Hackles & Hide K9 Academy

Hackles & Hide K9 Academy At H&H, we take a psychological approach to training from a dogs point of view. We specialize is healing and rehabilitation for K9 aggression and reactivity.

We also offer basic and advanced obedience using positive only methods.

Shutdown dogs are not acting neutrally; they are being submissive out of fear. Therefore, we should not assume that a do...
03/28/2025

Shutdown dogs are not acting neutrally; they are being submissive out of fear. Therefore, we should not assume that a dog's unresponsiveness to a situation is their acceptance .

Emotional shutdown in dogs suggests a history of trauma and abuse. Their trauma will create fear, causing the dog to go into shutdown mode when they are feeling overwhelmed.

It's really important to understand that when a dog is in this state, it can easily become a bite risk, not because they are aggressive, but because their signs were misread. A bite can occur when the dog is pushed past their limit . Biting is a dog's last resort and when pushed too far, they will react defensively.

Remember that dogs typically provide warning signs. Therefore, I recommend that all pet owners receive training in canine body language!! Having this understanding could potentially keep some dogs from being mislabeled as aggressive, keep dogs in their homes, keep children safe and prevent euthanasia.. Just saying!

Like i said, a shutdown dog will give you signs. Here are a few things to look out for:

⭐️ Avoiding eye contact

⭐️ Becoming stiff

⭐️ Ears back and tail tucked

⭐️ Head turned away

⭐️ Turning their body away

If you need help understanding your dog, please reach out to us! We are always happy to help!

One last thing.. HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Www.hacklesandhidek9.com
[email protected]

Because every great teammate deserves to be praised! 👊🏼Ashley, the amount of knowledge you have in your brain is nothing...
03/26/2025

Because every great teammate deserves to be praised! 👊🏼

Ashley, the amount of knowledge you have in your brain is nothing short of incredible. The work you do in canine rehabilitation and obedience is admirable. 🙌🏼 I'm lucky to have you on my team!

Here's a little about Ashley!..

Ashley is a certified professional dog trainer specializing in behavior modification and obedience training. Her expertise stems from extensive study of canine behavior to identify the underlying cause of behavioral problems.

Ashley holds a degree in Animal Science and relevant certifications in obedience training and instruction. Her experience includes veterinary technician work and collaboration with animal behaviorists.

Her training methods prioritize healing and growth through a compassionate and informed approach.

If your dog is struggling with reactivity, and you would like to schedule a consultation with Ashley, reach out!

Www.hacklesandhidek9.com
[email protected]
641-414-9644

03/21/2025

In today's fast-paced environment, prioritizing animal welfare remains the most important. While the desire for immediate results is understandable, we need to remember that real change takes time.

One really big part of canine rehabilitation that I talk about a lot is building self-confidence. A lack of self-confidence creates an unsure, shy, and anxious dog.

Small achievements are super impactful for anxious dogs. Therefore, gradual desensitization to new environments and experiences, with low-stress scenarios and slowly increasing difficulty, builds confidence and contributes to a happier, healthier life for your dog!!.. Even if it takes a while - they are worth it!!!!

If you are struggling to build confidence in your dog, please reach out!

One more thing.. HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Just like us a dogs mental and physical health go hand in hand.  A lack of physical health negatively impacts mental hea...
03/14/2025

Just like us a dogs mental and physical health go hand in hand. A lack of physical health negatively impacts mental health, and vice versa

With Springtime around the corner, it is so important to stay on top of vaccinations to help prevent illnesses that affect your dog mentally and physically.

Here is a list of viruses that can have a negative effect on your dogs overall health. 🦠

Parvovirus - how is it spread? F***l to mouth. This is an extremely contagious and dangerous virus it eats at dogs' regenerative digestive tissues in the small intestines, causing food to not be able to be digested. The most common place to contract this virus is from grass, dirt, and unpolished concrete.

Leptospirosis- how is it spread? Urine to mouth. Leptospirosis is a virus that damages the liver, kidneys, and heart. Most wildlife are carriers of this virus. Therefore, it can contaminate puddles, stagnant water, grass, dirt, and rodent holes. Dogs can also contract a latent virus and spread it to others. Common places to contract this virus are from dog parks, areas where wildlife have access to, and can be especially dangerous after it has rained a lot!

Distemper - how is it spread? This is a very hardy virus that can live for a long time without a host, which can make it much more dangerous! The most common place that it is contracted is from the grass and dirt!

When we don't feel good, we can be cranky.. your dog is the same way!

Happy Friday!

THIS is how dogs get labeled as bite risks and placed on the euthanasia list‼️(read on)This picture may seem cute but it...
03/07/2025

THIS is how dogs get labeled as bite risks and placed on the euthanasia list‼️(read on)

This picture may seem cute but it's actually pretty cringe. 🫠

Most dog bites involving kids occur within the home...Typically, I refer to this as a child problem, not a dog problem. In reality, it's a guardian problem.

