Maligator Kennels

11/22/2024

Thank You for an Incredible Start to Black Friday!

To our amazing Maligator Kennels community: we want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to the 15 incredible dog owners who jumped on our first Black Friday sale and secured 15% off their training packages. Your trust in us means the world, and we’re so excited to be your partners in transforming your dogs’ behavior and strengthening your bond with them.

At Maligator Kennels, we don’t take your trust lightly. Choosing a trainer is a big decision, and we’re honored to be a part of your journey. Whether it’s building obedience, tackling challenging behaviors, or just making life with your dog easier, we’re here to help every step of the way.

And because you asked… we’re not done yet!

We’re extending the celebration with a SECOND Black Friday sale: 10% OFF all training services from now until the end of Black Friday! Just use promo code BLKFRIDAY when booking to lock in your discount.

If you’ve been on the fence, this is your chance! Let’s make 2024 the year your dog becomes the obedient, well-behaved companion you’ve always dreamed of.

Thank you for being part of the Maligator Kennels family—we can’t wait to work with you and your pup!

www.maligatorkennels.com

11/21/2024

LASER/SHADOW FIXATION:

Thursday Trainer Tip: The Danger of Laser and Light Fixation in Dogs

Winter’s here and summer unfortunately is behind us - But as the temperature drops, so do the challenges of keeping our dogs mentally and physically engaged when it’s too cold to comfortably exercise outdoors.

It’s during these extremes that I often hear the same question: “How can I exercise my dog without having to leave the house?” And yes, as I’ve said many times before, mental stimulation is one of the best ways to tire out your dog while keeping them happy and balanced.

However, there’s a dangerous trend on the rise that I need to address: using laser pointers, flashlights, or other fixed lights as a form of exercise. I know, I know—it seems harmless, even genius. You get to stay seated, wine glass in hand, while your dog gets their “exercise.” But here’s the cold, hard truth: this seemingly fun activity can lead to serious, long-term behavioral and physical problems.

Why Laser Lights Are a No-Go
Let’s break it down. When your dog chases a laser or flashlight beam, they’re engaging in a never-ending hunt for something they can never catch. To your dog, it’s like trying to scratch an itch that never goes away. This uncatchable “prey” creates neurotic behaviors that mirror obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Dogs thrive on resolution—they need to catch the thing they’re chasing to feel fulfilled. Without that, they build a relentless fixation, which spirals into frustration and neurotic tendencies. It’s not “cute” or “funny”; it’s cruel.

What Can Go Wrong? A Lot.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless dogs with behavioral and physical damage caused by this type of stimulation. Here’s what can happen:
Neurotic Fixations: Dogs become obsessed with the last place they see the light. They’ll stare at walls, floors, and furniture for hours, unable to let go of the “hunt.”

Destructive Behaviors: Many dogs end up chewing through walls, ripping curtains, or tearing apart couches in their frantic search for the light.

Physical Injuries: I’ve seen dogs bloody their noses, chip their teeth, and even knock themselves out by slamming into hard surfaces while chasing these lights.

Medication Dependency: Many of these dogs eventually require anti-anxiety medications or behavioral rehabilitation to undo the damage.

And here’s the kicker: I’ve had people laugh off my warnings, only to call me six months later when their dog can’t even step outside without melting down over a shadow or reflection.

The Better Way: Real Mental Stimulation
Here’s the good news: there are countless healthier ways to exercise your dog indoors without resorting to laser lights.

Training: Teach your dog a new obedience skill or trick. Not only will it tire them out, but it will strengthen your bond.

Puzzle Toys: Invest in interactive toys that challenge your dog to think and problem-solve.

Chewing: Offer safe chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to gnaw.

Scent Games: Hide treats around the house and let your dog use their nose to find them—it’s like a treasure hunt for dogs!

Don’t Take Shortcuts
Training your dog is about more than just tiring them out—it’s about helping them grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Taking shortcuts like laser play might feel convenient in the moment, but the long-term consequences aren’t worth it.

