K9 Turbo Training

03/26/2025

Join us at Active Paws in April!✨ April's theme is Agility, and we’re bringing you a super fun special edition class, Canine Hoopers, on April 19th!!!

Hoopers is a fun, low-impact, agility-style activity that’s perfect for:

🛟Puppies who are too young for jumping (not suggested until 18 months)

🛟Senior dogs with more limited mobility

🛟Dogs who love mental stimulation and teamwork!

We will guide you through the elements of Canine Hoopers, which include barrels, tunnels, and hoops (with no jumping). It offers agility-style enrichment in a safe and enjoyable way for all pups. Whether you have a high-energy puppy or a senior dog that still loves to move, Canine Hoopers is the perfect fit!

Sign up here: https://turbotrainingschedule.as.me/hoopers

03/23/2025

Spring Has Sprung at K9 Turbo Training! 🌱🐾

The sun is shining, birds are singing, and our outdoor training classes are officially ON THE SCHEDULE!

Now Available for Registration:

Outdoor Reactive Classes - Help your dog navigate triggers with confidence

Reactive OUTDOOR Practice Drop-ins - Continue building skills in a controlled outdoor setting

✨New class!✨Overcoming Distractions Level 2 - Master focus in more challenging environments

✨New class!✨Ferndale Field Trips - Explore and train in different community settings

And more!

Our positive reinforcement training classes ensure both you and your dog have fun while learning vital skills, even for dogs who bark or lunge at other dogs around them.

Every class is led by professional trainers who bring their expertise, patience, and enthusiasm to each session!

These classes fill quickly, and the beautiful weather won’t last forever! Sign up today and we’ll meet you in class!

https://k9turbotraining.com/group-classes/

Questions about which class is right for your dog? Reach out anytime - we’re here to help you find the perfect fit!

We offer a variety of group class dog trainings from Basic Manners classes to skill-building, drop-in classes and enrichment clubs.

03/19/2025

A note from Katelin (owner and certified behavior consultant)

🐶 As we work through some internal staff training on puppy development this month, I've been reflecting lately on why we're so passionate about puppy training here at K9 Turbo, and why it has always been an ongoing topic in our development and education meetings.

⭐ And it made me want to share some of what we know as a little bit of an internal sneak peek into how and why we develop our programs various ways and the things we take into consideration, especially for our youngest and most impressionable clients.

🐶 Today's puppies are navigating a more complex world than ever before. They're expected to be comfortable in coffee shops, handle busy streets, adapt to our work schedules, and be friendly with everyone they meet. That's a lot to ask of any dog!

⭐ The puppy phase is such a magical, fleeting window of development. During these few months, puppies are forming their understanding of the world around them – what's safe, what's scary, how to communicate, and how to learn-- and the expectations just keep.getting.higher.

🐶And with that, we're seeing more struggles, more behavior issues, more frustrated guardians, and way more returns to breeders/shelters/rescues.

⭐ And because of that, we've spent the last 10 years developing our programs to meet the needs of puppies in today's world. Carefully designing our approach to focus not just on basic training, but on building the resilience and confidence puppies need for modern environments where they will be asked to live.

🐶 You see, puppy training is SO much more than just teaching basic cues and good behavior. Especially for people who want to go beyond just having a dog, but having a well-trained dog that can go with them everywhere— with hopes of them living and navigating todays high pressure world with ease—This requires a massive amount of preparation in puppyhood to help these dogs be set up to live successfully in our worlds— especially in a world like they live in today-- one that looks nothing like the natural environment in which they came from long ago.

⭐Today, puppies come in one at a time, just like every year before. Every puppy is truly and beautifully unique walking through our doors. Some are confident explorers from day one, while others need gentle guidance to build their courage. What works perfectly for one puppy might not be right for another. This is why cookie-cutter training approaches often fall short, and why your trainer matters.

🐶When you bring your puppy to class, you're not just teaching them to sit or stay – you're helping them build a foundation for how they'll approach new experiences for years to come. You're teaching them that learning is fun, that humans are trustworthy guides, and that the world is full of positive possibilities.

⭐If you're raising a puppy right now, please know that the time and energy you're investing matters deeply. Whether you train with us or elsewhere, finding knowledgeable support during this critical window is one of the greatest gifts you can give your new family member.

