Enlightened K9 Perspective

04/17/2025

The first thing most owners do when they see someone else approaching with a dog?
They shorten the leash and stare at their own dog.

Why? Because they have no idea what their dog is going to do.

But once you've actually taught your dog how to ignore other dogs in public, you no longer need to micromanage them. Instead, you can focus on reading the other dog—and that’s a much safer way to keep you and your dog out of trouble.

Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely in a Busy City:

1. Keep your dog at your side, not out in front. It gives you more control and keeps them away from traffic, people, and distractions. This also gives you an opportunity to stop any off leash dogs that may be coming to attack your dog.

2. Always scan ahead. Look for potential triggers—loose dogs, kids, food on the ground—before your dog reacts.

3. Train a solid “heel” and build reliable impulse control. These skills help your dog stay calm and focused no matter what the city throws at you.

Enlightened K9 Perspective

Real training =
Real-world results + safety.

04/08/2025

A trained dog = a better life for both of you.

Imagine enjoying walks without pulling, guests arriving without chaos, and peace of mind knowing your dog listens no matter the distractions.

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about communication, trust, and freedom. A trained dog gets to experience more of life because they’re prepared to handle it.

Whether it’s adventures in the park or quiet nights at home, everything is better with a dog who understands their role and respects boundaries.

Invest in training. Invest in your dogs life.

04/06/2025

Why Most Dog Trainers Don’t List Their Prices Online (But I Do)

Ever notice how many dog trainers avoid putting their prices on their website? It’s not an accident.

A lot of trainers fear that showing the investment up front will scare people off before they get a chance to “sell” them on the value. Others simply don’t have consistent, structured programs—they’re making it up as they go.

At Enlightened K9 Perspective, we do things differently.

We’re transparent because we know what we offer works. Our board-and-train programs are results-driven, personalized, and built to create real transformation. No guessing games, no hidden costs, and no pushy sales calls to find out the price.

We respect your time and your trust—and we lead with clarity.

Check out our programs and pricing right on our facebook or Google business page. If you’re ready for real results, you’ll know where to find us.

04/05/2025

When Love Gets Lost in Translation:

Let’s clear up one of the biggest sources of miscommunication between humans and dogs.

Most owners show love through constant affection—cuddling on the couch, letting the dog sleep in the bed, giving them treats just for being cute, letting them lead the walk, or make decisions around the house.

It’s coming from a good place. You love your dog. You want them to feel happy and cherished.

But your dog doesn’t interpret that the way you think they do.

Dogs don’t see love through affection alone. They see it through leadership, structure, and security.

If you were able to ask a dog living in a pack, “Which dog loves you the most?”—they wouldn’t point to the dog that cuddles or plays with them.
They’d point to the dominant dogs. The ones who risks their life to keep the pack safe. The one who provides security, stability, and order. The one who protects resources and enforces structure.

Those dogs don’t spoil the others. They don’t give out affection freely.
But their leadership provides a safe place to rest, food to eat, and peace of mind—and that is love in the canine world.

So when a human showers a dog with affection but lacks structure, the dog doesn’t think, “Wow, they really love me.”
They think, “No one’s in charge. I have to step up.”

And that’s when the behavioral problems begin:

Leash reactivity

Guarding the bed or the couch

Anxiety when you're gone

Refusal to listen

Even aggression

These aren’t “bad dogs.” These are confused dogs trying to take control of a situation they were never meant to handle.

Love isn't just about giving—it’s about leading.

Give your dog what they truly crave:

Calm, confident direction

Consistent rules and boundaries

Predictable routines

Limited, earned affection

A leader they can trust

Lead first. Love second. That’s how you give your dog the kind of love that actually makes them feel safe, balanced, and fulfilled.

Dogs don’t need a best friend. They need a leader who loves them enough to give them what they need—not just what they want.

04/03/2025

When the training works… and your dog finally gets it.

That moment when they stop pacing. Stop barking. Stop reacting to every little noise or movement.
They just relax—really relax—for what might be the first time ever.

