Titan K9 Dog Training

09/08/2024

🎓🐾 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙅𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙧𝙡𝙤!🐾🎓

When we first started working with Arlo, he was so overstimulated by everything around him—his go-to responses were lunging/pulling on the leash, hu***ng, and jumping. Due to his size and strength, we initially worked with him backtied to a tree, creating a more stable training environment for myself, Jordan and Arlo to begin their training journey. Within just a week’s time, Arlo was off the backtie and moving with me, with more ease and control! He was no longer doing any of the compulsive behaviors from the week prior.

Jordan’s major goal was to confidently take Arlo to public places, but she was concerned with how easily he became excitable. Once we established a solid obedience foundation, we tackled parks and farmers markets, helping Arlo manage his emotions in real-world settings. Together, we proofed his training to ensure he could handle the excitement-- and more importantly so Jordan knew how to help him through moments of overstimulation, troubleshooting things herself with confidence! Arlo can now:

- Come, & Sit (with implied stay)
- Place, & Down on Place (with implied stay)
- Heel On and Off Leash, Dual Sides
- Long Range Recall, and Off Leash Recall

Jordan went above and beyond with her homework, consistently sending me photos and videos for detailed feedback, and the progress has been incredible. Today, not only did Arlo complete his training, but he also passed his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test with ease!

I’m so proud of both Jordan and Arlo for their hard work, dedication, and amazing teamwork. 🎉🐕‍🦺 Keep up the great work! I cannot wait to hear about all the adventures you get to experience together!🐾💛

09/06/2024

✨𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘿𝙤𝙜'𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡✨

Having a reliable recall is something that should be on every Dog Owner's to-do list. While building a strong relationship with consistent training is one of the key foundations, here are some tips to help fine-tune and proof your recall skills. And remember, always start on a long line and seek professional help if you're feeling stuck, frustrated, or need extra guidance!

🌟U͟s͟e͟ T͟h͟e͟ L͟e͟a͟s͟h͟: Start with a long line to guide your dog. Define what “come” means—whether that’s 10 feet away, 5 feet, or right at your feet. Show them what it is you want. Clarity is key!

🌟W͟a͟t͟c͟h͟ Y͟o͟u͟r͟ T͟o͟n͟e͟: Think of it this way—would you rush to your boss if they sounded upset? Make your tone inviting and upbeat to encourage your dog to come running to you.

🌟A͟l͟w͟a͟y͟s͟ F͟o͟l͟l͟o͟w͟ T͟h͟r͟o͟u͟g͟h͟: If you give the recall command, make sure it happens! If your dog learns that coming back to you is optional, it will become harder to reinforce the behavior.

🌟B͟e͟ A͟w͟a͟r͟e͟ o͟f͟ Y͟o͟u͟r͟ B͟o͟d͟y͟ L͟a͟n͟g͟u͟a͟g͟e͟: Squatting down can be inviting for your dog, while running away can trigger their playful chase instinct. Use your body creatively to get them excited about coming back.

🌟R͟e͟w͟a͟r͟d͟ & P͟r͟a͟i͟s͟e͟: Make it an awesome experience for coming back! Even if they struggle, coming back to you should never be something they dread to do.

🌟T͟a͟k͟e͟ Y͟o͟u͟r͟ T͟i͟m͟e͟: If your dog isn’t understanding recall at 10 feet, don’t expect them to grasp it at 50 feet right away. Progress is more important than perfection, so move at a pace they can succeed at.

🌟A͟s͟k͟ F͟o͟r͟ H͟e͟l͟p͟: Dogs with high prey drive or working line breeds may need additional tools to assist in breaking impulses or self-rewarding behavior in the field. There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out for expert help when needed!

With patience, consistency, and these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering recall with your dog. Would you like assistance with teaching recall? Reach out; I'd love to help! 🐾💛

09/03/2024

𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝘽𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙩 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩...
..you're reshaping your relationship, establishing structure with rules & boundaries that may not have been present before, and learning how to read & respond to your dog's cues with consistency & confidence! 🙌🏻

While experienced trainers make it look effortless, we've spent 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 mastering our craft, with hands on so many various breeds, issues, and (hopefully) many schools behind that experience. Find a trainer that you resonate & align with and talk about your issues and concerns. Develop a game plan together!

Give yourself the ✨𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦✨ to learn, and don't give up on yourself-- this is a lifetime commitment, not just a chapter in your book together. Though it may be difficult initially, the work you put in will create a healthier, more balanced, and deeply rewarding relationship with your dog. 🐾💛

Would you like assistance in learning how to communicate with and train your dog? Reach out; I'd love to help!

