For Your K9, Inc.

For Your K9, Inc. Explore the keys to understanding and strengthening your relationship with dogs at For Your K9. The RCT philosophy matches our goals

The training philosophy at For Your K9 is focused on developing and strengthening the bond betwen people and their dogs. Our approach is based on Suzanne Clothier's unique Relationship Centered Training (RCT).

03/22/2025

Breaking Down Body Language Answer!

Did Luna want belly rubs?

Answer: NO!

Just because a dog’s belly is exposed doesn’t always mean they want belly rubs. In Luna’s case, her body language is telling us the opposite!

In the video, Luna shows several clear signs of discomfort:
▪ Whale eye – Her eyes are wide with visible whites, a sign of unease.
▪ Lip licks – A subtle stress signal dogs use when they’re uncomfortable.
▪ Paws tucked in, guarding her chest – A protective posture rather than an open invitation.
▪ Avoiding eye contact – She’s not seeking engagement; she’s trying to create space.

When we put these signals together, Luna is clearly saying, “No, I don’t want to be touched right now.” Understanding these cues helps us respect our dogs' comfort levels and build trust.

Did this surprise you? Let us know in the comments!

So You’ve Completed Basic Obedience… What’s Next? You’ve built a strong foundation with your dog—now it’s time to take t...
03/21/2025

So You’ve Completed Basic Obedience… What’s Next?

You’ve built a strong foundation with your dog—now it’s time to take things to the next stage! Intermediate Obedience is designed to challenge your dog’s skills by adding distractions, increasing duration, and working from a distance. This class will refine what your dog already knows while preparing them for more advanced training.

✨ What You’ll Work On:
🔹 Strengthening sit, down, stay, and recall with real-world distractions
🔹 Enhancing loose leash walking in more challenging environments
🔹 Building reliability with place training and increased distance work
🔹 Helping your dog focus and perform in different settings

📍 Starts Friday, 4/4 at 12:45 PM – with Sara Graham

If you want a dog who responds no matter the situation, this is the class for you!
🔗 https://foryourk9.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=11816

Looking for a fun way to explore new trails with your dog while working on trail manners, leash skills, and real-world r...
03/21/2025

Looking for a fun way to explore new trails with your dog while working on trail manners, leash skills, and real-world recalls? Join us for Take It to the Trail - Pack Walk with Liz Vanderhoef!

This is more than just a walk—it’s an opportunity to practice calm behavior around other dogs, loose leash walking, and off-leash skills in a structured, supportive environment. Each walk will take place in a new location, which will be sent out a few days prior along with a list of recommended items to bring.

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Sent to participants one week before

Who Can Join?
✔️ Dogs who have completed at least Basic Obedience or C.L.A.S.S./CGC
✔️ Dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and people in outdoor settings
🚫 Not for reactive dogs at this time—if you’re unsure if your dog is a good fit, reach out to us!

Get outside, explore new places, and build confidence together! Spots are limited—sign up today!
🔗 https://foryourk9.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=11776

Ever wondered what sport your dog would love to do? World of Dog Sports is a fun-filled, three-week adventure where your...
03/21/2025

Ever wondered what sport your dog would love to do? World of Dog Sports is a fun-filled, three-week adventure where your pup gets to try out a variety of exciting activities—including agility, nose work, tricks, and rally!

Each week, you and your dog will explore a different dog sport, giving them the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and most importantly—have fun! Whether you're looking for a new activity or just want to see what sparks your dog's enthusiasm, this class is the perfect way to test the waters.

📅 Starts Thursday, April 17 at 8:30 PM with Brianne Sochacki
📍 For Your K9 - Learning Center

Give your dog the chance to shine—sign up today!

https://foryourk9.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=12115

Breaking Down Body Language is Back!Let’s talk about dog communication! Dogs give us subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle...
03/20/2025

Breaking Down Body Language is Back!

Let’s talk about dog communication! Dogs give us subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signals to express how they’re feeling, but it’s up to us to interpret them correctly.

Today’s feature: Luna (Evelyn’s dog). She’s lying upside down—does she want belly rubs, or is she actually saying, “No thanks”?

Look at her face, body tension, and overall posture. What do you think? Drop your answer in the comments!

Stay tuned for the reveal and more insights on dog body language!

Ready to fine-tune your teamwork and tackle more challenging sequences? Intermediate Agility is designed for teams who a...
03/20/2025

Ready to fine-tune your teamwork and tackle more challenging sequences?

Intermediate Agility is designed for teams who are just starting to compete or currently trialing at the Novice/Advanced levels. This class will help sharpen your handling, build distance skills, and improve efficiency on course.

🔹 Longer sequences to challenge your skills
🔹 Distance work to build independence
🔹 Focus on tightening up teamwork in the agility ring

Prerequisite: Dogs must be able to complete straight weave poles and full-height contacts.