It’s not sadness. It’s peace.
It’s clarity.
It’s freedom from constant stress and decision-making.
And it’s exactly what they’ve been waiting for, even if they didn’t know it.

This is what balance looks like. This is why we train.

03/30/2025

Morgan came to us struggling with severe separation anxiety and was heavily medicated just to get through the day. After her board-and-train program, she’s now off all medications and back at home doing great. Hear her owner share what life was like before training versus after.

03/27/2025

03/26/2025

Medicating Your Dog for Behavior Problems? Here’s What You Should Know

We get it—living with a reactive, anxious, or aggressive dog can be overwhelming. And when the vet suggests meds to “take the edge off,” it can sound like a quick fix. But here’s the truth:

Medication doesn’t teach your dog anything.
It might dull the behavior, but it doesn’t solve the root problem. Fear, insecurity, and bad habits don’t go away just because your dog is sedated—they’re just buried.

What your dog really needs is guidance.
Structure. Clear rules. Accountability. When you work with a trainer who knows how to build trust and respect, you’ll see real change—and your dog won’t need to be medicated just to get through the day.

We don’t medicate dogs into good behavior. We train them into it.

If you're struggling with your dog’s behavior, let's talk. There’s a better path—and your dog deserves it.

03/24/2025

Stop Letting Your Dog Make All the Decisions

If your dog decides when walks start, where you go, who they greet, and when you stop…
You’re not leading—you’re following.

Balanced training is about structure, not control.
It means you set the pace, you make the decisions, and your dog learns to follow calmly and respectfully.

Why it matters:

Dogs that make all the decisions become pushy, reactive, and anxious.

Dogs that have clear leadership become relaxed, confident, and obedient.

It’s not about being a drill sergeant—it’s about being a guide your dog can trust.

Start small:

Have your dog sit before going out the door.

Walk with you, not dragging in front.

Correct the nonsense, praise the calm.

Leadership isn’t mean—it’s kind.
And your dog will thank you for it.

03/22/2025

Distraction Training:
Next Level Obedience

It’s one thing to hold a down command at home… it’s another to hold it next to two baby goats jumping, climbing, and causing chaos!

This is the power of real-world training. We don’t just teach obedience—we build focus, self-control, and reliability in the most distracting environments.

If your dog only listens when it’s quiet, they’re not truly trained.

03/19/2025

The Best Dog Training Advice You’ve Probably Never Heard

Most dog trainers talk about consistency, timing, and rewards. But here’s a tip that can change everything:

Stop repeating yourself.

Dogs don’t learn from nagging. If you say “sit” five times before your dog does it, guess what? You just taught them that “sit sit sit sit sit” is the actual command.

Instead:
✅ Say it once.
✅ Wait for them to respond.
✅ If they don’t, guide them into position or correct them appropriately.

This simple shift makes commands clear and speeds up learning. Try it and watch your dog start listening the first time!

What’s the best training tip you’ve ever learned? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

03/18/2025

3 Dog Training Tips You’ve NEVER Heard Before (But Should Be Using!)

You’ve probably heard the basics—be consistent, reward good behavior, and exercise your dog. But here are 3 unexpected tips that can transform your dog's behavior faster than you think:

1️⃣ Teach "Boredom Tolerance"
Your dog doesn’t need to be entertained 24/7. If they always expect constant stimulation, they’ll struggle with calmness and patience. Try this: Have your dog practice doing nothing—place them on a bed or crate while you go about your day. Reward relaxation, not demand barking or restlessness.

2️⃣ Leash Your Dog... Inside the House
If your dog struggles with impulse control (jumping, counter-surfing, running out doors), keep them on a leash indoors! This gives you instant control, prevents bad habits, and allows you to guide them into better behavior without chasing them around.

3️⃣ Reward After the Release, Not Before
Most owners give treats while their dog is in a command (sit, down, place), but this often teaches anticipation. Instead, wait until you give a release command ("Free" or "Break") before rewarding. This builds longer duration and better patience in all commands!

Which of these surprised you the most? Drop a 🐶 in the comments if you're trying one today! ⬇️

03/18/2025

Are You Making These Dog Training Mistakes?

