REAL K9 Training LLC

09/07/2025

💡 I really love this post and how clearly it explains why behavior modification cases are often priced higher than basic training.

These cases are complex, emotional, and require a lot of time, skill, and dedication from both the trainer and the family. It’s not just about teaching cues — it’s about understanding the science behind behavior, creating individualized plans, and supporting dogs and people through some of their most challenging moments.

As a trainer, I know firsthand how much heart and energy goes into this work. It can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see dogs and their people make progress together. 💕

I’m so glad to see posts like this helping to shine a light on the why behind the process and the investment.

09/04/2025

08/21/2025

08/14/2025

08/12/2025

Socialization: It’s Not a Free-for-All (and You’ve Only Got 12 Weeks!) 🐾

Your puppy’s brain is basically a squishy little sponge until about 12 weeks old — soaking up every sight, sound, and smell and deciding, “Is this safe or scary?”
After that? That sponge turns into more of a sturdy brick. You can still teach them, but it’s a whole lot harder to change first impressions.

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🐶 My Socialization Rule: Observe First, Meet Later
• Dogs: We watch from a distance. Your pup learns calm behavior and handler focus, not “see dog, lose mind.”
• People: No random greetings unless I set it up with a calm human and a safe plan.
• Environments: Parks, parking lots, quiet sidewalks — yes! Dog parks, pet stores — hard pass.
• Pace: Short, sweet, and paired with snacks or play. End on a win.

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👀 Learn to Read the Room (and the Dog)

Don’t just assume your puppy is “fine” because they’re quiet or still. Learn what their body is saying:
• Loose body, soft eyes, and curiosity? 👍 They’re probably comfortable.
• Tucked tail, stiff posture, lip licking, turning away? 🚫 They’re feeling uneasy.
• Context matters too — sniffing in a new park might mean “I’m curious,” but sniffing nonstop when someone’s trying to pet them might mean “Please go away.”

Your job isn’t just to expose them — it’s to make sure each new thing feels safe, fun, and ends on a good note.

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🏆 The Goal

By 12 weeks, I want your puppy to have positive experiences with as many sights, sounds, and situations as possible — without being scared, mobbed, or overwhelmed.
Think: “Ooh, interesting!” not “Oh no, danger!”

Because the world is huge and sometimes weird. Your job? Teach your pup the world is safe and you’ve got their back. 💛

08/10/2025

Your service dog’s calmness might not be confidence—it could be shutdown.

The Wellbeing of Service Dogs Matters Just as Much as the Handler’s Needs

Public access work is one of the hardest jobs a dog can do. The sights, sounds, smells, and unpredictability of public environments can be overwhelming—even for confident dogs. For shy or fearful dogs, it can be downright distressing.

The heartbreaking truth is that many service dogs are asked to work in situations where they are deeply uncomfortable, sometimes because their signals are subtle—quiet signs of stress or fear that go unnoticed. Dogs that react “forward” (lunging, barking, pulling away) often get more attention from their handlers simply because their discomfort is louder. But the dogs who shut down, freeze, avoid eye contact, or quietly shrink away are suffering just as much—if not more.

A shut-down dog may look calm on the outside—but that stillness is often the result of extreme stress, not relaxation. If your dog is fearful at home, it’s safe to assume those feelings are even stronger in public.

It’s not uncommon for service dogs to have a career change because they simply aren’t confident enough to handle the demands of public access work. And that is okay. What’s not okay is expecting help from an animal who is in a constant state of stress and unable to advocate for themselves.

I understand the pain of having to retire a dog from public work—it’s a huge loss. But our dogs’ welfare, safety, and comfort should be just as important as the tasks they perform for us. They rely on us to speak up for them, protect them, and make the call when a situation is too much.

Please—learn to read your dog’s body language. Notice the small changes. Respect the subtle “I’m not okay” signals. Being a great handler means balancing your needs with theirs, and sometimes that means making the hard decision for their sake.

If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s comfort level in public access work, I’m happy to help evaluate and guide you through what’s best for both of you.

They give us everything they have. Let’s make sure we give them the same in return.