08/28/2024

✨𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙤 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘿𝙤, 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠?✨

🌟𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘖𝘝: You just got back in with your dog from a walk, and your dog is still buzzing with excitement from all the sights, smells, and sounds they just experienced. They're amped, you're tired-- and you probably have some stuff around the house you need to do.

You want to "disengage", and you want them to take a break. This can sometimes lead to zoomies or demand behaviors, as they try to keep the fun going. However, it’s essential for them to understand that their enrichment time is over, and now it’s time to settle down.

But not all breeds of dogs come with the ability to just know how to do nothing. Instinctually, the average person may try and make them more tired-- "I'll just walk them extra-long today" or "We will play fetch after the walk, to make sure s/he's worn out for later"-- and logically a person would think it makes sense. In actuality, they've created this "marathon dog" that now needs more exercise than before.

Teaching your dog how to "turn off" is crucial, especially for those dogs that struggle with learning how to do nothing. Providing a clear signal that it's time to relax—whether by using the Place command (getting them on a place cot or dog bed) or guiding them to their crate (commanding with "House" or "Kennel") for that structured down time—helps them understand that it's time to calm down, slowly teaching them how to "turn off".

💡Remember, dogs naturally sleep about 50% of the day, but they need to know how to calm themselves to get that rest. Teaching them to wind down after a walk will lead to a more balanced, well-adjusted dog, AND create a peaceful environment for both of you!

Would you like assistance working through "Place"? Reach out; I'd love to help! 🐾💛

08/26/2024

✨𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜✨

A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound, and it’s a powerful tool you can use to communicate with your dog. In dog training, it serves as a clear marker, telling your dog exactly when they’ve done something right. The magic of the clicker lies in its consistency—it sounds the same every time, making it an ideal way to reinforce behaviors and create positive associations in your dog's mind.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘜𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨

The clicker is used in a method called "clicker training". When your dog performs the desired behavior, you immediately press the clicker and follow it with a reward. The sound of the click lets your dog know that whatever they just did is correct, and a reward is coming. This type of training can help some dogs learn faster and retain behaviors more effectively because of the precise timing and clarity the clicker provides.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙫𝙨. 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙮

One of the key concepts in clicker training is understanding the difference between "click and release" and "click and pay."

👉🏻𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦: When you use the clicker to signal the end of a behavior, the click is a cue that the dog has completed the task and can now stop performing the behavior, coming back to you for reward. For example, if you're training a dog to hold a sit, the click would signal that they are free to get up and move, because they've done the job correctly. This method is useful when you want to mark the end of a specific task or command.

👉🏻𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘺: In contrast, "click and pay" means that after the click, the dog remains in the behavior, but they are rewarded for maintaining it. For instance, in a "down stay" exercise, you click to mark the correct behavior but still want the dog to remain in the down position. The click signals that a reward (or "payment") is coming, but it doesn’t release the dog from the command. This is helpful for reinforcing behaviors that require duration or sustained focus.

4 𝙒𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧

🐾𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘴
When teaching your dog a new command, the clicker helps mark the exact moment they perform the behavior correctly. For example, if you're teaching your dog to sit, as soon as their bottom hits the ground, you click and then reward. This clear and immediate feedback helps your dog understand what’s expected of them, making learning new behaviors more efficient.

🐾𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘴
Shaping is a technique where you break down a behavior into smaller steps, rewarding progress toward the final behavior. For example, if you want to teach your dog to lie down, you might click and reward them first for lowering their head, then for bending their elbows, and finally for lying down completely. The clicker helps mark each small success, building toward the complete behavior over time.

🐾𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
Timing is everything in dog training, and the clicker helps ensure that your rewards are delivered at just the right moment. This is especially useful in situations where speed is important, such as teaching agility. When your dog performs a behavior in a fast or precise way, the clicker allows you to immediately mark that success, reinforcing the quick response or accuracy you’re looking for.

🐾𝘜𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴
In some cases, the clicker can also be used as a cue for your dog to refocus on you, particularly when dealing with reactivity on walks. With proper conditioning and timing, the sound of the click can help interrupt a reactive response and bring your dog’s attention back to you. For the best results, you'll have a highly motivated dog in regard to food-- toys can up the drive and reactivity in a situation-- which you don't want. While this approach may not work for every dog, it can be a highly effective tool for some, helping to build calmness and focus during stressful or overstimulating situations. It requires a great deal of conditioning, practice, patience, and of course proper timing.

