Alan’s K9 Academy

02/09/2025

🎉🐾 Congratulations to Henry and his amazing paw parents for graduating from intermediate obedience and behavior modification training! 🏆🐶

Henry started with some challenges—protecting his owners a little too much and struggling to trust new people. Through confidence-building exercises, we helped him create positive relationships with others. 💙✨

We also worked on touch therapy to help him feel more comfortable with handling, improved his door manners to prevent chaos when visitors arrive, and tackled his obsessive barking for a calmer home environment. Plus, we reinforced all intermediate obedience commands to set him up for long-term success! 🏡🐕

Henry’s journey isn’t over, but his humans are on the right path, and we’re so proud of how far they’ve come! 🎓👏 Keep up the great work, team Henry! 💪🐾

🐕🎓

02/09/2025

🐾 Welcome, Hazel! 🐾

Meet Hazel, a sweet and silly 1.5-year-old mixed breed who’s ready to build her confidence! 💕🐶 While she loves being indoors, stepping outside has been a big challenge for her—leading to accidents in the house and pulling to rush back inside.

Her dedicated paw parents, Kelsey and Robert, are eager to help Hazel overcome her fear of the outdoors, reinforce housebreaking, and improve her recall and leash manners. With patience, guidance, and structured training, Hazel will soon feel more at ease and enjoy her walks with confidence!

We can’t wait to see Hazel’s progress—cheering her on every step of the way! 🌟🐾

02/08/2025

🎓🐾 Nova has officially graduated from Puppy 101, and we couldn't be prouder! She excelled at every training session and truly loved every moment of it. Her recall has improved so much — from running off to coming back at full speed every time we call her. It’s amazing to see how far she’s come! We’re excited for the next adventure and can’t wait to keep learning and growing together! 🐶✨

🎓🐶

02/08/2025

🐾 Welcome, Remco! 🐾

Say hello to Remco, a playful 16-week-old Border Collie! 🎉🐶 This energetic pup loves to run around and play with his toys, but like any young pup, he's still learning the ropes. From puppy tantrums to house training, his dedicated paw parents, Tonya and Stacy, are committed to helping him grow into a well-mannered and confident dog.

With the right guidance, Remco will work on potty training, managing his puppy tantrums, and overcoming his fear of loud noises. We can't wait to see his progress and celebrate every milestone along the way! 🏆🐾

Stay tuned for Remco’s journey as he learns, grows, and thrives! 💙🐶

02/07/2025

🐶 The 3-3-3 Rule: Helping Your New Dog Adjust to Their Forever Home 🏡

Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but it’s also a big change for them! The 3-3-3 Rule helps set expectations for their adjustment period so you can provide the right support every step of the way.

🔹 First 3 Days – Decompression Period 🛏️
Your dog is feeling overwhelmed and unsure. They may sleep a lot, be cautious, or have accidents in the house. Keep things calm, set a routine, and give them space to adjust.

🔹 First 3 Weeks – Building Trust & Learning Routines 🤝
Your dog is starting to settle in, learning your schedule, and testing boundaries. Now’s the time to establish structure, reinforce basic training, and help them gain confidence in their new environment.

🔹 First 3 Months – Feeling at Home 🏠
By now, your dog should feel like a true member of the family! They trust you, understand the rules, and have settled into a routine. Keep up with training, mental stimulation, and bonding activities to strengthen your relationship.

🐾 Patience, consistency, and clear guidance are key! Every dog adjusts at their own pace, so stay committed to the journey. Need help with training and structure? Alan’s K9 Academy is here to help!

📞 Call (470) 648-6512 or visit www.alansk9academy.com to get expert guidance on training your new dog!

👇 How was your experience bringing home a new dog? Share in the comments! ⬇️

02/07/2025

🐾 Welcome, Nash! 🐶✨

Meet Nash, an adorable three-month-old Goldendoodle with a heart full of joy and a love for cuddles and playtime! 💛🐕 While he’s still working on his potty training, his paw parents, Baylea and Prissilla, are already seeing progress. Nash is a smart little guy, but he’s struggling with separation anxiety, barking when left alone, and getting a little too excited with pant legs, shoes, and his bed.

