Lemondrop Dog Training and Boarding

09/12/2023

We are very excited to make this announcement! It has been months in the making and so hard to set up everyone to be ready for my departure but don’t forget virtual lessons will still be an option for everyone!

You can always PM Eisern K9s for more information or get into contact with our new business which will be located in Colorado!

🐾 Exciting News! Introducing Eisern K9s 🐾

Hey there, friends! We've got some big news to share with all of you. After months of hard work and dedication, we are thrilled to announce a fresh new look and a brand-new name for our beloved dog training companies!

Say goodbye to PQK9 Balanced Training L.L.C. and Lemondrop Dog Training and Boarding, and give a warm welcome to Eisern K9s! In the next month, we will be making our move to Colorado, and we want our brand to reflect who we both are as dog trainers and individuals.

Our journeys started with a passion for helping dogs and their humans build stronger, more balanced relationships through training. Over the years, we've grown, learned, and evolved as professional dog trainers, and we wanted our company to reflect that growth and transformation.

"Eisern" is a German word that means "iron," and it embodies the strength, determination, and unwavering commitment we have to provide top-notch training and support for your four-legged companions. We believe that every dog has the potential to be the best version of themselves, and we're here to help them become just that.

Our commitment to balanced training methods, love, and care for your pets remains as strong as ever. We are excited to continue our journey with you under our new name, Eisern K9s.

Stay tuned for more updates, training tips, and dog-filled adventures as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to help your dogs thrive under the Eisern K9s!

03/02/2023

Hello everyone!

This is just a quick reminder with the bad weather to stay safe! Have a plan for your pups too!

02/04/2023

Advocate four your dog and others! Leash up in all public and non-fenced areas!

It is also important to look up any local leash laws where you live and travel!

💯 We need more of these signs! Please leash your pets for the safety of everyone.

01/12/2023

Training and learning management techniques from trainer can go a long way in making everyone’s life better!

Sometimes rehoming is best, but we can help make sure you’ve tried your best to make sure that is the right thing to do!

We can’t stress this enough!!

01/06/2023

There’s a lot that factors into crating and where it goes!

01/04/2023

12/26/2022

BOWLS ARE BORING
Observations show that many animals, including dogs will prefer to forage, hunt and actively seek out food rather than just having it freely available or presented in a bowl.
This behaviour is known as Contrafreeloading and is an occurrence where an animal will choose to put effort and work into seeking out food rather than eat food that is available for far less or no effort.
This may not make any sense to us – why go to all that effort when you could just have the food that is presented to you? Or why make my dog work for a basic need, you may ask? Surely that’s just not fair?
Foraging, hunting and seeking out food are natural, instinctive behaviours which are vital for the survival of any species. Even though our domesticated dogs don’t have to worry about this, this innate need for seeking is still a part of who they are.
In addition to this, seeking out food creates an increase in Dopamine – the feel-good hormone. It’s the pursuit of an opportunity, the excitement, the satisfaction and the sense of achievement and not the actual eating of the food that causes these feel-good emotions.
We control so much of our dog’s lives and in our modern lifestyles and environment many dogs have very little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours. Why not use food as an outlet to provide enrichment and allow them to engage in a very natural behaviour while increasing feel good hormones?
Contrafreeloading may not be true of all dogs. Dogs that are already provided with lots of opportunities to engage in natural behaviours may not gain any additional benefit as those needs are already being met. Some dogs may be really hungry or tired and prefer to have instant gratification. Every dog is an individual, but it’s worth considering the advantages of providing a simple outlet for this natural and instinctive behaviour. It will make your dog feel good!

12/12/2022

As winter arrives and temperatures drop, remember that some dogs are bred to be outside in cold weather. Heavy-coated northern dogs like huskies, malamutes, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, and Bernese mountain dogs are bred to stay outside all winter and frequently prefer to be outside even in bitterly cold temperatures – often to their owners’ dismay. If you see a dog with a full coat outside this winter, they are probably perfectly happy. There is no need to call us unless they are visibly shivering.

12/07/2022

12/05/2022

Dont forget with the holidays coming up dogs are 8-16 YEARS of responsibility! Toys, games, and treats are great gifts, not responsibilities!

11/04/2022

Family Friday!

Post pictures of your family and pups! Here at Lemondrop Dog Training we understand the importance of family in dog training, and the role of your pups in family!

