Bootlegger K-9

04/02/2024

Something to be said about the bond between dog and man.

Well R***r saved me a hospital trip maybe even my life. He has never bitten me beside playing but today while walking the lake as we always do he became pretty aggressive nipping at me then wrapped my leg and his dew claws really dig in I turned to scold him and he ran around me like trying to avoid me.
I turned to grab him and found him confronting a copperhead backed against a log, fighting to protect me until I fetched a stick to assist. Tears nearly filled my eyes as I realized he risked his life to save me. I sat down with him, embracing him tightly. Without a doubt, he's my guardian. The title of the best dog ever unquestionably belongs to him. Rather have this cut that the bite from that copperhead any day.
Thankful for my best friend.
Credit: Zackary Pate

04/01/2024

Here at Bootlegger, we’re always striving to ensure we help train your pet right, whatever it is…so without further ado…we’re proud to announce our Emotional Support Chicken training!

If you have chickens, they can do much more than lay eggs, crap in the worst places, and generally terrorize you and your other pets! That’s right, Bootlegger can turn your pesky pullet into a well-trained, socialized bird that will be your forever companion!

Our training regimen is sure to bring out the best in your bird - we will show you proper leash handling skills and behavior correction through proper use of the choke maneuver. You may be wondering about what kind of looks you’d get if you choke your chicken in public, but don’t worry - with the right training, you’ll be able to choke your chicken in a snap, and keep a smile on your face!

Be sure to let us know what you think about this new and innovative program! Training starts at $500 per hour per bird and space is limited!

03/30/2024

Spot on. An e-collar, properly introduced and used, is a game-changer.

A text that broke my heart today:

“Can you help me with the hate and bad things people say about me using an e-collar?”

It broke my heart because this client is not only working so hard to give her dog an amazing life, she’s seeing the training benefit her and her dog’s life.

But she’s not wrong - the disrespect, misinformation, and straight-up sh*t-talking people will do is mind-boggling.

Here are a few things I told her…

1. If anyone calls it a shock collar, that’s 100% incorrect. Are there shock collars out there? Yes. But we do not use them. We’re not finding $20 Amazon “shock collar” and throwing them on a dog. We use a $200 STIM collar. There’s a BIG difference. And if you don’t know the difference, please educate yourself.

2. I make all of my clients feel it. From 0-30. They know exactly what is being sent to that collar when they hit the button. Most of my clients don’t feel it until 10-16, and then they do they say, “wow, it feels like nothing, I didn’t even know it was on.” So anyone that brings up the “you’re abusing a dog” argument - until you feel it, you have no idea what you’re talking about.

3. Have you ever seen dogs play? How do they play? Do they sit down and play checkers and have some tea and talk gossip? No…they play bite, they body slam, they roll, they chase. Dogs understand pressure from the day they are born when the mother picks them up by the scruff of the neck. WITH HER GIANT K9 TEETH. But she knows how to hold them without hurting them. Dogs understand pressure.

4. What is your intent with the collar? Ours is to communicate at a low level paired with high-value reward. If you use the collar like an as***le… then you’re an as***le. If you use the collar responsibly and to better your dog, then no one can say S**T TO YOU.

5. I will defend my clients and PROPER use of e-collars till I’m 6ft under. People have the right to train their dogs how they choose.

Don’t mess with my clients.

03/30/2024

What a GREAT finish to our Puppy Kindergarten! All of our dogs did wonderfully at Lowe’s in Rocky Mount, including Maya and Harley, who had their first trip ever to Lowe’s. Give a huge round of applause to our latest round of graduates!

(Loki, as always, decided on shenanigans in the Garden Center!)

03/24/2024

Here at Bootlegger K-9, we love our rescued dogs - and the new owners that have rescued them! Here’s a gentle reminder for that adjustment period, where you’re getting used to each other. And as always, we’re here to help when you need us!

03/16/2024

Our K-9 Loki wants to reach out to you! What kind of training (basic obedience, puppy skills, leash training, etc.) would you like to have in our next group class? Post below and add your thoughts! Feel free to message us if you have questions - we're all ears here at Bootlegger K-9!

