Sunshine K9 Training

03/03/2025

"You're so lucky your dog behaves so well in public... mine could never!"

It's not luck—it's training. ☘️🐾

Sure, some dogs have naturally even temperaments, but most of the time, a well-behaved dog is the result of consistent work, patience, and proper training. When you see a dog lying calmly at a restaurant, walking politely on a leash, or coming when called, it didn’t just happen by chance. Their owner (or trainer) put in the time to teach them how to navigate the world successfully.

If your dog struggles in public spaces, it’s not because they can’t be that well-behaved—it’s just a sign they need guidance. And the good news? Training isn’t magic. It’s a process anyone can follow! ☀️🐶

03/01/2025

🐾 Labels Don’t Solve Problems—Training Does.

I see it all the time—dogs being labeled with issues like "separation anxiety" or "aggression" at just a few months old. Yesterday, I received an inquiry about a 17-week-old puppy who had already been diagnosed with separation anxiety by another trainer. At 4 months old, a puppy is still figuring out the world!

Just like with people, when we slap a label on a dog, we risk turning it into an identity rather than a challenge to work through. Instead of addressing the behavior and building confidence, some owners feel stuck, accepting the label as a permanent condition.

The truth? Most of these "issues" are just underdeveloped skills—and with the right guidance, consistency, and training, dogs can grow into confident, well-adjusted companions. Let’s stop labeling and start leading. 🐶☀️

02/24/2025

Get to Know the Heart Behind Sunshine K9 Training

Dog training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building trust, setting expectations, and creating lasting change for both dogs and their owners. At Sunshine K9 Training, ethics, respect, and faith shape everything we do.

In this blog post, I’m sharing what drives me as a trainer, the standards I uphold for my business, and why my faith plays a role in the work I do. If you’ve ever wondered what Sunshine K9 Training stands for, this is the post to read.

📖 Check it out here: https://www.sunshinek9training.com/post/training-with-purpose-ethics-expectations-and-the-faith-that-guides-me

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

There’s always controversy in the dog training world—from training methodologies to the use of tools like prong collars and e-collars. But here’s the reality: there is no shortcut in dog training.We’re always transparent about what we do and how we do it. When people call us for training, an...

02/23/2025

Quality Dog Training Comes at a Cost

We understand that investing in professional dog training is a big decision, and we’re always happy to answer questions about our programs. However, we want to remind everyone that our pricing is clearly listed on our website for full transparency.

If you're shopping around for the cheapest option, we may not be the right fit for you—and that’s okay. Our training programs are priced based on the quality of care, expertise, and long-term results and support we provide. We’re not here to compete on price; we’re here to help owners build better relationships with their dogs through proven training methods.

If you’re looking for a program that prioritizes results, structure, and support, we’d love to chat! But if price is your only concern, we encourage you to consider what quality training is really worth in the long run.

Thank you to our amazing clients who understand the value of what we do—we appreciate you!

02/21/2025

Hey Dog Moms (and Dads)! Lynsey here—let’s talk about your wild pup.

Remember last year when you swore you’d start taking your dog places, hoping they’d magically calm down? Or when you figured they’d grow out of their wild phase?

Yeah… we both know that didn’t happen.

😩 Walks are still a chaotic mess.
😢 You still leave them at home because they’re too much to handle.
🙃 Guests? You gave up because the jumping and barking never stopped.

But this year can be different—for real this time.

✔️ Imagine walking your dog without frustration.
✔️ Hosting friends without the chaos.
✔️ Finally understanding and communicating with your dog so you’re both on the same page.

Training doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want expert guidance or a step-by-step plan to train on your own, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s make this the year your dog finally becomes the well-mannered companion you’ve always wanted. 🧡

📩 Message me or visit our website to find the right training program for you!

https://www.sunshinek9training.com/privatelessons

02/19/2025

The Vacuum Isn’t Out to Get Your Dog – Let’s Help Them Understand That!

One of the most common (and weirdest) fears dogs seem to have? The vacuum.

I never fully understood why until I started seeing short videos online of people laughing at their dogs attacking or running away from it. And honestly? It’s frustrating.

It’s not just vacuums, either. Some dogs are scared of brooms, trash bags, backpacks, dishwashers, kids’ toys, televisions—you name it. And for some reason, there’s a large group of people who think it’s funny to torment a dog that doesn’t understand what’s happening. That’s… well, terrifying.

We don’t torment dogs here. We help them understand that everyday household objects aren’t a threat.

So, how do we do it? Training!

Take Kevin (yes, his name is Kevin! ❤️), who’s currently in our Puppy Kickstart Board & Train Program (by the way, this program increases in price on March 15th—lock in the current rate now!).

