HellaK9s

Strengthening bonds through enhanced and clear communication in California and Virginia . Relation

11/08/2024

Pack Walk with a Purpose 🐾

Join us for a fun and meaningful day out with your dog!

HellaK9s is hosting a Pack Walk on November 17th at 11:30 AM in Fredericksburg!

This walk is all about making a difference for the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as we collect donations and raise funds to support shelter animals during the holidays.

How YOU can help:

Bring donations like leashes, canned dog food, or laundry detergent

Make a monetary donation to support the shelter’s needs

Let’s come together as a community and show our pups how much we care!

We can’t wait to walk with you!

COMMENT “Pack Walk” for details 🔥

10/20/2024

Just wrapped up a day of shooting content & resources for our clients to bring value to dog owners everywhere

Great work by the whole team 🔥

SAY LESS TRAIN MORE

10/07/2024

Virginia dog owners, comment “Puppy” if you need a trusted sitter (and trainer) for your dog!

Drop them off and we’ll train your pup so they return happier and better behaved at the end of each day - it’s a win-win for you and your pup 🥳

Our day train program lets you choose either 2 or 3 training sessions a day, as well as options like bathing, public outings, nail trims and more

Comment below if you’re interested in learning more 🐾

09/25/2024

Comment “Puppy” if you’re interested in getting your dog trained while you work! 🐾

Our day training offers up to 3 sessions a day, as well as extras like bathing, public outings and more are available within the program

We can’t wait to meet you and your dog soon!

09/20/2024

Speak with us for all your dog training needs 🔥

07/10/2024

Is your dog team you?

Would they come back to you EVERY time out on a walk, or would the sight of a squirrel send them packing?   The truth is, most people start training before the dog truly values them

That’s when they hit walls, they get frustrated and they give up

As their owner, your dog should put you above all else  Make them WANT to do as you ask, not because you bribed them or forced them to do so

That’s engagement 
We can help you get there 
Speak to our team today and we’ll get you and your dog started 🔥

06/19/2024

Need to get your pup walking on a leash? 🦮

Or maybe you’re tired of chasing them through the park? 🏃‍♂️

Whatever the reason for needing help, speak with one of our team today and live the life you want with your dog

Our DMs are open 💬

06/17/2024

What’s their ‘thing’? 🤔

Finding a dogs favorite activity can be challenging but rewarding

When you find out what they love more than anything else, it becomes the perfect bonding experience

Whether it’s scent work, playing fetch at the park, bite work, doing parkour or play fighting

What’s your dog’s ‘thing’? 👇

06/11/2024

Ever wonder what your pup is trying to tell you? 💬

They might not be able to speak human, but dogs are amazing communicators.

Ear position, facial expressions, and also hackles are all ways to read what a dog is feelings.

An obvious one, the wagging tail, usually means they’re happy (or does it 😳)

A wagging tail actually means they’re experiencing some level of arousal.

In dogs, arousal could be anything from happy or excited, to prey-locked or assessing a threat.

So you can’t always assume they’re happy!

So what about other signals?

Flattened ears and/or tucked tail could mean your pup is afraid.

A stiff body and whale eye (side eyeing someone/something 👀) can signal anxiety and/or that they need space.

Some dogs may become reactive in this scenario so be aware if you notice this

Other body language signals...

The head tilt = they’re curious (usually triggered by unfamiliar noises)

Head low, curved body and tail wagging = submissive

Bowing with tail up = prepare for zoomies!

Mouth open > tongue out > breathing loudly = happy (or hot!)

🚨 REMEMBER 🚨

If a dog is rigid, giving you/someone intense eye contact, and begins to snarl/show teeth - it usually means they’re afraid and may react if approached.

In most situations it’s best to let a dog come to you when it feels ready.

Don’t get bit trying to make friends (use treats instead!) 😉

06/07/2024

The 7 second test

In the heat of summer we need to be extra vigilant in making sure our pups are getting the hydration and protection they need

So, if you’re thinking about going for a walk, try this quickly before you

If you can’t put your hand down on the concrete firmly for more than 7 seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws

Also, it should be obvious but remember to never leave them in a car or outside in the scorching heat

Instead, why not bring out the paddling pool?

It’s way more fun, and safer for your dogs! 🔥

06/04/2024

There’s more to training than non-stop obedience work 🐕

Keep your dog engaged and fulfilled by throwing in some enrichment activities, such as...