11/01/2022

Tongue Out Tuesday!

Instead of our normal posts, since we are preparing for a conference, please enjoy getting to know your community! Post pictures of your pups with their tongues out below!

10/29/2022

It's Q&A Friday!

10/26/2022

Our “Breed of the Week '' posts are aimed at educating about purebred dogs, their history, correct temperament, and how to find a wellbred Purebred dog. We love all dogs, and think all dogs deserve the best, but there are ways to make sure you get the best dog for you and your lifestyle. Feel free to reach out and ask about breed recommendations or for help finding a responsible breeder! Now, introducing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi!

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is most likely to have descended from Scandinavian dogs such as the Swedish Vallhund being mixed with local Welsh dogs. In lore, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were a gift from the fairies. Supposedly two children brought puppies that they thought were fox kits home. Welsh legends say the fairies would use the little dogs to pull their carriages or as mounts for them to ride into battle. If you look, you can still see the marks of the fairy saddle on their shoulders (especially pronounced in the sable color). As the little puppies that the children brought home grew, they learned to help their humans watch over their cattle, a task to become a responsibility for their descendants. For many years the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has made an excellent cattle dog and farm dog.

Today the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still an excellent farm and cattle dog, but is also a great active companion and sport dog. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an adaptable dog that should be friendly or neutral to strangers and dogs.

When looking for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi you should be aware Pembrokes should never have a bob tail and only come in red, sable, fawn, black and tan, all with or without white markings. The Pembroke should never be merle, and being merle is an indication of being mixed. Although it should be made clear that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a full tail and can come in merle. Additionally, Pembroke Welsh Corgi only come in one size ( 10-12” at the shoulders and 25-30lbs) and any advertising “miniature” should be avoided.

Additionally, when looking at breeders all breeding dogs should have the appropriate health testing. The required testing by OFA includes a fair or better rating on a Hip Radiograph or a passing score of a PennHIP evaluation, and an ACVO Eye Exam. Additionally, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America mentions OFA Elbow Exams, and thyroid exams. Special health considerations in the breed include Diabetes and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy).

When looking at titles in breeding dogs one should expect to see titles such as: agility, herding, conformation, obedience, and titles such as the CGC or ATT proving temperament and general training are recommended.

Disclaimer: All information came directly from breed experts or the breed’s parent club site, for more information go to the link below or PM us. When contacting a breeder, they should be willing to provide all health certifications (OFA has a public database), registered names with titles, and have an in-depth knowledge of the dogs bred and the breed standard.

https://pembrokecorgi.org/

10/26/2022

Always ask before petting dogs you don’t know!

10/25/2022

Training Tip Tuesday!

10/25/2022

Mythical Monday!

10/22/2022

It's Q&A Friyay!

10/21/2022

This week's "Dog in History" is Apollo.

Apollo was the first Search and Rescue Dog on site on September 11 of 2001. Apollo worked 18 hours a day for several weeks with his handlers and received the AKC Ace Award as well as the Dicken Medal.

10/18/2022

For more information check out this informative article on the AKC’s website!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-see-color/

10/17/2022

Our “Breed of the Week '' posts are aimed at educating about purebred dogs, their history, correct temperament, and how to find a wellbred Purebred dog. We love all dogs, and think all dogs deserve the best, but there are ways to make sure you get the best dog for you and your lifestyle. Feel free to reach out and ask about breed recommendations or for help finding a responsible breeder! Now, introducing the Dachshund!

The Dachshund was originally used as a hunting dog for badgers in Germany. Historically these small dogs have been described as fearless, ferocious, and courageous to the point of rashness. Through time different coat and size varieties were developed for hunting of different game animals, but their temperament remained the same.

Today the Dachshund is described as clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. They can make excellent hunting companions, active pets, and sports dogs.

The Dachshund comes in a standard and miniature size. The standard historically hunted badger, and the miniature historically hunted rabbit. Additionally they come in three coat types: smooth, long coated, and wirehaired. Dachshunds come in solid, two-toned, piebald, sable, and dapple (merle) patterns.

When looking at health testing for Dachshunds being bred the parent club recommends three tests: Patella Luxation exam after 12 months of age and periodically reexamined, an ACVO eye examination within two years of breeding, and a cardiac exam by a licensed veterinarian. When looking at titles, hunt tests, agility titles, conformation and more are preferred.

