Ember Kennels In-Home Dog Boarding and Training

12/25/2022

Christmas season is in full play and between new puppies and the stress of visiting family members you may have a new found need for training for your furry friends.

If you have a pup who needs to learn the ropes or maybe an older pup who needs a refresher please feel free to message us or give us a call at (813)842-4484

11/23/2022

Chewy is getting settled in for his boarding with us over Thanksgiving 🦃 he’s a little anxious because it’s his first time boarding but he’s figuring it out in his own time.

If you’re looking for a home away from home for your pup, look no further. We offer boarding year round unless otherwise stated. Reach out at (813)842-4484

11/16/2022

Chikko was tuckered out after our training session today. We worked on leash pressure, loose heel position, leave it, and incorporating all of that for when he starts pulling.

If your pup is having issues pulling on the leash feel free to reach out so we can get you started on your training journey (813)842-4484.

11/14/2022

Chikko was working on his door manners the other day. He’s learning the imaginary line is by the couch/ box and as long as he stays on the correct side he gets rewarded, even if the door is open. This is an important thing to train for safety so you’re less likely to have a dog that bolts or someone accidentally getting knocked over by a dog rushing the door.

If your pup needs help with their door manners feels free to reach out (813)842-4484

11/13/2022

Chikko joined our training program last week. He’s a 7 month old Aussie. He’s working on impulse control, leash manners, and how to politely greet guests.

If your pup needs help in any of those areas feel free to reach out to us (813)842-4484.

10/28/2022

Are you tired of boarding your pet in overcrowded boarding facilities? Are you looking for training that feels like home ?

Look no further. At Ember Kennels we strive to make you and your pup feel at home. We offer in home boarding with loads of activities for your pup. We offer playtime with other dogs ( if behavior allows) or one on one playtime with m, decompression walks with lots of smells and enrichment, enrichment games and treats, lots of time roaming inside and outside (supervised) and even swimming if whether permits.

For our training we offer training in your home or ours. We’ve found pups to learn better in the least stressful home-like environments vs. traditional kennel settings. Our training is tailored to what you and your pup need and how you and they best learn. We offer training for all ages, human and dog. We offer training from puppy basics to behavioral modification.

For more information please feel free to message us, text/call us at (813)842-4484, or reach out through our website https://www.emberkennels.com

10/23/2022

Does your pup need some help with leash pulling, reactivity, aggression, or maybe just so basic obedience?

Starting 10/26/22 Ember Kennels will be able to resume taking Board and trains as well as in home boarding.

We will still be offering virtual and in person training sessions as well. We offer training tailored to the needs of you and your pup in a realistic fashion and timeline as well as boarding in a home environment rather than a stressful kennel situation.

Please feel free to message us, reach out via call or text at (813)842-4484, or head on over to our website for further information https://www.emberkennels.com

08/26/2022

Trevors been working hard on his leash manners. Trevor is a pretty anxious pup and would previously pull his mom on walks and react heavily to triggers.

He has been working to build his confidence outside after the 4th of July which startled him so much he wouldn’t leave the house to even go to the bathroom. Using positive reinforcement and some creative training, he now willingly goes outside and is working on being able to explore the world at his pace.

If you have an anxious or reactive pup and need some help feel free to reach out via messenger or give us a call at (813)842-4484

08/26/2022

Trevor is showing off his “leave it” skills while balancing a treat on his paw. He’s picking up well on impulse control to help him in day to day life to help keep him safe.

If your pup needs some help with their impulse control feel free to message us or give us a call at (813)842-4484

07/03/2022

06/08/2022

Lux got to work on some training while we waited for a table to be ready a Buffalo Wild Wings.

05/16/2022

Shilo started to learn “leave it” to help with his impulse control in later training.

Impulse control is applicable in all aspects of training. When teaching a new skill and proofing that skill impulse control comes into play frequently. After a dog has learned the skill foundation we work on adding the three D’s - Duration, Distance, & Distraction. To be able to work on these aspects the dog needs to understand what’s being asked along with how to maintain that position despite wanting to break.

Impulse control can help with a variety of behaviors we tend to not like such as - jumping, barking, pacing, pulling. Obviously there are other components to working on those behaviors but impulse control definitely factors in.

If you need some help with your pups manners feel free to reach out by messaging us or giving us a call/text at (813)842-4484.

05/08/2022

We’re welcoming Beau, Bailey, & Nala into our Puppy Basics Program.

They are 4 month old littermates that are owned by separate family members. Follow along to see their progress.