Remember, a stagnant owner creates a stagnant dog. Dogs thrive when we challenge them to learn and grow, so use these indoor days as an opportunity to try something new together. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you put in the effort.
So, take the time, ditch the laser pointer, and push yourself and your dog to be better than you were yesterday. A happy, healthy dog means a happy, healthy home.

Happy Thursday everyone—now go train your dog! (And leave the flashlights for camping.)

11/21/2024

MASTER TRAINER:

Meet Shane Warner—the dog trainer who brings sass, grit, and a sneaky sense of humor to every training session. Shane’s quick wit and sharp comebacks might catch you off guard, but don’t be fooled—his passion and dedication to helping dogs and their owners are unmatched.

Whether it’s a rowdy pup with a knack for chaos or a rescue dog in desperate need of confidence, Shane tackles it head-on with a mix of no-nonsense realism and just the right amount of playful charm.

What sets Shane apart? His ability to keep it real while keeping it fun. He’ll call out excuses faster than your dog bolts after a squirrel, but he’ll also crack a joke to remind you that progress takes patience—and maybe a little laughter along the way.

If you want results and a trainer who won’t let you take the easy way out, Shane’s your guy. He’s here to teach, inspire, and maybe even make you laugh so hard that you forget how tired you are from all those leash drills. Dogs love him, owners respect him, and his mission is simple: to help as many dogs as he can, one sassy training session at a time.

We love having Shane as part of our team, and welcome to the vaunted realm of, Master Trainer

11/20/2024

BLACK FRIDAY SALE:

Don’t miss out. Only the first 15 people get our discount. And it won’t last. 3 slots already taken in the first 15 mins, so make sure you get the same great training at our Black Friday discount.

Click the following links!

https://www.maligatorkennels.com/behavioral-packages

https://www.maligatorkennels.com/obedience-packages

11/20/2024

Black Friday Sale!!!!! Don’t miss out. Same great training, now with a discount for the first 15 people!

All training packages available!

www.maligatorkennels.com

11/16/2024

We love hearing from our clients and knowing we are providing exceptional service to them. This is and always has been our “why.” We just want to help. We just want to help improve your life and your relationship with your dog!

11/15/2024

🐾 FRIDAY TRAINER TIP: The Puppy Process 🐾

“Russ, my puppy barks at everything, jumps on people, and THE BITING—it has to stop! Can you help?”

Sound familiar? Let’s talk about what’s normal puppy behavior, what’s not, and how to handle it. Here’s your crash course:

1️⃣ BRINGING PUPPY HOME:
• Choose a reputable breeder. Not a hobbyist. Look for health-tested, stable dogs.
• Wait until 8-10 weeks old. Early separation from their littermates can lead to behavioral issues.
• Start training ASAP. Don’t wait—2-3 days after bringing them home is perfect.

2️⃣ VACCINATIONS:
• Go to a vet. Skip DIY shots—they’re low quality, and vets won’t accept them.
• Vaccinate on time for a healthy pup!

3️⃣ TEETHING:
• Puppies start teething at 16 weeks and finish around 7 months.
• Combat the chaos:
🐶 Mental & physical stimulation.
🐶 Provide safe chew toys.
❌ Don’t let them chew on you!

4️⃣ NEUTER/SPAY:
• Don’t rush! Fixing too early (under 6 months) disrupts growth, hormones, and temperament.
• Males: Wait until 1 year.
• Females: At least 1-2 heat cycles.

5️⃣ OBEDIENCE IS EVERYTHING:
• Teach your dog that everything valuable—affection, treats, play—is earned through good behavior. Structure now = fewer headaches later!

🎯 THE TAKEAWAY:
Understand your puppy’s growth, prepare for it, and prevent problems before they happen. A little planning now = a happy, well-behaved dog (and fewer gray hairs for you).

💡 Need help? DM us! Let’s make puppyhood a breeze.

