Courtney's Pet and Equine Services Dog Training

13/12/2023

Looking for a healthy treat for your dog (cats too)? HMart had this nice size bag of dried anchovies! These yummy treats are great for skin and coat. I was amazed at the Centreville HMart all the great quality and affordable prices if you wanted to go more holistic or raw for your pet.

03/11/2023

Breed Spotlight - The German Shepherd

German Shepherds can make excellent pets for the right owner. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, which is why they are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Here are some factors to consider when determining if a German Shepherd is a good fit for you

👉: Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty…

1. Activity level: German Shepherds are an active breed and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in an environment where they can engage in activities such as walks, runs, playtime, and training sessions.

2. Training and socialization: German Shepherds are highly trainable and eager to please. They are known for their working abilities and are often employed as police, search and rescue, or service dogs. Early and consistent training, along with proper socialization, is essential to develop a well-behaved and well-adjusted German Shepherd.

3. Space requirements: German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. They benefit from having ample space to move around, such as a securely fenced yard. However, they can adapt to smaller living spaces as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

4. Bonding and companionship: German Shepherds are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on companionship and require regular interaction and attention. They may not be the best choice for someone who is away from home for long periods without providing suitable care or company.

5. Coat colors: German Shepherds typically come in a variety of colors. The most common and recognized color is the classic black and tan, where the dog's coat is mostly black with tan markings on the legs, face, and chest. However, German Shepherds can also come in other color variations, the most common being: solid black, bi-color, black and red, black and silver.

6. Family compatibility: German Shepherds can be excellent family pets, but they may be better suited for families with older children who can handle their size and energy. Early socialization with children and other animals is crucial to ensure they develop good manners and a gentle disposition.

🥰: It's important to note that individual German Shepherds can vary in temperament and behavior, so it's essential to meet and spend time with the specific dog you are considering to assess their personality and compatibility with your lifestyle.

📈: German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but like any other dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that German Shepherds may experience include:

1. Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to joint instability and eventually arthritis.

2. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a condition where the elbow joint doesn't develop correctly, causing lameness and pain.

3. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis.

📸: Pictured here is Artemis. Artemis just wrapped up her training with us here in Wi******er.

👉: Our Breed Spotlight posts, are merely fun, informational highlights on particular breeds we have trained or have staying with us here at Ridgeside K9. We hope you enjoy their sweet faces, the same as we have enjoyed having them.

🫴: If you have a special picture or story about the particular breed above, we would love to hear about it. Feel free to share in the comment section below. - RSK9 🐾❤️

11/10/2023

Socialization is a huge part in a dogs life and training. A well socialized dog with have a better and healthier life and be less stressful for them and their handler. Socialization is also crucial part for a service dog. There are many ways to socialize you puppy or dog. I’ve posted a diagram on this page of a few ways. Also I have a checklist I have that’s a bit more extensive, feel free to message me if you’d like a copy of it.

31/08/2023

No worries with my girls escaping off while work people are putting in new doors and windows. I’ve worked with them both establishing their place command and boundaries. It also helps I have a close bond with both my dogs so, they like to stay near in the “safe zone”. There is no alpha theory in this, it’s all about respect, love and understanding, as well as time and patience.