If you’d like to get your new puppy or maybe your current dog some training help please message us or reach out at (813)842-4484

05/06/2022

Lux, Stop, and Crixus all working on their impulse control and down stays while we were out on a decompression walk in the pasture.

They get to have the freedom to be off leash because we’ve worked diligently on recall and impulse control.

If this is something you’d like to work on with your pup feel free to message us or reach out at (813)842-4484.

05/06/2022

Lux got to go to a Softball game the other day for the first time and did great with all the noise.

Things like this are why impulse control are so important, despite the fact that she wanted the ball ( very badly) she stayed put and did her job.

If you’re looking for training help for your pet or service dog feel free to message us or reach out at (813)842-4484.

05/06/2022

Welcome Shiloh to our Training Program. He is a German Shepherd SDIT that will be starting with our Bare Necessities program to work on his basic obedience.

If you’re looking for some help with your puppies manners feel free to message us or reach out at (813)842-4484.

05/03/2022

We made the trip down to Huntsville last week.

As of May 5th, we will be accepting new clients for in person and virtual sessions. We are still holding off on Board & Trains and regular boarding but plan to resume our normal services along with some new additions in a couple months.

04/28/2022

This Tik Tok creator made an amazing visual on the differences between puppy mills, back yard breeders ( BYB), and responsible ethical breeders.

She shows the difference in how they operate and how that affects each dog. BYB and puppy mills are just in it for the money and don’t generally care for the well being of their dogs. Ethical breeders not only take their puppies back for any reason and at any time should the owner not be able to keep them, but they also have contract and microchips in place to help prevent their dogs from ending up in rescues or shelters.

These are just a few of the differences between a puppy from ethical vs unethical breeders. Not only do the breeders care more about their puppies well being for their whole life, but the quality of the dog is generally better. While you can get purebred dogs in the shelter, they won’t be well bred dogs. A well bred dog is health tested, temperament tested, and was bred for a working/ show/ sport purpose.

If you’re looking for a dog please . The less people that unethical breeders can profit off of, the more likely they are to discontinue breeding.

04/08/2022

This is not training… this is abuse.

This is compulsion based training that has zero concern for the dogs welfare, this dog is being choked into a sit. The is a handler failing to control their frustration and taking it out on the dog. This took place at off leash k9 in Huntsville Alabama. Please be careful who you trust with your dogs and always check references and their training philosophy. Supposedly these owners are unaware that this is happening to their dog. The “trainer” and business need to be held accountable.

Please share so they can be made aware of the abuse this company has committed towards their dog.

04/05/2022

Places like this are why I’m so transparent with all of my clients, especially those boarding. I’ve see a lot of sketchy things happen at standard daycare/boarding/training facilities. Most of these issues are 100% preventable and due to negligence. Please research where you send your dogs and who you’re letting work with your dogs. Reach out for reviews, tour the place, and please don’t send them somewhere where they don’t offer at least daily updates.

13 Investigates has received complaints from former customers of a dog day care in Mooresville.

03/31/2022

Just an update for everyone -

As of the 15th of April we will relocating to Northern Alabama. We have loved to be able to work with everyone in the Lafayette area and help you and your pets live your best life. We are sad to leave but certain life circumstances have led us this way.

That being said we will still continue virtual training and in person sessions until we move but will not be offering boarding or board and trains until we are settled in our new location. After we move we will continue in person and virtual training for those who are interested.

We have enjoyed all of the amazing owners and pets we have been able to meet and would love any feedback or updates you guys have to offer.

Please feel free to message us with any questions or concerns.

03/31/2022

03/28/2022

Even old dogs can learn new tricks!

Sophia, a 10 y/o Yorkie, is brushing up on her skills before she becomes a big sister. She’s learning to share the attention in her home as well as some new skills for when she meets the newest addition to their family.

03/19/2022

Lexi is boarding with us for the weekend, she and Lux are having a fun time playing before dinner.

02/17/2022

While talking with a client today during training I realized so many people are unaware of how much adolescence really effects their dogs.

Dogs go through 2 fear/regression periods- the first one being around 8 to 12 weeks of age and the second one happening around 8-18 months of age.

During those fear/regression period dogs can be stressed or scared by things that would normally not a problem. Your dog can also practically “forget” everything they’ve learned, or need extra help with skills they have already learned. It can very frustrating but is also very developmentally normal.

Your dogs mental and physical development should be taken into consideration when training and having a puppy. Your dog is not giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time. Their brains are quite literally being rewired as they grow into adults, just like humans and that can make it difficult for them to learn sometimes.

