Elkhorn Dog Services

08/04/2024

Have you ever given a command multiple times or tried to correct your dog's behavior and your they ignored you? If a dog knows they can get away with bad choices with little to no consequences, they will continue to push boundaries.

When you give a command, and your dog doesn't obey, first, ensure your dog understands what you're asking them to do. If they don't understand or fully know the command, showing them the appropriate behavior will allow more accuracy in the future!

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Please keep in mind that our videos only show short clips from longer training sessions. Every dog responds differently to different tools and a good trainer will adapt their training to best fit your dog. If you need assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer. Please message us at to schedule your virtual or in person consult today!

07/23/2024

Just because you CAN bring your dog, doesn't mean you should! While I love to advocate for enriching our dogs' lives, there is an appropriate time and place. Your dog doesn't need to go everywhere!

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Please keep in mind that our content only show short clips from longer training sessions. Every dog responds differently to different tools and a good trainer will adapt their training to best fit your dog. If you need assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer. Please message us at to schedule your virtual or in person consult today!

07/13/2024

There are a plethora of options for boarding dogs these days. 'Gig' economy options like Wag and Rover are a cesspool of incompetence. There is no legitimate oversight, care is often negligent, and it is not uncommon for animals to get injured, lost, or even killed.

Of course, there's always the neighbor kids, a relative, or a paid pet sitter whose bonafides may or may not include insurance, some form of bond, and permits if required.

Established groomers have taken a real hit post-covid when everybody and their mother thought that handling sharp implements around nervous pets was a cakewalk. Every 16 year old that 'loves doggies' and has a driver's license is offering 5 dollar nail trims at clients' homes.

Well, ya gotta know how *that's* gonna turn out. The community groups on Facebook are overrun by posts offering low-cost, cage free, concierge care.

Which is fine...

But...

The people who are looking for these services are invariably the ones whose dog never leaves the property, has to be sedated to be handled at the vet's office, and has been kicked out of every grooming shop and boarding kennel in the county.

The post I ripped out a few days ago about how the clarion call of "My dog doesn't like..." is the reddest of red flags for dogs that need behavior remediation.

Sticking a dog like that where it can make bad choices is a good indicator that someone's going home with a few extra holes.

In an Instagram post I saw earlier this week, a groomer I respect and admire () posted a clip of a pup on a bed in a cage with the comment "When the people on the internet are arguing how cages are bad but you just chillen, waiting for mom to pick you up."

I left a comment. I had to. I always advise my clients to avoid anybody who doesn't have their dogs' safety as their #1 concern.

Cageless boarding, grooming, whatever, isn't sound business practice when it comes to animals that are unknown to each other. Have a bunch of dogs milling around while attending humans are occupied, and it's a recipe for bloodshed.

Social media is rife with these incidents. So is the news.

They happen with increasing regularity. Like the number of bulldogs that overheat at the box store and turn blue from a lack of oxygen. Doubt me? Look it up yourself. A half dozen or more in the last few years.

I'm sorry, all it would take me is twice to determine that my brachycephalic breed dog can wait to be groomed at my vet, during the cooler months, or I can plunk that animal into a tub and bathe it myself.

Why two? The first is a give. Accidents happen, and bulldogs are notoriously fragile. Sinus Nares and all. The second is less a coincidence and more an emerging pattern.

But back to "cage free."

"Cage free" isn't the badge of virtue signaling honor folks are trying to make it out to be.

In all honesty, it stinks of ignorance and indifference.

Years ago. I mean, probably close to thirty, I went on vacation and left my two dogs at a boarding kennel that I had a relationship with.

They were inappropriate with my youngest dog, Hopi, and she was implicated in a bite incident.

It was convenient for them to blame me when, in fact, it was their mismanagement.

I severed my relationship with this kennel when they failed to honor their obligation to the employee that was bitten.

I was not there, but testimony of both the victim and a witness determined that 1) they weren't even clear that my dog was the actual biter and 2) their mismanagement of multiple dogs in an open space where there should have been no loose dogs precipitated the injury.

Of course, the victim was trying to break up a fight when *my* dog was attacked by a dog of the same breed.

Because cheap labor is cheap. It's a dime a dozen. The only criterion is "must love dogs."

I don't care how good you are, how good you think you are or how good you want to be, you don't have eyes in the back of your head, and you increase the likelihood of issues when you compound variables.

Do accidents happen? Sure, they do. But as service providers, it is our JOB to at least try to ensure safety to the property of others.

So please, be smart. Think in terms of safety and not virtue signaling.

06/26/2024

06/25/2024

06/12/2024

There is nothing wrong to use your dog's kibble when training - in fact I often encourage it! By having more control of your dog's eating habits and intake. If a dog isn't willing to eat while training, I'll end the session and try again later. Your dog will quickly learn to associate training time with mealtime, which will increase their motivation and focus.

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Every dog responds differently to different tools and a good trainer will adapt their training to best fit your dog. If you need assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer. Please message us at to schedule your virtual or in person consult today!

06/05/2024

Happy 7th Birthday Molly 😍🎉

05/23/2024

When looking to bringing a new dog into your home, please remember to do your research first. Some breeds are NOT well suited for specific lifestyles, which can prevent destructive behaviors. While the appearance of a dog can be appealing, consider factors such as energy level, breed size, grooming needs, temperament, training needs, and compatibility with your daily routine. Anything else you look for when adding a furry friend to your family?

05/13/2024

Do you have a pup in need of an AKC Canine Good Citizen test? 🐾❤️

Limited to 5 pups per class | $200 for 3 classes (testing will occur on the final date)

- for any dog regardless of age, breed, or level of training
- 3 training classes in Midway, KY from 6:30-7:30pm
- 10 specific test items to help your dog earn their Good Canine Citizen title!