💡The clicker’s strength lies in its ability to mark the exact moment of success, giving your dog clear and immediate feedback. Whether you're teaching new behaviors, refining timing, shaping more complex tasks, or even redirecting focus in reactive situations, the clicker can help speed up the learning process for reward motivated dogs. Understanding the difference between "click and release" and "click and pay" adds another level of precision, helping you achieve both duration and control in your training. It's a versatile and fun tool that can make training more effective for both you and your dog!

Need help establishing structure around the clicker? Reach out, I'd love to help! 🐾💛

08/21/2024

✨𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧: 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬✨

Today's educational post is about the Dominate Dog Collar.

🌟𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘴 𝘐𝘵?
The Dominant Dog Collar, originally created by Leerburg in the 1990s, was designed as a tool to help handlers maintain control over reactive and aggressive dogs. This collar is not a typical prong, flat or slip collar; it’s made of a thin, strong rope designed to be fitted high on the dog’s neck, right behind the ears. Its purpose is to give handlers the ability to apply controlled, upward pressure in situations where dogs may become overstimulated or react aggressively.

🌟𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘴 𝘐𝘵 𝘜𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳?
The Dominant Dog Collar is primarily used for managing reactivity, aggression, and controlling strong-willed dogs-- however, if the dog understands the concept of pressure, I love using this tool as a gentle and effective means to redirect concentration back to me when I am training a dog. It provides the handler with precise control during situations where dogs may lunge or become difficult to manage. By using upward pressure, it can help disrupt a reactive outburst and refocus the dog’s attention back to the trainer. This makes it a valuable tool in scenarios where safety and control are paramount.

🌟𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦/𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘯𝘦
Using a Dominant Dog Collar requires knowledge and care. To effectively use it, ensure the collar is placed high on the dog’s neck, just behind the ears. When using it, gentle, controlled upward pressure should be applied as needed, but never in a way that risks injury. The goal is to redirect the dog’s focus and prevent escalation, not to harm or punish.

💡To measure for the correct size, measure the circumference of your dog’s neck directly behind their ears. The collar should fit snugly, without any slack when placed in this position, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable for the dog. Leerburg specifically offers various sizes, so be sure to choose the one that matches your dog’s specific neck size for optimal use. They also have a very detailed video on how to properly measure, if you have questions.

Using the Dominant Dog Collar responsibly can help ensure your dog stays focused and under control, especially in challenging environments. As with any training tool, it’s important to seek guidance from a professional trainer to ensure it’s being used correctly and safely for both you and your dog. If you are interested in learning more and seeing if it's a good fit for you and your dog, reach out; I'd love to help you! 🐾💛

08/17/2024

𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝘿𝙤.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just completed my second NePoPo® Gold School with the amazing Jaclyn Dagampat & Chris Nyguyen in Dauphin, PA! This school was geared towards Pet Professionals, covering an extensive range of topics that go beyond the basics of obedience. We dove into advanced techniques on aggression, reactivity, counter-conditioning, and even task-specific training like trailing (big things coming ahead with this!).

It was an intense experience, pushing us to refine our skills individually and as a team, and I left with fresh insights, new educational certificates, and a network of new friendships. I am beyond grateful to all my clients for their patience while I was away—your support means everything.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for the next chapter with my upcoming schooling this September with Jason Loong & Justin Rigney. Until then, I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to help you and your dogs grow even stronger together.

𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜.

08/11/2024

🌟 𝙆9 & 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: 𝘼𝙧𝙡𝙤 & 𝙅𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙣 🌟

I’m thrilled to highlight the incredible progress that Arlo and Jordan have made together as a team! 🐾 When we first started a few weeks ago, our sessions were limited to the front yard, with Arlo back-tied to a tree due to his overpowering size and strength— plus, he constantly wanted to hump 🫣. But look at them now!

Over the past few weeks, we've worked hard on implied stay with sit, down, & place, stability, as well as impulse control, and it's all starting to come together. We’ve moved from the yard to the park, working on dog neutrality and perfecting Arlo’s heel. Soon, we’ll be focusing more intense environments like the dog park and farmers market, and we will be starting long-range recall in the coming lessons.

These two are absolutely killing it! 💪 They’ve been given some intense homework to knock out while I’m on my educational break, and I cannot wait to get back to it with them when I return.