During these times consistency and confidence building is extremely important. While we should always be aiming to give our dogs the most positive experience possible, it is especially important when working them through these difficult times.

Credit : @ service_snoot on tiktok

01/30/2022

W**d and lux had fun playing today.

We had intended that W**d would become a foster fail however him and one of our males do not get along well. We have decided that it would be in his best interest to be adopted by someone else.

W**d would do best in a home without small kids as loud noises and fast movements still startle him. Ideally a house with only female dogs as he does best with females. He’s starting to understand leash pressure when walking, he settles well in his kennel, he does well about going potty outside, and he does well handling new experiences.

He wants to be a great pet, he just needs time and patience along with someone to put in the work. W**d will be available for adoption after he is neutered mid February. Please reach out with any interest or questions. I will link the adoption form for ABMR in the comments.

01/24/2022

W**d got to play in the snow today. We did a Mini photoshoot in the snow and he was very over it 😂 you can see his annoyance in the last pic.

He does like the snow though, he loves to stick his whole snoot in it when he finds a good smell.

**d

01/23/2022

As professional dog trainers, our job is to tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Due to the rising popularity of the Belgian Malinois, we're receiving more and more inquiries asking us to help "fix" these dogs as they mature into adults. They're biting house guests, chasing the children, and getting into bar fights at the dog park.... and their families are feeling hopeless and frustrated, realizing they bit off more than they could chew.

We understand the appeal. They're beautiful, athletic dogs with hilarious personalities and they're smart as can be. Videos of their impressive training and abilities regularly go viral on the internet. Done correctly, you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal breed. But these dogs are not without extreme challenges that can make them completely unsuitable for the average home.

For those of you that know us, you know that we are incredibly passionate about the breed. For those of you that don't, a little background on us. Lisa Lucero won the USA Mondioring Nationals in 2021 with her Malinois, Hero; and competed in Romania in the International competition with him in Oct. 2021 - placing in the top 15 in the world. She has been in the Malinois breed for twelve years, with her third competition dog of the breed. Shaina Zimmerman won the MR1 Nationals in 2019 with one of her Malinois, Atom, took 3rd place at MR3 in 2021, and has two dogs currently competing in Mondioring and French Ring. Both have also been involved in rescue and placement of the breed, as well as puppy selection and rearing for some of the top breeders in the country. Shaina's female Malinois just had a litter of puppies for a well known kennel, and she is currently raising one of those puppies until he is placed in an appropriate home. Prior to Malinois, Lisa and Shaina both competed with working line German Shepherds. We have titled in AKC and ASCA Obedience and Rally, in addition to protection sports. We have trained with the best of the best in the country, and in the world. The point is, we have extensive breeding and training experience with Malinois.

We aren't going to sugarcoat what it takes to be successful with a young Malinois in a pet home. One of our well-respected colleagues, that we refer to for private lessons and group classes (since we do not offer those services) has decided to refer out all Malinois inquiries that come in as she has had almost no success helping people with these dogs as pets. The breed has gained exponentially in popularity since the rise of the public's exposure to them. Unfortunately, this has led to many more of them being bred and put out into the world - from those in shelter situations, to those being purchased from working line breeders, to those being bred by less scrupulous breeders looking to cash in on their popularity. It's easy to find breeders regularly mixing Malinois with Dutch Shepherds and German Shepherds, touting them as the perfect family protector and companion, selling them to ill-prepared families. They are a truly singular breed in their needs, and in how their brains work. Even those from the very best breeders require a completely different type of life and training than most trainers offer, or most homes are willing to provide. While we do not subscribe to the theory that Malinois need hours of intensive training and exercise every day, we do know that they need more structure and understanding of training theories and genetic behaviors than most homes are willing to learn and implement.

Malinois are purposefully bred to be a bit neurotic, with a lot of drive, suspicion, and aggression. This can be a hard balance to get right, as genetics have a huge influence on behavior and despite the most thoughtful of breeding, the result can be undesirable. Some Malinois like dogs. Some like people. If you're lucky, you end up with a dog that likes both (we call this a UNICORN)... but most often, they dislike both. And that doesn't make them a bad Malinois.

No matter how social a Malinois is (or appears to be), dog parks and daycare are not appropriate outlets for their energy. These dogs are obsessive -- of their toys, their interactions, and their environments. Putting them in situations where they are able to obsess over dogs, people, and items will inevitably result in behaviors such as barking and lunging on walks, aggression due to possession of their toys, running off after dogs while off leash, etc.

