Sit Happens K-9 Academy LLC

08/10/2025

Did you know your dog’s gut health might affect their behavior?

Recent research has found a strong link between the gut microbiome and issues like anxiety, fear, reactivity , and even aggression. This connection — called the gut-brain axis — works both ways: stress can alter the gut microbiome, and an unhealthy microbiome can impact brain chemistry, influencing mood and behavior.

Dogs produce serotonin in their gut NOT their brain. So if their gut is not happy they are not happy.

💡 Key takeaways:
• Dogs with aggression or anxiety often have different gut bacteria profiles than calm dogs.
• Certain bacteria may affect serotonin production, a key neurotransmitter tied to mood and impulse control. Adding a large variety of foods to your dogs diet , helps diversify the gut micro biome !
• Diet, stress, illness, and environment all play a role in shaping gut health.
• Improving gut health through a balanced diet, stress reduction, and possibly targeted probiotics may help improve behavior over time.

While this doesn’t mean probiotics are a magic fix, it highlights how physical and mental health are deeply connected.

📖 Studies to check out:
• Study on gut microbiome differences in aggressive vs. non-aggressive dogs (Oregon State University)
• Research on anxiety and gut microbiota in dogs (Nature Scientific Reports, 2025)
• Gut microbiome & serotonin levels in aggressive working dogs (MDPI Veterinary Sciences, 2025

Important note:
Behavioral challenges are complex. While gut health matters, genetics, training, environment, and past experiences are all part of the picture. If your dog is struggling with reactivity or aggression contact a reputable trainer . A lot of trainers even have some back ground in nutrition ! I myself have taken several classes and am always continuing my education on canine nutrition.

07/10/2025

Three years ago, Peanut wasn’t supposed to make it.
He was labeled “unadoptable” — dog aggressive, resource aggressive, human reactive, completely out of control, and on the list to be euthanized. He used to bash his head off the glass in his kennel at the sight of his own reflection. He would also escape constantly !

But I saw something in him. Something worth fighting for. He was way too intelligent and so willing to work and to learn. He genuinely just needed to be worked.

It hasn’t been an easy road, but step by step, Peanut transformed. Today, he’s no longer that “unadoptable” dog.

He’s the heart and soul of my company, the dog who inspires me every single day, and a living reminder that second chances save lives.

Peanut didn’t just change — he changed me.
He made me a better trainer, a better advocate, and a better more understanding and patient person.

Happy 3 Year Gotcha Day, P Butt
We got his ❤️

06/10/2025

This right here , this is why I DO NOT and will not ever work with dogs on medications . They cause more harm than good . Sometimes they can make the dog more likely to bite. If you have a dog on meds , I would be glad to help but they would have to weaned off before hand.

I share science-driven strategies to help you optimize your dog’s wellbeing and welfare—because raising a healthy, resilient dog is about so much more than t...

06/10/2025

🐾 October is Pitbull Awareness Month! 🐾
As always — I’m celebrating by offering FREE Consultations for ALL Pit Bull–Type Dogs the ENTIRE MONTH of OCTOBER!

💥 That’s right — FREE for any bully breed or mix: American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, etc. 💥
Basically, if your dog’s head looks like a bowling ball on legs, this one’s for you. 😆

🌟 Busting More Pitbull Myths & Sharing the Facts 🌟

❌ Myth: “Pitbulls turn on their owners without warning.”
✅ Fact: No dog “just snaps.” Behavior changes always come from triggers — stress, pain, lack of structure, fear, or poor boundaries. Any breed can show aggression under the wrong conditions. With proper communication, consistency, and leadership, bully breeds are some of the most predictable and loyal dogs you’ll ever own.

❌ Myth: “Pitbulls feel no pain — that’s why they fight.”
✅ Fact: Completely false. Pitbulls have the same pain receptors as every other dog. What makes them seem tough is their drive and determination — traits that, when channeled properly, make them incredible working dogs, athletes, and family companions.

❌ Myth: “Shelters are full of dangerous pitbulls.”
✅ Fact: The majority of pit-type dogs in shelters are there because of humans, not behavior — overbreeding, neglect, poor management, or landlords / insurance companies banning breeds. Most are loving, trainable, stable dogs just waiting for someone to give them structure and guidance.

❌ Myth: “You can’t have pitbulls around other dogs.”
✅ Fact: Dog tolerance varies in every breed. Genetics play a role, but socialization and training matter more. I work with plenty of multi-dog bully households that coexist beautifully — it just requires boundaries, supervision, and proper introductions.

❌ Myth: “They can’t be trusted around kids.”
✅ Fact: With leadership and training, pit-type dogs are some of the most affectionate and tolerant dogs around children. They’re sturdy, patient, and love being part of a family routine. The key is supervision and respect — just like with any dog and child.

✅ Fact: Pit-type dogs are now being used in therapy, service work, narcotics detection, and even search and rescue — proving once again that when humans stop stereotyping, these dogs thrive.

💪 Why This Matters:
• Misinformation costs lives — literally.
• Thousands of well-behaved, loving dogs are euthanized every day because of fear and bias.
• Education and responsible ownership change the narrative and save dogs like these from unfair judgment.

📞 Call/Text: 570-468-2293
📍 Sit Happens K-9 Academy – Serving Nicholson, PA & surrounding areas

✨ Share this post to help more owners of bully breeds get support, guidance, and FREE help this month! Let’s celebrate the blockheads that steal our hearts. ❤️

06/10/2025

Threshold training means teaching your dog to pause at a doorway, crate, or gate and wait until you release them. Instead of rushing out in a burst of excitement, your dog learns patience and looks to YOU for direction.

