Blue’s K9 Tips & Tricks

02/21/2025

Congratulations 🐾 to Ember for graduating basic obedience! 🎉 Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Keep shining with all those new skills, Ember! 🐾

02/20/2025

A Myth about Dog Training

Using a crate is cruel

Crate training is a safe and effective way to provide your dog with their own personal space and establish good habits. The misconception that crates are cruel comes from the idea that dogs are being confined as a form of punishment. In reality, dogs see their crate as a den-a safe, cozy environment, where they can relax, and feel secure. When used correctly, crates can prevent destructive behavior, aid in potty training, and make travel safer. It’s about creating a positive association with the crate, and not using it as a form of isolation. 

02/19/2025

A myth about Dog Training.

Playing Tug-of-War encourages Aggression

Tug-of-war is a fun, interactive game that strengthens the bond between you and your dog, and it does not inherently encourage aggression. In fact, it can teach your dog to listen to commands like ‘drop it’ or ‘leave it’ and can help them burn off energy in a positive way. The key is to set boundaries during play. If your dog starts showing signs of aggression, like growling, or becoming overly possessive of the toy, it’s time to stop and reinforce calm behavior. Properly managing tug of work and actually teach self control. 

02/19/2025

A myth about Dog Training.

A dog who chews on things is seeking revenge.

It’s easy to assume that your dog is chewing your favorite shoes, or tearing up furniture out of spite. However, dogs don’t have the ability to seek revenge. Destructive chewing is usually a sign of boredom, anxiety, or lack of proper mental stimulation. Dogs need outlets for their energy and chewing is a natural behavior. Providing appropriate chew toys, engaging in regular exercise, and offering mental challenges can help curve this behavior and prevent your dog from turning to your belongings for entertainment.

You can accomplish these tasks by doing things such as: taking your dog for a walk, engaging in play-time, training sessions, providing puzzle toys, and more!

02/17/2025

A myth about Dog Training

Dogs will grow out of bad behaviors on their own

It’s a common belief that puppies or younger dogs will eventually grow out of bad behaviors like chewing, barking excessively, or jumping up. While it’s true that some behaviors naturally decrease as a dog matures, relying on time alone won’t always solve the problem. Without proper training and guidance, these behaviors can become ingrained habits. The sooner you address undesirable behaviors with consistent training, the more likely you are to prevent them from becoming lifelong issues.

02/16/2025

A myth about Dog Training.

Punishment is Necessary To Correct Bad Behavior.

Punishment can have serious long-term consequences on your relationship with your dog. Rather than using punishment to correct bad behavior, modern Dog Training emphasizes positive reinforcement and redirection. Dogs don’t understand punishment in the same way humans do. Instead of learning, what to do, they often become fearful, anxious, or confused. Redirecting unwanted behavior and rewarding positive actions as far more effective in creating lasting change and maintaining a healthy bond. 

02/15/2025

A myth about Dog Training.

Using treats in training leads to bribery.

This myth assumes that rewarding a dog with treats is a form of bribery, but in reality, it’s a powerful tool for reinforcing positive behavior. Dogs learn best when they are rewarded immediately after performing the desired behavior, and treats are an effective way to provide that immediate reinforcement. Overtime, dogs associate good behavior with rewards, and they continue to perform it. The goal is to gradually reduce treats as the behavior becomes ingrained, but initially, they are essential for teaching. 

02/14/2025

A Myth about Dog Training.

Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.

It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! While it’s true, that younger dogs may learn more quickly due to their higher energy levels, older dogs still have the ability to learn and adapt. In fact, older dogs make excellent students because they tend to be more focused and less distracted. The key to training an older dog is using methods that cater to their pace, being patient, and offering plenty of rewards and praise to keep them motivated.

02/13/2025

A myth about Dog Training

You must be the ‘alpha’ to train your dog.

The idea of being the ‘alpha’ in a pack is a misconception that has been widely spread in the Dog Training world. It’s rooted in outdated research on wolves and missapplied to domesticated dogs. The truth is, dogs are social animals that thrive on positive reinforcement and trust-based relationships. Training should focus on collaboration, not dominance. Dogs respond better to patience, understanding, and consistency. Being their leader is about guiding them with kindness, not asserting control through force. 

12/24/2024

Congratulations, Ace! 🎉 You’ve done an amazing job completing your intermediate dog training! Your hard work and determination are truly impressive. Keep up the great work and enjoy showing off your new skills! 🐾

11/27/2024

🎉 Exciting news! I’m now taking orders for custom hand-drawn pet ornaments! 🐾❤️🎄 They’re available for just $15 each or two for $25, plus shipping. If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to message me for more details. I can’t wait to create something special for you! 😊🐾

11/27/2024

🐾🎉Congratulations🎉🐾, Teddy! You’ve successfully completed your basic obedience course, and that’s an impressive achievement! Your hard work and determination have truly paid off, and it’s evident that you’ve built a strong foundation for your training. Keep up the fantastic effort, and continue to shine as you em’bark’ on new adventures together!

11/18/2024

Congratulations, Juno! 🐾🎉🤯🎊🙌🏻💐😊 Completing your level 2 intermediate obedience classes is a fantastic achievement that showcases your hard work and dedication. Your commitment to learning and growing in your training is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work, and may your newfound skills lead to even more adventures and fun times ahead!

10/11/2024

Congratulations, to miss sassy Casi! You’ve officially mastered your basic obedience classes, and what an impressive feat it is! Your playful spirit and undeniable charm have shone through every training session, proving that even the sassiest pups can be well-behaved. With your newfound skills, you’re not just a lovable companion but also a star in the making. Keep strutting your stuff, and enjoy all the adventures that await you!

10/10/2024

Congratulations, Taryn! 🎉 You’ve done an amazing job completing your basic obedience course! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and it’s clear that you’ve been a star student. We can’t wait to see all the new tricks and skills you’ll show off as you continue your journey in becoming a service animal! Keep up the great work, and enjoy all the adventures that await you! 🐾

10/03/2024

🐾 Hello 👋🏻 fur friends and hoomans! 🐾

Blue’s K9 Tips & Tricks values your feedback! If you’ve had a pawsitive experience with me, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review on my new Google page.(Link Below)

https://g.page/r/CRJjc1Gbnz_IEAE/review

Your thoughts not only help me improve but also assist other customers in making informed decisions. Thank you so much for your love and support! 🐾❤️

Yours truly, Olivia 🐾

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10/03/2024

Congratulations, Ace! 🎉 You’ve worked so hard in your basic obedience classes, in fact, you ACED them! 🤩😉 Your dedication and intelligence have truly shone through. From mastering commands to showcasing your playful spirit, you’ve proven that you’re not just a good boy, but a superstar! We’re all so proud of you and can’t wait to see what new tricks you’ll learn next. Keep up the great work! 🐾

10/03/2024

Congratulations, Juno! You’ve done an amazing job completing your basic obedience classes, showcasing your intelligence and eagerness to learn. Your hard work and determination have truly paid off, and now you’re ready to take on new challenges with confidence. Here’s to many more fun adventures and bonding moments with your humans—well done, Juno! 🐶🎉