The K9ology Center

19/03/2025

Agnes had a blast practicing her manners around the Staunton train station today!

14/03/2025

This is Training Thursday: Train for the Dog YOU Want

I was working with a behavior case of a dog who is not immediately everyone's friend. He can be hesitant and become frustrated by social interactions.

3 lessons into the program, he starts soliciting me for treats. Awesome! After tossing a few he begins sniffing me, inspecting my clothes, and offering eye contact. A big milestone for this pup!

Later in the session he was able to sit for me (a challenge due to vulnerability issues) and ultimately jumped and placed two paws on me. Hallelujah!

I explained to his humans that I will not be teaching him to get off of me. We had just built somewhat of a relationship and agonizing over jumping habits (right now) would set us back. They responded with "it's ok we let him jump on us!"

I explained "awesome! My little guys get to put their paws on me too!" In my household, the dogs under 20 lbs are welcome to place their front feet on me, the big dogs are not allowed unless invited.

Now, I know everyone thinks good dog training is a dog who avoids jumping, who does not get "people food", or one who never blurts a peep. But here's the reality ... who cares? I know, major shock right?

There are no cardinal rules that will unleash hell if you don't follow them. The MORE important thing is that you decide on, maintain consistency, and follow through on YOUR rules, for the dog YOU want!

With my own personal dogs, I prefer they put their paws on me so I don't have to bend as far. This also means sequestering them when I am about to head out with nice clothing (management) and putting them in a stay to greet strangers (prevent jumping in context) and ensuring I move my head when Olive comes to divebomb me. I could stop the behavior all together, but I like it - I WANT it, and if that's no one else's cup of tea... cool, I'll keep MY dogs away, no problem.

My dogs give me 110% when at a competition or in the ring, they recall like badasses, they travel well, they adapt to any environment, they will focus amongst distractions. THAT is what I value in their skills. And yes, I enjoy working on impulse control while sharing *people food* (newsflash, it's not for human consumption only, it's just food...). I rather work on stays so my dog earns a morsel than withhold food to address begging.

In the end ... remember, train for what YOU want your dog to know/learn/perform. Demand absolute excellence in the skills you are curating. Focus on behavior, impulse control, and engagement as much as obedience drills, and in the end ... it's ok to allow your dog to exhibit habits that 1. Please you 2. Don't cause behavior issues and 3. Help improve the bond with your dog. Enjoy every moment!

09/03/2025

Say Something Sunday ...

The "Shock collar" or "ECollar" is not a training method. It's literally a tool. A tool that more often than not is misused and abused under the guise of "quick fix" and "results guaranteed" gimmicks.

Be very cautious of Ecollar use. It can be an excellent tool to fine tune and polish behaviors once the dog has learned it using positive, reward-based methods. And even then ...

- the dog must be given lots of choice as you progress learning
- you still have to work on proofing and generalization
- it should be used in addition to positive reinforcement methods, not instead of
- the stimulation should be for tactile feedback and to increase communication ... not to punish, suppress, or teach new behaviors

We have seen an increase in dogs who have bad side effects from poor ecollar use. This includes behavior cases where ecollar use is an inappropriate tool! This includes:
- dogs that will be weary of strangers as they associated the shock with people
- dogs with apathetic disposition ... a form of learned helplessness leaving dogs with a flat affect
- redirected aggression ... a dog who gets revved up by the stimulation and channels the frustration to the handler or another dog
- suppression of communication ... that dog who used to growl gave warning, but now bites "out of the blue" since attempts to communicate discomfort have been eliminated

We have so many options available when working with our dogs thanks to science! The "one size fits all" methodology is not an appropriate approach considering the varying dispositions of breeds, mixes, households, and environments. Just like people - dogs are individuals, and have very personal needs. I wonder if the "one size fits all" crowd knows anything beyond their limited repertoire.

05/03/2025

🌸 WEEKEND OPTIONS ARE BACK THIS SPRING! 🌸

Starting April 5th we have a great selection of classes coming your way!

11AM - Agility Foundations
https://www.k9ocenter.com/funsportgroups

12PM - Basic Manners
https://www.k9ocenter.com/basicmanners

1PM - Impulse Control
https://www.k9ocenter.com/impulse

3PM - Private Lesson Opening

We are excited to be training outdoors as soon as the weather improves and hope to see you there! As always, our classes are limited to 4 participants to allow for a semi-private learning environment!

Join us at the K9ology Center at 12167 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740!

Fun classes and introduction to a variety of dog sports!

28/02/2025

We have a few spots remaining for our AGGRESSION IN DOGS seminar next Thursday at 7!

Come join us to learn about the various types of aggression, what influences, and how to set realistic expectations for your pup!

$30 per person to attend, roughly 90 minutes total for this lecture. Discussion will be open during the Q+A after!

Register at the bottom of our main page at:

Are you looking for top-notch dog training and behavior solutions? Look no further than The K9ology Center! Our award-winning establishment, led by Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist Charlotte Wagner, offers group classes, private one-on-one lessons, educational seminars, and dog-friendly social....