We start working with puppies as young as 8 weeks by setting them and their owners up for success—covering potty training, puppy biting, and basic obedience. Once puppies finish their vaccinations (around 16 weeks), they come to us for two weeks of hands-on learning. This includes safe socialization, exposure to new people and surfaces, and—yep—learning to coexist peacefully with the vacuum.

With Kevin, we started by teaching him how to lay down using food shaping. Then, we added leash pressure to help him learn to stay in place.

👉 The first time he saw the vacuum? It was off and just sitting nearby.
👉 Then, I moved it around (still off).
👉 Eventually, I turned it on across the room while he held his command.
👉 Bit by bit, we worked up to vacuuming around him without stress or panic.

No torment. No nonsense. Just helping him understand that the vacuum isn’t a threat.

And this is just the beginning of Kevin’s training journey! He’ll be returning in a few months for more advanced training as he continues to grow and learn.

And here’s the good news—your dog doesn’t have to be a puppy to overcome this fear! We work on this with all of our board & train clients. Over time, things like the vacuum just become normal background noise—not a reason for anxiety or fear.

🌟 If you want professional training in a home environment, that’s exactly what we offer. Our board & train happens in our home, where your dog becomes part of our family while they learn.

And yes—we follow all of the same licensing laws as big facilities. In Georgia, anyone you pay to care for your dog should be licensed with the Department of Agriculture. This ensures transparency, proper standards, and random inspections for animal welfare. We stand by that 100%.

If you’re ready to set your dog up for success, let’s get started! 🚀

📅 Book a Free Phone Call: https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/dog-training-consultation-call
🏡 Book an In-Home Evaluation: https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/behavior-consultation

Have a great week and give your pup some extra belly rubs for us! 🐶❤️

02/19/2025

Not Every Consultation Needs to Be a Sales Pitch

If you've ever scheduled a dog training consultation only to feel like you're being sold a program you’re not even sure you need, I get it. That’s not how we do things at Sunshine K9 Training.

When you’re interested in working with us, the first step I always recommend is booking a free phone call. This lets us understand your concerns, your dog's behavior, and your lifestyle before making any recommendations. Sometimes, an in-person evaluation is necessary, and if that’s the case, we’ll set that up. But even if you jump straight to booking a consult on our website, I’m still going to call you first.

Now, I know I’m not the cheapest trainer in the area—I may actually be one of the most expensive. I completely understand that program pricing can be a shock if you’re unfamiliar with what we offer. That’s exactly why I want to talk to you first, so you know what to expect before we meet in person.

And here’s the thing—if I can help you on that call or during an evaluation without you needing to purchase a full training program, I will. My goal isn’t to sell as many training programs as possible. My goal is to help as many people as possible with the knowledge and experience I have. Sometimes, just a few changes in your daily routine can make a huge difference. If I can save you thousands of dollars with a simple tweak, I will.

Of course, training dogs is how I make my living, but I also believe in honesty and fairness. I will never push a program on you that I don’t believe you need. If your situation requires hands-on training, I’ll tell you. If it doesn’t, I’ll tell you that too.

I know many trainers in the area, and they are all fantastic. I’m honored every time someone chooses to work with me, and I truly love our clients and their dogs.

If you'd like to book a free phone consultation, you can do that here:
📞 Schedule a Free Phone Call: https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/dog-training-consultation-call

If you’re ready to schedule an in-person evaluation in your home, you can do that here:
🏡 Book an In-Person Evaluation: https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/behavior-consultation

(If you're more than 90 minutes from Brunswick, please schedule a phone call first!)

I hope this helps, and I hope you all have a fantastic week!

02/05/2025

Your dog probably heard you the first time… but if they didn’t listen, are you sure they actually understood?

This is Tucker, the newest addition to the Sunshine K9 Training family! He’s all cleaned up and looking sharp—ears up and all! But just because his ears are standing at attention doesn’t mean he automatically understands what we’re saying.

A lot of people assume that dogs should just know words like “sit,” “come,” or “heel,” but the truth is, dogs don’t speak English! They don’t come pre-programmed with obedience skills. It’s up to us to build clear associations, follow through with guidance, and reinforce the right behaviors.

In a study we performed in 2023, we recorded each time we guided 12 dogs to perform a variety of commands and revealed that in the span of 14 days, we practiced between 800 and 1,200 repetitions of each obedience command (excluding sit which averaged 1600 to 2100 reps). That means about a thousand times we asked a dog to lay down, gave them guidance when needed, and rewarded that dog a thousand times for the down command alone. We practiced in a bunch of different environments and made sure that the dog had a full understanding of what we were asking. I'm reminding folks about this because so many people assume that 5 minutes of teaching is enough practice for a lifetime of doing something when told. Repetition and clear guidance is key to helping dogs truly understand and respond consistently. Spending five minutes teaching a command doesn’t mean your dog will graduate with honors! It takes time, consistency, and proofing in different environments before they fully grasp what we’re asking.

