Whatta Dog K9 Training

13/06/2025

Lets talk about a very real subject - Food Aggression. Not to be ignored or taken lightly as serious injury can occur!

Addressing Food Aggression:

1. Safety First:
Ensure a safe and controlled environment for the dog while eating, keeping children and other pets away.

2. Positive Reinforcement:
Focus on positive reinforcement training methods, rewarding calm behavior around the food bowl with treats and praise.

3. Gradual Introduction:
Start by staying a comfortable distance away from the dog while they eat and gradually decrease the distance over time.

4. Hand Feeding:
Hand-feeding can help build a positive association with your presence near the food bowl. Offer treats or food from your hand while the dog is eating.

5. Trading:
If the dog guards something, try trading it for a high-value treat, teaching them that good things happen when they relinquish the item.

6. Desensitization and Counterconditioning:
Gradually expose the dog to your presence while they eat, pairing your presence with positive experiences like treats or praise.

7. Professional Help:
If you're struggling with food aggression, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Important Considerations:

Never punish:
Scolding or punishing the dog for food aggression can make it worse, according to Best Friends Veterinary Hospital.

Avoid taking food away:
Never try to take the food bowl away as a punishment, as this can increase the dog's anxiety and defensiveness.

Be patient and consistent:
It takes time and patience to address food aggression, so be consistent with your training efforts.

Consult a veterinarian:
If the food aggression is sudden or severe, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

***Why it's important to address food aggression:
Biting can escalate:

If a dog bites due to food aggression and it's not addressed, the behavior can become more ingrained and potentially dangerous.
Damages the human-animal bond:

Aggression can create fear and mistrust between the dog and its owner, impacting their relationship.

Risk to others:
A food-aggressive dog can pose a risk to other people or pets who might approach while it's eating.

03/06/2025

02/06/2025

Coming Soon!!! The Whatta Dog! Show podcast. Featuring some pretty awesome guest speakers who work with animals everyday, and hosted by my mom, Bailey who will share training demonstrations and some great tips! Stay tuned because it's in the works!!!

10/05/2025

PSA: Your Dog is Not a Pony. Stop Letting Kids Sit on Them!

As a dog trainer and advocate with decades of experience, I’ve seen too many sweet dogs pushed past their limits. Dogs are not jungle gyms, and letting children sit, climb, or lay on them is not only disrespectful—it’s dangerous.

Even the gentlest dog has boundaries. Ignoring those can lead to fear, stress, and even a bite. Then guess who gets blamed? The dog.

Respect goes both ways.
Teach your children to treat dogs with kindness:

No sitting or standing on them

No pulling ears or tails

No disturbing them while they eat or sleep

Dogs deserve to feel safe in their own homes. Let's protect both our kids and our dogs by teaching consent, compassion, and proper interaction.

If you wouldn't let someone sit on you without permission, don't let them do it to your dog.

07/05/2025

About Whatta Dog K9 Training & My Intent for Your DOG

Hello, and welcome to Whatta Dog K9 Training! My name is Bailey Johnson, and I am passionate about helping dogs and their owners build lasting, positive relationships based on trust, respect, and clear communication. With years of experience in dog training and behavior modification, I’ve developed a deep understanding of canine psychology and am dedicated to providing tailored training solutions that meet the unique needs of every dog.

At Whatta Dog K9 Training, we go beyond simple obedience. We believe that a well-trained dog is not just one that follows commands, but one that is emotionally healthy, mentally stimulated, and socially well-adjusted. This is why we offer dog walking services that are designed to enrich your dog’s life beyond just exercise. Our walks are a vital part of your dog’s mental and physical well-being, helping them explore the world in a safe, structured, and rewarding way.

My Intent for Your Dog:

I am committed to ensuring that your dog thrives, not just during training classes, but in every aspect of their daily life. Whether you choose to enroll your dog in training classes, schedule a walk, or both, my intent is always the same – to provide an enriching, positive experience that improves your dog's life and strengthens your bond.

Enrichment & Learning: Dogs need more than just physical exercise – they need mental stimulation, socialization, and opportunities to engage with their environment. Through both training and walking services, I strive to create opportunities for your dog to learn, grow, and feel confident in various settings.

Health & Well-Being: A dog’s overall health is not just about nutrition and exercise – it’s about emotional health, socialization, and giving them the tools to manage stress and anxiety. The structured walks I offer, with plenty of sniffing and exploration, provide essential mental stimulation and stress relief, helping your dog to relax and feel more balanced.

Personalized Care: Every dog is unique, and I understand that each one has different needs based on age, personality, and ability. Whether it’s a playful puppy learning the basics, a senior dog who needs gentle care, or an adult dog that requires consistent training, I provide services tailored to their specific requirements.