11/08/2024

Obedience isn’t about control – it’s about giving your dog the life they deserve! 🐾 Every choice we make affects our dogs’ quality of life and safety. When we set clear expectations, we give them a world that’s predictable, safe, and full of trust.

Picture this: a dog who listens because they want to – not just because they have to. That’s where real freedom and fun come in. At Maligator Kennels, our balanced training creates that lifestyle with trust, safety, and happiness. Why risk it when obedience can be a choice both you and your dog love?

✨ Ready to elevate your relationship? Let’s make obedience the choice together!

11/08/2024

11/07/2024

Consistency is key and that’s all up to you. No one can make you do it. You’re living a life with your dog you’re choosing to live. It can be improved, but only you can make that choice!

11/04/2024

We are so grateful to our clients for the kindness and their trust in us to work with their dogs. Thanks so much Lori!

11/01/2024

Kovu and Russ were out today with Dr Bott and Dr Lemonds, helping teach EMT’S and first responders how to bandage up injured dogs when they encounter them.

Kovu was the hit of the show and was very well behaved and even earned himself a “pup-cup” from our favorite coffee shop!

Thanks for the invite Mountain West Animal Hospital. We have loved our 10 year partnership with you!

10/31/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN:

Here's hoping everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween this evening. We'd love to see your and your dog's costumes, so feel free to share.

What is the scariest costume for a dog you might ask? An untrained dog is the scariest costume.

Scariest costume for a human you might wonder? A Democrat.

Photo: My son Mason, is going as the Grim Reaper

10/26/2024

Happy Birthday . One of our Master Trainers just turned a year older! Let’s wish her a happy bday.

10/26/2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

We as a company wanted to take a moment and wish one of our Master Trainers a happy birthday. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication Maligator and all your clients whose lives you’ve helped change.

Even though we recognize with you getting older and now really close to retirement 🤣 we have no choice but to cherish the time we do have left before we have to visit you in a retirement home.

Everyone let’s wish Kristine Malan a happy birthday and make sure you throw in some old lady jokes as wel!

10/26/2024

WHY DO WE WAIT FOR PROBLEMS?

In the dog world, we often lean towards a reactionary mindset: waiting until problems arise before we act. But imagine the time, money, and stress saved if we were proactive—heading off issues before they even start.

The first step in prevention? Have a professional evaluate your new dog, puppy, rescue, or whatever bundle of joy you’ve got. And no, your own “I grew up with dogs” evaluation doesn’t count (sorry!). Professional insight can help you see what you’re working with, allowing you to create a plan that prevents problems from becoming part of your future.

Think of the emails we get: dogs biting, running away, tackling the neighbor’s kid because they’re “just so playful.” Many of these issues could’ve been prevented with proactive training.

So, why do we wait? Here’s a comparison: we take our cars in for oil changes, flush and clean the transmission, rotate tires, and so on. We maintain our homes by cleaning carpets, mopping floors, and washing dishes to keep things running smoothly. Yet when it comes to our dogs, we let training slide until there’s an actual problem.

If you’ve waited (or are waiting), take a moment to ask yourself, “Why?”

Preventing a problem is always easier (and cheaper) than fixing one. Think beyond training; I’m talking about dodging medical bills, sleepless nights, lawsuits, citations, and more. There’s a reason they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

So, let’s stop the madness of reactionary dog ownership. Together, we can keep “dog bite” attorneys focused on more worthwhile cases.

And if you’re still saying, “My dog doesn’t need training,” I’m calling B.S. ALL DOGS NEED TRAINING. Every. Single. One. Trust me on this.

Now, come see us for classes or personal training. Doesn’t matter which—just get moving. Let’s do this right, starting today!

10/25/2024

What type of aggression are you dealing with???

10/24/2024

🚨 EXCITING NEWS 🚨

We are hiring trainers AND interns!!
We want people who are career oriented and PASSIONATE about dogs. This is right for you if you want to make training your career 😎

Applications are open so send in those resumes! Deadline is November 15th at 5:30 PM MST.

Join the best team for the best job.