Unfortunately, I see kids hanging all over dogs repeatedly, and yes, parents do argue with me about why it's okay.🥴

We need to do better and recognize that dogs are not toys; understanding canine body language and establishing clear boundaries with kids is crucial! Seriously!!!

The assumption that friendly dogs are incapable of aggression is wrong. ⭐️Research indicates otherwise.⭐️ And i've witnessed it time and time again!

Educate your kids on appropriate dog interaction and 🗣📣PLEASE STOP ASSUMING YOUR SWEET FAMILY DOG WONT BITE!!!!

Advocate for both children and dogs. Let's stop setting them up to fail! 👊🏼

Here are some things I always tell my clients:

1. In the face is NOT the place!

2. Eating is not the time for greeting!

3. Be an inviter, not an invader!

4. Never touch a sleeping dog!

5. Lastly, if you don't want the dog to steal the baby's food, don't give it treats from the baby's tray!..I know this one is a two way street. If you need help setting boundaries with your dog reach out.

That is all.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Something that every single person needs to understand is the ladder of aggression (read on for a simplified explanation...
02/28/2025

Something that every single person needs to understand is the ladder of aggression (read on for a simplified explanation .. I tried to keep it short 😜)

Dogs are being labeled as aggressive way more than they should. If you really pay attention to your dog, they are giving you a warning. A bite is always a dogs last resort!

It's really important to remember that each dog exhibits unique behaviors and progresses through the stages of aggression differently.

Consider the "ladder of aggression" as a model where the length represents the duration of the escalation, and each rung represents a specific behavioral event. Lower rungs typically involve longer durations, varying by individual dog. Furthermore, not all dogs display the same warning signs; some exhibit clear indicators (whale eye, lip licking, yawning, ear position changes, jaw movements), while others may show fewer overt signs. However, some form of warning is usually present.

From the dogs perspective, a minor irritant (e.g., an itchy area) may elicit a brief, low-level aggressive response, whereas a more significant event may result in a more intense and prolonged reaction. This aligns with the "trigger stack" principle, where accumulated stressors reduce the time before aggression.

Training focused on stimulus management and maintaining the dogs composure in challenging situations can significantly increase the time before aggressive behaviors happen!

Check out the photos for a really cool visual of the ladder (thank you ).

If you need some help understanding your pals reactivity, and ways to make the situation better - reach out!! We're here to help. 👊🏼

One last thing, HAPPY FRIDAY!

MARION! I spotted a dog on my way home and stopped to report the sighting; the dog decided she wanted to come in my car,...
02/26/2025

MARION! I spotted a dog on my way home and stopped to report the sighting; the dog decided she wanted to come in my car, so here we are. Please spread the word! She's safe with me.

Have you ever noticed the automatic sit when your dog sees food? This is called a conditioned response. While charming, ...
02/22/2025

Have you ever noticed the automatic sit when your dog sees food? This is called a conditioned response. While charming, rewarding unsolicited sitting behavior is not recommended (I know it's hard to resist! 😅 lol).

A conditioned response is simply a learned reaction where they associate a neutral stimulus with something significant. It's as if, when one event consistently precedes another, they learn to anticipate it.. (TREATS, TREATS, TREATS!!!)

However, this phenomenon extends beyond food. Conditioned responses can be triggered by other dogs - positive and negative past experiences significantly influence their reactions to other animals!

Dogs are interesting.

One last thing—Happy Friday!

Happy National Love Your Pet Day!  While we cherish our pets every day, let's celebrate them today.Here are the dogs of ...
02/20/2025

Happy National Love Your Pet Day! While we cherish our pets every day, let's celebrate them today.

Here are the dogs of H&H 💚

We would love to see photos of your pals!

Given the current frigid temperatures, please minimize your dog's outdoor time.  Keep trips outside brief!!!
02/18/2025

Given the current frigid temperatures, please minimize your dog's outdoor time. Keep trips outside brief!!!

Dogs have a love language of their own. A dog's expression of affection is diverse, ranging from playful tail wags and e...
02/14/2025

Dogs have a love language of their own.

A dog's expression of affection is diverse, ranging from playful tail wags and energetic licking to bringing you their most cherished toys, and being your shadow (also known as a velcro dog - I'm not mentioning any names, but ⭐️BRUCE⭐️).

Dogs have so many ways to say, "I love you."

It is easy to focus on the hard times, but it is important to acknowledge the good. To them, you are the world.

Happy Valentine's Day ❤️💘🩷

Happy birthday to Ashley!Your knowledge about animals and passion to help them blow us away. You are wise beyond your ye...
02/14/2025

Happy birthday to Ashley!

Your knowledge about animals and passion to help them blow us away. You are wise beyond your years.

