Black Creek K-9, LLC

What do you do to keep your dog mentally stimulated? The key is finding something that hits on genetics, drive and several senses at once. For Odyn, toy is life. I know he will work for it, and I know he will use every ounce of energy he has finding it. So, before his walk, I come hide his toy. Then he receives his preparation, in this case an off leash Down Stay. When I see that he is stable and focused the game begins. We do this several times at varying degrees of difficulty. He gets some obedience, a hunt using his nose, eyes and sometimes ears, and an instant reward when he is successful. Have fun with your dog! You will both remember it.

Lola learns to down

A little long but a great watch for puppy owners. At the start, Lola had never been given a down command nor had she been shaped on the behavior, as you can see from her actions. Through patience, proper shaping, marking and reward timing, we were able to quickly begin to imprint a new behavior. Additionally, we were able to take steps in our command presentation work towards a standing command from the handler without having to be down at the dogs level. As we train, the hand commands will become less exaggerated, leading to the ability to give hand commands from a distance or full standing posture without having to bait the dog into position using food. You can also see me allowing her to bring herself back into focus from distraction by making some interesting noise and a little bit of food motivation. I’m not “chasing” her for attention or demanding her to pay attention, allowing her to believe that giving me her focus and attention is her idea.

Discussion time! A properly fit prong collar can be a great tool. This, is NOT a properly fit and utilized prong collar. Additionally, correction collars ( prong, choke, martingale) should NEVER be used with a retractable leash in any situation. (We don’t recommend retractable leashes anyway) Before using any equipment on your pup, familiarize yourself with proper fit and function, and never use equipment you don’t absolutely need. Dogs, like people don’t all learn the same. Some dogs can become rockstars in obedience with a simple “good boy” and a scratch on the ear. Others can be a little more stubborn. Dog Training methods are as varied as the dog breeds themselves. If you have questions on any piece of equipment for your dog, from collars and harnesses to kennels and food bowls, give us a call!

A few years ago, Jackson was found wandering and given a loving caring home. His owner, a Licensed Therapist, came to us in August 2020 wondering if he could be put to work. Fearful, Shy, closed off, anxious and untrusting were a few of the things I saw at that first meeting. But a lot of slow work, patience, clear communication during training, and LOTS of socialization and a truckload of treats and positive experience and 2 years of hard work later, Jackson is now volunteering his time to brighten peoples day!

Hores intro

Just helping a handsome little farm dog learn to be a good boy!

If you know you know. If you understand what he’s saying, you are our kind of people! video- @gsdmurph

Pure Pupdemonium at the vet’s office!!!

Shane got Luna out to Spring Park in Green Cove to work with her owner on some skills as part of her board and train. Slowly working into the real world, and keeping training fun is what it’s all about!

Luna has been working session training with Shane and her owner as part of a comprehensive training plan. She just began the board and train portion of her training schedule Sunday, with a free day Monday of play and socialization. This morning’s lesson was distance stay with distractions. Those are her 3 favorite toys in the play yard getting tossed her way! We can’t wait to see where she is in 4 weeks time! Clear positive and corrective behavior marks, a little calm but firm reassurance and lots of praise = results!

Gunner getting the hang of it quick! A week of obedience fundamentals before he goes out to meet the world! If you see us out next week, stop and say hi!

Not feeling the greatest, but Stella said I couldn’t slack off. This little girl has the right stuff!

“Enzo” at full speed… We are working to install some higher performance brakes.. Seriously though, How can you not LOVE that face!!

Odyn Adoption

had to break the news to him.. I tried to do it gently..

Zoey

This is one of the reasons why we utilize the “place bed” for training. Zoey understands that she has free range to move, stretch, etc as long as she stays on the bed. Even with the absolute chaos around her she did what she was supposed to! By allowing her this small bit of freedom to move around while staying in location, it alleviates her anxiety, and gives her a reference point.

"Shadow" working on environmentals, distractions and heights!

Oliver showing off his place, down and recall. He is such an amazing pup!

Oliver working the place, sit and down! Don't mind the loud background noise.. I think distraction is key to successful training. 🤣

Loose leash heeling.. Check ✔ Automatic sit upon stop.. Check ✔

Finally got some sunshine and working on loose leash walking with Oliver. No more pulling!

Rune

Recall doesn’t get much better than that! Rune leaving food distraction on single command, and didn’t even look back.