Any interactions our own dogs have with other dogs and strangers are well thought out, and for the benefit of the dog. This is not a breed to hang out at a backyard BBQ with intoxicated houseguests who don't understand high drive dogs. Even sober overzealous greeters can get into trouble with a Malinois. (HAIIII PUPPPY!)

While I am not saying owning a Malinois is akin to a tiger that needs to be kept in a cage, I am telling you that they require a much higher level of obedience control, and coaching other people how to interact (management) than other dogs in order to be mentally well adjusted, happy dogs, to prevent dog fights, and bites to people. Even an accidental bite can have devastating consequences for a dog and it is our job to respect this breed for what it is, and for what it isn't, and to avoid and/or intervene in bad situations. While we can help our clients get rock-solid obedience training, direct them to appropriate training outlets, and help them live the best life together, we cannot, and will not, help them make a Malinois what they are not (a Golden Retriever, by example). It is not possible, and it would be unprofessional and unethical for us to take a clients money promising to do so.

To drive it home, here is a good post from a breeder friend of ours that has gone viral numerous times over the years:

"For those that need to hear it....MALINOIS BITE!
MALINOIS BITE !!
MALINOIS BITE !!!
MALINOIS BITE !!!!
No, there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with them. They are bred this way. They do this from 5 weeks on. They also have lots of energy, are very reactive, very pushy and usually carry quite a bit of aggression. They are not known as ‘tolerant dogs’. They don’t care if that’s your kid’s toy. It’s theirs now. P**s off!
They are not like German Shepherds. They are nothing like your Rottweiler you had years ago that you got to sit and stay. They are not Lassie. They are not Rin Tin Tin. Just stop with that.
They jump like REALLY well. See all those cool videos online of them doing crazy parkour s**t? See all those high walls they scale? Your stupid fenced in yard is a joke. I watch 5 month old Malinois puppies that can climb 6ft fences no problem. These are very athletic and agile dogs. There are reasons they are securely confined when not closely supervised by responsible owners. This is one.
And here comes the ‘well, if they are so terrible than how come you have them?’
Well, guess what? I’m a professional trainer. My life revolves around training dogs. I literally eat, breath and sleep this stuff. Everyday. 24/7. It’s an obsession and a lifestyle. I have the need for a breed that matches that intensity. If I didn’t, you bet your ass I wouldn’t have Malinois. In fact, I started out with other breeds first. I went out to sport training clubs and was a dedicated member for years before I got a Malinois. I spent lots of time around the breed with professional trainers before getting my own.
If you’re still romanticizing about getting your own Malinois after reading all this. Fine. Do it right. Don’t be a schmuck and just go out and get one from the first jerk drooling to sell your naive ass a BYB puppy. JOIN a training club. Spend LOTS of time around them. Learn how to actually train a dog using your brain instead of jerking it into a sit. Get a proper set up. Make sure you have several REPUTABLE breeders lined up. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Then take the plunge and hopefully enjoy the rewards of dedication and planning. Or don’t...because you found out this isn’t for you and you can’t commit. No shame in that.
The point here...don’t make a round peg try to fit in a square hole. Don’t make a selfish, uneducated decision because you are impulsive and don’t care if another living being suffers due to your crap choice at the time. The safety blanket for this breed is gone. Yes, that’s right. The Malinois rescues are overwhelmed. The shelters are getting owner surrender and stray Malinois left and right. They are now on the blacklist for many insurance companies and landlords. It’s not slowing down. Nobody will want your Malinois when you finally decide that maybe you made a mistake. So keep that in mind when admiring that pretty brown hero dog with the black mask."
-Stephanie OBrien
Loucyn Malinois

01/22/2022

W**d got to go on a walk to get the feel of the area.

He has a martingale collar and his Fi collar both connected to the leash to make sure he doesn’t go for an adventure alone. Having a backup collar helps in the event the first one fails so he won’t get loose and end up in a dangerous situation.

He got to experience a lot of new sights, noises, and smells on his walk and is now taking a long nap.

01/19/2022

W**d got to use his first enrichment toy the other day, it’s a “tornado” puzzle feeder. He figured it out pretty quick.

We have had a few less than idea setbacks like mr. Man decided to escape his kennel but with all the doors closed 😂 safe to say we will be taking extra precautions to help make sure that doesn’t happen again including helping him be more comfortable in the crate and securing it a bit better. He’s slowly coming around to liking the crate.

He has a bit of anxiety which well be working on with confidence building and learning how to self entertain.