Baylea and Prissilla are ready to help Nash build confidence and learn essential skills like potty training, crate training, managing separation anxiety, nipping, barking control, and basic commands. With structure and consistency, Nash will be on his way to becoming a well-mannered pup in no time! 🏆🐾

Let’s cheer Nash on as he embarks on his training journey! 🎉🐶

02/06/2025

🔊 Why Are Dogs Afraid of Loud Noises? 🐶💨

Does your dog run for cover at the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, or even the vacuum cleaner? Loud noises can trigger fear and anxiety in dogs due to their heightened sense of hearing and natural survival instincts.

Common Triggers:
⚡ Thunderstorms
🎆 Fireworks
🚗 Traffic & Sirens
🧹 Household Noises (Vacuums, Blenders, etc.)

How to Help Your Dog Cope:
🐾 Create a Safe Space – Give your dog a quiet, cozy area to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
🐾 Desensitization Training – Gradually expose them to the noise at low volumes and reward calm behavior.
🐾 Stay Calm & Comforting – Your energy affects your dog! Stay relaxed to reassure them that everything is okay.
🐾 Engage in Distraction Techniques – Play games, offer treats, or practice obedience drills to redirect their focus.

Training your dog to handle loud noises takes patience and the right approach. Need expert guidance? Contact Alan’s K9 Academy today!

📲 Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call (470) 648-6512 to learn more about overcoming noise-related fears.

02/06/2025

🎉 Welcome, Stevie! 🐾

Meet Stevie, a 5-month-old Husky-German Shepherd-Pit Bull mix who is as intelligent as she is energetic! While she picks up on commands quickly, her stubborn streak keeps her fur parents, Juliana and Michael, on their toes. Stevie has a few habits they’re looking to refine, such as jumping up when excited, excessive barking at sights and sounds outside, sneaking onto the couch uninvited, grazing instead of finishing meals, and sometimes deciding when she wants to listen to commands.

Juliana and Michael are eager to help Stevie channel her energy in a productive way, decrease her reactivity, and improve her listening skills. They want to ensure she grows into a well-mannered, confident pup while strengthening their bond through training. With the right guidance, Stevie is on the path to success, and we can’t wait to see her progress!

📲 Need help with a high-energy pup like Stevie? Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512 to learn how we can help!

02/05/2025

🐶💡 Do Dogs See the World in Color? Let’s Find Out! 🎨

Ever wondered if your dog sees the world in color or just black and white? While their vision is different from ours, dogs do see colors—just not the same way humans do!

How Dogs See the World
Dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily see shades of blue and yellow. Unlike humans, who have three types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes, dogs only have two. This limits their ability to see red, green, and orange, which may appear as dull gray or brown tones.

Think of a person with red-green color blindness—that’s similar to how your dog sees!

Why This Matters for Training & Play
Knowing how dogs see color can improve training and playtime by making things easier for them to distinguish.

🔹 Pick the Right Toys – A blue or yellow ball will stand out more than a red or green one.
🔹 Use Training Tools Wisely – Blue and yellow markers are easier for dogs to recognize.
🔹 Enhance Playtime – A yellow frisbee is much easier for your dog to track at the park!

Beyond Color: How Dogs See Differently
🐾 Better Night Vision – Dogs see better in the dark than humans.
🐾 Superior Motion Detection – They notice movement faster than we do.
🐾 Less Detail, More Focus – They rely on contrast, movement, and scent over fine details.

By understanding your dog’s vision, you can optimize training and play for better engagement. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we create training programs tailored to your pup’s natural abilities.

📞 Call (470) 648-6512 or visit www.alansk9academy.com to get started today!

02/05/2025

Meet Peanut Butter, a 1-year-old Pomeranian with a heart full of playful energy and a whole lot of love! 🐶💫 Peanut Butter has been by his mom, Lauren's side, bringing joy and sweetness to every day. He's a little bundle of sunshine, but like many pups, he has some areas he's ready to work on.

