Kentucky Canine Coach LLC

01/17/2025

Is there somebody behind me?

01/17/2025

Daisy, Bella, Dillion and Josie all practicing their sit skills. Sit is a simple and easy skill to teach that can prevent jumping, prevent door bolting and build their self control.

01/16/2025

🚨 Doggy Daycares: Are They Right for Your Dog? 🚨

While some doggy daycares offer amazing staff and facilities, they aren’t the best fit for every dog—especially adolescent pups. Here’s why you might want to think twice:

🐾 Staff-to-Dog Ratios: Many facilities operate with high dog-to-staff ratios, making supervision difficult, especially in emergencies.

🐾 Behavioral Risks: Constant exposure to overstimulating environments can lead to bad habits like ignoring cues, leash reactivity, or over-arousal.

🐾 Flooding & Fear Periods: Undersocialized or young dogs may feel overwhelmed, potentially causing long-term behavioral issues.

🐾 Safety Concerns: Limited water access, overused or broken crates, and unsupervised group play can pose health and safety risks.

✨ Not all daycares are created equal, and some are great! But always take a tour, ask questions, and consider if daycare truly fits your dog’s needs.
Do you agree or disagree?

01/13/2025

🐾 Kennel Training Tips for Peaceful Nights 💤

🛏️ Crate Training Basics:

🐶 Place a small crate in your bed so the puppy feels close to you.

🛌 Cover both of you with a loose sheet, ensuring airflow.

😌 Sigh deeply to help the puppy relax—this mimics mother dogs' behavior.

✋ Keep your hand in the crate for a while so the pup can touch you.

🏡 Creating a Positive Association:

🛠️ The crate becomes a place of security and comfort, not isolation.

📏 Use a crate at bed level or as close to you as possible for the first nights.

🌬️ Covering the crate traps scent, reinforcing comfort for the puppy.

🚶 Transitioning the Crate:

Gradually move the crate farther from your bed over time:
1️⃣ Start on furniture next to the bed.
2️⃣ Move to the other side of the bedroom.
3️⃣ Transition to another room once the puppy feels secure.

🛋️ Daytime Crate Training:

Place the crate next to you on the couch and cover both with a sheet or blanket.

🦴 Provide the pup with something to chew on to associate the crate with relaxation.

🚽 Toilet Training Tips:

🕒 Let the puppy out only after it has been quiet for 1–3 seconds to prevent teaching it that whining = freedom.

✅ Respond to cries for toileting but avoid reinforcing barking or whining.

🌾 For adult dogs toileting in crates, use Marc Goldberg's Straw Method: fill the crate with straw to reduce mess and discourage accidents.

🔑 Quick Reminder:

Consistency and patience are key! A crate should always feel safe, never a punishment. 🐕💖

01/12/2025

Service Dog Sunday...
Food for thought from Martha Hoffman-be sure to follow her.
🐾 Choosing the Right Service Dog Breed 🦮✨

When it comes to Service Dogs, some breeds are "Tried-and-True" 🏆, while others are "IF/THEN" 🌀. Your training skills matter, but the breed's temperament plays a huge role in your success!

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✅ Tried-and-True Breeds:

Well-bred Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and purpose-bred mixes (e.g., Labs x Goldens x Cockers) are top picks! Why? These dogs typically have:
1️⃣ Low fear
2️⃣ Low aggression
3️⃣ Empathetic social interactivity

Good breeding = greater success 🐕‍🦺

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🤔 IF/THEN Breeds:

Dreaming of a rare breed as your SD? It might work, but there are BIG "IFs":

IF they’re well-bred for health & temperament

IF they’re raised properly by the breeder

IF they’re selected, trained, & socialized carefully

IF they avoid trauma (like scary dogs or negative experiences)

IF they don’t develop breed-specific issues

🚨 By age 2–3, many non-traditional SD breeds may show aggression, fear, reactivity, prey drive or territorial behavior. This is why experts recommend "Tried-and-True" breeds!

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🌀 IMHO: Aloofness can actually be a BENEFIT in some SDs! Unlike overly social dogs, aloof dogs won’t get distracted competing for attention in busy environments.

