ATLA K9

04/06/2023

Lately we’ve been working on confidence in and around water since it’s getting hot out again

26/01/2023

This !

Service dogs.
Probably one of the most unpopular topics for any pet dog trainer.
I cannot begin to count the amount of service dog training requests I receive.
“Can your online courses train my dog to be a service dog?”
“I need to make my dog a service dog so he can ride on the bus with me” (Yes, someone seriously asked me this)
“Do you certify service dogs?”
No - no - no - and more no.
Service dog training is completely different from pet dog training.
If your dog is trained to walk nicely on a leash and sit and stay, they are a pet dog.
If your dog comes up to you and nuzzles you when you are sad - they are still a pet dog.
If you want your dog to accompany you into stores or fly in-cabin on planes … they’re still only a pet dog and these privileges are not for them.
Service dogs are task-trained.
They are specifically taught to work for people with disabilities.
A dog that solely provides comfort is not a service dog.
I see a lot of people acquiring dogs, labeling them as “my service dog” and *then* going about training them.
This is not how that works.
You cannot just select a dog, put a service dog harness on them and figure the rest out as you go.
We regularly receive requests from dog owners who tell us that their “service dog” pulled them over on leash or has always been highly reactive.
That their service dog relentlessly chases wildlife on walks or has anxiety in social settings.
One time I got a request from a lady who told me that she got a dog from the shelter to be her son’s service dog, but that “service dog” was now biting the son and could I please fix it.
I’m sorry - none of those dogs are not service dogs then. And they likely won’t be service dogs in the future either.
Please be honest about the dog you own.
Unless you worked diligently to train them as a service animal with specific tasks, they are a pet.
A beloved, (hopefully) well-behaved, wonderful pet.
But not a working dog, and you should not demand the privileges that are reserved for true service dogs.
Staying clear with this distinction protects the actual service dogs and their owners :)

21/12/2022

This ❤️very well said

20/12/2022

As the holidays are in swing and Christmas right around the corner-Please watch out for your pets. Not in the list are also ornament hooks ,fake snow , etc. A friendly reminder also that Rawhides are dangerous and I would not recommend you feed them now or ever. Please also remember pets are years of commitment not a gift for fun to be left out. Dogs require training. Luckily I can help with that ! Message me for more info

24/11/2022

We’ve been absent but spent lots time training and learning new things. Big things on the way for ATLA K9! Can’t wait to share it

16/07/2022

07/06/2022

01/06/2022

As we come into summer here are some fruits your pup can and can’t have !

20/05/2022

Yesterday we got Chief and Appa out for some training. We worked on engagement , stays ,and recalls. These boys enjoy their time training with mom

30/04/2022

Lucy is nice and tired after our training session. I love seeing the connection grow between owner and dog as training progresses. Great work today !

24/04/2022

Beautiful day out. K9 Appa is enjoying observing a fire training class today Great training opportunities here today

18/04/2022

Even though it is late in the day. Happy Easter to all of our followers. We had been taking a short break except for previous scheduled sessions for the week due to some personal things but we will be hoping back to it !
The boys and I enjoyed a great day with a close friend out enjoying the weather

10/04/2022

Welcome Lucy to the ATLA family. Looking forward to working with you ❤️ today at our first session she did amazing and has some new commands to work on thru the week.

08/04/2022

There are so many things to take into account when considering getting/training a service dog. Having a service dog isn't a magic fix. It's HARD work. Taking a dog with you everywhere you go isn't just fun and games. Service dogs can make a world of difference for so many people, but it's not a decision you should ever jump into blind.