REAL K9 Training LLC

08/26/2024

For those considering the effectiveness of different training methods, especially compared to the use of electronic collars, I wanted to share some important research. This study highlights that reward-based training, which focuses on positive reinforcement, is more effective than using e-collars. As a trainer who prioritizes science-based methods, I believe this reinforces the value of a compassionate approach to dog training. I encourage you to explore the research and see why positive reinforcement leads to better outcomes.

https://phys.org/news/2020-10-electronic-collars-effective-reward-based.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lHTByzHDIFsAwJx1T4wiiFpxbX-JSuGEAHVt8kCrdNCehMTTboyXNkUs_aem_L95cPJhLUHPANawfyoqXvg

Training dogs with electronic collars is no more effective than traditional training methods, according to new research.

08/24/2024

08/22/2024

🐾 Community Reminder from a Local Dog Trainer: Helping Our Dogs and Their Owners Succeed 🐾

As a professional dog trainer, I see so many of my clients working hard to raise confident, well-behaved dogs that can focus on them and navigate the world calmly. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, many of them face challenges due to well-meaning but misguided interactions from others in the community.

Here’s what’s happening: Many dog owners are diligently training their dogs to remain neutral around other dogs and people. This means teaching their dogs not to pull towards every person or dog they see and not to expect attention from everyone they meet. This process is crucial for their dogs’ development and confidence.

However, these efforts are often compromised when others allow their dogs to approach without permission or insist on petting dogs without the owner’s consent. Some people even reach into cars to pet a dog after the owner has politely asked them not to. This behavior not only disrespects the owner’s wishes but can also set the dog up for failure.

It’s important to understand that when an owner says, “No, please don’t pet my dog,” or “I’d prefer if our dogs didn’t meet,” they are not being rude. They are doing what’s best for their dog. Ignoring these requests can lead to negative consequences, such as fear-based reactions in dogs. This can ultimately make our community less safe and enjoyable for everyone.

So, how can we all help? It’s simple: Respect the boundaries set by dog owners. If someone asks you not to pet their dog or to keep your dog at a distance, please honor that request. By doing so, you’re playing a vital role in helping that dog become a well-adjusted, confident member of our community.

Together, we can create a more supportive environment for our dogs and each other. Let’s work as a community to help every dog succeed. 🐕✨

08/11/2024

Feeling grateful for the opportunity to help clients and their dogs achieve positive outcomes. Here’s what one of our recent clients had to say about their experience with our services:

“THANKS MELANIE!

Meet Murphy – what a ham…

Murphy came into our lives when he needed to be rehomed from his family of 4 years. How frightening it must have been to be picked up by strangers and taken far away to a new place

Murphy has been a lovable best friend from the start, but he was in fear of the new world around him. Murph was extremely reactive, barking, growling and lunging at the many things that scared him. We did not have experience with this level of doggie fear, and there were moments that we questioned our ability to give Murph a safe home, but his love and devotion to us was unconditional.

Our rescue organization, Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue, interviewed trainers in Ouray and Montrose County, and Melanie Wonneberger of R.E.A.L. K9 was the ONLY trainer they approved and recommended!

Melanie educated us on reactive dogs, and taught us what Murphy needs to be comfortable out in the world, including agility exercises that help to build his confidence and reduce the fear. We have easily incorporated training into our daily routine and Murph has really taken to his agility exercises with joy. When we head out for a walk now, we find rocks for Murph to show off his “four paws on the platform”, or a bench for him to crawl under. It is remarkable to see confidence blossom for all of us.

Thank you Melanie, for helping us become a happy family!!

From Murphy, Sharon and John”

Thank you for trusting us with your dog’s training journey!

07/26/2024

07/21/2024

I'm excited to share my latest Continuing Education Unit (CEU) certification. These credentials reflect my ongoing commitment to staying current with best practice to support my clients. Thank you for your continued support as I strive to provide the highest level of service and expertise for the dog and the handler.