03/16/2024

A LOT has been going on in Bootlegger K-9 country!
-Al and his dog Bert came to Bootlegger; Bert was a rescue (THANK YOU AL!) and had issues with acclimation, excessive barking, and classic 'shelter shock'. Through a balanced training regimen (with a lot of chicken treats), Bert was able to overcome his fears and become more outgoing. Now, his playful nature is SHINING!

-Ty and her dogs, Ginger and Nutmeg, were in a bad spot. After Ty's husband passed, Ginger attempted to become the alpha, which resulted in a few serious fights between her and Nutmeg - to the point where Ty had to keep them on separate floors of the house. Enter Bootlegger K-9, where our trainer was able to go in, assess the situation, and use some 'pawsitive' reinforcement to bring the littermates back together! Now, we are working on vehicle ingress and egress, along with some good ol' fashioned walks and bonding.

-Rusty and his new Cane Corso pup, Zutar, came to Bootlegger for some basic obedience and on-leash training. In just a few weeks, we were able to have Zutar following his dad on and off-lead, as well as how to SAFELY socialize.

These are just a few of the stories from this year so far. Stay tuned for more!

02/14/2024

The puppy kindergarten is now full!! Please keep an eye out for future classes.

02/10/2024

Closed the books on our first basic obedience class today! Our human and canine students got to flex their new skills at the Rocky Mount Lowe's, and all did a fantastic job!

Special thank you to the employees at Lowe's for the pets and treats!

Just a reminder, our puppy kindergarten starts March 2 at 1pm, and we still have two spots open.

See y'all soon!

02/03/2024

Great day for the group class! We touched on the recall skills learned last week, and reinforced the ‘leave-it’ command in a mini obstacle course. Next week is our graduation trip to Lowe’s in Rocky Mount. All the dogs and owners have really soaked in the training, and the dogs have shown so much improvement! Way to go, Bootleggers!

01/19/2024

Just a reminder- Saturday’s Group Class is postponed until Jan 27th for weather. Stay safe, y’all!

01/13/2024

Our first group class was a BLAST! many thanks to The Bagel and I for some great snacks!
Today we covered proper use of a slip lead, using leash pressure on walks and to reinforce commands. Stay tuned for next week’s pics!

01/13/2024

Hey y’all - today’s group class WILL be indoors!

01/04/2024

Hey y'all!

The January class is COMPLETELY booked! Thank you so much for all that signed up - we're gonna have some fun!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next class, coming soon!

01/02/2024

01/01/2024

Please check out Franklin County Animal Shelter for your next fur-ever friend! As a special thank-you, Bootlegger K-9 will give all rescuers 20% off private lessons. Please go check them out!

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from Bootlegger K-9 and one of our mascots, Loki! Here's to a great 2024!

12/26/2023

We are at 50% capacity on the January class - only three spots are left! Book quickly!

12/24/2023

Hey y'all!

If you're looking for a fantastic boarding facility in Franklin County, take a look at Country Side Boarding. Nicholas and his team have a great facility with roomy kennels, dog runs, and plenty of play and social time for your dogs!
Their website is https://countrysideboardingva.com/; tell 'em Bootlegger K-9 sent you!

Pet boarding in Wirtz, VA - open for bookings now! Your pet will enjoy staying here at our countryside kennels Boarding Open Office Hours Monday- Friday7am - 12pm, 4pm-6pmSaturdayBy appointment onlySunday 4pm - 6pm Get In Touch [email protected] Location 3218 Wirtz Rd, Wir...

12/23/2023

Bootlegger K-9 is NOW BOOKING for 1st quarter 2024 group classes and private lessons! Send a PM here, or go to www.bootleggerk9.com for more details!

12/06/2023

Hey y’all!

We are taking the rest of the month to do some re-vamping and get ready for all of our new clients in 2024! Please reach out as we are booking now for the New Year.

Bootlegger K-9 wishes everyone nothing but the best this holiday season! Happy Christma-Hanu-Kwanza-Yule!

11/15/2023

Good afternoon, y'all!

Had to make some changes here. As of right now, Bootlegger K-9 is unable to board any dogs. However, Nicholas at Country Side Boarding in Wirtz, VA can help you with all your boarding needs! Please give them a call at 540-420-8846, or email them at [email protected]. Tell em we sent ya!

11/04/2023

Good morning from the Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival!

10/26/2023

Til next time Murray ❤️

10/21/2023

Aaaand we are here for Barktoberfest!! Come see us!