Building Trust: I want to help your dog feel safe and confident. Trust is the foundation of a positive relationship, and I aim to foster that trust through consistent care, positive reinforcement, and understanding of canine behavior.

Positive Experiences: Every walk, training session, or interaction with me will always be a positive experience for your dog. I use techniques that promote a relaxed, confident, and well-adjusted dog, all while making sure they enjoy the process.

At Whatta Dog K9 Training, my goal is to provide your dog with a fulfilling, well-rounded experience that supports both their mental and physical health. Whether you’re looking for formal training in a class setting or a more relaxed, enriching walk, my approach is designed with your dog’s best interest in mind. Together, we’ll build a stronger bond with your dog, and you’ll see the results in their behavior, confidence, and happiness.

Let’s work together to help your dog become the best they can be!

07/05/2025

Whatta Dog K9 Training & Dog Walking Services

At Whatta Dog K9 Training, we believe in providing not just a walk, but a fulfilling, enriching experience for your dog. Our walks are designed to cater to your dog’s specific needs based on their age, energy level, and behavior, while integrating essential training and stress-relief benefits. Whether your dog needs a gentle stroll or a high-energy adventure, we have the perfect walk for them!

Our Services:

Puppy Walks – $60 per hour

Puppies are in their critical learning phase, and we make every walk an opportunity for socialization, training, and exploration.

What’s included:

Socialization with other dogs (when available)

Basic training commands like sit, stay, and recall

Plenty of sniffing time to help your puppy explore and relax

A perfect blend of exercise and mental stimulation to set them up for success!

Senior Dog Walks – $30 per 30 minutes

For our senior pups who may have mobility issues, we offer slower-paced, calm walks that focus on comfort and stress relief.

What’s included:

Short, gentle walks that allow your senior dog to relieve themselves

A dedicated sniffing session to let them process their surroundings and unwind

Fresh air and a calming environment to reduce stress and anxiety
A walk designed specifically for their comfort and enjoyment

Adult Dog Walks – $60 per hour

For dogs who are past the puppy stage but not yet seniors, these walks provide a perfect balance of physical exercise, training, and mental enrichment.

What’s included:

Time for sniffing, play, and socialization

Individualized leash training and basic obedience commands

A blend of exercise and enrichment, promoting a happy and well-adjusted dog

Group Walks – $45 per hour, per dog (Maximum 4 dogs)
Our group walks allow dogs to socialize and enjoy the company of other dogs in a controlled environment, ensuring both fun and safety.

What’s included:

Socialization with up to 3 other dogs (maximum of 4 dogs for safety)

Sniffing and playtime that helps with stress relief and mental stimulation

A walk that allows dogs to interact in a positive and healthy way

Why Choose Whatta Dog K9 Training for Dog Walking?

Training and Enrichment: Every walk is an opportunity for your dog to learn. From basic commands to leash training, our walks incorporate training that reinforces good behavior.

Mental & Physical Stimulation: Our walks are designed to engage both your dog’s body and mind, promoting a well-rounded and balanced dog.

Natural Sniffing Sessions: We understand the importance of sniffing. It’s not just about exercise – sniffing provides mental stimulation, stress relief, and helps your dog gather important environmental information.

Safety First: We ensure that all dogs are safe and comfortable, whether during solo walks or in a group environment (maximum of 4 dogs). All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccines to participate in our group walks.

Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs: Whether your dog is a playful puppy, an adult in their prime, or a senior who needs a gentler approach, we offer walks that are specifically designed for their age, ability, and personality.

Book Your Dog’s Walk Today!

Your dog deserves more than just a walk – they deserve an experience that promotes their well-being. Whether they’re learning new skills, socializing with friends, or simply enjoying the world through their nose, our dog walking services are designed to provide the highest quality care. Let’s give your dog the exercise, mental stimulation, and relaxation they need!

Contact Us to Book

Call or text 509 432-1512 to schedule your dog’s next walk. We look forward to walking with you!

24/04/2025

Follow this page for Beginning Obedience class start date!

20/03/2025

This past fall our neighbors up and moved abandoning a litter of kittens to fend for themselves. The kittens are now of breeding age and I have finally been able to get them set-up for spay/neuter, ear snip, Rabies and Parvo vaccines thru Prevent Homeless Pets, a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing low cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs serving Central Washington and Eastern Oregon. It's organizations like this that can help reduce the over population of abandoned and unwanted litters. Please go to their website preventhomelesspets.org and donate. Any amount helps and is appreciated!!! Thank you!!

19/02/2025

Top 10 Manners All Dogs Should Know (and Why They Matter):

1. Sit – A basic command that helps control excitement and is the foundation for other behaviors. It’s a polite way for your dog to greet people.

