WAK-9 Training

08/16/2024

Happy Friday! We hope you all have a fantastic weekend. The dogs are having a great time playing on the new turf; we are pleased with how it turned out!

08/14/2024

WAK-9 Training is seeking to hire an additional TRAINER! While 1-2 years of prior training experience is preferred, it is not mandatory. If you lack previous experience, you can still apply, but you will need to work as a shadow trainer for 3 months, which is an unpaid position.

If you are already a trainer or have training experience, we would be interested in reviewing your application and potentially scheduling an interview to discuss working with us!

08/14/2024

‼️WAK-9 Training is seeking a KENNEL TECH, a great opportunity for dog lovers! Please see requirements below.

Qualifications:
-Prior training/experience in handling aggressive dogs.
-Prior tech experience.
-Defensive handling techniques must be part of their experience.
-18 years or older, as employees under 18 years old may not work with aggressive dogs.
-Be able to pass a background check.
-Valid drivers license, as transport tasks are sometimes required.
-Three references, primarily dog agencies.
-Individuals with previous convictions related to animal cruelty will not be eligible for this position.
-No use of ma*****na or smoking on premises. Anyone under the influence will be terminated immediately.

Resposibilities:
-Able to manage 10+ dogs safely.
-Rotation of safe dog play groups.
-Manage rotations of aggressive dogs in singular dog play yard.
-Always prioritize safety by following the established policies and procedures.
-Follow direction of trainers and management on site.
-Willing to manage aggressive dogs defensively.
-This is a physically demanding job. Must be able to bend down to clean kennels, scoop dog excrement, and be able to push/pull/lift up to 50 pounds.
-90 day probation period. During any time, the employee may be terminated if they are not able to meet demands of the job.

Position type:
-Relief. Variable hours, up to 40 hours per week (but no guaranteed minimum).
-Hours of operation: 7 AM to 5 PM.
-Benefits include gym membership and health coaching.
-$15/hour.

Termination will occur if any abuse toward dogs is observed during the probation period or beyond.

08/14/2024

08/13/2024

This is sage on day 7 of 15

08/12/2024

Training, daycare, and napping!! 😂😂 “Training is hard work”, said Sage.

08/12/2024

Valor Dog Club is cancelled for this Wednesday, August 14th. Thank you for your understanding and have a great Monday!

08/10/2024

Happy Saturday!! The turf is still underway, so our cute furry friends get some time enjoying the indoors and other play yards.

08/09/2024

https://gofund.me/9ba974f4

Kerry Mickel and her pregnant daughter lost their home and beloved pets to a tragic fire and are now struggling to rebuild their lives from scratch. Any donation, big or small, can make a huge difference in helping them get back on their feet.

Thanos, Nix, and Freya were clients of mine. We will be organizing a benifit Dinner for this wonderful family to help get them back on their feet. In the meantime, please donate to them as they have done so much for this community.

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted readers, I’m reaching out to y… Amanda Criswell needs your support for Rebuild Hope for Kerry Mickel and Her Family

08/09/2024

All emergency evacuation dogs have been returned home. Over this last week, we housed 30 evacuation dogs. Thanks to all for your help. Happy Friday!

08/09/2024

I don’t know how I always end up with the dogs with attitude for my puppy bootcamps. But here is puppy Maverick telling me I can’t have the sand pile he is on.

He is a really fun dog with a lot of drive and we are building confidence. He is now telling me when he wants to train and work. Sorry, not sorry Regina. You have a working dog in your hands 😂

08/08/2024

Board n train Sage working with trainer Jessica. She’s remained focused on Jessica today and her training, all while turf is being laid! That’s pretty impressive for a puppy!

08/08/2024

We received this message from Sandy's owner after he returned home from our board-and-train program:

“A big thank you to Will and Jessica for helping me and Sandy get through our communication issue. You're appreciated.”

Sandy came to us as a board-and-train client needing to increase trust in humans, especially handlers, and overcome communication barriers. All animals understand pressure, and their natural instinct is to find ways to relieve it quickly. Due to their habitual nature, they may resort to behaviors such as nipping, rolling, crying, barking, or running away to alleviate pressure.

What we teach the dogs is that when under the direction of a handler, we are the source of pressure. For example, we walk in a straight line when training a dog to walk on a leash. If the dog stops, pressure is applied. It is up to the handler to instruct the dog on how to relieve that pressure. Should the handler stop with the dog? This would teach the dog that a tight leash equals stopping and pressure release. Or should the handler keep walking or change direction? This would teach the dog that the focus needs to remain on the task at hand, which is walking on a leash next to us.

