Whatta Dog K9 Training

18/11/2024

When your dog is your soulmate, it feels like they’ve seen the depths of who you are and decided to love you anyway, flaws and all. There’s no pretense with them. They don’t care if you’ve had a bad day, if you’re broken, or if you’re lost. They just stay. Not because they have to, but because, for some reason, their soul fits with yours in a way that makes everything feel a little lighter.

It’s not about them reading your mind or sensing your moods like it’s some magical connection. It’s more raw than that. It’s in the moments where you feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, and yet, somehow, they bring out the part of you that still cares. It’s in their eyes, how they look at you like you’re the only thing that matters. There’s no pretending with them—no need to put up walls or hold back emotions. With them, you’re exactly who you are, and that’s enough.

And it’s more than just love—it’s the way they make you see yourself differently, the way they pull you out of places you didn’t even know you were stuck in. The bond is stronger than anything life throws at you because it’s rooted in something so simple and pure. They don’t just support you—they remind you, in the most basic, honest way, that you’re worth being loved. And when the world feels cold or distant, they’re the one soul you can count on, no matter what.❤️🐾❤️🐾🐾🐾 I Love my Dog!!!

13/11/2024

My daughter in training class with Rook!! Dog training is in our blood!!

13/11/2024

Pit bulls are affectionate and devoted dogs that will go the extra mile for those they care about. Hades, a pit bull that lives with his family in Mexico, is showing the world what big hearts the breed has.

Don’t let his name fool you, Hades is a sweet and gentle dog who saw a friend in need and offered his home as a safe haven.

One day, Hades was creating such a ruckus near the back door that Flores went to see what was causing all the commotion. It turns out, his beloved dog wanted to show him something inside his doghouse...

Read more below 👇

17/10/2024

When Its Head Is Out of the Car Window...
If you have enough room in your car for your dog, this one is for you. It's all got to do with their amazing scenes of smell. When traveling in the car, we feel the fresh breeze blowing in our hair, but our dogs sense the smell in the air, ten times stronger than when still.

When a dog sticks its head out of the window, they are literally in euphoria. Their Brain, which is packed with sensors, gets overstimulated and the pressured air, blowing straight at their face, envelopes them with great highs. Ultimately, if the window of opportunity is open, the dog is going to seize it.

16/10/2024

Time for some dog training lingo and the definations so you better understand how to work with your dog for correcting unwanted behaviors and reinforceing wanted behaviors.

Counter-conditioning is a dog training technique used to change a dog's emotional response to a specific stimulus. For example, if a dog is scared of loud noises, counter-conditioning involves pairing the noise with something the dog loves, like treats, to help them associate the noise with positive feelings. Over time, the goal is for the dog to feel calm or even happy instead of scared.

Positive reinforcement is about rewarding the dog for desired behavior. If the dog does something good, like sitting on command, you give a reward such as a treat, praise, or playtime. This encourages the dog to repeat that behavior in the future.

Negative reinforcement means removing something unpleasant when the dog performs a desired behavior. For example, if a dog stops pulling on the leash, the tension on the leash is released, making the situation more comfortable for the dog.

In dog training, punishment is used to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted behavior. There are two types: positive punishment and negative punishment.

Positive punishment involves adding something unpleasant to decrease a behavior. For instance, if a dog jumps up on people, a trainer might use a loud noise or a sq**rt of water to discourage the behavior. The addition of the unpleasant stimulus aims to stop the jumping.

Negative punishment involves taking away something the dog enjoys to reduce an unwanted behavior. For example, if a dog is play-biting too hard, the play session might be stopped and the owner walks away. The removal of the fun activity is intended to discourage rough play.

While punishment can be effective, it should be used carefully to avoid causing fear or stress in the dog. Positive reinforcement is generally a preferred approach for encouraging desired behaviors.

As always - Praise your dog for a job well done!

29/09/2024

Add all my dogs to this pic!!!

15/09/2024

I'll just leave this here!👇👇

14/08/2024

**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 your 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.

10/08/2024

Let's have a talk. Even after all this time we still hear the same old myths about Bully breeds get repeated as fact.

Let's get to it shall we?

1. There is no such thing as "locking jaws"
There is no mysterious magical mechanism that Bully breeds possess that " locks " their jaws shut.


