K9 Command

05/07/2024

New Puppy??
If you have any questions about bringing your puppy home comment below or send us a message

02/02/2024

👇

'Majority of problems can be worked through during early stages.'

28/10/2023

06/02/2023

You've heard of the device?
Know someone who's used one?
Seen them in shops or internet sites?
Heard stories about them?
You've used one yourself?

Strap yourself in for a long but TRANSFORMATIONAL post!

Firstly: The E Collar is a training aid. It aids our training. It is not a stand alone method.
Does every dog need one? No
Do you have to use one? No

We're just here to give you the facts and our experience, rather than propaganda and perceived ideas.

What are they all about: ❓
Electronic Collars, known as E Collars or (FORMERLY!) Shock Collars, are a wireless device consisting of a receiver and collar components. The handler possesses the receiver and the collar is around the dog's neck, in a traditional sense. The receiver has multiple buttons and a small electronic screen showing various numbers such as level, range, battery and other stuff.

What gets delivered to the dog: 🐕
The dog receives STIMULATION, not electricity.
- The impulse stimulation from the collar is equivalent to 0.03% of the standard electric fence
- The impulse stimulation from the collar is equivalent to 16% of the standard static electricity you get from your carpet at home
- The collar has 2 probes: a positive and negative, 1inch apart. Unlike an electric fence or cattle probe that uses the body to travel to earth, the current produced by an E Collar travels from one to the other. This eliminates the possibility of any effect on the Central Nervous System.

Why do we use them in training: 👨‍🏫
Over the years we have implemented E Collar training for HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of dogs with their owners. All for varying behaviours and programs, but all with the main aim of strengthening behaviours in motivation and drive. That's right - the dog's love working with the collar and the owner even moreso than the little treats in your pocket.
The end product = dog's with solid behaviours such as positions, recall and place training. This also includes the prompt stop of "problem behaviours" such as jumping, leash pulling, lunging, and specific reactivity/aggression cases.

Is it a stand-alone method: 🛠
Absolutely not. It is a layering tool. This means the dog has to know what you ask of them, and the direct correlation between the sensation from the stimulation, and what the outcome is. Without precise conditioning and timing in a training regime, and in the inexperienced hands, disaster is looming.

The good, bad and stupidly ugly: 😡
Whilst many people feel E Collars are cruel and pain invoking, nothing could be further from the truth. Over the years we have heard every horror story imaginable about E Collar training, but when push came to shove: the majority of people hearing this stories had never seen/used/educated themselves on them. There are owners or trainers out there that will try and tell you the collar are strict adverse, will burn the skin and (to be honest) other loads of garbage. The truth is, they likely lack knowledge and understanding about dog behaviour and have failed results with other "force free" methods, sticking to only 1 or 2 quadrants of classical conditioning. The potential to cause adverse outcomes with E Collars is there, without people even knowing.
- Reactivity and Aggression
- Superstitious Associations
- Fearful and shutdown behaviours
If you use this tool incorrectly, invoking pain, and it is not the use = it is MISUSE, and even ABUSE.

THE TOOL IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE USER
- For example, if you are not trained to use a woodworking bandsaw the likelihood of hurting yourself or others is high. The same principle applies to E Collar training, and all aspects of dog training equipment. If you don't know what you're doing, please don't pretend to know. WE CAN TEACH YOU!

Where can I buy one: 🛒
Anywhere. Some pet shops, internet sites, anywhere. THIS IS AN ISSUE. The quality of device is highly important with training, and cheaper models are not safe devices. We sell them, at competitive prices. We also provide educational material on the use, methods, safety and work with you to achieve fantastic results.

Is it legal? 👮🏻‍♂️
Yes, if we teach you how to do it safely. Directly from Agriculture Victoria - Animal Welfare Victoria:

"You must not use a remote training collar or anti-bark collar on a dog unless you are:
- a veterinary practitioner or a qualified dog trainer or
- acting under the supervision and written instructions of a veterinary practitioner or a qualified dog trainer.