26/02/2025

AGILITY IS BACK! Starting SATURDAYS at 11am on April 5th!

This 4 week intro class teaches you and your dog all about the agility equipment! We will cover the A-Frame, Teeter, Pause Box, Weave Poles, Jumps, Tunnels, and more!

Limited to 4 participants for a semi-private learning environment. Lessons held outdoors in our agility yard!

Join us for some fresh air and fun this spring by registering through our website:

https://www.k9ocenter.com/funsportgroups

Happy training y'all!

19/02/2025

WHAT IS RALLY OBEDIENCE? AKA RALLY?

This fun and energizing sport consists of a course of various stations which dog and handler must complete by performing obedience skills, turns, and various maneuvers together. Think of it like agility - but instead of scaling equipment, you are performing commands. It's definitely one of my favorite activities!

Video of Zoe the rescue, who thoroughly enjoyed a short Rally course during her camp experience. Shout out to Hail Mary Rescue for getting this wonderful girl a forever home!

*INTRO TO RALLY CLASS COMING UP!( Tuesdays at 7pm starting March 25th, 2025! Join us at The K9ology Center at 12167 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740. Spaces limited to 4 participants!

11/02/2025

🧡💜🧡 Aaaand Charlotte's Co-Owned Bred-By Border Terrier wins SELECT BITCH at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York! 🧡💜🧡

Pending weather, K9ology will be back open on Thursday 02/13.

06/02/2025

THIS IS TRAINING THURSDAY! Don't wait for it to be too late!

If your dog is showing signs of behavior issues such as fear, anxiety, compulsions, reactivity, or aggression ... the time to address these concerns was yesterday. Get on it NOW!

Unlike training, behavior modification is about addressing your pups underlying conflict to stressful triggers and situations. Only by teaching coping skills, confidence building exercises, and adaptation skills will your dog be able to successfully navigate these challenges. This takes more than just showing of your dog's obedience skills! It takes a lot of time, patience, and room for your dog to acclimate!

Behavior is influenced by more than just your dog's history - genetics, socialization, breed traits, nutrition, mental stimulation, exercise, and household dynamics / lifestyle may all contribute to your dog's reactions. A holistic approach assessing all aspects of your dog is required for long term success.

Behavior modification and handling behavior cases is not a one-size-fits all problem that is conducive to one-size-fits all approaches. Stay clear of cookie cutter training methods and ensure you tailor your approach based on your individual pup. If you need help - work alongside a certified behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist to get to the root of your dog's needs! Your dog will unlikely "grow out of it" without purposeful guidance and support ... we are seeing this with a resurgence of COVID dogs right now.

You're pup may be worse than you realize ... animals tend to hide stress, discomfort, and fear as it makes them vulnerable (and in the wild, that may mean being left behind or death). Odds are your pup was already experiencing a behavior shift before obvious outward signs are noticeable. Try to use good prevention, management, and redirection to prevent your pup from failure as you work on rewiring their brains!

To learn more about our behavior modification services visit:
https://www.k9ocenter.com/behaviormod

31/01/2025

Ellie and Finn did such an excellent job practicing "place" on a towel together 🥰 believe it or not - these two rescues are not related and adopted by the same human at different times! Ya coulda fooled me ...

31/01/2025

👀 EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR COMING UP! 🧠

Join us Thursday, March 6th at 7pm for an informational session on AGGRESSION IN DOGS! We will be covering:

- Biology
- Psychology
- Anatomy
- Breed Traits
- Socialization and History
- Triggers and Management
- and more!

We will cover both human-directed and dog-dog aggression behavior. This is a human only event.

Spaces are limited to 12 participants and cost is only $30 per person. Register on our main webpage to reserve a spot!

⭐️ JANUARY 2025 PROMOTIONS ⭐️ We are offering 10% off all Private Puppy Training  (6 months and under) and 10% off our 2-week Board and Train Programs!

31/01/2025

THIS IS TRAINING THURSDAY: Emotions Have NO Place In Training!!!!

Yes, I know, we all like to celebrate when our dogs succeed - but how good is that celebration really when we make a big deal over every interaction? What about handler frustration? Anger, annoyances, and reacting emotionally can be a real buzz kill to your relationship.

Emotions have a place, but they should really be reserved for big moments. Whether your dog has surpassed your expectations or has mastered a challenging exercise - now is the time for celebration. In the same stroke - reprimands and corrections (if even applicable) should be applied tactfully, with purpose, and by giving your dog a clear choice ... your dog is not a punching bag.

Drop ALL of the baggage, refocus your efforts onto the human side of the leash, and work on improving your timing, handling skills, and communication! If need be, work on mechanics and be a robot! Dogs need to be set up to succeed and not fail! Try focusing on smaller, more attainable goals rather than getting bogged down with futuristic ideals. You may be setting yourself up for failure and you don't even know it!