Dream breed? It’s possible! But success with an IF/THEN breed takes time, effort, and luck. If it works, treasure that dog forever. 💖

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What breed works best for your SD journey? Let us know! 🐾✨

01/03/2025

Today, my heart is heavy but full of gratitude as I reflect on the incredible honor of being a part of my students' dogs' lives. As a dog trainer, I’ve had the privilege of watching so many dogs grow, age, and mature—each one leaving a pawprint on my heart. While it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, I am deeply grateful to each and every owner who trusts me to work with their beloved pups.

Zambi, one of the most remarkable Cane Corsos I’ve ever worked with, was a shining example of everything I love about this breed. She lived a long, beautiful life filled with sunbathing, chasing wildflowers, and exploring the stunning Colorado mountains. Zambi was the perfect blend of silly, serious, fun, and confident—a dog who could make you laugh one moment and leave you in awe the next. She will forever remain my ideal Cane Corso and a cherished memory in my heart.

To Zambi's mom, thank you for sharing her with me and trusting me with her puppy years. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered, always.🐾

01/01/2025

The First Three Days of the 3-3-3 Rule – Let’s Start Strong!
The first three days with your dog are crucial for building a foundation of trust, communication, and good habits. Here’s a new take on what to focus on during this important time:

1. Teach Three Core Communication Skills
Building a communication system with your dog sets the stage for a lifetime of understanding and harmony. It doesn’t matter which skills you start with—what matters is creating a way to “talk” to your dog. Here are some ideas:

Sit: Teaching “sit” isn’t just about looking cute; it’s a versatile command that can prevent unwanted behaviors like jumping on guests, bolting through doors, counter-surfing, or chasing the cat. A sitting dog is a calm and manageable dog.

Come When Called: This one can literally be a lifesaver. Imagine your dog starts chasing a squirrel toward a busy street. A strong recall can stop them in their tracks and bring them back to safety.

Leave It: Teaching “leave it” helps redirect their attention away from potentially dangerous or destructive items (like that piece of chocolate you dropped) and can prevent conflicts with other pets.

Starting with these foundational skills creates a structured environment and builds trust—your dog knows what to expect from you and what you expect from them.

2. Create an Obsession with Enrichment Toys
Enrichment toys like Kongs, chew bones, and snuffle mats are more than just fun—they’re game-changers for your dog’s mental and physical well-being. Why?

Mental Stimulation: A dog that’s busy solving a puzzle or working for their food is less likely to bark excessively, dig up your yard, or shred your favorite shoes.

Better Training Motivation: Dogs that love their Kongs or food-dispensing toys develop a stronger motivation for food, which can make training sessions much more effective.

Healthy Outlet for Chewing: Chew toys redirect their natural need to chew onto appropriate items, protecting your furniture and belongings.

Pro tip: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter or their favorite treat and freeze it for a long-lasting activity your dog will love.

3. Plan for Supervision and Safety
Dogs are curious creatures, and their first days in a new home are full of exploration—which can sometimes lead to trouble. That’s why having a plan for supervision is key.

Active Supervision: When you’re home, keep an eye on your dog to catch unwanted behaviors early. Reward them for good choices and redirect them when needed.

Use a Crate for Downtime: If you can’t watch them (like when you’re cooking or taking a work call), a crate can be a safe and comforting space. Crates are especially helpful for:

Preventing accidents during house training.

Keeping them safe from household hazards like electrical cords or toxic plants.

Helping them relax when they’re feeling overwhelmed or tired.

Crates often get a bad rap, but when used correctly, they provide dogs with a secure space they naturally crave—like a den.

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By focusing on these three areas during the first three days, you’re setting the stage for a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog. Remember, consistency and patience are key!

What’s your favorite “first skill” to teach a new dog? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

12/28/2024

Have You Ever Been Embarrassed by Your Dog?

Does your dog pull you down the street during walks, jump on guests the moment they walk in the door, or bark at everything that moves?

Do you wish your dog could calmly walk by your side, greet people politely, and listen to your commands no matter the distractions?

But let’s be honest—do you find yourself struggling to stay consistent with training, running out of time to practice, and getting frustrated, wondering if owning a dog was really the right decision?