Under the POCTA Regulations 2019, a 'qualified dog trainer' is defined as a person holding a qualification obtained on satisfactory completion of a course that meets the prescribed requirements for a dog obedience trainer assessment program under Regulation 5G of the Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 (DA Regulations), or a qualification obtained on completion of the National Dog Trainers Federation Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training course.

👆 That's us 👆

What are the results? 😍
- Solid, super fast and reliable recall in all different environments
- No pulling or leash pressure when going for a walk
- Skill development of puppies of 20 weeks to older dogs
- Release of tug/ball/stick/stolen item
- Reliable place training
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Happy dog
- Happy owner

We sell the ECollarTechnologies Educator series (pictured). It is one of the best on the market. To be honest, we don't sell s**t quality equipment and never will. 💯

⭐️ As a promotional add-on from this post, purchase any E Collar from us and receive a DISCOUNTED consultation for Introductory E Collar training. ⭐️

Don't believe myths or misinformation you hear, see the results for yourself ❤️

23/01/2023

Leather Leash - the best leash you will ever own!

- Various thicknesses and lengths
- These baby's are handmade from the softest premium leather around
- Hand stitched and rivetted
- Solid brass hardware that will never unhook from the collar accidentally
- Soft grip on your hands
- They will withstand the STRONGEST of pullers and NEVER break from the force of a dog

Once we came across these, WE HAVE NEVER USED ANOTHER LEASH SINCE.

Thicknesses:
1/2" 5/8" 3/8" 3/4" 1"

Lengths:
1m 1.2m 1.8m

Perfect 👌

Contact us via messenger or email for your order! 🐕

18/01/2023

K9 Power - Joint Strong

Joint health or mobility problems happen in all breeds and sizes of dogs, but some are more susceptible than others such as large breeds, working lines and poor genetics.

The key players involved in the exclusive formula are:
- Powerful Plant Antioxidants
- Omega 3s
- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and CMO
- Hyaluronic Acid

Joint Strong is a fantastic all-round supplement, easy to use and effective for treatment and prevention. With natural ingredients fighting against inflammation and pain, it offers support for joint and cartilage health in your dog.

The unique formula to dog's everyday health and well-being provides the following benefits:
- Supports strong hip and joint health
- Helps maintain joint mobility
- Glucosamine helps maintain synovial fluid that lubricates joints
- Enhances flexibility and stability
- Eases stiffness in daily exercise and activity
- Promotes cartilage development
- Supports connective tissue health
- Helps build and maintain both strength

SMALL - 450g

LARGE - 950g

XLARGE - 1.8kg

Can be mixed into food or water.
Weight dependant (1/2 scoop - 2 scoops)

Contact us via messenger or email for your order! 🐕

19/06/2022

We had the privilege of meeting these puppies last weekend. Great little personalities ! Full of fun. If you are looking for a forever fur baby how can you look past a shepherd

05/05/2022

FOREVER HOME FOUND THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENQUIRED!

Every now and again we are asked to help rehome dogs, this little puppy is a beauty and has only been with his new owner for 5 days. Unfortunately for the family, circumstances have changed and they can no longer keep him, they are heartbroken but know the best thing for this little guy is to get him into his forever home ASAP. As a Border collie x with a Standard poodle this dog will be an active medium-sized dog, if you would like to know more PM the page.

06/04/2022

The K9 Command Building Inspector came by the shed today. No slacking off!

🐕 Felix

17/02/2022

What is your dog having for dinner tonight?

We love Raw Feeding here at K9Command HQ, and the combinations of meats, offals, veggies and fruits give the dogs GIT and coat a boost for life!

Head on down to Prime Petfood Warrnambool for your source of fresh meat for your dog 👍

The PlainJane for the boys tonight: chopped beef + egg (with shell) + grated carrot. Went down in minutes!

28/01/2022

You buy a dog....you spend a large amount of money on the purchase...you spend money on vet costs eg Vaccinations ...how much do you invest in the dogs TRAINING?