Limited spots for both classes. Call, text, or email to receive your spot today!

📞 (859) 221-1760
📧 [email protected]
💻 elkhorndogservices.com

04/28/2024

Last chance to enter and win FREE private dog training lessons ❤️

🐾🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉🐾

We're celebrating our first year anniversary here at Elkhorn Dog Services, and what better way to mark this special occasion than by giving back to our amazing community of dog lovers!

To show our appreciation for your support, we're excited to announce that we're giving away 5 FREE private dog training lessons! Whether you're a new customer or a loyal friend who's been with us from the start, this giveaway is open to anyone looking to build a better relationship with their dog!

Entering is easy:
1️⃣ Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
2️⃣ Comment below with a picture of your adorable fur baby.
3️⃣ Share this post on your feed or story to spread the love!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to bond with your furry friend and unleash their full potential! Our private training sessions are tailored to suit your pup's unique needs. Plus, don't worry if you're not in Lexington – virtual lessons are available too!

🎉 Giveaway ends April 31, 2024, at midnight EST. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on May 5th.

Winner will have 1 year to complete the 5 training lessons.

04/05/2024

🐾🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎉🐾

We're celebrating our first year anniversary here at Elkhorn Dog Services, and what better way to mark this special occasion than by giving back to our amazing community of dog lovers!

To show our appreciation for your support, we're excited to announce that we're giving away 5 FREE private dog training lessons! Whether you're a new customer or a loyal friend who's been with us from the start, this giveaway is open to anyone looking to build a better relationship with their dog!

Entering is easy:
1️⃣ Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
2️⃣ Comment below with a picture of your adorable fur baby.
3️⃣ Share this post on your feed or story to spread the love!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to bond with your furry friend and unleash their full potential! Our private training sessions are tailored to suit your pup's unique needs. Plus, don't worry if you're not in Lexington – virtual lessons are available too!

🎉 Giveaway ends April 31, 2024, at midnight EST. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on May 5th.

Winner will have 1 year to complete the 5 training lessons.

03/29/2024

It’s official! Our new website has just launched and we can’t wait to further celebrate with an exciting giveaway that will be announced within the next few days! Thank you to everyone that has supported us during our first year in business! ❤️❤️

Visit our website at elkhorndogservices.com!

02/24/2024

Have you ever thought about a tired dog versus a calm dog? Do you know the difference? Which do you think is more beneficial for your dog?

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Please keep in mind that every dog responds differently to different tools and a good trainer will adapt their training to best fit your dog. If you need assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer. Please message us at to schedule your virtual or in person consult today!

02/23/2024

Happy 1st Birthday to these sweet boys. 🎁🎂
Max and Pal are working hard even on their Birthday. Learning how to be well mannered pups now! They have been working super hard on learning how not to jump on guests, pull on the leash and only using their listening ears when it suites them.

02/07/2024

Dogs thrive on clear boundaries, consistent training, and understanding their natural instincts. They don't care about having the fanciest accessories or a million toys - all they want is YOU.

You create a safe, secure environment that promotes trust, respect, and a strong bond to meet your dog's physical and mental needs.

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Please keep in mind that our videos only show short clips from longer training sessions. Every dog responds differently to different tools and a good trainer will adapt their training to best fit your dog. If you need assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional dog trainer. Please message us at to schedule your virtual or in person consult today!

02/02/2024

Even well-trained dogs benefit from continued mental stimulation and learning opportunities. It's easy for them to get confused with inconsistent training, which can make it more challenging for them to understand what is expected. By providing a stable and consistent routine, you will continue to set your dog up for success!

01/15/2024

SNOW Day!! Love to see your pups in the snow. It will give me something to enjoy well I defrost. Percy and Blue don’t understand the whole if your owner is cold bring her inside thing.

12/31/2023

I am so overjoyed at the turn out of our first KY Dog Trainer get together 🥰 I hope to host many more of these in the future so that as a community, we can come together to help more dogs!

Check out these other amazing local trainers!

Mikscellaneous Pawsibilities
Blue County K9
Elkhorn Dog Services
The Super Collies

12/29/2023

As we approach the end of the year, we're reflecting on the incredible journeys we've shared with you and your furry companions! Now, we want to hear from you! What are your dog training goals for 2024?

Whether it's conquering new tricks, overcoming behavioral challenges, or strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged friend, we're here to make those goals a reality. Comment below or send us a message and let's chat about how we can tailor our training programs to meet your unique aspirations for 2023!

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄🐾

12/11/2023

Not protecting dog is possessing.

12/05/2023

Fantastic post m! many many reactivity issues with dogs and people can be avoided and solved early on.

11/24/2023

Yelling louder for the people in the back

My dog is not my child.

My dog is not my furbaby.

I am not her mother, I am her trainer. The word trainer is not a bad word, it means leader, supporter,disciplinary.. and friend.

My dog is my friend. She is my partner and my companion. To treat her like a child, to infantilize her and make it seem as though she needs my constant coddling or protection, would be unfair to her.

She is an adult carnivore that I have brought into my human world. Because of that it is my responsibility as her owner:

1) To communicate with her in a way she can understand.

2) To provide leadership, discipline and mutual respect.

3) To understand her instincts and needs, and provide appropriate outlets for them.

4) To train her and provide her the skills to function effectively in our human world, including acceptable manners and behaviors including the veterinarian.

Our dogs deserve to be given responsibility and allowed to be adult creatures, not perpetual babies. Please, don't try to make them tiny humans, they aren't and they don't want to be. Dogs are wonderful because they are dogs. Let them be dogs.

Teach them to be good ones.

I couldn’t live a day without them..