07/20/2024

Starting August 1, 2024, the CDC’s new regulations for dogs entering the United States will come into effect. These changes apply to all dogs, including service dogs, and dogs that live in the U.S. and received their rabies vaccination in the U.S. It might require a second microchip if your dog’s current microchip is not ISO compatible. It is essential to educate yourself about the new requirements well in advance (the CDC recommends up to 60 days before traveling) to ensure a smooth return home. Please expect delays at your veterinarian’s office, as they are also new to these regulations and need time to adapt. Keep in mind this topic is changing often, so talk to your veterinarian about it well in advance of travel. I hope the video below will serve as a valuable resource for you.

https://youtu.be/9dKYkhfz2cA?si=DefNsPt86TIp3wiL

USA Form: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html

Canadian Form: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/dogs-usa

Notice: Information on this page is subject to change. Please revisit this page frequently for updated guidance as more information becomes available. On this page Dogs travelling before August 1, 2024 Dogs travelling on or after August 1, 2024 General requirements Dogs that do not meet the CDC's re...

07/04/2024

🎆 **Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸** 🎆

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our great nation, let’s take a moment to reflect on the values that make America extraordinary: freedom, unity, and the pursuit of happiness.

At R.E.A.L. K9 Training we are proud to be a part of this vibrant community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you every day. Today, as we enjoy the festivities, let’s also remember the sacrifices made by so many to ensure our freedom.

Wishing you a safe and joyous Independence Day filled with laughter, and love! ✨

07/03/2024

Please carefully read and adhere to this advice. It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial it is. Countless dogs have been adversely affected by individuals who either ignored the advice of knowledgeable sources or failed to recognize the dog's signals.

This is not your dog, and it is not your decision to make. Owners and their dogs have the right to say no, and this should be respected without taking offense. While everyone appreciates a well-trained and confident dog, it is essential to support both the dog and the owner in achieving this. Let's strive to do better and offer the necessary support to both owners and their dogs.

06/23/2024

I recently came across a video that excellently explains why positive punishment doesn’t work and can even worsen behavior. Not everyone may know, but I started as a balanced trainer, because that was all I knew. However, my perspective changed dramatically after witnessing the effects of balanced methods on dogs, particularly reactive dogs. Initially, these methods seemed to work and improve reactivity, but often came at the cost of the dog's overall well-being, behavior, bond, and trust towards their owner.

Seeing these changes unsettled me greatly, and I began to explore alternative methods to address training and reactive behavior, which is often fear-based. This journey led me to delve deeply into studying dog behavior. The more I learned, the more conflicted I felt. It wasn’t enough to read and study; I needed hands-on research. I sought out different positive reinforcement trainers, observed their before-and-after results, and started applying what I learned to my training practice. The outcomes were significantly better than expected.

Although my balanced training mindset struggled to let go, I decided to fully commit to positive reinforcement methods. Over time, I discarded not just all my balanced training tools and techniques but also my balanced trainer mindset and never looked back. I still had clients who believed in those tools, so I gradually demonstrated that they weren’t necessary. Initially, the dogs might have worn both the client's tools and the ones I aimed to transition them to during training sessions. You can't force someone to change; you need to educate and let them see the results and feel the joy this training method brings.

I also collaborated with trainers in our area who specialize in using positive reinforcement methods for behavior modification, not just obedience training. This area was where I felt most balanced trainers and clients gave up on positive reinforcement and reverted to the balanced approach. I closely observed the approaches of a court-appointed trainer, integrating confidence-building techniques and positive reinforcement methods into my practice based on her successful strategies. The results were nothing short of amazing —not only did the dogs show improvement and seem less stressed and more eager to learn, but I also felt better not using positive punishment on dogs that were already fearful.

I no longer feel conflicted, and I definitely don’t see myself returning to my original training techniques for numerous reasons. However, I want other trainers and dog owners to understand why a balanced approach might not be the best. I believe most trainers, whether balanced or positive reinforcement, genuinely want the best for dogs and owners. I recall how challenging it was to switch methodologies—it’s difficult to change what you know until you know better.

I’m not here to blame balanced trainers. They have their reasons, and stepping into the unknown can be daunting. But I urge them to educate themselves further and genuinely try different methods, not just briefly but with commitment. Positive reinforcement training may take longer because it deals with emotions, which don’t change overnight, especially if a dog has experienced learned helplessness or has shut down. A dog's learning history, whether positive or negative, is what the trainer must work with.

I hope this video helps trainers and dog owners alike understand and consider the benefits of positive reinforcement training.

Welcome one and all! Join Dr. Em as they discuss what science tells us about using punishment in Part II on the series about training. There's clear conclusi...