Keep up the amazing work, Jordan and Arlo! Your dedication and progress are truly inspiring-- I am SO PROUD of you both! 👏🐶

08/09/2024

🎓 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 🎓

This week, I’m wrapping up and temporarily pausing training sessions/consults-- my current clients are fully aware and prepared for this break. Next week, I’ll be away at my next Gold School, focused on enhancing my skillset and learning new techniques to better serve you and your wonderful dogs.

This is an incredible opportunity for me to grow personally and professionally-- returning with fresh, effective strategies to not only help you better understand your dogs but build even stronger bonds with them as well. 🌟

While I’m away, I’ll still be reachable by text and email. Please feel free to reach out, and I’ll make sure to reply in the late evening after my classes. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

I can’t wait to return and apply all the new knowledge and skills to make our training sessions even more impactful and rewarding. Thank you for your continued support! 🐾💛

08/07/2024

✨𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 & 𝙏𝙤𝙮𝙨✨

Enrichment for dogs goes far beyond food toys, or lick mats. To truly meet your dog's needs, sometimes it's essential to understand what they were bred to do and provide activities that fulfill those instincts. It's unfair for us to expect dogs to know how to self-fulfill these needs without our guidance or training, and neglecting this long-term can lead to undesirable behaviors.

Today Ill break down examples of some common breeds, what they're known for and include enrichment ideas. Please keep in mind this is a very short post, and these are the most common breeds I've come across as a Professional Trainer in the past few years-- there are obviously TONS of breeds and mixed breeds out there.

🌟𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥-𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴🌟

🐾Border Collies: These dogs were bred to herd (which includes biting the flock at times), and run. A lick mat won't cut it for them. They need activities like herding exercises, agility training, nose work, and plenty of mental stimulation to channel their energy productively.
🐾Hunting Breeds: Dogs like Retrievers and Pointers are bred to track and retrieve. A walk on a city block isn't enough. Engage them with scent work, retrieving games, and field exercises. Dock Diving is another great idea to do with them as well.
🐾Terriers: Known for their digging and hunting instincts, terriers thrive on activities like earthdog trials, digging areas, and interactive play that allows them to chase and catch.
🐾Sighthounds: Bred for speed and chasing, these dogs benefit from lure coursing, sprinting exercises, and games that allow them to chase moving objects.
🐾Working Breeds: Breeds like Rottweilers and German Shepherds need tasks and challenges. Incorporate more advanced obedience training, protection work, and problem-solving games to keep them mentally and physically engaged.

🌟𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯🌟

When adopting mixed breeds or purchasing from ethical breeders, it's crucial to educate yourself about the breed's characteristics and needs. This includes the various lines, like a working line, vs a show line, etc. Understanding your dog's natural instincts and how to fulfill them, helps prevent issues like aggression and reactivity. A dog that isn't properly enriched can develop destructive behaviors, which can sometimes be harmful.

🌟𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴🌟

🐾Labrador Retrievers: Beyond food toys, try water retrieval games, hunting, obedience training, dock diving, and nose work.
🐾German Shepherds: Engage them with agility courses, protection training, tracking and advanced obedience tasks.
🐾Golden Retrievers: Incorporate scent work, therapy dog activities, and field trials. Consider agility, or dock diving as well.
🐾Beagles: Use tracking exercises, hide-and-seek games, and interactive play. They were bred for scent and are excellent for hunting rabbits!

💡Any dog that loves to use their nose, I would introduce a barn hunt to! It truly is incredible to see them work in that type of environment. My dogs LOVE to barn hunt!

These are simple, off the cuff ideas, for some really common breed/breed mixes I've seen lately. An amazing resource to check out for additional ideas- more so based on what your dog 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 to do, rather than the 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥 they are- is www.KnowItEnrichment.com

This site allows you to put in what your dog enjoys doing, their energy level, along with either indoor or outdoor activities. It is a great reference if you are struggling with fulfilling your dogs' needs!

☝🏻Enrichment is about more than just keeping your dog busy—it's about fulfilling their natural instincts and helping them lead a balanced, happy life. By understanding and addressing your dog's breed-specific needs, you can prevent undesirable behaviors, while using it as an opportunity to BOND with your dog!

I am sadly never surprised by how many people have never played with their dog-- usually because they don't know how. Enrichment is an opportunity to do things with your dog together, not something they have to do alone. It's about building a stronger bond and creating joyful experiences that you both can share.

