Inked K9

06/26/2025

06/21/2025

Love your dog with structure, not just affection.

Affection is easy.
Structure takes effort.
But one without the other? That’s where the problems start.

Most of the dogs I work with aren’t bad or broken, they’re just confused.
No boundaries. No rules. Just vibes and snuggles.

Love isn’t just cuddling on the couch.
Love is:
✔ Teaching them how to walk without pulling
✔ Holding them accountable when they blow off a command
✔ Advocating for them in public spaces
✔ Creating a life where they feel safe and seen

Dogs crave leadership.
Give them more than just love…give them clarity.

• Ready to level up your dog’s behavior? DM me “TRAIN” to get started.
• Want results, not excuses? Book your consult today.
• Serious about change? Hit the link in bio.

06/21/2025

Nala and me hanging out at Home Depot tonight ❤️ Working on her people anxiety and barking. Showing her she can count on me for help has made a big impact already :)

06/16/2025

Training starts the moment your dog comes home.
Every interaction is a learning moment — the earlier you start, the easier it is to build good habits and prevent bad ones. Structure = freedom, but they can’t earn it if they don’t understand the rules. 🐾

Start now. Your future self (and your dog) will thank you. 💪

06/12/2025

Here’s your reminder 🖤

06/11/2025

Why Timing > Intensity in E-Collar Training (and really any training)

When it comes to e-collar training, there’s one principle that separates effective communication from confusion: timing beats intensity. Every time.

Unfortunately, many misunderstand how e-collars are meant to be used. The tool itself isn’t meant to “shock” a dog into compliance or to punish; it’s meant to communicate. And just like in any form of communication, clarity comes from timing, not volume.

What Is E-Collar Training Really About?

An e-collar is simply a tool. When used correctly, it allows you to provide precise feedback to your dog at the exact moment a behavior occurs. This creates a crystal-clear cause-and-effect relationship that a dog can understand.

But if your timing is off, even by a second or two, you could be confusing your dog, even if your intent was correction or reinforcement. It’s not about cranking the dial; it’s about making sure the signal is delivered at the right moment.

Why Intensity Alone Doesn’t Work

You can have the highest stimulation level set on the collar, but if it’s applied after the fact, it loses its meaning. Instead of associating the stimulation with a specific behavior, your dog may:
• Feel startled or anxious
• Become unsure about what they’re being corrected for
• Start avoiding you, the environment, or the training itself

Higher intensity does not equal more effective training, it usually equals more confusion or emotional fallout.

Timing: The Key to Clear Communication

Dogs live in the moment. When you apply e-collar stimulation with precise timing, you’re able to:
• Mark unwanted behavior the instant it happens
• Interrupt a behavior in real time
• Reinforce your verbal cues
• Teach with clarity and fairness

Stimulation timed perfectly teaches a dog what behavior led to the consequence. This is how we build understanding, not fear.

The Power of Well-Timed Feedback

In balanced training, we advocate for using the most effective level of stimulation—what’s often called the dog’s “working level.” This level is subtle, many dogs just feel a tingle or slight muscle contraction. But when paired with excellent timing, it becomes a powerful learning tool.

It’s not the strength of the correction that teaches; it’s the consistency and timing.

If your goal is to build a reliable, confident dog who understands your expectations, forget about intensity. Focus on becoming a master of timing.

Because at the end of the day, training isn’t about control. It’s about communication. And the best communicators are the ones who speak clearly, fairly, and right on time.

06/09/2025

What Is Balanced Dog Training?

In the world of dog training, there are many approaches, but one that stands out for its clarity, structure, and results is balanced dog training.

What Does “Balanced” Really Mean?

Balanced dog training means using a full spectrum of training methods to teach, guide, and correct behavior. It’s not about harshness…it’s about clarity and fairness.

We don’t just rely on one technique. Instead, we combine positive reinforcement (rewards) and appropriate corrections (accountability) to help dogs understand exactly what is expected of them.

💡 The Science Behind It: The Four Quadrants

Balanced training is grounded in the principles of operant conditioning: a science-backed learning model. There are four “quadrants” that explain how animals learn through consequences:
• Positive Reinforcement (R+): Adding something the dog likes (e.g., giving a treat when they sit)
• Negative Reinforcement (R-): Removing something the dog dislikes (e.g., leash pressure is released when the dog stops pulling)
• Positive Punishment (P+): Adding something the dog dislikes (e.g., a leash correction for jumping)
• Negative Punishment (P-): Removing something the dog likes (e.g., ending playtime when the dog becomes too rough)

Balanced trainers use all four quadrants responsibly, with a strong focus on timing, communication, and fairness. The goal? To give dogs the clearest possible feedback so they can thrive.

🛠️ Common Tools in Balanced Training

Balanced training isn’t just about tools. It’s about how and why we use them. Tools are communication devices, not punishment devices, when used correctly.

Some tools we use include:
• Treats and food rewards
• Clickers or marker words
• Slip leads
• Prong collars
• Remote (e-) collars

Each tool has a purpose, and when introduced properly, they help enhance communication and create freedom for the dog.

🐾 Why It Works

Dogs are intelligent, social animals that thrive when they know what’s expected of them. Balanced training creates a clear structure, rewards desired behavior, and sets consistent boundaries.

It helps prevent problem behaviors, builds confidence, and strengthens the relationship between dog and handler. The result? A dog that listens, respects, and trusts. Not out of fear, but because they understand the rules of the game.

💬 Final Thoughts

We believe in clarity, structure, and balance. Our goal is to create dogs that are calm, confident, and reliable, both on-leash and off.

Balanced training isn’t extreme. It’s practical, compassionate, and effective. It’s not about tools or dominance; it’s about giving your dog the structure they need to succeed.

training

06/08/2025

We WILL be your last trainers. Lifetime support is included in all Board and Train programs, we will always be in your corner. Reach out for information on how to get started training with us!

06/07/2025

SATURDAY STRUCTURE 🐶✨
Weekends aren’t just for relaxing — they’re perfect for reinforcing calm behavior and structure with your dog.
Here’s how to keep your dog on track this weekend:
1️⃣ Morning walk with leash manners
2️⃣ A short obedience refresher (sit, place, recall)
3️⃣ Structured play
➡️ Structured doesn’t mean strict. It means predictable, clear, and calm.
Your dog will thank you with better behavior all week long 💛

06/07/2025

Tractor Supply field trip for baby Teddy and brothers Coal & Cash🥰

Teddy the mini poodle is here with me for some basic puppy building and polishing. I have literally gotten compliments EVERYWHERE i love this little dude.

Coal and Cash are nearing the end of their three week program with plans to come back for some additional weeks. They were covid puppies and found in a ditch together when they were little babies. Not having the nest start and obviously with socialization being impossible in lockdown, they are pretty insecure and attached to each other. Over the three weeks i’ve had them, i’ve been able to break down their layers bit by bit. They’ve come a long way, I can’t wait to see where we can get them.

This is a reminder that my programs come with unlimited lifetime follow up, use it! Coal and Cash definitely will be.

06/04/2025

These reviews mean the world to me. Beyond blessed to make an impact on dogs and their owners doing what I love. Thank you for the kind words Trisha 🥺🥺