Avid K9 Training

12/01/2024

Cyber Monday Sale 20% off virtual training programs
Don't miss out!

11/30/2024

Years ago, if a dog growled while eating, people simply said, 'Leave him alone while he eats!' Today, that same dog might be punished or even put down for expressing discomfort.

Back then, dogs were allowed to say, 'No.' They could communicate fear, pain, or unease. But now, we often expect dogs to always be happy and tolerant, no matter the situation. If they show fear, frustration, or boundaries, they’re quickly labeled as 'aggressive.'

Dogs communicate through their body language and behavior—it's their way of speaking to us. Instead of punishing these signals, we need to listen, respect their boundaries, and address the root of their discomfort.

Pay attention to what your dog is trying to tell you. They’re counting on you to understand!

🌐AvidK9.com

11/29/2024

Impulse Control Saves Lives 🐾

Dogs, regardless of breed, are natural chasers—whether it's a squirrel, car, or even a ball. Unfortunately, lack of impulse control has led to heartbreaking accidents that could have been avoided.

By teaching our dogs self-control, we're not just improving their behavior; we're protecting them from danger. A solid "stay," "leave it," or reliable recall could be the difference between life and tragedy.

As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to guide them. Impulse control isn’t just training—it’s a lifeline. Let's help our dogs make safer choices! 💪🐶

゚viral

11/28/2024

Why Dog Treadmills Are a Great Investment 🐾

1️⃣ Life Changes: Just welcomed a baby? 🎉 A treadmill is perfect for keeping your dog active when time for long walks isn’t always possible.

2️⃣ Busy Schedules: Got a packed calendar? ⏰ A treadmill session fits into your day, ensuring your dog burns off energy even when you can’t take them outside.

3️⃣ Weather Challenges: Rain, snow, or unbearable heat? 🌧️❄️☀️ A treadmill offers a safe and consistent exercise option indoors.

4️⃣ Cost-Effective Options: While dog-specific treadmills like Dog Pacers can be pricey, you can find affordable regular treadmills online, especially during Black Friday sales! 🛒

💡 Tip: Make sure the treadmill you choose has low speed settings and plenty of space for your dog to safely exercise.

11/27/2024

Thanksgiving Safety for Your Dog 🦃🍁

The holidays are a time for family—including our canine companions! But not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for your dog. Here’s a quick guide to what they can enjoy and what to avoid.

🚫 Foods to Avoid:
Turkey Skin or Bones: Can cause digestive upset or choking hazards.
Stuffing and Gravy: Often contain onions, garlic, or rich ingredients that are toxic.
Mashed Potatoes: Butter, cream, or seasoning make them a no-go.
Desserts: Especially chocolate, pie fillings, and anything with artificial sweeteners (like xylitol).
Alcohol and Caffeine: Even small amounts can be dangerous.

✅ Dog-Friendly Options:
Plain, cooked turkey (white meat only, no seasoning).
Cooked sweet potatoes or plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling).
Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots.
🍲 DIY Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipe:
Ingredients:

1 cup turkey (lean, cooked, chopped; white meat only)
1/2 cup sweet potato (cooked, mashed, no sugar/marshmallows)
1/4 cup green beans (steamed, chopped, unseasoned)
1/4 cup carrots (steamed, chopped)
1 tbsp plain pumpkin puree (no additives)
Optional Topping:

1/2 tsp dog-safe cranberry sauce (unsweetened, additive-free)
Benefits:

Turkey: High in protein and great for energy.
Sweet Potato: Rich in fiber and beta-carotene for digestion and immune support.
Green Beans: Low-calorie, full of vitamins C and K.
Carrots: A crunchy source of vitamin A, supporting vision and skin health.
Pumpkin Puree: Excellent for digestion and a healthy coat.
Mix the ingredients together for a tasty and nutritious holiday treat your dog will love!

🍽️ Keep in Mind:
Always feed these in moderation and avoid introducing new foods in large amounts. If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, check with your vet before offering something new.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pup! 🐾

11/26/2024

Socializing puppies the right way is about creating calm, positive experiences where they can learn and grow. Here’s how I approach it:

🐾 Controlled Environments: I take puppies to areas with controlled, well-behaved dogs or maintain a safe distance. The goal is exposure, not overwhelming them.

🐾 Teaching Calmness: I guide the puppy to settle on an elevated cot. This step requires patience—it might take a while, but it’s crucial. They learn to calm themselves instead of reacting to every stimulus.

🐾 Observation & Learning: Once relaxed, the puppy starts observing their surroundings. They learn by watching other dogs and people, absorbing how to behave without feeling pressure.

🐾 Boundaries Matter: This method also helps puppies understand that not all dogs want a bouncy puppy in their space. Respect and boundaries are key lessons in socialization.

Remember, socialization isn’t about flooding your puppy with new experiences; it’s about helping them process the world calmly and confidently. Take your time—it pays off in the long run! 🐕

11/26/2024

🐾 Let’s Talk Service Dogs in Training: Are You Asking Too Much? 🐾

One of the most common mistakes I see is people expecting their young service dog prospects to handle situations that are better suited for fully trained, mature dogs.