10/12/2021

Teddy the Cat “helping” with our Puppy Kindergarten class packages. The final class of this year! Enrollments for Feb 2022 will be out soon!

Topics include:
- Leash Pulling
- Puppy Handling
- Marker Training
- Puppy Socialization
- Canine Body Language
- Health and Nutrition
- Training Equipment
- Resource Guarding
- Toilet Training
- Crate Training

You won’t catch Teddy doing anything productive at K9 Command HQ, if it involves helping dogs 😂

09/12/2021

The Quality Control Supervisors, Hugo and Monte, loved the arrival of heaps of stock into K9 Command HQ today.

Hugo wanted to test out the Flirt Poles whilst Monte was checking out the new treat pouches. He then discovered they were empty 🥲

THIS STUFF IS SELLING SO QUICKLY! 🥵

Nylon Treat Pouches
- Machine washable inner insert
- Snap open/close hinge at the top
- Adjustable waist strap
- Large capacity for lots of treats, also holds 2 balls
- Extra pocket at the front for keys/clicker/whistle/poo bags, even fits iPhones

Flirt Toy
- Great for building drive and motivation in both puppy and older dogs
- Great for dogs that haven’t quite learnt not to bite fingers yet 😉
- Top quality leather and sheepskin, capable of withholding the toughest of tuggers!

SynTek Long Lines
- Teach your puppy or older dog a great, reliable recall with the long line first
- Tough in all conditions
- 5m or 10m
- No rope burn!

Want some?
Yeah you do!

06/12/2021

Some snaps from our Intermediate class last week!

Robyn & Zuri
Cindy & Nelly
Norah & Hondo
Jordan & Bentley
Jasmine & Pippa

📸 Sheena McKellar

22/11/2021

Separation Anxiety & COVID-19

COVID has definitively thrown our world upside down multiple times, and we lead a different life now. Our dogs have been through it all with us, and different elements of this influences dog behaviour. So, now that things are returning to some sort of a norm our dogs experience us home mostly 99% of the time – to now the pre-COVID of 25% (on average).

Dogs are pack animals, instinctively driven by being part of a social group. If you aren’t home your dog will miss you. That’s ok, that’s a good thing because it means your dog values your company and leadership. If your dog doesn’t miss you, the relationship you have with them maybe isn’t that great.

The problem with separation issues is when the dog does not have the impulse control to be independent, in a positive way. Some dogs don’t cope with the sudden change of lots of attention and then none.

Behaviours associated with Separation Anxiety include:
- Following you from room to room
- Destructive behaviour inside and outside
- Pacing and heavy panting before you leave the house
- Licking windows
- Excessive barking
- Escaping enclosures and backyards
- Licking or nibbling themselves to rawness

When we deal with client and their dogs displaying these behaviours, it is not a case of symptom management. Any issues surrounding ANY problem behaviours is not symptom management – we assess and outline the issue deep down. Often this is dogs that are inseparable to their people and lack Impulse Control.

Impulse Control is the ability to control their emotive response, towards a stimulus.

Crate Training is a massive input into helping dogs acclimatize to a new structure. Dogs form habits early and quickly, also are harder to break than to create! For more extensive information on Crate Training message us, but the concept is more about motivation than isolation.

Using indirect attention, the dog learns direct time spent with you is randomised. The time spent together is then higher quality without becoming inseparable.

Our dogs are crate trained, they expect to spend SOME time with us, SOME time in the crate and SOME time alone in the backyard or with other dogs. This structure alters a little with things like holidays and other commitments, so you’d expect some readjustment behaviours when returning to routine.

If your dog already displays these behaviours, it’s not too late to change. When you do change the structure, we do it over the course of 1-2 weeks to slowly reduce to a more manageable expectation. Medication is often used, however in our opinion should be last resort as previous client’s success stories suggest behaviour modification training makes a considerable difference.

Change the mindset = change the behaviour.

Contact us for any questions or to know more about solving Separation Anxiety.