Peanut Butter is a great listener and eager to please, but sometimes his excitement gets the better of him. He can be a bit barky, and house training has been a bit of a challenge. Lauren is dedicated to helping Peanut Butter become the best dog he can be, and they’re ready to take things to the next level with Alan's K9 Academy!

Peanut Butter and Lauren are focused on achieving general obedience, reducing barking, and mastering potty training. They're also looking forward to building his confidence and reinforcing good manners. They’re ready for this journey together, and we’re excited to see the progress they’ll make!

Let’s cheer them on as they work towards a calmer, more confident, and well-trained Peanut Butter! 💪🐾

Stay tuned for updates on Peanut Butter’s training journey!

02/04/2025

Meet the German Shepherd! 🐾

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, making them one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds around the world. Whether as a working dog or family companion, they’re always up for a challenge!

Here are some key facts about this amazing breed:

• Origin: Bred in Germany as herding dogs, they’ve evolved into one of the most versatile breeds used in police, military, search and rescue, and therapy roles.

• Intelligence: German Shepherds are incredibly smart, excelling in learning and training, making them ideal for various tasks.

• Loyalty & Protection: Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, they make excellent family companions and guardians.

• High Energy: They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

• Appearance: With their sleek, muscular build and signature tan-and-black coats, they’re easily recognizable.

Looking to train or bond with your German Shepherd? Whether you're building on their natural instincts or just working on basic commands, Alan’s K9 Academy is here to help you and your dog thrive together!

👉 Contact us today to start your training journey: Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512!

02/03/2025

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆: 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀!🐾✨

Did you know? Keeping your dog’s training sessions short and engaging can actually lead to better focus and faster learning? Dogs thrive when their lessons are fun and focused, so instead of long, drawn-out sessions, aim for 5-10 minutes of balanced training throughout the day. 🕒

Why does this work? Well, shorter sessions help keep your dog excited and eager to participate without overwhelming them. You’re teaching new commands, reinforcing good behavior, and building a positive learning experience—all while maintaining their focus.

Consistency is key! Repeating these short, effective sessions will make sure that the lessons stick. Plus, the balance of reward and correction helps create well-rounded dogs who understand expectations without stress.

Ready to see the change in your dog? Start implementing shorter, fun training sessions today and watch your pup’s skills grow! 🐕💡

For expert tips and guidance, reach out to Alan’s K9 Academy and take your dog’s training to the next level!

Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512 to learn more.

02/03/2025

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿! 🐕✨

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason! Here are some fun facts about these friendly and loyal companions:

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: Labradors are known for their outgoing, friendly nature. They’re often described as “people dogs” because they love being around humans and other pets.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Labs are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. Whether it’s basic commands or advanced skills, they love learning!

𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗳𝘂𝗹: Labradors are high-energy dogs, making them excellent playmates. They thrive with regular exercise, so get ready for lots of walks, fetch games, and adventures!

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: True to their roots as retrievers, many Labs love the water. Their webbed feet and water-resistant coat make them great swimmers and even better water retrieval companions.

𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀: Labs aren’t just family pets—they’re also used in a variety of roles such as service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and hunting companions, thanks to their intelligence and keen senses.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀: Known for their gentle temperament, Labradors are great family dogs and typically get along well with children and other animals.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Like all breeds, Labradors can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and obesity. Regular vet visits and a healthy diet are essential for keeping them in top condition.

If you're lucky enough to have a Labrador, you're in great company! Their loyalty, playful spirit, and intelligence make them a joy to train and have as a companion.

Have a Labrador, or are you thinking about adopting one? Alan's K9 Academy can help you with training tips and guidance to keep your Labrador healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Contact us to learn more!

02/02/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬? 🐾

Dogs wag their tails as a way to communicate, and the way they wag can tell us a lot about how they’re feeling. Here’s what you need to know about tail wagging:

1️⃣ Happiness & Excitement: A fast, excited wag often signals joy, like when they greet you or play.