06/14/2024

We often see "cute" pictures of dogs and small children hugging, laying next to each other, spooning, or chasing the dog. While these images may look endearing, it's important to consider how the dog feels. This article is a great reminder of some important rules every parent should teach their children, even if they don't have a dog at home. We don't want our kids to engage in these behaviors with unfamiliar dogs either!

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

06/09/2024

Socialization is crucial in a dog's life, with the first 12-14 weeks being the most important period, but it shouldn't stop there. Dogs easily become comfortable with familiar environments, and if we stop socializing them after the critical period, they can regress. Socialization can be done safely even when puppies are not fully vaccinated.

Remember not to take your dog everywhere all at once for socialization. Gradually introduce them to new environments with short exposures, such as sitting in your trunk with a yummy chew or lick mat while observing the surroundings. Learn to understand your dog's body language to help them when they feel unsure or overwhelmed. Not all exposures are beneficial; we want to ensure they have positive experiences to create positive associations with new environments.

Please send us a message if you need support for you and your dog, we happy to help.

05/26/2024

🇺🇸 **Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day** 🇺🇸

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men, women and K9’s who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication ensure the freedoms we cherish every day.

As we gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on their selfless service and express our deepest gratitude. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and our commitment to preserving the liberty they fought to protect.

From all of us at R.E.A.L. K9 Training, we wish you a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

05/22/2024

Even though we refer to ourselves as dog trainers, we're actually training people. This is why I don't believe in solely using board-and-train or day training programs. These methods are excellent for getting you and your dog started, but it's crucial to show the owner the techniques we've implemented and how to use them. Without this, old habits will resurface. It's not that the trainer hasn't done their job; it's that the owner mistakenly believes their dog is now fully trained and neglects to maintain the training.

05/12/2024

🐾🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there, both hooman and doggo! 🐶💕 Whether you're a mom to tiny humans or furry ones, today is your day to paws and celebrate all the love, snuggles, and treats you dish out on the daily! 🎉🐾 Remember, being a mom isn't always a walk in the bark, but you handle it with grace, humor, and endless belly rubs! 😄👩‍👧‍👦🐾 So here's to you, Mom! May your day be filled with wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and maybe a few moments of peace... if the pups ever decide to nap! 🐕💤 Happy Mother's Day from one fur-mom to another! 🐾🌸 🐶🎉

05/12/2024

The Hydrant Doggie Playcare in Montrose is an exceptional dog daycare, where Spencer's expertise shines through. Not only is it Fear Free Certified, but Spencer is also a delight to work with for both dogs and humans alike. With a keen understanding of dog body language, he ensures that every pup is set up for success while socializing with their furry friends. It's a wonderful place where dogs can thrive in a safe and enriching environment.

A relatively new business in Montrose started with the idea of a dog daycare and decided to take it to the next level, with large spaces both indoors and outdoors for canines to hang out and play in. The Hydrant Doggie Playcare takes a unique approach to caring for man’s best friend and is primed ...

05/01/2024

I thoroughly enjoyed this seminar! Many thanks to Amber at Summit Dog Training for providing the opportunity to acquire yet another enjoyable skill.

04/26/2024

🐾 After much perseverance and overcoming personal challenges, I am thrilled to share that I am now officially a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)!

I've decided to share my journey openly because I believe it might inspire other trainers facing similar hurdles to pursue their dreams without fear. Living with a seizure disorder, I've had to navigate around challenges like prolonged screen time, which can trigger seizures for me. This meant stepping back from computer-involved work finding other ways to study for CEU’s and relying on support from others for tasks like social media management and bookkeeping.

Facing the daunting prospect of an online test, especially one notorious for its limited accommodations, was a significant hurdle. Despite applying for accommodations and receiving minimal support, I persisted. Encouragement from family, friends, clients and fellow trainers friends gave me the push I needed to finally take the leap.

Reflecting on this journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the support I've received and for overcoming my fears. My only regret is not pursuing this certification sooner. Nonetheless, I'm excited for the opportunities ahead as a CPDT-KA and eager to continue making a positive impact in the lives of dogs and their owners. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! 🐾

04/26/2024

04/26/2024

🤩 I got good news yesterday 🤩 :

I earned the Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA®) credential by Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc. .
Keeping up regular education and trainings help to make the dog training industry more professional.
If you are looking for a dog trainer, make sure to ask and look for credentials to ensure proper services that are based on latest science based training. 🐶

04/01/2024

🎉 Happy April Fools' Day everyone!