🐶If you have a new puppy, we welcome you to join our upcoming puppy classes. And if we're not convenient for you, please seek out certified training professionals who aren't just experienced, but who stay current with modern, science-based training practices. Because your puppy deserves someone who understands both traditional fundamentals and the latest approaches to puppy development.

⭐I’ll attach a link in the comments for those interested in our upcoming puppy classes!

🐶 Would love to hear from other puppy parents in the comments - what's been your biggest challenge or most rewarding moment in raising your pup? Anything you would do differently today that you want to share? Remember if you have financial concerns keeping you from getting your dog into class, let us know. We are here to help.

03/19/2025

Spring Outdoor Reactive Classes Starting THIS WEEKEND!

For our Online Reactive Foundations graduates: As the weather warms up, we've opened registration for our outdoor reactive classes to help you continue building skills in a structured environment with trainer support.

We currently have:

✅ Sunday 10:30 AM - 1 spot available
✅ Sunday 12:00 PM - 3 spots available
✅Tuesdays 5:30 PM (starting April 1st)- 1 spot left

As always, these 4-dog, 2-trainer small-group classes provide the guidance and structure many dogs need when transitioning their reactive training to outdoor environments. And don't worry about scheduling conflicts - if you need to miss a class, we provide make-up vouchers for practice sessions.

If you're wondering whether this might be the right next step for your training journey, feel free to reach out with questions. We're here to help you and your dog continue making progress together.

03/14/2025

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to our amazing ✨Dana Shove✨ We are so lucky to have you!!!

Any March Pisces here??? Help us wish Dana a happy birthday, and drop a 🐟 if you're also a Pisces!

03/05/2025

🌟TRAINER SPOTLIGHT: Dana Shove and Our Incredible Distractions Class!🌟

Have you heard about our Overcoming Distractions class? This innovative program was created by our very own Dana Shove, CPDT-KA, and it’s transforming how dogs and their people work through challenging environments together.

Through fun pattern games and play-based training, this class is helping frustrated teams become confident partners. Dogs who once couldn’t focus outdoors are now navigating distractions with ease, proving that yes, dogs can learn hard things through PLAY!

The success has been so tremendous that Dana is now developing a Level 2 class to take these skills even further. We’re beyond proud of how she’s built this curriculum from the ground up, turning the concept of “distraction training” into a joyful experience where both ends of the leash are having fun while learning.

While we know our current upcoming classes only have 2 spots remaining, we just wanted to take a moment to celebrate Dana’s incredible work and give everyone a heads-up that you can register for spring sessions or just stay tuned for some sneak peeks into what we’re doing in both Level 1 and the upcoming Level 2 classes.

Want to learn some fun ways to engage and play with your dog at home? Keep an eye on our page for training tips straight from this classes curriculum!

Are you struggling to keep your dog's attention around distractions? In this class, we focus on developing essential skills to help your dog stay connected.

03/03/2025

Spring is finally melting away the snow, and it's the perfect time to help your reactive dog get ahead! 🌷🐕

We're excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for our Spring Reactive Dog Classes - both Indoor and Outdoor options available!

Indoor classes are perfect for dogs who benefit from physical barriers but can settle and train over time, while our outdoor classes provide more space for dogs who need greater distance and a bit of a slower pace to process and learn.

❗️Remember: All participants must complete our Online Reactive Foundations course first (or come from private training with trainer approval).

Not sure which class is right for your dog? Let us know and we’ll connect with you to provide some guidance on choosing between our Indoor Fun & Focus (Ferndale) or Outdoor Fun & Focus (Livonia) options—

Spaces fill quickly (only 3 total dogs per indoor classes and 4 per class for outdoor) - So if you’re looking, secure your spot today and help your dog build the skills they need for more confident outings this spring! 🐾

Indoor: https://turbotrainingschedule.as.me/Indoorreactive

Outdoor: https://turbotrainingschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Outdoor%20Reactive

03/01/2025

👋 Angelo is here to wish everyone a fantastic start to their weekend!

This intelligent and energetic pup is thriving in private training with Melissa, where he’s having a blast learning new enrichment activities and training games. One of his favorites? This hoop exercise—perfect for keeping his active mind engaged while enjoying apartment life with his mom!