Don’t despair! At Kentucky Canine Coach LLC, I do the training for you. Let us transform your dog into the well-behaved companion you’ve always dreamed of owning. Training your dog will give you peace of mind and a dog you’ll be proud to take anywhere.

Contact today and let’s get started on the journey to a better relationship with your dog!

12/28/2024

Why Start Training During Puppyhood?

Training your dog is important at any age, but starting during puppyhood offers distinct advantages that can set your furry friend up for a lifetime of success! Here’s why getting an early start makes a big difference:

1. Puppies Are Like Sponges

Puppies are in a critical learning phase from 8 to 16 weeks. During this time, they’re naturally curious and eager to absorb new experiences. Positive training during this period helps establish good habits before bad ones form.

2. Prevention is Easier Than Correction

Teaching your puppy what to do—like sitting to greet people or walking calmly on a leash—prevents unwanted behaviors like jumping or pulling. It’s much easier to shape positive behaviors early than to undo problematic ones later.

3. Boosts Confidence and Social Skills

Puppy training often involves exposing your dog to new environments, sounds, and social interactions. This early exposure helps your pup grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

4. Strengthens Your Bond

Training builds trust and communication between you and your dog. Starting early helps you form a strong connection, making future training easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

5. Lays the Foundation for Lifelong Learning

A puppy trained early sees learning as a fun and rewarding experience, making it easier to introduce advanced training and commands as they grow.

Investing time in training during puppyhood isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about giving your dog the tools to thrive in your home and the world. If you’ve just welcomed a new pup, let’s start their journey off on the right paw together!

🐾 Contact us today to book a puppy training 🐾

12/27/2024

🎉 Win a Free 1-Hour Private Dog Training Session! 🎉

Do you want to strengthen the bond with your furry friend and teach them new skills? Here's your chance to win a FREE 1-hour private training session at our beautiful training property!

How to Enter:
1️⃣ Follow our page (if you aren’t already).
2️⃣ Like this post to show your love for your pup!
3️⃣ Tag two friends in the comments who’d love to join the fun! Each comment counts as an entry.
4️⃣ (Optional) Share this post on your story for a bonus entry! Don’t forget to tag us so we can see it.

Contest Ends: January 15, 2024
Winner Announced: January 17, 2024

🐾 Whether you're looking to teach basic obedience, solve problem behaviors, or just have fun with your dog, this session is tailored to you and your pup's needs! 🐶

📍 Session will take place at our farm in Dry Ridge Kentucky

Don’t miss out—get your entries in now! Good luck!

12/26/2024

Thinking about rehoming your dog due to behavior issues? Before you make that heartbreaking decision, consider this: most behavior problems can be solved with proper training.

Many dogs surrendered to shelters just needed guidance their owners didn’t have access to. Training isn't just for first-time dog owners—even experienced pet parents benefit from a professional trainer's perspective. It's like athletes needing coaches—two heads are better than one!

If you've tried training in the past and didn’t see results, don’t lose hope. Not all trainers are created equal—interview several, watch their classes, and ask for referrals. A good trainer can make all the difference.

Rehoming should always be the last option. Love your dog enough to explore every solution first. ❤️

What’s your biggest dog training challenge right now? Let’s chat below! ⬇️

12/23/2024

🌿 Healthy Herbs for Your Dog’s Wellness! 🐾

Did you know some herbs can be amazing for your dog’s health? Herbs like parsley, rosemary, and turmeric can support digestion, boost immune function, and even promote healthy skin! 🌱✨

Here are a few benefits:

Parsley: Freshens breath and supports urinary health.

Rosemary: Antioxidant-rich and great for brain health.

Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s perfect for joint support.

Always introduce herbs in moderation, and check with your vet to ensure they’re a good fit for your dog’s diet. 🌟

Give your pup a healthy boost with these natural, safe herbs! 🐕

12/23/2024

🎄🐾 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas 🐾🎄

The holiday season is full of joy, but it can also pose risks to our furry friends. Keep your dog safe and happy with these simple tips:

1️⃣ Secure Decorations: Hang ornaments out of reach and avoid tinsel—it can be a choking hazard! Opt for pet-friendly decor instead.