2. Stay – Keeps your dog safe in unpredictable situations and builds impulse control.

3. Come (Recall) – Essential for safety, especially outdoors or off-leash, ensuring your dog returns when called.

4. Leave It – Prevents your dog from picking up dangerous or unwanted items.

5. Down – Encourages calmness and is useful in public spaces or at home when guests arrive.

6. Loose Leash Walking – Makes walks more enjoyable and reduces pulling and strain for both the dog and the handler.

7. Wait – Teaches patience at doors, before meals, or when exiting the car, promoting safety and structure.

8. Place/Go to Bed – Provides a calming spot for your dog during busy times or when guests visit.

9. Drop It – Helps in situations where your dog picks up something dangerous or valuable.

10. Polite Greetings (No Jumping) – Ensures your dog interacts calmly with people, especially children and the elderly.

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Why Choose Whatta Dog K9 Training?

Personalized Training Plans: Every dog is unique. We tailor our approach to fit your dog's personality and your lifestyle.

Certified, Experienced Trainer: With over 30 years of hands-on experience and fear-free certification, your dog is in expert hands.

Real-World Results: We focus on building lasting skills that work in everyday life, not just in the classroom.

Owner Involvement: You’re part of the journey! We empower owners with the skills to maintain and grow their dog’s good behavior.

Positive, Enjoyable Sessions: Training should be fun! We use games, rewards, and praise to make learning a joyful experience for your dog.

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The Heart of Our Method: Fear-Free, Positive Reinforcement

LIMA Approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive): We respect each dog’s comfort and boundaries while guiding them toward positive behaviors.

Reward-Based Learning: Using treats, toys, and praise, we encourage your dog to make good choices willingly.

Emotional Well-Being First: A fearful or stressed dog can’t learn effectively. We create a calm, positive environment for success.

Strengthening the Human-Canine Bond: Our methods focus on trust and mutual respect, deepening your connection with your dog.

🐕 Whatta Dog K9 Training helps build a trusting and respectful relationship between you and your dog.

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Ready to start your dog’s journey to better behavior?
Contact Whatta Dog K9 Training today and make learning fun, fear-free, and effective!

07/02/2025

Training Tips

The Value of a Reward is in the Eye of the Receiver
You may have heard that there are some treats that are far better than others, perhaps you even heard that dogs will do somersaults for them, but how true is that? Truth is, when it comes to selecting rewards to reinforce behaviors, one must remember that it's ultimately the dog who decides if the treats are really going to be valuable enough to make him want to repeat good behaviors. While it can be likely that there are some dog treats that are particularly appealing to dogs, either because they have a strong scent or they are plain and simply yummy, the last word ultimately goes to the dog.
As a dog trainer, I often hear dog owners say "Yuck, these treats stink so bad, there is no way my dog will want to eat them!" so they just skip them and purchase other types of treats. Then, I give them a sample of the stinkiest treats I have and they are amazed at how well their dog responds to them--(only once the training session is over, I tell them they're made of tripe and liver). Apathetic dogs, bored by so-so treats, come to life. Their face brightens up, their tail wags and their bodies quiver in anticipation. So an important rule of dog training is to remember that it's up to the dog to decide what is reinforcing and not the owners.

19/01/2025

**Mission Statement for Whatta Dog K9 Training Center**

To provide comprehensive, positive reinforcement-based training that fosters a deep bond between dogs and their owners, ensuring well-behaved, confident, and happy pets.

Core Objectives

1. Quality Training Programs: Offer a variety of training programs tailored to different breeds, ages, and temperaments, from basic obedience to advanced skills.

2. Owner Education:
Empower dog owners with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain training consistency at home.

3. Community Engagement:
Build a supportive community for dog owners through workshops, events, and social gatherings.

4. Dog Well-being:
Prioritize the physical and mental well-being of dogs through humane training techniques that encourage learning without fear or force.

5. Continuous Improvement:
Stay updated with the latest dog training methodologies and incorporate them into our programs.

** Services provided **

*Puppy Training:
Focus on socialization, basic commands, and crate training.

*Obedience Training:
Teach essential commands and behaviors, including sit, stay, and leash walking.

*Behavioral Training:
Address specific issues such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking.

*Advanced Training:
For dogs that have mastered basic commands, offering advanced skills, agility training, or trick training.

*Group Classes/Private Sessions: Provide both options to cater to different learning styles and needs.

*Staffing/Certified Trainers:
All trainers are certified and experienced in positive reinforcement techniques.

19/01/2025

Rule no. 1 for walking: let the dog explore, keeping the loose leash. No treats to distract him from the most important of all for a dog: using his senses for exploring.