08/11/2021

Calling all puppies! Book in now! 🐾 🐕

25/10/2021

Everyone has seen The Office, right?

This scene is a classic prank on Dwight, but to everyone we go on-and-on-and-on-and-on about having a solid “marker” of your communication system, this scene depicts it perfectly.

Classical Conditioning, or Pavlovian Conditioning, is the stimulus followed by an action or emotional response. This process was founded by Ivan Pavlov (remember year 10 psychology now?) and his experiment. He was testing a dog’s response to food and the ringing of a bell. BELL -> FOOD -> EAT. Repetition of this process become intrenched into the dog’s brain that when the BELL rang, the FOOD followed, and the dog got to EAT and enjoy it. But when the BELL rang and the food was not dropped – the dog expected the reward and began to salivate in anticipation. This response was completely autonomous, meaning he had no control over it occurring.

When using an effective marker in dog training, such as YES with your voice or CLICK with a clicker, the dog’s reaction will be immediate involuntary, and he will expect the reward (just like Dwight).

But why do we use markers?

Science tells us that if we want to reward a dog with a piece of food after a behaviour, such as sit, we have 0.8sec to get the treat out and into the dog’s mouth in order for the dog to connect what he just did and what he’s being rewarded for. No matter how quick or experienced you are as a handler… no one can be that quick AND consistent. Markers act as a snapshot, like taking a photo of a particular moment in time when the behaviour was done. We can then take a few more seconds to get the piece of food for him but his mindset was linked with the marker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnf8i_IRCcw

17/10/2021

If your dog likes balls AND tug of war, this is the toy for you!

The Swing N Fling Durafoam Fetchball is a lightweight and robust material that can take a beating from your dog all day! For people that train with balls as a reward it is super light, bounces and floats on water.

The rope is comfortable on your hands and you have the ability to Swing it then Fling it. Because it is so lightweight it will not hurt the dog if he jumps into it or your wife swings it into his head during a playtime (long story 😉).

If you wish to purchase one, give us a PM.

📸 Hugo the GSD

01/10/2021

Due to cancellations we have two appointments available Saturday 2nd October. PM to secure your spot

13/09/2021

We stock some of the best and most versatile tugs, available for purchase anywhere, anytime!

These RedLine K9 French Linen tugs are great for building drive and motivation in your training. This drive training takes exercises like recall, engagement and relationship-building to the next level. We teach a lot of play games like tug of war for our clients, and a fair and fun game goes a long way. When taught correctly the dog brings the toy back to you, lets you have the toy often and engages with you whilst other dogs are around nearby.

The 2 handle option (as pictured) gives the handler a safe place to put their hands as well as control holding the tug. The 2" X 10" size is handy to put into your pocket or training vest too.

French Linen is tough, durable and machine washable - the trifecta!

Message us if you want to add one of these babies to your training repertoire 👌

21/07/2021

Everyone has an individual opinion of what qualities make up the "good dog", and it's entirely subjective. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

In the world of competition and dogsports some say strength, high drive and speed is better. Pet dog owners may say a calm, effectionate and social dog is desired.

A "good dog" is one that helps the owner reach their training goals. No dog is born the "good dog"; extensive work and effort into training, socialisation, proofing and work ethic produces our desired outcomes.

Our dogs reflect our input into them. It's important to remember each dog has strengths and weaknesses, as do us owners. The "best" dog is the one we look at at the end of each day, knowing the work we've done together is all worth it.

18/07/2021

And the winner is…

Lauren Barker & Lisa Dannock! 🐶 🐕 🎉
You will be private messaged with further details.

Congratulations to you both, and massive thanks to everyone who entered! During lockdown even if we aren’t physically training, we are providing message, Zoom or phone advice to anyone needing it. Any problem big or small we’d love to help. Feel free to contact us for more information.

It is challenging times for us all and our dogs during lockdowns. With any training you are doing: be persistent, be patient and be safe.

Steve & Lindy.

15/07/2021