🎉It's that time of the year when pranks are aplenty and laughter fills the air. Whether you're the prankster or the one being pranked, today is all about enjoying some good-natured fun!
To add to the festivities, here's a hilarious video guaranteed to tickle your funny bone:

https://youtu.be/2nGy6TpAE6U?si=48GD5tmwtgf8I0Tk

Have a fantastic April Fools' Day! 🃏

When you have a trick dog, you never know what she might do! Hope you enjoy 😊 Join the fun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/atoztrickdogsparktea...

03/31/2024

🐣🌸 Happy Easter from R.E.A.L. K9 Training!

🌼🐰Wishing you and your furry friends a day filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of treats! 🐾🥚 Let's celebrate the season of new beginnings with love and gratitude for our four-legged companions who bring so much happiness into our lives. 🐶💕

To add some extra fun to your Easter festivities, our dear friend from A-Z Fundamentals has prepared a special Easter game that I would like to share with you and your pup to enjoy together!

🎉🐾 Click the link below to join in the fun: https://youtu.be/QDbWUQtyPhg?si=GQ-TZhh8qfAu9h4q
Have a fantastic Easter filled with wagging tails and wet noses! 🐾🐣🌷

Engage your dog’s nose and mind with these easy DIY games using Easter plastic eggs and empty egg cartons. So many fun possibilities. Share additional ideas ...

03/30/2024

🐾 Engage Your Pup's Mind with Box Games! 📦

Looking for a fun and enriching activity to spice up your dog's mealtime routine? Look no further than box feeding! 🐶

Here's why box feeding is paw-some:

🧠 Mental Stimulation: Box feeding requires problem-solving skills, keeping your furry friend's mind sharp and preventing boredom.

⏳ Slow Feeding: Say goodbye to scarfing down meals! Box feeding slows eating, promoting healthier digestion and reducing the risk of tummy troubles.

🌿 Environmental Enrichment: Mimicking natural foraging behaviors, box feeding satisfies your pup's instinctual need to hunt and scavenge for food.

😊 Behavioral Benefits: Combat anxiety and destructive behaviors by engaging your dog's mind and providing a positive outlet for their energy.

👃 Calming Sniff Sessions: Engaging in sniffing activities, such as searching for treats hidden in boxes, can be calming for dogs. When dogs sniff, it activates parts of their brain associated with pleasure and relaxation, which can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of happiness and contentment.

🎓 Training Opportunities: Turn mealtime into a training session! Reinforce obedience commands and encourage problem-solving skills with box feeding.

🌟 Confidence Building: You'll be amazed at how many dogs are initially wary of boxes! Box feeding helps them overcome fears and gain confidence as they explore with their nose, head, and paws.

Ready to get started? Gather some boxes of different sizes and let the fun begin!

📦Here's a quick guide to get tails wagging:

1️⃣ Scatter boxes around the room and hide smelly treats inside.
2️⃣ Let your pup explore using their nose, encouraging independent problem-solving.
3️⃣ Refill empty boxes discreetly to maintain the challenge level.
4️⃣ Gradually increase difficulty by stacking boxes or hiding treats underneath. Not having a treat in every box.
Watch as your pup's confidence grows and their excitement levels soar with each new challenge!

🐾✨Have you tried box feeding with your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below! 🐶💬

03/19/2024

🐾 To all the handlers out there facing challenges:

My heart goes out to those dealing with reactive, fearful, or shy dogs, or those having to retire a service dog prematurely due to health or behavioral issues. 🐶💔

Navigating life with a reactive dog can be tough. Watching them struggle with fear affects not just them but also us emotionally. I understand the isolation and emotional toll it can take. 🌟

Having experienced reactive dogs in my own life, I understand firsthand the emotions and challenges you're facing. 🤝

Retiring a service dog, whether due to old age or health issues, is heart-wrenching. I've been there, retiring my own service dog prematurely last year. 💔

The guilt, second-guessing, and sadness are all too familiar. But remember, you're not alone. I'm here to offer support and guidance every step of the way. 🌈