R+K9

09/17/2025

🐶🎬 "Bueller? ... Bueller? ... Bueller?"
– That poor teacher just wanted attendance.😆

If you’re calling your dog like:
“Sit? Sit? Sit? SIT?! ...SIIIIIIT?!”
Congratulations, you’ve just taught your pup how to ignore you!

Here’s the deal:
1️⃣ If your dog is laser-focused on a squirrel, a snack, or contemplating the mysteries of the universe, they literally can’t hear you. So before cueing a command, make sure they’re actually paying attention.

2️⃣ Say their name to get focus:
“Buddy… sit.” Not: “Buddy, would you please do me a solid and sit down like we practiced that one time?”

3️⃣ Reinforce immediately when they get it right! Praise, treat, party! 🥳
If they can’t do it, the situation might be too tough. Start small, build up — don’t expect them to go from nap time to Navy SEAL training. 🐕

Let’s train smarter, not louder. And remember:
If you're turning into the "Bueller" teacher during training... your dog might be skipping class too. 😂🎓🐾

Rent this and other 80’s classics for $1.99 through July 4th: https://goo.gl/XP2kGqStarring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia SaraFerris Bueller's Day Of...

09/11/2025

Cooperative Care! If they can teach wild or ami-wild animals coop care, then we can teach our dogs the same thing! https://www.facebook.com/wolfparkindiana/videos/763442016537432e

09/10/2025

If we can teach cooperative care to wild animals or semi-wild, then we can teach our dogs the same thing. Cooperative care will make vet visit and grooming, so much less stressful.

09/09/2025

Ever scroll past those ads for dog training apps promising "service dog level obedience" in a few taps? Or "re-setting" your dog to create and overnight transformation? As trainers, we see them all the time and wanted to share some thoughts to help you navigate the noise.

Here’s the truth: every dog is unique. A one-size-fits-all app can teach a basic "sit," but it can't address real-world challenges like a dog's anxiety, high prey drive, or reactivity. These apps are written for a generic audience and can't adjust to your dog's individual personality or temperament, and your goals.

Speaking of temperament, let's talk about "service dog level obedience." Did you know that only about 30% of dogs have the natural temperament to become service dogs? You can train skills, but you can't train temperament. No amount of training will turn a dog in the 70% group into how a service animal can perform. If it were possible, service dog organizations would be the first to do it to save the costs of "washing" dogs from their programs.

There are many fantastic free online resources and trainers to learn from, but a certified local trainer can bring it all together. We can provide a personalized plan tailored to your dog's specific needs and your goals, helping you overcome hurdles, plateaus and make real progress. We're here to be your guide on the journey, offering that valuable third-person perspective to help you and your dog succeed together.

Have you ever tried one of these apps or "new" online programs from unknown trainers and developers? What was your experience?

09/04/2025

🐾 Reactive Dogs: There's More Going On Than You Think! 🐾

When working with reactive dogs, it's important to understand why they might be reacting — it’s rarely just “bad behavior.” Here are a few key things we look at:

🔸 Health: If a dog isn't feeling well — whether it's pain, illness, or discomfort — they’re more likely to be irritable or sensitive. Just like us, being unwell can lower their tolerance.

🔸 Past Experiences: Dogs learn from what they’ve been through. If every time they saw a person, dog, or other trigger and they felt scared, felt sudden pain, or the need to protect, those feelings become attached to that trigger.

🔸 Age & Fear Periods: Many dogs go through developmental fear periods, especially when young. During these times, even neutral things can feel scary and lead to overreactions.

🔸 Breed Tendencies: Some breeds are naturally more protective, alert or reactionary — it’s in their genetics. That doesn’t mean they’re “bad,” but it does mean we need to approach training and management with understanding.

Every reactive dog has a story. Our job is to listen to what they’re telling us and help them feel safe. 💛

09/02/2025

Getting a dog to walk nicely on a leash can be a challenge, but with a little practice, it's totally achievable! Here are five tips for successful leash walks:

START SLOW. Begin with short, distraction-free sessions in a familiar area like your yard, hallway, or garage. Reward your dog for a loose leash, even if it's just for a few steps.

PROVIDE ALTERNATE EXERCISE: When training, provide lots of exercise time like fetch, chase, or lay out a kibble trail in the yard for your dog to follow. Exercise a little before leash training sessions.

AIM FOR HIGH SUCCESS RATE: Set your dog up to be successful 90 percent of the time. That means, make it easy for your dog to get it right.

USE THE RIGHT GEAR: A comfortable, well-fitting harness can help reduce pulling and is generally safer than a neck collar, especially for dogs who are prone to a lot of pulling.

BE CONSISTENT. Practice these techniques every time. Consistency is the key to building good habits and making leash time enjoyable for both of you!

08/22/2025

🍁 Fall is on the way, and with the cooler weather rolling in, it's the perfect time to get outside and work on your dog's training! 🐾

Whether you’re struggling with leash walking, reactivity, or other behavior challenges, now’s the time to book your in-home or around-town training sessions. Let’s make walks more enjoyable and strengthen your bond with your pup before winter sets in!

🎯 Ready to get started? Reach out to us and let’s talk about your goals — We're here to help! https://www.rplusk9.com/privatelessons

08/20/2025

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🐶 Fighting the Nightly Puppy Zoomies? Here's How to Help Your Pup Chill Out! 🌙✨

If your puppy turns into a furry tornado every evening, you're not alone! The dreaded "puppy zoomies" are real — but they're also a sign your pup might be overtired or under-stimulated in the wrong ways.

💤 How much sleep do puppies need?
A lot! Most puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. But that doesn't mean one giant nap during the day. Aim for a healthy rhythm of on/off time — short bursts of play, training, or walks followed by restful naps.

🧠 Beat the zoomies with brain games!
5-minute training sessions throughout the day can help tire out your pup's brain (in a good way!). Try simple cues like:

- Chin rest
- Nose touch
- Sit
- Down

🎾 Mix in short, positive play sessions to give them an outlet for their energy without overstimulating them.

🐾 And remember — when puppies get mouthy and wild, it’s often because they’re overtired. Their little brains are fried, and they need your help to settle down. Put them in an exercise pen in the living room, offer a chew, and give them the space to rest. ❤️

Consistency is key — a well-rested puppy is a happier (and calmer) one! 🐕💤

08/05/2025

We now offer in-home puppy training! 🐾

Skip the wait for vaccinations and get a head start on your puppy's education. Our expert trainers will come to you, helping you tackle potty training, master essential skills, and properly socialize your puppy without risk.

Train your puppy in the comfort of your own home and set them up to be a happy, well-behaved family member for life.

Reach out at [email protected] to learn more and book your first session!

07/26/2025

🐾 When your lesson is over but you're not ready to leave yet... 🐾

This right here is why we do what we do! As positive reinforcement trainers, our biggest goal is to create an environment where dogs and their clients feel heard, supported, and happy that they genuinely want to stay and learn more. We thrive on that enthusiasm! ❤️