2. Bully breeds cannot be with any other animals.
Another crock of nonsense. Bully breeds are extremely social dogs. Yes, like any other dog they can be dog selective and particular about what other dog shares their space. I've had harmonious packs of 15+ dogs that were 50% Bully breeds. We enjoyed many years of fun and silly antics with those dogs. The occasional disagreement....always started by my Chihuahua gangsters.

Learning to read ALL dogs behavior and stress signals and energy levels will help you control stimulation and keep your household in harmony.

3. Our least favorite phrase...." It's all about how you raise them"
No it isn't. While we agree a loving and affectionate environment is ALWAYS a plus for any dog, it doesn't guarantee you a perfect and well mannered dog.
Understanding your breed and their general genetic characteristics helps you understand some tendencies much more clearly.

Example....Cattle dogs. What do we always hear....

" I have to give this dog up because he is always nipping my kids feet"

Did you bother to do any sort of research into exactly what that kind of dog is bred for? What is hard wired into their DNA? They herd large livestock. How do they do that? Say it with me folks....they nip at their hooves and the backs of their legs. That is how they get them to move their b***y. So why are you surprised they nip at your kids feet and legs??! 🤦‍♀️

Training...lots and lots of training and structure are the most important building blocks for molding and shaping a stable and enjoyable dog. The most important relationship your dog should have is with YOU. Establishing firm boundaries. Teaching your dog what their role is in your home. All these things begin with you. Making the investment of time and effort yields great results to the benefit of all!

06/08/2024

Balanced dog training is a training method that uses both positive reinforcement and aversive consequences to teach dogs that their actions have consequences. The goal is to create a healthy balance between positive and negative consequences to achieve desired behaviors more efficiently than positive-only training methods

23/07/2024

Do you have a Reactive Dog?

Here's how to know if your dog is reactive or aggressive.
While reactive and aggressive dogs can exhibit similar behaviors, the main difference is intent:

• Reactive dogs
Become overly aroused by common triggers, such as frustration, excitement, or fear. They may bark, growl, lunge, and become so preoccupied that they can be difficult to control. For example, a dog might react reactively if it sees something through a fence or is trying to reach something while on a leash. Reactive behaviors can be caused by genetics, lack of socialization, bad experiences, or lack of training. Some breeds, like terriers and herding dogs, are more likely to be reactive.

• Aggressive dogs
Show similar behaviors to reactive dogs, but with the intent to cause harm or destruction. Aggressive dogs may bare their teeth, growl, stare directly at you, and maintain a stiff posture. An experienced dog caretaker might be able to sense tension in a dog that's about to bite, but inexperienced people might not realize the signs and put themselves at risk. Aggressive behaviors can include biting, shaking, and repeated bites in quick succession.

Since I want to specialize in helping reactive dogs I will focus on them in this article.

Punishing a reactive dog can make the behavior worse. Instead, you can try these techniques to help your dog:

• Avoid triggers
• When your dog is triggered, try to block their line of sight or turn away from the trigger. You can also try to put distance between your dog and the trigger.
• Use positive reinforcement
• Reward your dog with treats or praise when they look away from the trigger or exhibit calm behavior. You can try giving them treats as the trigger passes by, or from a safe distance so they feel comfortable.
• Redirect
• Try redirecting your dog's attention to a positive activity.
• Use behavior modification tools your trainer gives you.

Whatta Dog K9 Training can help pet parents build respect and trust with their dogs for a happy home with Fear Free - Positive Reinforcement training!

03/07/2024

It's that time of year to get the word out about Firework safety and your dogs! Here are some tips for keeping your furry friend comfortable during the celebrations! Make sure your Micro-chip information is UP-TO-DATE in case your dog gets out of the house or yard.

19/06/2024

Public Service Reminder for your doggos as summer approaches.

06/06/2024

25/03/2024

Repost off my Whatta Dog! K9 Training and Simon the Am Staff Terrier pages. It's an important reminder for reactive dogs and fearful dogs! It's a long post but an important one.