We are lucky to have you and Blizzard on our team! 🩷

Congratulations to the graduating class on successfully completing Ashley's Fundamental Obedience Training program!!This...
02/12/2025

Congratulations to the graduating class on successfully completing Ashley's Fundamental Obedience Training program!!

This achievement marks a big step toward building strong human-animal bonds and enhancing canine confidence. 👊🏼

Www.hacklesandhidek9.com
[email protected]

Yesterday we had the pleasure of talking about canine behavior at La Bella Pet Spa .  Their commitment to creating a saf...
02/08/2025

Yesterday we had the pleasure of talking about canine behavior at La Bella Pet Spa . Their commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for all dogs is commendable!!! The spa's recognition of the stress in dog grooming, and their proactive efforts to mitigate it, speaks volumes!! 👊🏼

Hey, HUMAN! This is for 🫵🏼🫵🏼.And no, I'm not judging anyone.I just want you to be aware that your dog is not "bad", they...
02/08/2025

Hey, HUMAN! This is for 🫵🏼🫵🏼.

And no, I'm not judging anyone.

I just want you to be aware that your dog is not "bad", they're probably just living in an environment where they are unable to thrive.

Before calling a dog "aggressive," we need the whole story. I'm not saying you need a canine psych degree (though understanding dogs helps every owner), but there are things to think about when you have a dog.

One really MAJOR thing that i need to address is picking a dog that fits your lifestyle. It's incredibly important to research your breed before bringing a dog into your home (even the mutts have DNA!).

It's SO common - dogs end up in homes totally unsuited to them – the family's lifestyle just doesn't fit the dog's needs. Not getting the mental stimulation they require, or not getting the exercise they need are both examples of this.

When dogs can't do what they're naturally wired to do, they will make their own "jobs" – like shredding your favorite blanket or digging holes.. or herd your kids 🫣

Failing to meet their physical and mental needs leads to "bad behavior" – reactivity, aggression, and a stressful home.

We see multi-dog homes with zero structure or rules. And dogs left to free-feed or not crate-trained. There are breeds that have a hard time coexisting living under the same roof.

We see dogs needing child-free homes stuck with kids running wild.

Lets consider a dog's ancestral lineage. Canine domestication has resulted in a lifestyle dictated by human expectations, although the genetic implications are waaayyy overlooked. Behavioral issues are not always solely obedience-related; typically, a lack of understanding canine psychology is the underlying cause.

I'm not judging, I think most people get dogs with good intentions.

But once we understand the minds of our dogs and their needs, things will improve, and we'll have happier, well-balanced dogs.

Don't beat yourself up. If you're having issues in the home, let us help you understand your dog and what we need to do to make positive changes in their life and yours.

One last thing - HAPPY FRIDAY!

[email protected]
Www.hacklesandhidek9.com

02/01/2025

📣 DOG WALK-AND-TRAIN IS HERE! 📣 [sound up]

Our Walk and Train program emphasizes structured walks designed to build your dog's confidence, desensitize them to triggers, and establish strong leash manners. It will also equip you with the skills you need to understand canine communication and effectively manage unforeseen circumstances.

Unable to join our walks? No problem. Detailed recordings of each walk will be sent to you by the end of the day to ensure you have a full understanding of what to do. 👊🏼

Walking your dog should not be overwhelming. So, if you're ready to enjoy walks with your bud, reach out!

Packages and single sessions available!

[email protected]
Www.hacklesandhidek9.com

A few weeks ago, we put out a plea for a good home for Captain. He was due to go back to Oklahoma where shelters and fos...
01/27/2025

A few weeks ago, we put out a plea for a good home for Captain. He was due to go back to Oklahoma where shelters and fosters were full.

I'm thrilled to say that today he finally went to his new forever home!

Thank you so much for all the shares! That's how he found his family!

Heres to better days ahead, Captain 👊🏼

Also, I need to give the biggest thank you to Sarah at Dog Star . Your compassion for animals really showed the past few weeks. Thank you so much for everything you did to keep Captain safe!!!!

01/24/2025

Have you ever wondered why your dog humps?

👉🏼Humping is often misinterpreted as a display of dominance, when in reality, it's actually a displacement behavior!

For example, in this video, Riley lacks proper introductions to other dogs. Consequently, he doesn't know how to be social or play, so he resorts to a familiar behavior that can also appear dominant.
🔅This is a classic example of displacement behavior.🔅

It's important to reiterate that hu***ng is not inherently a dominance behavior. Dominance itself is a complex subject, and in multi-dog households, the dynamics of dominance can shift depending on the specific circumstances.

These behaviors are typically the result of stress/anxiety.. I see this a lot!

Also, I don't typically laugh when I see this happen! It was definitely a "had to be there" moment. Hah!!!...

One more thing.. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

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6270 Partners Avenue Suite #311
Marion, IA
52302

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