16/08/2023

Like with horses, this also applies to dogs

There are many ways in which horses can learn and Operant Conditioning is just one of them. Most animals and humans can learn this way. There is a lot to understand about this form of learning, so this article is just about the basics. Operant Conditioning is a type of learning where the horse’s (or subject’s) behavior is modified by certain consequences. If you receive a paycheck or a grade for work that you do, you are already familiar with one of its tools. This type of learning forms an association between the animal’s behavior and the consequence that follows. Operant Conditioning uses four possible consequences to any behavior:
1. Positive Reinforcement--Something good can happen or begin.
2. Negative Reinforcement--Something bad can be taken away.
3. Positive Punishment--Something bad can happen or begin.
4. Negative Punishment--Something good can be taken away.
Therefore:
1. Positive Reinforcement increases a behavior. For example: a dog is given food for doing a trick, a child gets attention for whining, a horse gets a carrot for nudging its person. So, the dog learns the trick, the child keeps whining, and the horse keeps nudging.
2. Negative Reinforcement increases a behavior. For example: A choke collar is loosened when a dog moves closer to the handler, a car buzzer turns off when you buckle your seat belt, a leg aid is released when the horse walks forward. So, the dog moves closer, you buckle your seat belt and the horse walks forward.
3. Positive Punishment decreases a behavior. For example: a driver’s speeding results in a speeding ticket, a child’s hand is burned when she touches a hot stove, a horse gets pulled in the mouth when jumping. So, the driver slows down, the child avoids touching a hot stove and the horse hesitates or stops jumping.
4. Negative Punishment decreases a behavior. For example: a child has his crayons taken away for fighting with his sister. A dolphin trainer walks away from the fish bucket when a dolphin gets aggressive, a teenager is grounded for misbehavior. So, the child stops fighting, the dolphin stops being aggressive, and the teenager behaves (or avoids getting caught!)
THESE DEFINITIONS ARE BASED ON THEIR ACTUAL EFFECT ON THE BEHAVIOR IN QUESTION! THEY MUST STRENGTHEN OR REDUCE A BEHAVIOR TO BE DEFINED AS A REINFORCEMENT OR A PUNISHMENT! Pleasures meant as rewards that do not strengthen a behavior are INDULGENCES, not rewards. Punishers meant as behavior weakeners, that do not weaken a behavior are ABUSE, not punishment.
The horse (or subject) must recognize the reinforcer for what it is. For example, if the positive reinforcement is not something the subject wants, it is not a reinforcer. Timing is crucial. Reinforcers and punishers only work if they are timed quickly enough that the horse can make an association between his behavior and their application. In most cases, this is instantaneous or less than 1 second. Positive reinforcement is generally known to work well with horses. Positive punishment is less effective as it tends to scare them. Negative reinforcement (also called “pressure”) works very well. Negative punishment is sometimes difficult for the horse to make the connection between his behavior and the loss of something.
Now that you understand the basics, you will notice that the elements of Operant Conditioning are used all around us every day. And you can consider how to use them successfully in riding and training your horse.

07/08/2023

Is this your dog? Here are some reason why your dog may be doing this behavior!

04/08/2023

It’s always a good idea to teach your dog to be muzzle trained so your dog will be prepared for any type of scenario!

Here is Leia demonstrating her muzzle training. Eventually I’ll get a better video of the process of getting them to this point that Leia is at.

01/08/2023

For anyone who may be interested in trying with their puppy or dog

23/07/2023

22/06/2023

Looking for pet friendly shops?

22/06/2023

Lately I’ve been working with my 10 year old Goldendoodle and my 2 year old German Shepherd when it comes to the front door (excitement level and becoming/staying quiet), especially when the door bell rings. Just after two sessions, these two smarty pants are starting to get the protocol. Next will be to add a person coming up to the door and for the dogs to remain in sit or lay down, stay position. I will also be having them to wait on their designated pillows once we make sure we can remain in a calm, quiet state of mind with the knocking, doorbell and people coming into the house.

18/06/2023

This is Max, a senior German Shepherd who once believed by his adopters to have been police force dog. This sweet boy has some reactivity towards other dogs. He’s one of my dog sit clients and during my pet sit visits with him, we worked on his reactiveness and I’m happy with the short time I was caring for him we made some nice progress! It’s never to late to work on unwanted behavior, it’s just finding the dedication and right methods that fit your dog 🐶

16/06/2023

Tackle your Dog's reactivity easily and fast

08/06/2023

It’s always fun learning about different dog breeds and lines and which one best fits your lifestyle and experience!

I get quite a few people surprised (because she’s a solid black)when I tell them my service dog Leia is a GSD. Variations of lines, colors, etc!

06/06/2023

Delivered straight to your door 📦

01/06/2023

Dog ear positions chart you need to see. Everything you need to know about what a certain ear position means plus other body languages.

28/05/2023