REAL K9 Training LLC

06/04/2026

This is something I see overlooked so often in dog training and behavior conversations.

When we see a behavior we don’t like, it’s easy to focus on stopping the behavior itself. But many unwanted behaviors are simply information. They can be clues that a need isn’t being met, a skill hasn’t been taught yet, the environment is too challenging, or the dog is struggling emotionally.

That doesn’t mean every behavior is caused by an unmet need, but it’s worth asking the question:

💭 What is my dog trying to tell me?
💭 Is there a physical, emotional, social, or environmental need that isn’t being met?
💭 Have I clearly taught what I would like my dog to do instead?

When we take the time to understand the “why” behind a behavior, we often find more effective and lasting solutions than simply trying to suppress the behavior itself.

This post from Susan Garrett does a great job highlighting that perspective. What are your thoughts?

Barking, pulling, jumping, reactivity, and other challenges dog owners commonly struggle with are often signs that something important may be missing for the dog.

In this blog, I’m sharing the five core needs I look at and how understanding those needs can change the way we approach training and behavior challenges.

Read the full blog linked in the comments! ⬇️

06/04/2026

06/01/2026

🐾 Thinking about training your own service dog? Read this first.

One of the hardest conversations I have with prospective service dog handlers is that not every good dog is suited for service work—and that’s okay.

Training a service dog is a significant investment of time, money, energy, emotions, and dedication. Even after a dog is fully trained, the work doesn’t stop. Service dogs require ongoing training, regular practice, appropriate healthcare, fitness, enrichment, and careful management to remain successful in their role.

Because of that, choosing the right prospect matters.

Temperament, resilience, recovery, environmental stability, motivation, health, and emotional regulation all play a role in determining whether a dog may be suitable for service work. Even when a dog checks all the boxes, there are still no guarantees. Service dog training is a journey, and some dogs may ultimately decide this job isn’t for them.

That doesn’t mean they failed.

It simply means they found a different path—and often become incredible companions, sport dogs, therapy dogs, or beloved family members instead. ❤️

At REAL K9 Training, we offer several options to support handlers and service dog prospects throughout the process, whether you’re just beginning your search for a prospect, evaluating a current dog, working toward public access skills, or refining trained tasks.

If you’re looking for an ADI-accredited program, I can also help guide you through the process with Atlas Assistance Dogs, where I serve as a Team Facilitator. While REAL K9 Training is not ADI accredited, Atlas Assistance Dogs is an ADI-accredited organization, and I am proud to support teams through both pathways.

💬 Have questions about whether your current dog may be a suitable prospect? Drop them below or reach out—we’re always happy to help you explore your options.

05/31/2026

When a dog runs up barking, lunging they’re usually already over threshold—
excited, unsure, or overwhelmed.

In that state, they’re not learning …they’re struggling.

* Saying “no” doesn’t change the underlying emotion
* Pulling them away can add frustration, stress and negative associations
* Asking for a cue like “sit” often falls apart in that moment
* Letting them “figure it out” can actually rehearse the behavior and make it stronger.

What actually helps:
✔️ Creating distance before they escalate
✔️ Building engagement so they can check in with you
✔️ Reinforcing calm, thinking behavior in easier setups first
✔️ Train for the moment not in the moment

If this sounds familiar, feel free to reach out we offer in person and virtual sessions 💬 (970) 591-9722

05/31/2026

For fearless and friendly dogs, shield your puppies.

05/30/2026

📚 Continuing Education Matters

One of my core values at REAL K9 Training® is never stopping the learning process.

I recently completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, a comprehensive program covering topics such as canine aggression, body language, safety and handling skills, behavior assessment, case studies, medical considerations, learning theory, consulting skills, and evidence-based behavior modification strategies.

What I love most about continuing education is that every course helps me become a better trainer and coach for the dogs and humans I work with. The more I learn, the better equipped I am to support families navigating challenging behaviors, help owners understand what their dogs are communicating, and create training plans that are both effective and ethical.

A special highlight was learning from professionals across multiple disciplines, including trainers and veterinary behavior experts, reinforcing the importance of looking at the whole dog—not just the behavior we see on the surface.

Thank you to all of my clients who trust me with their dogs. Your dogs inspire me to keep learning, growing, and expanding my knowledge every year.

🐾 Because helping you navigate the hard parts—with heart and science—means continually investing in education.