✨ Why it’s important:
• Builds impulse control
• Prevents fights between dogs at doors
• Helps reduce barking & reactivity
• Gives YOU a moment to check for safety outside
• Strengthens engagement & relationship with your dog

👉 Real life example: Many dogs only scuffle when going in/out of the house — not because they’re aggressive, but because they’re overstimulated. By releasing dogs one at a time, you take away that tension and set everyone up for success.

✅ Bonus: The reward is built-in — their favorite thing… going outside!

—

05/10/2025

🐾 Come See Us Today! 🐾
📍 Maiolatesi Wine Cellars | ⏰ 12–5 PM

Stop by our booth and ask all your dog training questions — from puppy basics to off-leash obedience and behavior issues!
🍷 Enjoy a glass of wine, chat with us about our programs, and meet Lana, one of my demo dogs!

Let’s talk training, boundaries , and how to help your dog become the best version of themselves. ❤️

05/10/2025

Breed History Spotlight: The American Pit Bull Terrier
Athletic. Loyal. Misunderstood. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is one of the most talked-about breeds in the world — loved by many, stigmatized by others. But their history tells a more complex story than the stereotypes.

Where They Came From:
The APBT traces back to early 1800s England, where Bulldogs were crossed with Terriers. The goal was to combine the Bulldog’s strength with the Terrier’s agility and determination. These dogs were used in blood sports like bull-baiting , dog fighting ,and ratting before those practices were outlawed.

When immigrants brought them to America in the mid-1800s, the breed’s role shifted. Farmers and settlers relied on them as versatile working dogs — hunting, guarding property, driving livestock, pest control and serving as loyal companions.

Originally Bred For:
• Bull-baiting and blood sports (before outlawed)
• Ratting and pest control
• General farm work and guarding
• Companionship and loyalty to family

Breed Recognition:
• Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA)
• Not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), largely due to their controversial history

Size & Standard:
• Height: 17–21 inches at the shoulder (slightly smaller for females)
• Weight: 30–60 lbs, proportionate to build
• Muscular, athletic, yet balanced — never overly bulky
• Lifespan: 12–14 years on average

Coat & Colors:
• Short, smooth, glossy coat
• Low maintenance — sheds minimally and requires basic grooming
• Can come in nearly any color or pattern: black, white, brindle, blue, fawn, red, buckskin, and more
• Color exceptions: merle is not considered standard, and albinism is a disqualification

Temperament & Traits:
• Highly people-oriented, eager to please
• Intelligent, athletic, and driven
• Can be stubborn without structure and boundaries
• Thrives with consistent training, enrichment, and clear leadership
• Not naturally aggressive toward people — historically bred to be human-friendly but very prey driven.

The Hard Truth Today:
• APBTs and Pit Bull–type dogs make up a large percentage of shelter intakes across the U.S.
• They face one of the highest euthanasia rates due to stigma and overbreeding
• According to the American Temperament Test Society, Pit Bull–type dogs average an 85%+ pass rate — higher than many popular breeds like Beagles and Golden Retrievers
• Breed bans and misinformation continue to fuel fear, despite countless Pit Bulls thriving as companions, therapy dogs, and working partners

Why It Matters Today:
Pit Bulls are not “naturally bad” — they’re products of how they’re bred, raised, and managed. Often wildly mislabeled. Not every dog with a fat head is a pitbull .Responsible ownership, spay/neuter, and education are key to changing their future. Structure, training, and enrichment help these dogs live up to their true potential.

Bottom Line:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is not a monster — it’s a loyal, athletic, and deeply devoted breed that deserves fairness and understanding. Dogs should be judged by their individual behavior, not by stereotypes.

04/10/2025

04/10/2025

I’ve gained quite a few new followers recently, so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Julie, and I’ve had a lifelong passion for animals — especially dogs 🐶. I started my first dog walking service at just 12 years old, and by 18, I was working in and out of shelters. Over the years, I’ve fostered more than 500 cats and a handful of dogs, along with many unwanted farm animals.

Some of the most challenging foster dogs I’ve taken in were labeled “unadoptable.” With patience and training, I was able to either find them homes or welcome them permanently into my own pack. Today, I share my life with six personal dogs, one rotating foster, and a whole collection of other animals — from a pot belly pig to goats, chickens, rabbits, quail, cats, a turtle, a gecko, and even fish 🐾.

In 2022, after rescuing my ride or die Peanut, I decided to officially turn this passion into a career. I was tired of seeing the same dogs return to shelters for minor issues that could be resolved with structure and training.

My mission is simple: to keep dogs with their families and out of shelters.

Thanks for following along — I’m glad you’re here!

03/10/2025

🐾 Thinking about a Great Pyrenees? Do your research first! 🐾
Lots of drool, LOTS of hair, mud tracked in the house, and endless barking. These gentle giants aren’t just pets — they’re stubborn, independent livestock guardians. Not for lax owners! 💪

02/10/2025

Man I haven’t felt this way about a dog like this in a long time …… Atlas aka Atty boy is available at True Friends Animal Welfare Center. he’s 7 years old with a heart of gold. Eager to learn , loves people , loves training, loves tug of war , loves fetch , loves car rides , and he loves walks. He’s an over all guy extremely happy dog who needs a place to call home He knows , sit at doors and for food/toy, stay, down , heel, we have been working on leave it and recall, he knows drop it , “enough “ to signify end of play ,get it to get a toy , and “okay” to release from a command. ❤️

02/10/2025

Kati had her second session with me today ! We went over leash manners and upped her obedience outside ! She’s doing great and next week , we take it to the public!