Training your dog can be frustrating if you’re unknowingly making these common mistakes:

Inconsistent Rules – If the rules change daily, your dog will be confused! Be clear and stick to them.

Repeating Commands – Saying “sit, sit, sit” teaches your dog to ignore you. Say it once and follow through!

Relying Only on Treats – If your dog listens only when food is involved, they haven’t truly learned the behavior.

Not Correcting Unwanted Behavior – Ignoring bad habits won’t make them disappear. Dogs need guidance, not guesswork!

Expecting Too Much, Too Soon – Training takes time! Stay consistent and patient.


🐾 If you're struggling with training, you're not alone! Need help? Give us a call and let’s get your dog on the right track!

03/16/2025

Teaching Your Dog to Auto-Sit: A Simple Skill with Big Benefits!

One of the most underrated yet valuable leash skills you can teach your dog is to automatically sit when you stop walking. It’s a small habit that creates big changes—helping with impulse control, reducing leash pulling, and improving overall obedience.

This 9-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier has been with us for just one week, and she’s already nailing it! She came to us struggling with severe separation anxiety—so extreme that she was heavily medicated and would chew through doors and walls if left alone.

Fast forward to today: No more medication, no more crate anxiety, no destruction—just a calm, confident dog learning to thrive! This auto-sit skill is just one example of how structure and training can bring out the best in a dog.

Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about creating a well-balanced, stress-free life for you and your dog. Want your pup to have these skills too?

03/14/2025

Enlightened K9 Perspective Mission Statement

At Enlightened K9 Perspective, our mission is to change the way people see and understand dogs. While we help young dogs build a strong foundation and rehabilitate aggression to save lives, our ultimate goal is to challenge the misconceptions that prevent owners from having the best possible relationship with their dogs.

Misunderstandings hold both dogs and humans back. Nervousness mistaken for excitement, structure mistaken for cruelty, and fair consequences mistaken for abuse—these flawed perspectives create unnecessary struggles. By educating owners on what dogs truly need, we empower them to lead with clarity, confidence, and fairness.

We don’t just train dogs—we transform perspectives. And in doing so, we create a world where dogs and humans thrive together in true harmony.

03/13/2025

The Power of the PLACE Command! 🐾🎯

One of the most useful commands you can teach your dog is PLACE!

🔥 What is it?
The PLACE command tells your dog to go to a designated spot (like a raised dog bed) and stay there until released.

✅ Why is it important?

Builds impulse control and patience

Creates a calm state of mind

Gives your dog a “job” to do instead of getting into trouble; unwanted behaviors (jumping, barking, begging)

💡 How to Teach It:
1️⃣ Lead your dog onto the place object using leash guidance.
2️⃣ Reward when all four paws are on it.
3️⃣ Add duration – start with a few seconds, then increase time.
4️⃣ Introduce the release word (like “Break”) to let them leave.
5️⃣ Proof with distractions to make it solid in real-life situations!

A well-trained PLACE command makes life easier for you and your dog! Have you trained this with your pup yet? Let me know in the comments!

Link to the beds we use for the command

Kuranda Dog Beds are elevated dog beds with a patented, chew proof design. Comfortable, easy to clean and made in the USA. Free shipping on all dog beds.

03/13/2025

Be the Leader Your Dog Needs

In today's world, the word dominant has been twisted into something negative—even abusive. But in reality, dogs thrive under a strong, calm, and confident leader. Leadership isn’t about intimidation; it’s about providing structure, guidance, and stability—things that are deeply ingrained in a dog’s DNA.

Dogs are pack animals. Without leadership, they become anxious, reactive, and unruly because they’re left to figure things out on their own. When you take on the role of the leader—setting boundaries, providing clear expectations, and following through with consistency—you’re giving your dog exactly what they need to be happy, well-mannered, and balanced.

A dog without leadership is like a child without parents. If you don’t step up, they will, and that’s when behavior issues start. Leadership isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Lead your dog. Don’t let them lead you. They’ll thank you for it.