Upcoming Intermediate Agility Classes:
📍 Mondays at 11:45 AM – Starts 3/31 with Beth Sigeti
📍 Fridays at 10:00 AM – Starts 4/4 with Janice Triptow
📍 Mondays at 8:15 PM – Starts 4/7 with Angie Pawinski
📍 Wednesdays at 1:15 PM – Starts 4/16 with Beth Sigeti
📍 Wednesdays at 8:30 PM – Starts 4/23 with Fabio Festi
📍 Thursdays at 11:30 AM – Starts 4/24 with Fabio Festi

Whether you’re prepping for your first trial or looking to build confidence at competitions, this class will set you up for success.

Sign up here ⬇
https://foryourk9.com/dog-training/agility-2/

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that resource guarding is a completely natural instinct in dogs? In the wild, holding onto va...
03/19/2025

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that resource guarding is a completely natural instinct in dogs? In the wild, holding onto valuable resources like food, toys, or resting spots could mean survival. But in a home setting, this behavior can sometimes escalate into growling, snapping, or even biting when left unaddressed.

If your dog stiffens, hovers over, or becomes tense when someone approaches their food bowl, bone, or favorite toy, they may be exhibiting resource-guarding tendencies. While it’s understandable that dogs want to protect what they see as valuable, it’s just as important to teach them that sharing is safe.

With the right approach, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce the need to guard their prized possessions. Strategies like positive reinforcement, trade-up exercises (exchanging an item for something even better), and building trust around high-value objects can help. These techniques not only prevent unwanted behaviors but also promote harmony in multi-dog households and create a safer, more relaxed environment for both dogs and humans.

By understanding the why behind resource guarding and taking proactive steps to address it, you can help your dog develop a healthier relationship with their belongings—and the people and pets around them!

03/19/2025

Thinking about agility but not sure where to start? Pre-Agility is the perfect intro class to build confidence, foundational skills, and teamwork before hitting the full agility course!

What Your Dog Will Learn:
✔️ Body awareness & coordination (goodbye, clumsy zoomies!)
✔️ Focus and handler connection (no more squirrel distractions!)
✔️ Intro to obstacles like tunnels, jumps, and more!

Upcoming Sessions:
📅 Tuesday, 4/1 @ 1:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, 4/2 @ 4:00 PM
📅 Monday, 4/7 @ 1:00 PM

Why Pre-Agility? Because setting a solid foundation makes all the difference when moving into agility training! Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your dog and give them a fun, new challenge.

Limited spots available! Don’t wait—sign up today before your pup starts making an obstacle course out of your living room!

🔗 https://foryourk9.com/dog-training/agility-2/

Our Beginning Agility classes are designed to continue to introduce dogs and their humans to the foundations of this exc...
03/18/2025

Our Beginning Agility classes are designed to continue to introduce dogs and their humans to the foundations of this exciting sport. Agility is not only a great way to burn off energy, but it also strengthens teamwork, builds confidence, and provides incredible mental stimulation for your dog.

Upcoming Classes:
📅 Monday, April 7 @ 2:15 PM
📅 Monday, April 7 @ 5:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, April 9 @ 12:00 PM

In this class, you’ll learn the basics of agility, including how to navigate obstacles, work on body awareness, and develop skills that will set you up for success in the sport. Whether you have future competition goals or just want a fun way to exercise together, this class is for you!

Prerequisites: Must have completed a Basic Obedience class and passed our Pre-Agility class. Dogs should also have a reliable recall and be comfortable working around other dogs.

Lucky Charm or Little Leprechaun? St. Patrick’s Day is here, and we want to know—is your pup your lucky charm, always by...
03/17/2025

Lucky Charm or Little Leprechaun?

St. Patrick’s Day is here, and we want to know—is your pup your lucky charm, always by your side bringing good vibes, or are they more of a mischievous leprechaun, stealing socks and stirring up trouble? Maybe a little bit of both?

Either way, they’re sure to be the cutest part of your celebration!

Drop a photo of your festive pup in the comments! We want to see all the shamrock-covered, treat-stealing, zoomie-filled antics!

Does this sound familiar?📌 You want to train your dog, but time keeps slipping away.📌 Your dog needs better manners, but...
03/14/2025

Does this sound familiar?
📌 You want to train your dog, but time keeps slipping away.
📌 Your dog needs better manners, but your schedule is already packed.
📌 You wish there was an easier way…

Good news—there is!

With our March Madness Day Training, you drop off your dog, and we handle the training for you. While you tackle your to-do list, your dog gets expert training, structured socialization, and personalized attention.

✔ Professional training sessions
✔ Safe, small group environment (only 4 dogs per day!)
✔ Video updates + trainer check-in

If anything, Scarlet is proof they they have a lot of fun (and hard work 😉) during the day training program!

Spots are extremely limited, so don’t wait—sign up now!
🔗 https://foryourk9.com/marchmadness/

Whether you're just getting started or working towards Master-level skills, we’ve got a Rally class for you! Rally is a ...
03/13/2025

Whether you're just getting started or working towards Master-level skills, we’ve got a Rally class for you! Rally is a fun and engaging way to build your dog’s obedience skills while improving teamwork and confidence in the ring.