2️⃣ Friendliness & Sociability: A gentle wag shows they’re open and friendly, wanting to interact with you or others.

3️⃣ Nervousness or Submission: A low, slow wag can mean they’re feeling submissive or nervous, signaling they need reassurance.

4️⃣ Alertness & Attention: A stiff, upright wag often means they’re focused or curious, watching something interesting.

5️⃣ Aggression or Warning: Slow, stiff tail wagging can indicate a warning sign of aggression. Be cautious in these situations!

6️⃣ Communication with Other Dogs: Dogs use their tails to communicate with other dogs, helping to establish social order.

7️⃣ Exploration & Curiosity: When dogs are curious, their tail wagging shows their excitement to explore new things.

Understanding your dog’s tail wagging is all about context. Pay attention to their body language and the situation to get a clearer picture of how they’re feeling.

Struggling with your dog’s behavior? Comment 'Training' below and let's work together on creating lasting change with balanced training!

Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512 to learn more.

02/02/2025

We will be one of the sponsors again this year. Supporting Etowah Valley Humane Society. We would love to have our clients past and current to attend the event. Always good food, lots of fun. The funds goes to a GREAT cause. Come out have some fun with us. Mark and save date on you calendar 2/15.
Day after Valentine’s Day, you can’t forget the date 😂

February is Filled with outstanding talent! Make your table reservations now, they will sell out fast! Dont forget about Casino Night on February 15th, a Great fun night, for a Great cause, Etowah Valley Humane Society

02/02/2025

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐠 💥

Approaching a dog the wrong way can cause stress for both you and the dog, and can even lead to dangerous situations. It's important to understand the do's and don'ts of approaching a dog to ensure a safe and positive interaction.

𝐃𝐨'𝐬:
✅ Approach calmly and slowly.
✅ Let the dog approach you first.
✅ Be mindful of their body language—let them decide if they want interaction.

𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭𝐬:
❌ Never approach a dog head-on or suddenly.
❌ Avoid reaching over their head or leaning in too quickly.
❌ Don't force interaction if the dog seems uncomfortable.

Want to improve your dog’s behavior and create positive experiences? Contact Alan’s K9 Academy for balanced training and personalized solutions.

Ready for a breakthrough with your dog? Comment 'Training' and let’s unlock their best self!

Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512 to get started today!

02/01/2025

𝟑 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮🐾💖

Building trust with your dog is key to a happy and healthy relationship. Here are 3 signs your dog trusts you:

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞: A relaxed dog with a wagging tail is a sign they feel safe with you. Belly rubs are a big giveaway too! 🐾

Allowing Personal Space: When your dog lets you handle them without flinching—whether it’s grooming or nail trimming—it means they trust you completely. ✂️

Trust is built over time, and these gestures show how strong your bond is! 💪🐶

Want to strengthen your bond even more? Contact Alan’s K9 Academy for personalized balanced training to foster trust and build a lasting relationship with your dog.

Visit www.alansk9academy.com or call us at (470) 648-6512 to get started today!

02/01/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠: 𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬🐾🚪

One of the most important skills your dog can learn is door etiquette—greeting guests calmly and politely when the doorbell rings. Whether you have a social butterfly or a dog who gets overly excited, teaching your dog proper door manners can make your home more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to master door etiquette:

✅ Step 1: Set Boundaries Before the Door Opens
✅ Step 2: Train "Sit and Stay"
✅ Step 3: Practice with Real-Life Scenarios
✅ Step 4: Reward Calmness
✅ Step 5: Consistent Practice

Keep practicing daily with different people coming to the door. Consistency is key to making sure your dog remains calm in all situations. With regular training, your dog will know what’s expected and be able to greet guests without chaos.

By mastering door etiquette, you and your dog can enjoy calm, respectful greetings while keeping everyone safe and happy! 🐶🚪

For help with training or tips on mastering door etiquette, contact Alan’s K9 Academy today!