Are You Being an Advocate for Your Dog?
We hear the term “advocate” used in a handful of ways:
Advocate for yourself in the workplace
Be an advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves
She is a big advocate of protecting the environment
But have you heard it used for your dog?
Being an advocate for your dog is just as important as being their caretaker. It’s another way you can keep them safe, comfortable, and thriving. Let’s take a closer look at what it really means to be an advocate for your dog, and how to put your advocacy plans into action.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG?
In simple terms, advocating for your dog means being their voice to speak and acting in their best interest. This is such an important role for a few reasons. While our dogs are great at communicating with us about a lot of things, they aren’t able to voice exactly what it is that they need during times of stress or fear. But knowing they can count on us to take control of a situation or avoid triggering situations in the first place is comforting to them.
They can navigate their surroundings knowing that we are looking out for their best interests, and they will be a lot more comfortable – they may even learn to look to us for help rather than getting stressed in the first place!
Being your dog’s advocate also protects them (and others around them) from destructive or potentially dangerous behavior as a result of extreme stress, anxiety, or fear.
In other words, everyone in a situation benefits from you advocating for your dog!
HOW TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG
We wish it were as simple as saying “I want to be an advocate!” and having everything fall into place. But the reality is that it takes some time and a lot of hard work to become an advocate for your dog – but it’s so worth it.
There’s a two-part approach that we recommend taking here:
1. Identification
2. Action plan
Let’s talk more about each!
PART 1: IDENTIFY YOUR DOG'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
“Advocating” is not a one-size-fits-all thing. It only works if you know your dog’s unique needs that you need to advocate for.
Here’s how to do that:
1. LEARN DOG BODY LANGUAGE
Your dog tells you a lot more than you would think through their body language. Their posture, facial expressions, and tail positions for example give great insight into how they’re feeling about a given situation. You can learn more about your dog’s body language in Basics of Dog Body Language – What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You. Learning your dog’s body language cues is the first step in understanding their needs because you can understand when they are experiencing stress, scared, or otherwise need you to step in and change something about the situation. You’ll learn to better anticipate future stressors and better gauge when you need to intervene.
2. PRACTICE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
You’ll also want to start paying a little bit more attention to the details of a situation when you’re with your dog, especially when they’re experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress.
The goal here is not to completely shield your dog from things that make them uncomfortable, but rather get a good idea of all the factors that contribute to your dog’s feelings – good and bad.
Practicing situational awareness is pretty straightforward, but it takes a bit of effort. It requires you to slow down in situations and use all of your senses to get a full picture of what’s going on. That way, if your dog has a reaction, you can take note of what was happening in that moment and create a plan to avoid it.
Related Reading: How to Talk to Your Dog + 3 Reasons You Should
3. IDENTIFY YOUR DOG'S TRIGGERS
We can’t advocate for our dogs effectively if we don’t know exactly what we’re advocating for. Learning your dog’s body language and practicing situational awareness will help you identify your dog’s specific triggers, so you know what steps to take and what boundaries to put in place. It may take some experimenting or trial and error to identify triggers since a lot of things present themselves together. For example, if your dog gets overwhelmed when there are visitors, you may need to do a little experiment to find out if it’s the people, or the sound of the doorbell that’s the actual trigger.
Tip: If you need help replicating scenarios to figure out what is triggering your dog, the Training and Desensitization Sounds resource is a great place to start for replicating common stimuli.
PART 2: PUTTING IT INTO ACTION
So now you know you can really understand when your dog is showing stress signals and what causes them. Now it’s time to make an action plan so you can truly advocate for them.
What does an advocacy plan for your dog look like?
While it may be a little different for each dog, here are some action steps you can take:
• Protect your dog’s home environment. For example, if your dog is reactive around other dogs, don’t allow others to bring their dogs to your house.
• Place a “Do Not Pet” tag on their collar or harness if they are nervous when people approach. Layer that with a verbal warning not to approach your dog, in a calm tone of voice.
• Decline invitations to take your dog with you to places that will overwhelm or stress them. Your dog will be infinitely happier at home in their comfortable environment than surrounded by their triggers.
• Step in when someone violates any boundaries you set around your dog. Use a firm, yet calm, tone of voice and clearly state your intentions – for example, “We do not give our dog food from the table” or “Please do not come any closer with your dog.”
• Get further help when it’s needed. It’s okay not to have all the answers right away, and often it’s even difficult to know where to start.
Now that you have a full understanding of how to advocate for your dog, let’s ask the question again: are you being an advocate for your dog?
Hopefully, this article helped you strategize how you can continue showing up for and supporting your dog when they need it most – strengthening your relationship in the process!

10/01/2024

This is one of the best things you can do for your dog!

08/11/2023

Look who gets featured on the Fall cover of our dog training academy!