J9s K9s Training

11/26/2023

Sweet and floofy Benson got his first real puppy-cut yesterday ! He’s still a floof, but I took off half a dog by the amount of hair on the floor when I was done! 😂

11/02/2023

Some of my favorite pics from Year 2!

11/02/2023

Happy 2 Year Anniversary to J9sk9s! Before the day is over I just wanted to say THANK YOU! to all my amazing clients and all your fantastic pets!

This year brought a few changes to my business with a big decrease in pet sitting (with my husbands new work schedule), but an increase in regular walks and, my favorite, training! 😊 It’s a rare moment when I don’t have a boarding client in my house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!❤️ This job keeps me busy, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support my community and its furry family members.

06/16/2023

A little Before and After moment with my client, Ash! He is ready for summer and his coat will be much easier for his mom and dad to maintain now!

If any of my clients with dogs

03/22/2023

Say it louder for the people in the back!

I still feel confused at times as to why there is still such a pushback to using food to train your dog.
“When will I not have to use it anymore?”
“Will I always have to have food on me?”
“Won’t he then become obsessed with all food?”
“I want him to do it because he loves me, not because I have food”
“Using food is cheating”
“Using food means you’re bribing not training”
“Using food will make my dog fat”
“I never had to use food with my last dog.”

These are all just some of the insane things I’ve heard and still hear. And it makes me crazy because I can’t imagine saying these things to my employees.
“When will I not have to pay you anymore?”
“If I pay you are you going to just become obsessed with money?”
“I really want you to work for me because you love me, not because I pay you”

Food is a tool. It is a TOOL. And just like any tool it can be used well or used poorly, but it’s one of the only tools in dog training that I hear more myths about than any other. And that’s unfortunate because when used properly it does so many good things -

Food is a primary reinforcer and for most dogs it’s the most valuable thing they can get. This makes it enormously powerful when trying to teach them how to do something new and/or complicated. That doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a pet on the head, but they’d rather have the food and there’s NOTHING wrong with that. Just like you’d rather be paid in dollars rather than chocolate bars.

Food is fast. It’s easy to deliver, portable, and also variable in value (kibble vs cheese) so it’s very flexible also depending on your level and stage of training.

Food can help create powerful positive associations for dogs as well as counter condition negative associations they already have because of its value to them. Using food in the presence of other dogs, people and environments helps your dog have a positive association with them and this in and of itself is incredibly powerful. That’s something I don’t think we consider nearly enough when training our dogs even when they’ve past the learning phase.

Food does not have to make your dog a beggar, fat, or totally dependent on it. The context in which you deliver it, the way you ration out the food - treats vs meals and healthy choices - and also the way you cue the dog when training all help alleviate these issues.

I pay my dogs regularly and have no shame in that. As they get better at skills I ask them to work harder or longer for the pay just like as adults we have to work a full week or two before we get our paychecks. I use higher value for harder things - just like you like to get paid time and a half when you work Christmas, and lower value for easy stuff. I watch to make sure my dogs hope for the reward but don’t expect it and don’t take it personally when they’d rather come back to me for cheese instead of a pet. I focus on the fact that they came back.

Getting paid at work is a big reinforcer for us but it’s also not the only reason we go is it? The relationships you have with your coworkers, the pride you have in your job etc are all intricate parts of your motivation, but that takes TIME to build, and at first it’s usually just for the pay. Same with training your dog. At first, yes, it’s for the food, but as you continue and do it right it becomes more about the teamwork, the fun and the relationship, not just the pay. And THAT’S what I wish more people understood. Over time your dog will work often without food for you because he truly enjoys it now, and he’s been reinforced by the relationship and countless reinforcements over time. But you have to put that time and patience in first to get there. And it’s worth it. I promise.
-Helen St. Pierre

11/01/2022

I took my old men out for a pup cup to celebrate! ❤️

11/01/2022

Hello J9s K9s family! One year, Wow! Hard to believe it. A big thank you to all my clients over the past 12 months. It has been a joy and privilege to watch your puppies grow up, teach old dogs new tricks, work through struggles, care for good old pups who have now crossed the rainbow bridge, and everything in between. Your dogs, cats, bunnies, axolotls, and fish have become like family to me and I look forward to the next time they come to “Camp J9sK9s” or I see them at your house. Thank you for making my first year as a small business owner a resounding success. Thank you for the personal recommendations, shout-outs, and referrals. I couldn’t have done it with out you. Looking forward to what year two brings! ❤️😊

01/11/2022

Rounding out December, J9sK9sNocatee made lots of new friends from the tall to the small. Dog walks, pet sitting, and pet boarding for a variety of breeds and personalities keeps things fun and interesting. 2021 was an amazing start to my little one-woman show.

12/13/2021

Heading to mid December and J9sK9s has been decorating for Christmas with gold... Golden Retrievers that is! 😂 Hunter and Duke both are sweet and spunky young gentlemen and I think I'll be seeing more of them in the future! ❤

12/01/2021

The Thanksgiving holidays were busy for J9s K9s. From exercise jogs to overnight cuddles, getting to know all my 4 legged clients brings me such joy. I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn about their unique personalities that make each animal I work with or care for special. I fall in love with them every time.

11/15/2021

This coonhound is Jinx, and he was right at home boarding at our house this past week! 😊 Jinx was a perfect gentleman and enjoyed all the love and attention he received. He will be missed!

11/15/2021

J9sK9sNocatee had the pleasure of enjoying princess Sophie's company this past week. This little golden retriever is a love sponge, and I couldn't get enough cuddles with her!🥰

10/29/2021

Hello everyone! I'm happy to announce the start of my new business venture. Being a SAHM has been wonderful, but I'm at my best when I'm working with animals and helping others! Let me know how I can help you and your furry family members.😊

10/29/2021