🚨 Here’s the issue:
Imagine a 5-month-old puppy on a crowded flight, expected to sit quietly and behave like a seasoned service dog. It’s not realistic or fair to the pup. Yet, this happens far too often.

Your dog may show promise, but it’s important to remember that a service dog in training is NOT the same as a fully trained service dog. They’re still learning, growing, and maturing—both physically and mentally.

🐶 Why is this a problem?
Pushing a young dog into overwhelming situations too soon can backfire in big ways:

Stress and anxiety: Overexposure to stimuli can lead to fear-based behaviors.
Setbacks in training: The dog might develop bad habits that are hard to undo.
Washouts: You risk your promising pup being unable to complete service work altogether.
Training a service dog is a journey, not a race. It's not just about teaching tasks. It’s about giving your dog the time and experiences needed to build confidence and reliability. This process can’t be rushed.

✨ So, what can you do instead?

Focus on age-appropriate exposure and socialization.
Gradually increase challenges as your dog matures and their training progresses.
Be fair with your expectations—your puppy isn’t an adult, and that’s okay.
Patience is key. The best service dogs aren’t rushed—they’re carefully trained and supported every step of the way.

👉 Let’s set our dogs up for success by meeting them where they are, not where we want them to be.

11/25/2024

Behavior modification programs often fail when they focus only on obedience instead of building a strong relationship with the dog. Trust is a critical element in helping a dog overcome fears and unwanted behaviors. When a dog feels safe and connected to their handler, they are more willing to explore new environments, face challenges, and learn healthier coping mechanisms. A strong relationship fosters trust, which helps reduce anxiety and creates a foundation where the dog feels supported. By prioritizing connection and understanding over rigid commands, you empower your dog to face their fears with confidence, knowing they can rely on you for guidance and safety.

11/18/2024

Meet Pisco, the Rat Terrier! 🐾 Before training, he struggled with reactivity toward people, dogs, and especially skateboards. 🎯 Our goal? Help him feel calm and confident around them.

Here’s how we tackled it:
✔ Built a strong bond through play-based training
✔ Polished his leash manners
✔ Introduced the skateboard with treats and play nearby
✔ Used YouTube skateboard sounds to get him used to the noise
✔ Took it slow, combining leash manners with gradually riding the skateboard

Training is about patience, trust, and fun—Pisco nailed it! 💪🐶

11/17/2024

Before I got Asuna, many in the Patterdale community told me these dogs are too stubborn, untrainable, and would never be off-leash.

I was determined to prove them wrong.

When I brought her home (after an 18-hour pandemic road trip!), I started with the basics: crate training for a safe space to decompress and play-based training focused on genetic fulfillment.

What I found wasn’t a “hard-to-train” dog, but one eager to learn and work.

Sure, she’s still a terrier—bold, independent, and not a fan of stranger dogs invading her space. But honestly, would you be okay with a stranger running up to you uninvited? Why should dogs be any different?

Asuna has taught me so much about training, patience, and understanding. Researching her breed and committing to her needs made all the difference. She’s not just my dog—she’s my partner.

Send a message to learn more

11/05/2024

The Impact of Early Spay & Neuter on Dogs: What You Should Know 🐾

While spaying and neutering are essential for controlling pet populations, the timing can have a significant impact on a dog’s physical health, mental well-being, and behavior. Let’s break down some key considerations on how early spay and neuter can affect dogs in each area:

🔹 Physical Health Risks
Spaying or neutering dogs too early can influence their growth and development. Studies show that early sterilization (before 1 year) may alter hormone levels that regulate growth, often leading to an increase in the risk of joint disorders, such as hip dysplasia and torn ligaments. Certain cancers, like bone and spleen cancers, also show a higher incidence in dogs that were altered early, especially in larger breeds.

🔹 Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Hormones play a role in mental development, so altering dogs too early may impact their maturity and social behaviors. Early neutering has been linked to increased fear and anxiety responses in some dogs, which can affect their adaptability to new environments and experiences.

🔹 Behavioral Changes
Hormones help regulate certain behaviors, especially in adolescence. Early spaying/neutering may sometimes lead to increases in aggression, reactivity, and attention-seeking behaviors, as some dogs may struggle to establish proper social cues and boundaries without the hormonal guidance during adolescence.

⏰ Timing Matters
The optimal age for spaying and neutering can vary by breed and individual health. Many vets recommend waiting until dogs are fully grown (often around 1-2 years for larger breeds) to reduce potential risks while still getting the benefits.

Always consult with your vet to discuss the best timing based on your dog’s breed, size, and lifestyle to support their healthiest, happiest life! 🐶💙

10/17/2024

Our dogs are like little mirrors, reflecting our emotions and energy back to us. If you’re feeling off—whether it's stress, anxiety, or just an overwhelming day—it’s totally okay to hit pause. Dogs pick up on our vibes, and when we’re not at our best, they can feel it too. Instead of pushing through and trying to train or take them for a walk when your headspace isn’t right, take a moment to care for yourself.

