K-9 Solutions Dog Training Inc.

08/25/2024

I'm not surprised.

Training dogs with electronic collars is no more effective than traditional training methods, according to new research.

06/23/2022

There are things you can start doing today to help your dog who is afraid of fireworks.

04/21/2022

A great article about dogs and dog parks.

The last time I posted this it went viral 🤯

It rubbed some the right way and some the wrong way with lots of different opinions about my opinion ... and I still say the same 💁‍♀️

It seems that the ultimate goal for dog owners is to have a dog they can bring to a dog park because that must mean their dog can tolerate and deal with anything 🧐

And I wonder why that's so important?

I understand that many owners with this as their goal in mind, doing it with the best intentions, assuming they’re doing the right thing and are improving the quality of their dog’s life. And for a small amount of dogs, it can be a great experience.

But…

If you have a dog that doesn't really enjoy other dogs, you don't do your dog any favor trying to get him to a point where he can "tolerate" being at the dog park...usually it's quite the opposite and you'll lose your dogs trust that you got his back.

Or if you have a dog that enjoys playing really rough, why is it so important that he can "play" with the miniature doodle at the park rather than finding him a personal play mate that is on his level?

There's many reasons why I don't bring my dog to a dog park regardless of how well tempered and balanced my dog would be...the environment is just way too uncontrolled.

It's like going to a night club, you never know what to expect LOL

The fact that the majority of dogs are dog selective, meaning they prefer a more social circle than having to hug and kiss every stranger they come in contact with, is just another one.

But one of the big reasons I don't bring any dogs there is, because it really is a very unnatural environment for dogs and if you'd like to understand more about this, read my article on that topic on my website blog https://www.k9possible.com/single-post/2016/04/05/why-dog-parks-are-unnatural-how-to-properly-socialize-your-dog

02/21/2022

Introducing a new contributor to the page: My 26 year old daughter Kendra has been mentoring with me as a trainer for the past year. One could say she actually started on this path years ago considering her childhood. She has grown up with the variety of dogs we shared our lives with; Akitas, pugs, frenchies and a chow. One of the french bulldogs was hers and she even saved her own money to be able to get her. Over those years she picked up quite a bit of training knowledge unintentionally by watching me, and learning how to handle our dogs. She now lives with, and trains, her German Shepherd who has become what we in the biz call a "gateway dog". The one that makes you realize you want to be a bona fide trainer. His name is Booker and he is very handsome. (And energetic!) It has been a pleasure to see her have those lightbulb moments with him. You can follow their exploits on her Instagram account; booker_the_gsd. She also lives with Xena, the queen of chaos, her 6 year old tabby cat that she has taught a few tricks of her own. Kendra currently works full time for SASSMM, part time at the Loyal Biscuit Co., as well as mentoring with me. I admit the page hasn't been very active lately since I've not been taking on new clients. Thank you to all my loyal followers for sticking with me. I hope you continue to find the page helpful and entertaining. Happy training! ~ Marie

02/18/2022

One of the dogs I got to work with during my apprenticeship was a Mal. She was freaking amazing. And drivey. And I knew I could never live with that energy level and brain. I love the breed for their smarts and working ability, but I hate to see them in the wrong hands. I pray for Mal rescue in the days to come after this movie comes out. Please consider all factors when selecting a dog to share your life with to be the best match for everyone, including the dogs.

“There is a movie coming out on Feb 18 called "Dog". It stars Channing Tatum and a highly trained Belgian Malinois. It's a road trip/buddy movie.

People are going to see this film and many will want their own Belgian Malinois. This is not going to end well for this breed.

A highly trained Malinois is a work of art. So is Michelangelo's statue of David but I don't necessarily want it in my living room.

This breed can be amazing in the right hands but they require a lot of everything. If you are considering getting a Malinois, please, first go meet some Malinois of all ages at your local rescue.

Be honest with yourself about the amount of time that you have to dedicate to training one of these dogs. Not the person that you want to be but the person that you are right now. Sitting on your ass and reading this post.

If you are still determined to get one. You can stem the inevitable tidal wave of Malinois that will be surrendered to the shelters by sourcing your dog in one of 3 places:

Your local shelter
A local Malinois rescue
A real, ethical breeder (researching one is hard work but an ethical breeder will prove their dogs and require that you return the dog to them if you can't keep it)

DO NOT get a Malinois from the guy down the street. Don't help backyard breeders line their pockets. Pure bred doesn't equal good breeding.

If you see the popularity of these dogs sky rocket and think you can make a quick buck by breeding some. May all of your financial ventures fail one after another.

From the bottom of my heart, I love this breed. I know what's coming and so do the shelters and rescues.”

- Shane Doss

In short, please enjoy the film “Dog” and admire the breed from afar unless you are truly researched and committed to adding one to your family.

(Photo credit to MGM Studios)

08/26/2021

Watch tonight at 7:00 on ESPN. Our own states Flyball MAINEiacs will be featured!

ESPN will celebrate International Dog Day with "ESPN Dog Day," an evening of dog-related programming, on Thursday, Aug. 26