Tru-9 Dog Training

11/02/2024

Freedom…

It’s what every dog owner wants for their dog, right? How you achieve it though is an adventure in of itself.
Let’s break it down…

The core answer is TRUST

Your dog needs to trust you; trust that you’ll keep them safe, trust you enough to return to your call, and trust that this freedom won’t end once the leash is clipped back onto the collar.

But you also need to trust your dog; trust them to make mistakes, learn for themselves, and grow along side you.

That’s the core. Focus on that BEFORE taking off the long line, getting rid of the treats, or removing the e-collar.

The bond you have with your dog is the first and most important thing that needs to be perfect before any other command you can think of.

So to anyone who might be struggling to see progress in their training, take a step back, and do something fun with your dog! Play with them, allow them to be crazy and engage with them.

There’s no shame in pausing progress to strengthen your foundation 🐾
•
•
•
When you sign your dog up for a Stay and Train, the first two days are dedicated to bonding with them. No training, no rules, just fun! They must trust me before they can learn from me.

Curious to learn more about my Stay and Train program? PM me or Comment below!

07/02/2024

Meet Gunner!

Gunner is a 2 year old German Shepherd Dog, here for basic manners and an overall obedience refresh!

This handsome dude has already blown me away with how quickly he’s taking to the tasks I’ve asked of him. Sooooo excited to see how his training develops in this final week with him!

Good boy, Gunner!

25/01/2024

‼️ NEW FOSTER ALERT‼️

Say hello to Astro! My very first Stay and Train dog of the year!

Astro is a 1 year old Doberman/Beagle mix sent to me by Unleashed Love Pet Rescue.
He’s here for socialization purposes, and to work on some dog reactivity, overall manners, and confidence building!
I already LOVE his goofiness and carefree demeanor. There is no doubt in my mind that he’ll be someone’s perfect best friend 🐾

Astro is currently up for adoption and will be ready for his new home in about two weeks.

I can’t wait to see how he progresses throughout these couple of weeks! Keep an eye out for more updates! 🫶🏼

23/01/2024

Anika with Dominion Grooming and Pet Care is one of the BEST dog people around! I’ve had my own personal dogs groomed by her! Highly, highly recommend booking your next grooming appointment with her!

I have lots of availability next week! Whether your pup needs a touch up or a full makeover, shoot me a message and I will make it happen!
Bonus points if you bring me a puppy as sweet as Miss Daize Mae. 😍

23/01/2024

Skeeter couldn’t keep her eyes open after her very FIRST puppy session!

Skeeter is a Newfoundland pup with dedicated people at the other end of her leash. I can’t wait to see where this little girl goes as we continue our sessions!

12/01/2024

Starting puppies off on the right foot…

Speaking of feet, Mabel’s here are GIANT! 🐾

Mabel is a four month old Great Dane puppy who had her very first puppy session yesterday, and she did amazing!
Harnessing that crazy puppy energy and turning it into enthusiasm to learn is a challenge, but this little (big) girl demonstrated it beautifully 💕

I’ll see you next session, Mabel!

06/01/2024

As the first week of 2024 comes to an end, I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of the dedicated dog owners who took the step to making their life with their dog(s) even better than before!

Whether it was…

Getting a handle on their dog’s reactivity,
Learning how to manage a multi-dog household,
Teach their dog to behave in public,
Discovering their dog’s unique needs,
Or maybe simply wanting to enjoy a loose-leash walk with your four-legged friend,

Thank you! Your dogs are lucky to have you!

I encourage everyone to continue loving your dog like you do, and remember, consistency is key 🔑

04/01/2024

Little Midas sure was exhausted after his very FIRST puppy session today! 🥰

Midas was dumped in a ditch (along with his two sisters) before being rescued by Unleashed Love Pet Rescue and is working on confidence building first a foremost in his sessions, as well as socialization and basic commands!

He’s had so much happen in his young life already, but he’s blessed to have been adopted by very patient people

I can’t wait to see his progress!

Be sure to follow Unleashed Love Pet Rescue and support their amazing works in the rescue industry! 🐾

25/12/2023

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎄🌟

Let’s see those festive canines! Share how your dog(s) are celebrating the holidays below!

📷: Lizzard Diemer

21/12/2023

‼️ TRUE CANINE ALERT ‼️

Saying farewell to the last Stay and Train dog of the year!

Leòn is a beautiful Doberman and a giant puppy with lots of love to give 💞

We worked on…

✅ Leash manners
✅ Crate training
✅ Place stay
✅ Obedience in public places
✅ Confidence building
✅ Politely greeting strangers

All in all, Leòn is an amazing puppy and I can’t wait to see him again at our follow up sessions, along with his brother, Tux, who went through my program earlier this year.

Good boy, Leòn! See you soon!
•
•
Big thank you to Your Pets Naturally - Grand Rapids for being so kind and allowing us to bring in dogs to train when the weather outside is so cold!
•
•
📷: Lizzard Diemer

16/12/2023

New groomer in town! We love Anika!

