan today, who did his first journey into a non-pet-friendly establishment- with permission, of course!

SDIT Azlan and his handler entered a busy Italian restaurant on their vacation, explained his Service Dog in Training status, and was granted access to dine with his handler.

We always encourage our students to ask for permission to enter and train as Service Dog in Training status, especially in the early phases like Azlan is.

We are exceptionally proud of this young medical alert team, for succeeding in this outing, and being a great example for SDIT everywhere, but also, for going the extra mile and ensuring they are being honest with his current "In Training" - status.

Azlan is a young Medical Service Dog prospect who is still learning and growing every day as he learns the ins and outs of daily life, but he is progressing exceptionally well.

We are so proud of you - thank you for representing Service Dog teams everywhere with your honesty and grace.

Congratulations on a successful outing together ❤️

04/16/2025

Our collaborative class with All Things K9 Training has been absolutely amazing 👏

All our clients have seen massive success, both with confidence as handlers, and their dogs are absolutely smashing expectations working with Kairo!

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

04/16/2025

Exciting news for Kairo’s K9s Training and more so for me, Director of Operations, Ashley!

Owner & Trainer Christopher decided that it was time for us to upgrade our company ride, and purchased us a new 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium brand new from the dealership!

I am beyond excited and honestly speechless, never would I have thought this business that Christopher started would be able to provide so much for us. I am so lucky to have him and Kairo in my life, and so grateful the work they do can provide for our family. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I am in awe almost daily with what he has accomplished. His dedication and hard work is paying off and I am so grateful to be a part of this journey.

Thank you so much Christopher, for everything you do. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next for Kairo’s K9s Training!