So, if your dog isn’t listening, ask yourself: Have I actually taught them what this word means?

Need help building that solid foundation? That’s what we do at Sunshine K9 Training! Book a free call and tell me all about your dog's listening skills! ❤️🐾☀️

https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/dog-training-consultation-call

01/31/2025

🚀 Exciting Update: Scheduling a Call Just Got Easier! 🐶📞

We know that finding the right training program for your dog is important, and we want to make connecting with us as simple as possible! That’s why we’ve updated our website for easier mobile access—so scheduling a call with us is now just a few taps away!

📲 How can you reach us?
✅ Scan the QR code on our business card or our trainers' shirts!
✅ Visit our Linktree to schedule a call, browse our website, and check out our favorite training treats & online courses: linktr.ee/sunshinek9training

Ready to chat about how we can help you and your pup? Head over to 👉 www.sunshinek9training.com and let’s get started! 🐾

🚀 Exciting Update: Scheduling a Call Just Got Easier! 🐶📞

We know that finding the right training program for your dog is important, and we want to make connecting with us as simple as possible! That’s why we’ve updated our website for easier mobile access—so scheduling a call with us is now just a few taps away!

📲 How can you reach us?
✅ Scan the QR code on our business card or my trainer shirt!
✅ Visit our Linktree to schedule a call, browse our website, and check out our favorite training treats & online courses: linktr.ee/sunshinek9training

Ready to chat about how we can help you and your pup? Head over to 👉 www.sunshinek9training.com and let’s get started! 🐾

01/29/2025

It's hours of repetition. Tons of rewarding the good stuff, a fair bit of saying no to the naughty stuff. It's giving dogs what they need when they need it. It's exercise. It's play. It's routine. It's adventure. It's so many things.

But it's not a miracle. It's a lifestyle dedicated to clear communication. ❤🐾☀️

01/21/2025

Buddy the German Shepherd and Oliver the Miniature Schnauzer may be different sizes, but their attitudes and behaviors? Nearly identical!

It’s always interesting when people bring up breed-specific behaviors. But in my experience, whether your dog is big or small, they all tend to display the same common behaviors—jumping, nibbling, whining, barking, marking, chewing, pulling, overexcitement, and leash reactivity. Breed hasn't played as big of a role as you might think when it comes to the behaviors I see every day. 🤣

Of course, certain traits may be more noticeable in some breeds than others, but I often hear owners insisting that their dog's behavior is simply "because of their breed." The truth? What truly matters is how we respond to our dogs' behaviors. More often than not, it's our actions (or inaction) that allow unwanted behaviors to continue—or help them fade away.

Instead of using breed as an excuse for bad behavior, let’s focus on teaching our dogs how we want them to behave—while also ensuring their biological needs are met. With the right training and structure, any dog can learn to be their best self!

01/15/2025

How I answer the phone sometimes throws people off. Let's talk about it! When you call and I answer, here's what I need from you! :)

01/14/2025

What to Expect When Your Dog Comes for a Board & Train at Sunshine K9 Training

When you drop your dog off for a board and train with us, they truly become part of our family. This isn’t just a training facility—it’s our home. You’ll see that right away when you walk into our living room, where we lay the foundation for obedience training and good manners in a calm, home-like environment.

Here’s what you can expect:

🌟 Arrival
We’ll greet you at your car or the door to help leash up your dog. Before you leave, we’ll go over any final details about your dog and answer questions. We kindly ask you to keep goodbyes low-key. While it’s hard to leave your furry friend, too much affection at this moment can make the transition more stressful for your dog.

🌟 Settling In
Once you leave, we start the process of helping your dog feel comfortable in their new environment. For dogs who are very attached, we may let them watch you leave to help them understand you’re not just disappearing. Then, we spend quiet time getting to know them—offering treats, charging a positive marker (like a clicker or our voice), and introducing them to the potty area, water station, and their kennel.

🌟 The First Day
The first day is all about acclimation, not intensive training. We teach your dog the new rules: where to go potty, where meals come from, and where they’ll sleep. Each dog is unique, so we tailor this time to their specific needs and goals.