TRAINING IS THE ROAD TRAVELED NOT THE DESTINATION! You need to be able to adapt, detour, reroute, and even get stuck in traffic at times. Make sure to focus on the now and enjoy the ride!

Photo of Ralph doing his best Dogzilla impression as we plan our Bird Dog Training routine with a very unconventional breed.

31/01/2025

⚠️ NEW SPORT AND FUN CLASSES ADDED! ⚠️

We have added some new fun and sport classes for the Spring! Make sure to use our February code *SAVE10* to get 10% off at registration! Classes include:

🐾 INTRO TO SCENTWORK: Friday 02/21 at 7PM
🐾 NOVICE TRICKS: Friday 03/21 at 7PM
🐾 NOVICE RALLY: Tuesday 03/25 at 7PM

Register directly through our website at:

Fun classes and introduction to a variety of dog sports!

31/01/2025

👀 ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! 👀

We are super excited to be partnering with local organizations for the launch of our new Therapy Dog Club! This program is for dogs and owners who have successfully completed our Therapy Dog Class and wish to pursue visitations and volunteer opportunities with their pups!

Membership benefits include:
- Monthly training lessons to keep your pup in tip top shape
- Routine CGC testing and evaluation
- Supervised visitations to build skills to volunteer on your own
- Special events held quarterly
- Ongoing support to help you and your pup succeed!

Membership is renewed annually with dues paid monthly.

🚨 ADDITIONALLY! We have added another 4 week Therapy Dog Prep class starting Tuesday 02/25/25 at 7pm!

Use Coupon Code *SAVE10* for the month of February to get 10% off all upcoming group classes. Code must be entered at checkout and expires 02/28/25.

Learn more through our website at:

Weekly lessons offered to K9O alumni to work on distractions, refinement training, drills, and more!

23/01/2025

THIS IS TRAINING THURSDAY! Breed matters!

Whether you have a pure bred dog or mixed breed ... genetics are a big part of your dog's engagement, drive, motivation, and distraction levels.

Scenthounds are designed to ignore everything but odor. Guarding breeds are meant to be suspicious and protective. Sporting type dogs are very human oriented and biddable. Herding dogs are control freaks. Terriers are designed to kill, kill, kill!

Mixed breed dogs may display behaviors of the various breed or none at all! Genetic testing for breed makeup can help w**d through some of the traits.

Breed matters because what works for one dog may not be appropriate for another. Challenges will vary. Only by accepting your dog's makeup can you begin working with the dog rather than against them. Understand your dog's breed traits, adjust expectations accordingly, be realistic (you can't expect the same from a Shepherd than a Golden) - you'll be surprised at how much your training and relationship will improve!

21/01/2025

Who's in? We are looking at adding a 4 week dog showing and handling class to our schedule and are currently assessing interest! Class would include:

- Ring prep for AKC / UKC conformation showing
- Hand stacking your dog
- Free stacking your dog
- Intro to table or ramp (where applicable)
- Accepting examination by a judge
- Teaching proper movement and gait
- Handling vs training ... what's happening on your end of the lead?
- Ring procedure and protocol

This class will be open to all levels from absolute beginners to more seasoned exhibitors. Unlike traditional run-through style classes, lessons will include a hybrid approach that is centered towards training, but also covers handling skills (and common errors) as well as problem solving and confidence exercises.

✔️ Great prep in anticipation of spring shows
✔️ Great for introducing puppies to showing
✔️ Great for fine tuning and building confidence for experienced dogs
✔️ Semi-Private group setting for only 4 participants so loads of one on one support
✔️ Join our 2025 show team and get support at local shows ringside

Let us know if you are interested in participating and we will plan to schedule a class!

09/01/2025

THIS IS TRAINING THURSDAY: Shoutout to the partners, spouses, kids, and family members who join in on training!

We have always been a family friendly establishment and welcome anyone from your home willing to participate to join in! We've had kids take over training lessons, husbands surprising their wives, spouses come to an agreement where there used to be tension over the dog.

The more people are on the same page, the more consistent things will be, and the better results you will get!

I even encourage families to make a master list of commands and keep it on the counter or fridge. This helps minimze a lot of handling errors. Is it "down" for lay down? Or "lay"? Or does it mean "get off that"? Are you using "lets go" to walk or "with me?". Is it "come" or "here" for recall?

My master list starts from the top and just keeps expanding. I keep things simple and obviously defined by simple actions.

Example:
Name = give me eye contact
Sit = put your butt down
Down = lay down
Off = get off of that
Come = move towards me and arrive
Stay = hold your position
Wait = stay behind the threshold

Etc etc etc

Consider making improvements this New Year to ensure everyone is using commands consistently in your household!

Happy training!
Like/conment/share the knowledge 🦦

07/01/2025

❄️ TUESDAY 01/07/25 - SNOW DAY! ❄️
The K9ology Center will be closed today due to ongoing road hazards from the storm. Let's keep our fingers crossed we can resume soon!

All classes and lessons will be postponed. Please make sure to check your email to reschedule!

Photo of Edna attacking her Jolly Ball through the snow.