02/26/2025

Wondering about your rescue dog's behavior? 🐶

Why do they act nervous around certain things?

How can you help them feel more confident?

What's the best way to handle new situations?

Get answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive New Rescue Dog Consultations! Our 90-minute virtual sessions provide personalized guidance to help you and your new family member thrive together.

Use code LEARNNRD for an $89, 1.5 hour virtual consultation. Available for dogs adopted within the last 6 months. Limited weekly spots - book yours today! 🐾

02/24/2025

📣 Success Story Alert! 📣

We need to take a moment to celebrate Cleo, Luna, and Cosmo - and their amazing guardians, Ashley and Anthony from private training! 🐾

Moving in together is a major milestone for any couple, but it’s also a significant transition for our four-legged family members, who are often caught off guard by the sudden change. Many people underestimate just how much this change can impact their dogs' sense of security, safety, and routine.

And with that, we're SO impressed and excited to share with Ashley and Anthony's thoughtful approach to blending their wonderful families.

Ashley and Anthony, and their hard working training team at K9TT know that successful dog relationships don't just happen by chance. And because of this, Ashley and Anthony have been setting aside quality time specifically dedicated to helping their dogs build positive relationships with each other before the big move. By creating a structured plan that ensures each dog has what they need to feel safe and comfortable within the group, they're giving Cleo, Luna, and Cosmo a tremendous advantage for their future together.

This kind of proactive training and preparation is exactly what makes all the difference for dogs going through these kinds of big life transitions. And rather than waiting for problems to develop, Ashley and Anthony are working hard to prevent and work through potential issues before they start. They recognize that investing this time now with their dogs will surely lead to a smoother, more comfortable transition for everyone when they officially share one home.

We are so proud of Anthony and Ashley for going above and beyond to ensure their dogs have everything they need to live happily and peacefully together and are SO EXCITED to share this huge update from our training session together last week!

Look at these best dogs just relaxing, not reacting negatively to each other, just hanging out and training with their people as they get to know each? THIS IS WHAT A MAJOR WIN LOOKS LIKE! 👇

02/20/2025

Sit, stay ✅ Loose leash walking ✅ Looking cute while doing it ✅ Congrats on graduating Puppy Manners, Pink!

02/19/2025

🎉 Welcome to the K9 Turbo Training Family! 🐾

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our training team, Rachel Markowitz (aka “Marko!“/”Ray”)!

Rachel brings over a decade of experience in positive reinforcement training to our team and lives and breathes all things behavior and training. Coming to us from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago where she worked primarily as the large carnivore trainer, Rachel has dedicated her career to understanding and working with complex animal behavior and has a long history of working with animals at the highest possible level. She’s even trained a pregnant African lion for voluntary ultrasound behaviors - talk about precision training! 🦁

But what truly drew Rachel to moving to dog training was her journey with her own rescue pup, Warren. Through helping him navigate his fears and anxieties, she discovered her passion for working with sensitive dogs and helping families build stronger relationships with their four-legged family members. She is such a fun and bright trainer and clearly cares so much about the animal and people in front of her.

Rachel will be focusing on rescue dog integration and joining us as a core trainer in our reactivity training programs. Her unique background in animal behavior, combined with her personal experience and dedication to positive reinforcement training makes her a perfect addition to our team and we can’t wait for you all to meet her!

Please join us in giving Rachel/“Marko” a very warm welcome! She’ll be accepting new rescue dog integration clients starting next month, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her expertise available to our community. 💙

!

02/17/2025

We're thrilled to welcome Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society as our newest Freedom Harness Exchange Program partner!🎉

Through this partnership, MACS joins our mission of making effective, humane training equipment accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of the resources they have available to them. And this past week, we had the joy of spending time with MACS incredible staff, sharing knowledge about dog behavior, communication, and positive training approaches as we launch our program.

A special thank you to Katie and the entire Michigan Anti-Cruelty team for having us in for two hours of canine behavior and training education to get this partnership started.

And a huge thank you to Second Chances Animal Resources, Inc. for helping make this program possible. Together, we're building a more compassionate future for dogs and their people! 💙

02/14/2025

🐾 Just Adopted? Those First Few Weeks Are So Important!

We know bringing home a new rescue dog comes with both excitement and questions. Every day, we work with amazing families who want to give their new furry family member the very best start in their forever home.