Take Buddy, for example, a strong, energetic 1-year-old German Shepherd here to learn manners and obedience. Today is his first day, and as I write this, we're sitting together in the living room, keeping things calm as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

Dogs are busy, engaged, and well cared for during their time with us. While they may miss you, they have so much to do here that they settle into the routine quickly.

We’re so excited to welcome your dog into our Sunshine K9 family and help them become the best version of themselves! 🧡🐾☀️

01/06/2025

Wyatt loves to jump in the pond! Who else has a dog that loves the water? 💙🐾☀️

12/31/2024

Planning to take your dog on an adventure in 2025? Here are some things to keep in mind...

✨ Consider your dog's routine. A sudden change in environment can impact their behavior. 🤔

🛏️ Where will your dog sleep? Whether it’s a kennel or a large bed, make sure you have enough space for their comfort.

🌍 Can your dog join the trip? Some places are not dog-friendly, and if they are, it’s your responsibility to ensure your dog behaves well. 🐾

🚗 Is your dog OK with the travel arrangements? Getting in and out of a vehicle, tent, or boat might feel new and overwhelming for your dog. If they're not used to it, take it slow and be patient. Remember, a calm approach goes a long way. 😌

🎪 Have you practiced the essentials? If you're camping or visiting a new environment, make sure your dog is familiar with the space. For example, Nova had to get used to the tent—some dogs find new flooring sounds strange, so we practiced obedience commands inside and around the tent. 🏕️

🧳 Don’t forget the basics! Pack an extra leash, a towel just for your dog, and any other essentials like food, water bowls, and their favorite toys. Some even bring along a first aid kit for extra peace of mind.

💡 A microchip and updated contact info can be a lifesaver if your dog gets lost while on the move. Accidents happen, but a microchip helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

Here’s to safe travels and plenty of fun in 2025! 🥳🐶💙

12/30/2024

Sometimes, dogs I’ve worked with in the past make choices that lead to unfortunate events. One thing I’ve come to understand is that dog owners don’t always see the seriousness in behaviors that I do. Often, the incidents people reach out to me about were absolutely preventable.

In my experience, dangerous or “bad” behavior usually starts small—with seemingly minor moments. Maybe it’s ignoring a well-known obedience command, blowing off a reprimand, or letting small instances of negative behavior slide because someone once said, “Ignore it, and it’ll go away.” But those small moments can snowball into much bigger problems over time.

Because I’ve worked with so many behavior cases since starting this journey in 2019, I don’t take any chances with my own dogs, Wyatt and Nova, who I’ve had since they were 8 and 9 weeks old. People often comment on how well-trained they are, but here’s the truth: they’re micromanaged by me. Without constant management, they’d absolutely make poor choices. My dogs are simply not dogs that can be trusted alone in certain environments.

Why? Because they are dogs and will do whatever feels good for them, even if it means eating something that could harm them, doing property damage, or chasing wildlife. Because I’ve seen the worst of the worst decisions that dogs can make, I run my house like a doggy boot camp—all the time.

Don't get me wrong, my dogs live an amazing life. They get to have off leash freedom on hikes in the woods and on the beach. They get to meet new people and play with other dogs all the time. BUT, they are never left unattended in a situation where if they made a poor choice, it would lead to them getting hurt.

This brings me to a larger truth about dog training: not everything has a perfect, foolproof formula.

You could read every book, watch every video, and still find yourself wondering why one approach works for someone else’s dog but feels like an uphill battle with your own.

As trainers, especially those who take on the cases others might turn away from, we’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges dogs and their families face.

Sticking to a single “methodology” just to keep the peace—whether with friends, family, or the broader training community—can do more harm than good. On top of that, conflicting advice from experts (often backed by anecdotal rather than concrete evidence) makes it even harder to figure out the right path for your dog.

But here’s the good news: training isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about adaptability and finding what works for your dog, your family, and your life. Sometimes, that means thinking outside the box and exploring new strategies. Sometimes it simply means saying no when people ask to pet your dog.

Nearly every phone call I have with a dog owner includes the phrase, “I’ve tried everything.” But here’s the thing: if you haven’t worked with us, you haven’t tried everything. 😉

At Sunshine K9 Training, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and find solutions tailored to you and your dog.

What’s one behavior or situation you’ve faced with your dog that changed how you approach training? On the flip side, what rules have you failed to implement that led to your dog “not acting right” when you needed them to?

Let’s reflect, learn, and grow together.

12/28/2024

Teaching this sweet shaggy puppy how to relax when there's exciting things happening. 🧡🐾☀️

12/24/2024

What if we don't have a chimney though...?

😅

Remember to keep your dogs safe and yourself sane this holiday season by not leaving them unattended near the really tempting stuff! 🎄🧡🎁