Disclaimer: All information came directly from breed experts or the breed’s parent club site, for more information go to the link below or PM us. When contacting a breeder, they should be willing to provide all health certifications (OFA has a public database), registered names with titles, and have an in-depth knowledge of the dogs bred and the breed standard.

http://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/

10/15/2022

Q&A Friday!

Q: My dog barks when I walk them but not at the trainer, why?
A: Often owners are nervous or anticipating a specific reaction. I often say “the lead feeds” meaning that your emotions and stress can travel down the leash to your dog. When I take a dog I make sure to always have a clear head and stay worry-free!

10/13/2022

This Dog in History!

Druzhok

What they did: Thought to be Pavlov’s favorite dog used in studies. When Pavlov wrote of him, his tone changed, and became more proud.

10/12/2022

Training Tip Tuesday!

Short and Sweet!
Always be very concise when communicating with your dog. Speaking to them in full sentences often brings you out of the optimal time to reward or correct your dog. As soon as they do something well, tell them “Good __” with the blank being the command name. For example: “Good Sit”. When they mess up just say “No, ___”. For example if they lay down when you ask them to sit: “No, Sit”.

10/11/2022

We at Lemondrop Dog Training and Boarding often hear people talk about “Small Dog Syndrome”. This unfortunately is not a real thing though.

People often view small dogs as less harmful and barely even dogs that can bite. We repeatedly hear people shrug off worrisome behaviors from small dogs just because they “can’t do that much damage”. However small the dog, they are still a dog though. They should still be respected and treated as such. So, when a small dog is uncomfortable we need to listen to those warning signs just as though the Chihuahua was a Doberman.

Signs of discomfort and fear can include the pinning of ears, tucked tails, lip licking, excessive yawning, and whale eye. When a dog shows these behaviors it is best to give them space rather than continuing with the activity.

10/09/2022

Our “Breed of the Week '' posts are aimed at educating about purebred dogs, their history, correct temperament, and how to find a wellbred Purebred dog. We love all dogs, and think all dogs deserve the best, but there are ways to make sure you get the best dog for you and your lifestyle. Feel free to reach out and ask about breed recommendations or for help finding a responsible breeder! Now, introducing the German Shorthaired Pointer!

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) was developed from several hunting dog breeds after the invention and popularization of the gun. In the 1880’s a breed standard was developed, and at a field trial another turn in breed development was made. During the World Wars many dogs and lines were lost due to lack of rescue/survival. Additionally, in East Germany during WWii all breeding and hunting of hunting dogs was controlled by the fascists resulting in all White and Liver dogs not being bred because they were more visible than the solid Liver and Liver Roan dogs. In the 1920’s GSP were brought into the US and on July 4 of 1925 the first litter of GSP were born in the USA. Not yet recognized by AKC the litter was registered in AKC’s “Everyuse” in the Field Dog Stud Book in early 1926. In 1935 the GSP gained AKC recognition and within a decade was already gaining popularity.

Today the GSP still makes excellent hunting companions, family dogs, active pets, and versatile sport dogs or detection dogs. The GSP was historically a hunting dog that excelled in family life and this holds true today. GSP should be friendly, intelligent, and have an eagerness to work. GSP should have a natural inclination to point and a high prey drive.

When looking for a GSP they can be solid liver or solid black, liver and white or black and white, liver roan or black roan, but should never have liver and black on the same dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) warns buyers against purchasing from breeders advertising ‘rare’ colors and that only colors and combinations above are accepted. Additionally, there are not multiple sizes of GSP.

The GSPCA required a minimum of OFA Elbow certification with at least a “Normal” rating, and OFA Hip certification with at least “Good” rating. Additionally, OFA also recommends a Cardiac Evaluation done after 24 months of age, an ACVO eye exam, a DNA test for cone degeneration and Von Willebrand’s Disease (optional), and a test for Autoimmune Thyroiditis (optional). Finally, all GSP being bred should be titled. This may include field trials, hunt tests, agility, obedience, temperament tests, scent detection, conformation, and more.

Disclaimer: All information came directly from breed experts or the breed’s parent club site, for more information go to the link below or PM us. When contacting a breeder, they should be willing to provide all health certifications (OFA has a public database), registered names with titles, and have an in-depth knowledge of the dogs bred and the breed standard.