Hackles & Hide K9 Academy

12/06/2025

✨️TRAINING MISTAKE✨️

*Leash Preasure*.. lets talk about it 😯

Now, are leash pressures a bad thing?.. Not necessarily! But there certainly needs to be a balance. Naturally, dogs learn through gentle pressures and opportunities!

HOWEVER, too much pressure can make a dog overly sensitive, which may lead to avoidance and sometimes even avoidance aggression 👀

Avoidance aggression happens when a dog feels so much pressure that even tiny cues from people or other dogs make them go into defense mode.

So how do we use pressure the right way?
✨️Time.✨️

We give the dog a moment to think and choose. If they start making the wrong choice, we interrupt gently before the behavior happens and guide them toward a better option.

For example:

In this video at PetSmart, Lena spots a big dog. She starts to drop her body (her “tell”), so I interrupt by calling her name and reward her for looking at me. After that, she keeps making better choices on her own..and gets paid for it! 🙌🏼

Get it girl!

If you need help understanding your dog.. REACH OUT!!!

Ashley: [email protected]

Mike: [email protected]

Www.hacklesandhidek9.com

12/04/2025

I know this is a little off topic, but I wanted to ask here before posting elsewhere. I have a large bag of little boy toys (excavators, fire trucks, and other toddler favorites) and I’d love for them to go to a family who could really use them this holiday season.

All of the toys are clean, in great working condition, and ready to make a little one smile 😃

If you could use them, please feel free to message me privately...no need to feel embarrassed at all! 🎄

Im happy to deliver them!!

12/03/2025

🎄🐾SECOND ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER PAWTY! 🎄🐾

Break out your ugliest, sparkliest, and most fabulously hideous holiday sweaters.. because it’s time for our Second Annual Ugly Sweater Party!

✨️When: December 14th
✨️Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
✨️Where: The Cedar Rapids Humane Society
✨️Entry: Donation to the Humane Society if you are able.

We will have food and sweet treats!

❄️This is a NO DOG event! We are hoping to have a few adaptable dogs walking around. So out of respect for them, please leave yours at home!❄️

Let’s celebrate the season, support a wonderful cause, and fill the room with joy, laughter, and truly questionable sweater choices. 😵🎅

Stay tuned for a list of small animal businesses and rescues that'll be there showing off their stuff.!

Hope to see you there!! 🍭

11/30/2025

When we understand the behavior, we can help change it. Knowing why helps us respond with compassion, not frustration. We chose to be their voice. The animals are worth it ✌🏼

11/27/2025

Co-regulation: On days like today, with all the extra noise and commotion, our animals can feel a little more on edge.

Animals are naturally wired to sync their nervous systems with another calm animal or human...This shared regulation helps them steady their emotions and feel safe.

Today, my boy really needed that. He sought out the calmest soul in the house and settled right into her peace.

Thankful for my boy 🤎.. and cousin Lauren's gentle nature.🫶🏼

11/27/2025

We are so thankful for every one of you who supports us!

Your encouragement keeps us moving forward in our purpose. 🫶🏼✨️ We appreciate you every single day!✨️

🦃 Mike and Ashley

11/22/2025

COME SEE US!!! Eastern Iowa Pet Expo

11/22/2025

Please come see us at the Eastern Iowa Pet Expo Grinchmas in Whoville!!! At the armory. 10-3!!

11/21/2025

✨️Kia has a history of showing aggression toward kids and unfamiliar people.✨️

In situations like this, the handler’s clarity and stability are SO IMPORTANT.

In the video, I’m guiding the handler through the interaction so they can navigate the moment with steady, effective leadership.

It’s not always the dog’s emotional state we need to adjust first! Sometimes we must support the human so they can provide the structure their dog needs to succeed in difficult situations. ✌🏼

If you need help, reach out!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Mike: [email protected]

Ashley: [email protected]

Www.hacklesandhidek9.com

11/20/2025

Presentation Day

Changing the way dogs are understood 🙌🏼

11/18/2025

In case you missed it 👀

TIS THE SEASON FOR THE GRINCH! THE EASTERN IOWA PET EXPO'S GRINCHMAS IN WHOVILLE IS COMING UP. HERE WITH THE DETAILS ON HOW YOUR HEART COULD GROW THREE SIZES BIGGER THIS SATURDAY IS CHARLENE ALLAIRE FROM THE EASTERN IOWA PET EXPO, ALONG WITH KYLE SOLOMON OF KYLE SOLOMON PHOTOGRAPHY AND PODCASTER EMI...