Did you find this helpful? Like and share with a friend! You never know who needs help connecting or reconnecting with their dog! 🐾💛

08/02/2024

𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚 🐾
I tend to beat this topic to death, but only because of how strongly I believe in it. Dog training is 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 than just a scheduled activity—𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. If we only engage with our dogs during brief training sessions, we're missing out on the opportunity to provide the structure, guidance, and consistency they need.

🌟T͟h͟e͟ C͟o͟n͟t͟i͟n͟u͟o͟u͟s͟ T͟r͟a͟i͟n͟i͟n͟g͟ A͟p͟p͟r͟o͟a͟c͟h͟
Training doesn't need to be confined to a specific time block in your day. It's about how you choose to interact with your dog throughout the entire day. Dogs learn from every interaction and constantly observe and take cues from us. While formal training sessions of 20-30 minutes are beneficial, it's the added everyday moments that truly shape your dog's understanding of rules and boundaries.

🌟C͟o͟n͟s͟i͟s͟t͟e͟n͟c͟y͟ i͟s͟ K͟e͟y͟
Dogs "do" what we "allow" and accept. To change their behavior, we need to change our standards (with follow through!). Set new standards and help your dog reach them through consistent reinforcement. Remember, you can't change all the rules overnight and expect your dog to instantly understand. They need time, patience, and consistency to learn and adapt to new expectations.

🌟E͟v͟e͟r͟y͟d͟a͟y͟ T͟r͟a͟i͟n͟i͟n͟g͟ M͟o͟m͟e͟n͟t͟s͟

🐾During Walks: Use walks as an opportunity to practice commands like "heel," or sitting before crossing the street. Correct and redirect undesirable behaviors, such as pulling or barking.
🐾Chores: Use the "place" command while doing household chores. This helps with impulse control and stability. If they get up before released, put them back on place. Start in low increments of time and work your way up.
🐾Playtime: Integrate training into play by practicing commands like "come," "out", or "drop it." Have them sit prior to releasing the toy or reengaging with them.

Even when you're not formally teaching, your dog is always learning from you. Dog training is a lifestyle that requires continuous effort and consistency. By integrating training into your daily routine and being mindful of your interactions, you'll foster a well-behaved and happy dog. Remember, every moment is a training moment, and with patience and consistency, you'll build a strong and positive relationship with your dog!

Let's embrace dog training as a way of life, not just a moment in the day! If you need help, reach out; I'd love to work with you! 🐾💛

07/30/2024

𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜! 🐾

We've had an incredibly busy and rewarding last few days here, and we're thrilled to share some amazing progress updates with you!

🌟𝘙𝘰𝘳𝘺'𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴
Remember Rory from our Rescuing Rory post? He's been making incredible strides! Rory is mastering the concept of pressure and responding beautifully and happily to both an English slip lead and nominally low e-collar pressure. We are able to bust out the tools for training and he gets SO EXCITED to work! We recently completed a full walk with numerous dog exposures, and his reactions were minimal in comparison to prior experiences. Rory exceeded his prior thresholds, getting closer to other dogs while making excellent choices AND staying engaged with us. We're so proud of his progress!

🐶𝘓𝘦𝘰'𝘴 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
Leo, our shepherd/pit mix, has just finished his formal training, and his transformation is astounding. He went from only listening when it suited him and being reactive to other dogs, making walks difficult, to now heeling on and off-leash with spot-on recall. Leo has now visited dog parks and farmers markets, and he remained completely neutral when other dogs approached or walked by. In one instance, a dog lunged at him, and he simply picked up the pace and ignored the distraction. We also introduced him to swimming, which he absolutely LOVED!

💛T͟h͟a͟n͟k͟ Y͟o͟u͟ f͟o͟r͟ Y͟o͟u͟r͟ S͟u͟p͟p͟o͟r͟t͟!
Over the past few days, we've conducted 9 consults (wow!), with 6 of them coming from referrals. We are beyond excited, proud, and grateful for all of our clients. Thank you for your continued support! It’s such a joy to build and foster better relationships between owners and their dogs. I look forward to helping you strengthen your bond with your dogs!

🤝𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵!
We announced yesterday our new collaboration with Phoenix Waggy Tails, a fantastic dog daycare and boarding facility located in Phoenixville, PA!

🎓𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
To better serve you and your dogs, I have two upcoming educational opportunities! In August, I’ll be attending a schooling in Dauphin, PA, and in September, I’ll be heading to Utah for further training. These schools will deepen my understanding of dogs and enhance my training techniques, allowing me to provide the best possible service for you and your dogs. Ill soon be adding additional specialty/niche services to what I offer in the next calendar year!