Interactive Feeders: give your dog food puzzles with different difficulty levels. Show them how you load them with kibble or treats, and watch it keep your dog mentally engaged during meal time.

Scent Work: Turn your backyard into a treat hunt by hiding treats around the yard, and encourage your dog to use their nose to find them. You could also create scent trails leading to their favorite toy instead!

Lick Mats: these can be great for anxious or destructive dogs. Try spreading a dog-safe treat like mashed banana or pureed pumpkin and leave them to lick it off.

Brain Games: challenge your dog with games that require problem-solving skills. Like the muffin tin game - get a muffin tin and use tennis balls to cover some compartments and hide treats underneath others.

REMEMBER: tailor your enrichment activities to your dog’s breed, age, and energy level. For example, breeds like the Border Collie might benefit from agility training or interactive toys, whilst a senior dog might prefer calmer activities like scent work.

What’s your dog’s favorite enrichment? 👇

05/31/2024

If you aren’t no. 1 in your dog’s eyes, make that a priority before putting all your time into training 👏

We want our dog to choose to listen us, rather than forcing them to do what we ask

It’s better for them, better for us, and better for everyone around us too (no awkwardly chasing your dog around the park!)

So, how can you start building the bond with your dog?

Start by trying different stimuli - food, toys, play hide & seek - whatever gets them excited, and pay close attention to them during these times.

This will make them value you above everything else!

05/29/2024

PSA: this service is only available to Hellak9s alumni

Got a vacation coming up? ✈️

Leave them with us!

We’ll match them with their trainer for boarding, so you know they are in safe hands whilst you’re away

If you have any questions, or need more information, send us a DM

05/15/2024

E Collars: yes or no, and why? 👇

05/10/2024

Hello all, Zach here!

I’ve been working with HellaK9s for close to 2 years now with my main focus being in sport obedience & protection.

I currently compete in PSA with my 2 year old European Doberman, Raksha.

Rak & I’s journey is one of the many reasons I’ve fallen in love with this craft.

I’ve had many different jobs & owned multiple businesses over the years.

None of which have ever even come close to offering the joy & fulfillment that working with HellaK9s has brought into my life. I eat, sleep, breathe any and all things dogs.

I absolutely love what I do and the family we’ve created here at HellaK9s.

05/01/2024

Which is best for you and your dog? 🐕

Board & Train: Ideal for busy schedules or stubborn behaviors. Your dog gets intensive training with our experts, perfect for focused results.

Hybrid: If you want to be part of the journey, this program combines Board & Train with private lessons for you and your pup. Learn the skills to maintain your dog’s training at home!

Still not sure which is the best fit?

Board & Train is great for pups who need regular focused attention on specific issues, like barking, jumping, or bigger problems like aggression.

Hybrid is best for those who want to be directly involved in training and build a stronger bond with their dog.

If you still can’t decide, send us a DM and we’ll help you pick what’s best for you and your dog 💬

04/08/2024

A dog is not a human...

So why do so many owners treat them like babies all the time?!

When we communicate to a dog, we have to do it in a way that they understand.

Some respond to food

Some prefer toys

And some just LOVE to work!

So we’ve listed some basic commands that every dog should know, which will help set them up for success as they continue to play a big part of your life.

Need some help?

Drop us a DM to be introduced to a trainer near you 🔥

04/03/2024

Work the dog in front of you 👇

We understand that no two dogs are the same, which is why every dog we work with is treated as an individual case; training them according to what works for them.

Just because one method worked on one dog, doesn’t mean it’ll work on the next, so we need to be adaptable to overcome any challenges we face.

🔥 SAY LESS, TRAIN MORE 🔥

Address

1075 Garrisonville Road
Stafford, VA
22556

Telephone

+15405340820

Website

http://Www.hellak9s.com/

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Videos

Head trainer Kyana walks us through the world of BULLIES (no, we're not talking about high school - we're talking the dog breed!) 😉 Bred originally for bull-baiting, the Bully breed was later used for dog fighting, which to this day can bring challenges that are inherent to some dogs through genetics Earlier this year, the UK went as far as to put a ban on the American XL Bully due to several cases of fatal attacks since 2021 That said, they can be amazing dogs for a variety of homes and the right owner - you just need to know what you're getting into What's your take on bullies? 🐾