All of this is reinforced with:
Positive Punishment - leash pressure turns on.
Negative Punishment - the reward system (handler) walks away from the dog.
Negative Reinforcement - leash pressure turns off.
Positive Reinforcement - reward for choosing the proper path.

As intricate as this process may seem, it all unfolds within seconds. This training method gives the dog a clear indication of what we expect, making the process efficient and effective.

08/07/2024

Valor Dog Club is meeting tonight, August 7th, at 5 pm. Looking forward to seeing you there! The more, the merrier!

08/06/2024

Dippy got her tooth extracted today. Bone infection and swelling has dissipated. All very good news. Recovery time. We will see how her holding capabilities are once her gums heal.

08/06/2024

Some people believe that crate-training dogs is cruel and harmful to their well-being. However, crate training dogs is a helpful and valuable tool for training and emergencies. If you ever need to board your dog due to any emergency, not having crate-trained your dog can add additional stress to their lives. Having your dog crate trained gives them a sense of normalcy in unfamiliar situations. Although they may be in an unfamiliar place, being in a crate can give them a sense of security, similar to being at home. Prepare your dog for unexpected situations by crate training; we are here to help if you need assistance!

08/06/2024

**RESULTS**

Hela is 100% Belgian Malinois
Jax is 86% Belgian and 16% GSD

Mayzie Nilles is the grand prize winner with both dogs correct!

It’s getting to be that time to find out what Hela and Jax have in their genetics. So let’s play a game.

For the person that gets one of Hela or Jax’s genetics correct, you get a $25 visa gift certificate!

If you get both correct… you get a $100 visa gift certificate, and a Wisdom Panel Kit for your dog!

If multiple people get the right answer, a drawing will ensue for the winner.

We will officially announce results on Monday August 5th, 2024.

08/06/2024

Field of Daisy's Doggy Playcare Madras OR

08/06/2024

We didn’t get a lot of pictures today. Still working on kennels and separation. We took in over 30 dogs for evacuations. We still had our daycare and boarding open and operating. Trainer Jessica headed up Puppy Bootcamp and we utilized the dogs and puppies here to introduce socialization and neutrality. It was a long and tiring day for us. But ever so grateful to those that have helped us these past few days so we can “Make Sit Happen”!

08/05/2024

As many of you know, we took in around 30 dogs over the weekend due to fire evacuations. We are offering our boarding service to these individuals free of charge because the last thing they need to worry about during this stressful time is where their dog(s) will be staying.

This being said, we are looking for volunteers to play with and help care for the puppies and four of the kennels (pictured above). They usually have 8 panels, and we need them to be 5' or taller. We are immensely thankful for the incredible support we have received from our community. This wouldn't have been possible without all of you, so a big thank you to everyone!

08/05/2024

We want to thank those that helped us with our rescue yard project. This iso yard fencing originally wasn’t adequate enough to contain most any dog (chicken wire and flimsy gate). Those that volunteered their time, helped make it possible to contain a pack of Beagles that are “escape artist”. Puppies are separated from the rest of the pack with mama’s close by. The dachshund’s also have their yard as well to help keep the packs calmer. The neighbors yesterday weren’t happy with the barking while the projects were going on. But we got the 26 dogs calmed down and aclimated.

08/04/2024

The boys are having fun with the puppies here on fire evac.

08/04/2024

We got our shipment of fire evacuation puppies.

We are still building a fence to help keep them contained during their stay.

08/03/2024

**🚨URGENT🚨**

We are reaching out for some volunteer help!

We are taking in a vaccinated litter and some additional dogs for Oregon Desert Beagles LLC and miniature Dachshunds due to fire evacuations! We are needing immediate help to expand one yard, and set up expansion kennels for the pack of dogs. This will be labor intensive!

Food can be provided to any help!

1323 NE Brown Dr, Madras, Oregon
928-699-6905

08/02/2024

Puppy Bootcamp Customer!

I want to give a big shout out and thank you to WAK-9 Training for taking our boy Mav in for puppy boot camp. Let me tell you that Will and his team spent 150 hrs training Mav over the 3 week period. Its very intense and Mav has literally become a different dog. Much more impulse control, obedience to commands and walking on a leash like a gentleman. I highly recommend using Wak-9 for all your training and boarding needs, and seriously if you thinking of getting a puppy put that pup through boot camp. You will be happy you did for the rest of the dogs life.

08/02/2024

Will spent some time with these adorable pups while completing a Doody Call this morning! Growing up, his family bred Basset Hounds, so they will always hold a special place in his heart.

08/02/2024

Don't forget to comment with your final guesses on Jax and Hela's genetic testing results before Monday, 8/5!