It’s perfectly fine to skip a training session or have a low-key day. Our connection with our dogs is more important than being "productive" all the time. Quality over quantity. It’s about building trust, not about ticking off checklists.

A calm, balanced you leads to a calm, balanced dog. Taking care of your mental health allows you to show up better for your pup when the time is right. So on those tough days, give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for both you and your dog.

Give yourself grace, and know that your bond with your dog doesn’t weaken because you took a day off. In fact, it strengthens when you honor your needs. Take a break, recharge, and when you’re ready, you’ll be able to give your dog the best of you.

10/13/2024

🚀 Transform Your Dog's Training AND Earn Rewards! 🚀

Know someone who could benefit from expert virtual dog training rooted in relationship-based, play-based techniques? Now’s the perfect time to refer them and earn exclusive rewards for both of you! 🐶🎉

When you refer a friend or family member to any of our K9 Training Packages or Subscription Plans, you unlock amazing benefits that make training even more fun and effective for you and your dog.

Here’s what you’ll earn with each referral:
🐕‍🦺 Free Bonus Training Session – Get a complimentary 30-minute virtual session to work on specific challenges using our playful, relationship-focused training methods.
📽️ Personalized Video Feedback – Send in a training video to receive detailed feedback on how to improve your techniques and strengthen your bond with your dog.
🌟 VIP One-on-One Coaching Call – After 3 referrals, enjoy a private 45-minute coaching call with me, where we’ll dive deep into your dog’s progress, refine your play-based approach, and tailor a custom strategy for success.
📋 Advanced Progress Tracker – Receive a customized progress tracking sheet to stay on top of your dog’s achievements while building a stronger, more playful bond.

Double the Benefits:
Your friend gets a free 15-minute consultation just for being referred by you!

💡 Hit Referral Milestones: The more you refer, the better the rewards—unlock advanced training tools, personalized plans, and exclusive private coaching, all while enhancing your relationship with your dog through play.

How to Refer:

Share this post or send them to our website.
Make sure they mention your name when signing up.
Enjoy the rewards while helping others strengthen their bond with their dogs!
Start referring today and watch your dog training experience reach the next level! 🐕💪

10/13/2024

If you’re serious about giving your dog a longer, healthier life, I highly recommend picking up The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker. This book goes beyond the basics of dog care and dives into cutting-edge research and actionable steps to help dogs live longer and healthier lives. It covers everything from optimal nutrition, the importance of fresh food, and how to incorporate more species-appropriate diets, to exercise, mental stimulation, and the role of environmental toxins.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how much control we really have over our dogs' health and well-being. From the food they eat to the products we use around the house, everything we do impacts their lifespan. The book even explores groundbreaking research on genetics, showing how lifestyle changes can influence not just the health of your dog today but also future generations.

The Forever Dog is a fantastic resource for dog owners of all experience levels. It makes the science easy to understand and provides actionable tips you can start applying today to help your dog thrive. If you’re passionate about giving your dog the best life possible, this book is an absolute must-read. Trust me, the information in here could be life-changing for your dog.

Let’s help our dogs live their longest, healthiest, and happiest lives together! 🐾

10/07/2024

Did you know that raw bones offer incredible benefits for your dog? 🦴 Here’s why you should consider incorporating them into your dog’s routine:

Natural Teeth Cleaning: Chewing raw bones helps scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath—nature’s toothbrush! 🦷✨

Mental Stimulation: Chewing is a great way to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated. It can reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors by giving them a healthy outlet for their natural instincts. 🧠🐶

Satisfies Chewing Instincts: Dogs have an innate need to chew, and raw bones are a safe, satisfying option that helps fulfill this primal urge. Providing the right chew can keep them happy and stress-free. 💪🐾

🔔 Reminder: Always choose the right size bone for your dog, avoid cooked bones, and supervise them while they chew to ensure safety.

Want to learn more about how to fulfill your dog’s natural needs? Follow for more tips! 🐕💚

10/02/2024

Dog Behavior & Training Webinar – This Saturday

Are you struggling with your dog's anxiety, reactivity, or fearfulness? This is your chance to learn how to understand and improve your dog's behavior with the right training approach!

In this webinar, I'll cover:
✅ Understanding your dog's behavior and what it means
✅ How you can help your dog overcome challenges
✅ What type of training will help your dog thrive

With over 10 years of experience in dog training and rehabilitation, I’ll provide practical advice to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

📅 Date: This Saturday PST
📍 Location: Online
🖊️ Sign Up: https://www.avidk9.com/virtual-group-classes

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools to support your dog!

09/19/2024

Need expert advice on your dog’s behavior, nutrition, or training? Book a 30-minute Dog Training Advice Call for just $50! 🐾

This quick, no-commitment call allows you to get tailored answers on anything from puppy socialization to solving behavioral challenges. Plus, if you choose to move forward with a virtual training package, the call fee will be applied to it!

Ready to support your dog’s journey? Let’s get started—click the link to book now!
https://www.avidk9.com/advice-call