"But what if they seem nervous?" "How do I help them adjust?" "When should I start training?" "What's normal during this transition?"

These are all great questions we hear from caring pet parents like you! The first 90 days are crucial for helping your rescue dog feel safe, confident, and settled in their new home.

That's why we're excited to announce our Winter Support Initiative for new rescue families! Through April, we're offering specialized New Rescue Dog Consultations at a special rate of $98 (normally $125) to help more families create strong foundations with their new companions.

In this 90-minute session, we'll help you:
Understand your dog's communication signals
Create a stress-free adjustment period
Set up routines that build confidence
Navigate common challenges
Make introductions smooth and positive

Already feeling that special bond with your new rescue pup? Let's work together to make their transition as smooth and positive as possible!

USE CODE: LEARNNRD
https://turbotrainingschedule.as.me/onlinerescueconsult

Drop a 🧡 below if you've ever adopted a rescue dog - we'd love to hear your story!

02/11/2025

It’s hard being a girl, especially when you’re as cute as Miss Maggie Mae while working on her “Leave It” in Basic Manners this week.

Great job, Maggie! 🎀💗🎉

01/29/2025

Many people associate reactivity only with aggressive or fearful responses to other dogs.

However, reactivity actually encompasses any overexcited or intense response to a trigger – including your dogs friendly excitement!

Your dog might be showing signs of this kind of “friendly” dog reactivity if they:

👋Pull strongly toward other dogs on leash
🙉Bark, whine, or make high-pitched vocalizations when seeing dogs at a distance
👋Have trouble focusing on you when other dogs are present
🙈Lunge forward with a wagging tail
🤯Become visibly frustrated when they can’t greet every dog they see

Even if these behaviors come from a place of enthusiasm and social interest, they’re still signs that your dog needs help learning to manage their excitement around other dogs.

Check out this blog to find out if this is you!

Does your dog get overly excited, fearful, or worked up around other dogs? Do they become anxious or overwhelmed by environmental triggers like bikes, skateboards, or busy streets? Are you busy this season but still want your dog to get the training they need before spring? If so, our Day Training p...

01/26/2025

🐾 Did you know? Your puppy's brain is doing something amazing right now!

Those first few months of your puppy's life? They're like a special window of opportunity that won't come around again. During this time, your puppy's brain is uniquely wired to experience new things with curiosity instead of fear.

Here's what's fascinating: While we used to think keeping puppies completely isolated until fully vaccinated was best, behavioral science has revealed something different. Those early weeks are actually when puppies are most ready to safely explore different surfaces, meet new friends, and build confidence in the world around them.

Think about it: If someone carried you everywhere for the first few months of your life and never let your feet touch the ground, imagine how overwhelming it would be when you finally had to walk on different surfaces! That's exactly what we now know happens with puppies who miss out on early experiences.

That's why we follow the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's guidelines, providing safe, controlled environments for essential early learning - after first vaccines and in clean, supervised spaces. Because while protecting puppy health is crucial, we also need to nurture their developing minds!

✨ New Puppy Class Starting Soon! ✨

Give your puppy the confident start they deserve. Click below to learn more about our science-based puppy programs and reserve your spot!

https://k9turbotraining.com/perfect-puppy-program/

REFERENCES:
✨AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization (2008)
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior- Key finding: Puppies can start socialization before completion of vaccination series
✨"Behavioral Problems of Dogs" in Merck Veterinary Manual (2022) - Emphasizes importance of early socialization period
✨Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2015) - "The effects of early experience and socialization on behavioral development in puppies"
Highlights critical periods of development
✨Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) Guidelines on Puppy Socialization (2018)

01/16/2025

How's the new Day Training program going, you ask? Well, it has been a total hit!

Trainer Maddy, who is insanely organized, prepared, and highly communicative, has been lighting up her clients' neighborhoods, working one-on-one with dogs right in their familiar environments. She's been helping dogs build confidence and calmness during their walks and at home, with each 45-minute session tailored to that dog's specific needs. Whether it's practicing relaxation skills around triggers or building focus during neighborhood adventures, Maddy's personalized approach is helping dogs make progress while their people are at work.

Live within 5 miles of K9 Turbo and want to learn more about Day Training? Check out our blog for more details below!