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories. Happy training! 🐶✨

07/29/2024

🐾 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙩! 🐾

Titan K9 Dog Training is thrilled to announce our partnership with Phoenix Waggy Tails to bring you top-notch dog boarding, pet sitting, and dog daycare services! 🌟

Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway, a work trip, or just have a long day at the office, Phoenix Waggy Tails is here to ensure your dogs are in the b͟e͟s͟t͟ h͟a͟n͟d͟s͟.

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙭 𝙒𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙮 𝙏𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨?

🏡 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘋𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘚𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵: Your dogs will be grouped with similar-sized and temperament buddies to ensure they have the most enjoyable and safe experience.

🏞️ 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: From spacious indoor play areas to beautiful outdoor spaces, your pups will have plenty of room to roam, play, and relax.

🔒 𝘓𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘰𝘨𝘴: For safety and to prevent overstimulation, Waggy Tails limits the number of dogs they take each day. This ensures each dog gets the attention and care they deserve.

❤️ 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘦𝘵 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘗𝘙: Waggy Tails' dedicated team is trained in pet first aid and CPR, ready to handle any situation with expertise and care.

🌙 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦: For their boarding services, rest easy knowing someone will be with your dogs throughout the night, providing constant care and companionship.

Join us in enhancing the lives of dogs and their humans! 🐕✨ Contact Phoenix Waggy Tails today to book your dog’s stay, or Titan K9 Dog Training to learn more about our training services. Your dog will thank you!

📞 Text or Call for boarding/daycare info: 484-340-2090
📞 Text or Call for training info: 215-353-7117
🌐 www.PhoenixWaggyTails.net
🌐 www.TitanK9DogTraining.com

Our dog daycare features a generous 4,000 square feet of indoor play area space, carefully sectioned into three rooms. This allows dogs to be grouped by size and temperament, ensuring they can play and socialize in a supervised and safe environment. We also have an outdoor play area where the dogs a...

07/27/2024

✨𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜✨

💡Did you know that dogs, like many animals, often prefer to work for their food rather than having it handed to them for free? This fascinating behavior is known as contrafreeloading, and it can be a game-changer in dog training!

Sometimes trainers can put big fancy words out there, and really there's simpler terms that can be used. Contrafreeloading is just another way of saying, "desire to work for food", or having great "food drive" when it comes to working.

Having this drive built into them, makes training sessions more engaging and rewarding for your dog- not just with the training aspect, but eating itself becomes more rewarding for them. My one personal dog has so much of this trait, she will not eat if food is given to her in a bowl. When your dog is eager to work for their food or treats, they become more focused, motivated, and responsive to commands. Having a dog with this natural drive can transform your training experience!

𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚
If your dog doesn’t naturally exhibit 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, don’t worry! You can build this drive with a few simple techniques:

🐾𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘶𝘻𝘻𝘭𝘦𝘴:
I prefer to hand feed; however alternate items can be used if you're lacking the time in the moment. Use puzzle toys or slow feeders to make mealtime a fun challenge. This encourages your dog to work for their food, stimulating their mind and satisfying their natural instincts.

🐾𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥:
Incorporate training into their feeding routine! This is something I typically ask my clients to do anyway, especially when weight gain is a concern. Ask your dog to perform simple commands before giving them their meal or a treat. This reinforces the idea that working leads to rewards/food. This can be much harder to do if you free-feed, so keep that in mind as well!

🐾𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘴:
Hide small portions of their meal or treats around the house or yard. Let your dog use their nose and brain to find the food, turning feeding time into an exciting adventure.

🐾𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺:
Engage in play that involves problem-solving, like tug-of-war with rules or fetch with commands. This keeps your dog mentally stimulated and eager to participate.

By incorporating these activities, you can foster a strong working food-based drive in your dog. Not only does this make training more effective, but it also provides mental enrichment, reduces boredom, and strengthens your bond with your dog.

🌟𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚
A dog preloaded with this drive naturally is a joy to train! They can be more engaged/focused, eager to learn, and motivated to please. Plus, it turns everyday activities into opportunities for mental stimulation and bonding. Embrace their drive and watch your dog’s enthusiasm for training soar!

Share your experiences and tips on how you’ve built or utilized your dogs natural food drive in your dog’s training routine! Maybe what you do, can help others too! If you need help with this concept, reach out! I'd love to help! 🐾💛

Happy training!