📍 Upcoming Rally Classes with Marie Smith:
🐾 Rally - Excellent/Master | Thursdays at 11:00 AM (Starts 3/27)
🐾 Rally - Intermediate/Advanced | Thursdays at 12:15 PM (Starts 3/27)
🐾 Rally - Foundations/Novice | Thursdays at 1:30 PM (Starts 3/27)
🐾 Rally - Advanced thru Master | Thursdays at 7:30 PM (Starts 3/27)
🐾 Rally - Foundations/Novice/Intermediate | Thursdays at 8:15 PM (Starts 3/27)

No matter your experience level, these classes will help fine-tune your handling, build engagement, and improve your team’s performance.

Spots are filling fast—sign up today and take your Rally training to the next level!
🔗 https://foryourk9.com/dog-training/classes/rally-obedience/

Struggling with leash pulling, jumping, or listening? We can help!Do you have a new dog or one that could use a refreshe...
03/13/2025

Struggling with leash pulling, jumping, or listening? We can help!
Do you have a new dog or one that could use a refresher on manners? Our Basic Obedience classes are designed to help with everyday challenges like:
▪️ Pulling on leash
▪️ Jumping on guests
▪️ Ignoring cues
▪️ Struggling with focus and impulse control

With positive, reward-based training, we’ll guide you in building a strong foundation for a well-mannered companion. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to fine-tune your dog's skills, these classes are for you!

📅 Upcoming Classes:
🔹 Monday, March 24 @ 4:15 PM – Debbie Bickford
🔹 Friday, April 4 @ 2:00 PM – Sara Graham
🔹 Saturday, April 5 @ 10:45 AM – Matt Downs
🔹 Saturday, April 5 @ 12:00 PM – Matt Downs
🔹 Monday, April 7 @ 5:30 PM – Debbie Bickford

Spots are limited—sign up today and enjoy a more well-behaved dog! 🔗https://foryourk9.com/dog-training/classes/basic-obedience/

Does Your Dog Struggle to Stay Focused Around Distractions?Does your dog bark at other dogs, lunge at moving objects, or...
03/12/2025

Does Your Dog Struggle to Stay Focused Around Distractions?

Does your dog bark at other dogs, lunge at moving objects, or pull towards every exciting thing in sight? If so, Focused Fido is the class for you! This class is designed to help excitable or easily distracted dogs learn self-control and stay engaged with their handler, even in challenging real-world environments.

📍 What You’ll Learn:
▪️ How to help your dog focus on you instead of distractions
▪️ Techniques to handle high-energy situations calmly and effectively
▪️ Practical training strategies for self-control and impulse management

📅 Class Details:
🔹 Start Date: Wednesday, March 19
🔹 Time: 6:45 PM
🔹 Instructor: Elizabeth Vanderhoef

🚨 Important Note: This class is for excitable dogs that struggle with distractions, not reactive dogs. If your dog is reactive, please sign up for a private lesson or our Reactive Dog Class.

Help your dog develop better focus and engagement by signing up today!
🔗 https://foryourk9.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=11471

Too busy to train your dog but still want great results? We’ve got you covered!Life gets hectic, but that doesn’t mean y...
03/12/2025

Too busy to train your dog but still want great results? We’ve got you covered!

Life gets hectic, but that doesn’t mean your dog’s training has to take a backseat. With March Madness Day Training, you can drop your dog off and let us do the work while you take care of your day!

✅ Choose Tuesdays, Thursdays, or both
✅ Only 4 dogs per day for personalized
✅ Includes a video update + trainer check-in

Let us help your dog build better manners, confidence, and real-life skills—without adding extra stress to your schedule!

🚨 Limited spots available—sign up today!
🔗 https://foryourk9.com/marchmadness/

Did you know? Separation Anxiety is more than just missing you! Dogs experiencing separation anxiety aren’t just being d...
03/11/2025

Did you know? Separation Anxiety is more than just missing you!

Dogs experiencing separation anxiety aren’t just being dramatic—they’re genuinely distressed when left alone. This anxiety can manifest in barking, destructive behavior, pacing, or even house accidents, and it’s often a result of feeling unsafe without their human.

▪ Puppies and newly adopted dogs are more prone to separation anxiety as they adjust to their new home.
▪ Some breeds are more predisposed to struggling with alone time due to their strong bonds with people.
▪ Major life changes—like moving, schedule shifts, or a new family member—can trigger or worsen anxiety in dogs of all ages.

The good news? Separation anxiety can be managed with patience and structured training. Teaching independence, creating positive alone-time routines, and using calming strategies can help your dog feel more secure when home alone.

If your dog struggles with being left alone, you’re not alone either—there are solutions to help both you and your pup feel more at ease!

Address

706 N Industrial Drive
Elmhurst, IL
60126

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 10pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 10pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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