The time has finally come! The grooming room is complete and I am ready to start taking clients! As a grand opening special, I will be offering $10 off to the first 10 people to schedule an appointment!
If you don’t know me, Hi! My name is Anika Vander Boon. I have been working with dogs since I was very young and have wanted to be a groomer for as long as I can remember. As I graduated high school, I realized that I had not considered any other career options. I spent the next couple years working in pet care and at a pet store. While I highly value everything I learned through these years, I ended up deciding that grooming was the best choice for me. Earlier this year, I completed the Pet Grooming Plus program at the Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology. Since then, I have been working on building the perfect little salon to open my own business.
Outside of work, I enjoy training my dog and competing in several dog sports at the Kent County Youth Fair and at several AKC trials throughout the year. I am also putting my training skills to the test by raising a future assistance dog for Paws with a Cause. I could go on forever about all the dog related things I love to do, but I’ll save all that for future posts.
For now, I am so excited to announce that I’m open! I am immensely grateful to God that he has brought me to this career and given me so much love for it! So, if your dog needs a groom, send me a message! I am located in the Ada/Cascade area and my books are open!

15/12/2023

Let’s get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions! Message me today to schedule your FREE phone call consultation and get you and your dog set up for success in 2024!

04/12/2023

Hello handsome 🤩

This is Enzo, a Cane Corso (“Kah-nay Corso”)!

His three week Stay and Train is nearing its end and I couldn’t be more proud of this massive dude!

Everything we’ve been working on👇🏼

Leash manners: beautiful ✅

Place stay: solid ✅

Greeting strangers: polite and friendly ✅

Obedience around other dogs: he doesn’t bat an eye ✅

Obedience in public: very pleasant and focused ✅

Crate training: quiet and relaxed ✅

GREAT JOB ENZO! Videos of his progress to come! 👏🏼

25/11/2023

Happy Holidays from my pack to yours!

Wishing you all the best memories, happiest laughs, good food, and the most solid down-stays! 🐾
•
•
•
Want your dog to learn to “stay” for pictures like the True Canines in this post? Contact us today and get your first session or Stay & Train scheduled before the new year!

02/11/2023

WE DID IT!

My very own True Canine and I have been very busy behind the scenes lately.
A couple weekends back, Kanaan, my 3 year old male German Shepherd Dog and I stepped into our biggest show yet and earned his IGP1 title!

If you don’t know what IGP is, here’s a little rundown 👇🏼

IGP is extremely challenging three-phase dog sport that is comprised of tracking, obedience, and protection. IGP is an acronym for international utility dog test in German. Formerly known as IPO and before that, Schutzhund. This sport was developed as a breed test for German Shepherds, but many other breeds now compete in this amazing sport!

So in case anyone wondered where we’ve been, now you know!

But we’re back now, so get ready for plenty of training content to come! 🐾
•
•
•
Have questions about training? PM me today to schedule a FREE phone call consultation!
•
•
❗️Disclaimer: we do not offer IGP training!❗️

Thank you Monet photography for the amazing photos! 📸

05/10/2023

We’re beyond excited to collaborate with Jonathan Wallington - Dog Trainer to bring you this class!

A fantastic opportunity! Don’t miss out!

10/07/2023

07/07/2023

A jolly ball makes Blayze very jolly 🐕

Having loose leash manners, a solid stay, amazing obedience is great and all, but if your dog doesn’t get to run at full speed and have fun on the regular, you may want to rethink your daily routine.

Do you struggle to have fun with your dog?
Maybe you don’t trust them to be off leash or maybe they’re disruptive in public?

Let me help you!
Stay & Train spots and One on One sessions are open for the month of August and September!

31/05/2023

One week down, one week to go! ☀️

Bryant is here to help his confidence around other dogs, basic obedience, leash manners, and how to be the perfect boy in public!

He’s surpassing every challenge I’ve put him up to and I couldn’t be more proud of this little boy.

Keep an eye out for more updates on Bryant’s training!
•
•
•

30/05/2023

Twixie is off!

Her two week Stay and Train has come to an end, and she’s made such amazing progress so far!
Now it’s time to go home, settling in, and get right back to training at follow ups!

See you soon, Twixie! 🌸
•
•
•

10/05/2023

Did you know raw hide isn’t even digestible?

This popular chew is incredibly dangerous for so many different reasons!

02/05/2023

Foster girl #2! If you think you’d be a great fit, apply today! If you’re curious about her, send me a PM!

02/05/2023

1 of 2 foster girls I have currently. If you think you’d be a great fit, apply today! If you’re curious about her, send me a PM!

24/04/2023

Eyeliner is on POINT 💅🎯

Introducing Stay and Train, Mila! 🌼

Working on socializing with everything under the Sun, and helping her to be the best dog she can be with basic manners and loose-leash walking!
•
•
•

19/04/2023

New foster in training! 📣

This is Luna! A sweet girl hoping to find her forever home after her training course is completed.

Here’s what we’ve been working on 👇🏼

Leash manners: ✅
Basic commands: ✅
Crate training: ✅
Settling inside the house: ✅
Socializing with other dogs: WIP ⚠️
Socializing with children: WIP ⚠️
Manners in public: WIP ⚠️

She’s going to make someone so happy once her True Canine side is uncovered!

Be sure to keep an eye out to celebrate with us when she’s officially put up for adoption!
•
•
Is your dog a rescue dog? Share a picture below! 💕
•
•
•

08/04/2023

A dirty dog is a happy dog! 🐕

Blayze the German Shepherd Dog is the perfect example of this and beautiful even with that wet dog smell👆🏼❤️
•
•
•
Show me your dirty dogs! Tag me in your story on Instagram or comment below!

28/03/2023

Let’s bring a training facility to West Michigan! Something as small as completing this survey will help make that happen 👇🏼

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JKKK6XF

Photo credit goes to Cathi Winkles