2️⃣ Mind the Treats: Chocolate, grapes, and festive goodies can be toxic. Keep human treats away, and spoil them with dog-safe snacks!

3️⃣ Monitor the Tree: Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from tipping over. Avoid using sharp hooks for ornaments.

4️⃣ Beware of Toxic Plants: Mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly are harmful if ingested. Stick to faux greenery or keep them out of reach.

5️⃣ Create a Calm Space: Holiday guests and noise can overwhelm your pup. Provide a quiet, cozy space for them to retreat to.

💖 Let’s make it a paws-itively wonderful Christmas for everyone! Share your favorite safety tips below! 🎅🐶

12/22/2024

Feeling Overwhelmed with Your Dog? 🐶 Here’s How We Can Help!

Whether it’s obedience training, socialization, or dealing with puppy biting, it can get overwhelming fast. That’s when a break—and professional help—can make all the difference! 🐾

Here’s how our board and train program can help:

1. Life Changes: Expecting a baby 👶 or moving 🏡? Let us handle the training so you can focus on your big transition. You’ll come home to a dog with better manners and less stress.

2. Big Problems: Struggling with major issues like aggression 😤? A board and train gives your dog a head start, building obedience skills for long-term success.

3. Non-Resolving Issues: Practicing everything your trainer suggests but still not seeing results? 🤔 A board and train can give you the boost you need!

Let us take the weight off your shoulders and set your dog up for success! 🐕✨

📍 Serving Dry Ridge, Kentucky and surrounding areas

12/20/2024

“Why does my dog do that?” 🐾

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog jumps on guests or doesn’t come when called, the answer lies in consequences. Dogs repeat behaviors that “work” for them, whether it’s getting something they want or avoiding something they dislike.

Here’s an example:
🔸 Why does my dog jump on guests?

Guest arrives → Dog jumps → Dog gets attention (positive reinforcement).

🔸 Why doesn’t my dog come when called?

Dog is playing → Dog comes → Fun ends and they’re brought inside (negative punishment).

The key to training? Change the consequences so good behaviors are reinforced and undesirable ones fade away. That’s why positive reinforcement is so effective—it teaches dogs what works!

Got a puzzling behavior? Drop it in the comments and let’s figure it out together!

12/19/2024

“I want to get a puppy so I can raise it how I want…”

It sounds great in theory, but here’s the truth: raising a puppy takes time, energy, and consistent training that many people don’t realize they’re missing. That’s why so many dogs end up in shelters a few years later.

Did you know adult shelter dogs often come with basic training (sit, stay, house training!) and settled temperaments? By adopting an adult, you skip the teething, endless energy, and guesswork. Plus, you’ll know exactly how they’ll fit into your family and lifestyle.

It’s NOT all about how you raise them—genetics play a big role too. Puppies are a huge commitment, but adult dogs are ready to fit right into your life.

Ready to meet your perfect match? Adopt an adult dog! 🐾

12/19/2024

12/18/2024

Let’s talk Impulse Control—one of the most valuable skills your dog can learn! 🐾

From calmly waiting to be leashed for a walk to patiently sitting for their food or your attention, self-control can transform your dog’s behavior in everyday life. Here’s how to build it:

1️⃣ Identify what your dog wants. Whether it’s food, a toy, playtime, or your attention—whatever they do right before getting it will be repeated. If jumping gets them attention, they’ll keep doing it. If waiting calmly works, they’ll learn that instead!

2️⃣ Wait for the behavior you want. For example, when hooking a leash, don’t reward jumping. Simply wait. If they calm down or sit, then hook the leash. If they get up, step back and try again. Dogs quickly learn that patience = reward!

3️⃣ Stay calm and patient. Dogs feed off our energy, so frustration won’t help. Take the time to wait for the behavior you want—it’s worth it!

4️⃣ Be consistent. No mixed signals. Make sure your dog knows that only the desired behavior gets them what they want.

What’s one area where your dog struggles with impulse control? Share your experiences below ⬇️ and let’s work on it together!