Summit K9 Training

05/11/2024

Great dogmanship begins here! Far from simply a means of restraining our dogs, proper leash communication and strong leash walking skills are valuable tools for enhancing the dog-human relationship and clarifying your communication with your pup.

This class if for you if you want to:
🍁Building a stronger communication system through the leash
🍁Minimize or eliminate leash pulling and forging
🍁Encourage better overall mindset in your dog
🍁Learn to balance obedience and freedom to attain no-conflict walks
🍁Fine tune the "heel" position to minimize conflict and create flowing, collaborative movement together
🍁Address reactivity and learn to maintain your dog's focus in the presence of distractions

CLASS BEGINS NEXT MONDAY 11/11! 🎉

Visit summitk9training.com/groupclasses to register!

05/09/2024

Our fall group class schedule has dropped! Join us for lots of fun and learning 🍂 and keep an eye out for updates on new "maintenance class" dates (Summit Skills Club, Reactivity Practice Group, and more!) coming soon 😊

Visit summitk9training.com/groupclasses to learn more and to register!

Existing clients - please note that for your convenience, we are transitioning to self scheduling and group registration through your ProPet account! All available services are available for request at that location, but as always feel free to reach out to us directly 🐾

11/07/2024

Don't miss the next run of Puppy Headstart - beginning next Thursday!

🐕The July/August class will run on Thursdays at 6:30pm 🐕

This is not your average puppy class. While owners will learn to teach their dogs key obedience skills, the larger focus of this class is to teach owners the foundations of canine learning that empower them to address new problems as they develop and build new skills in the future. Through this class, dog owners will learn to create a dog that will not only follow commands, but enthusiastically look to their handler for direction!

By taking this class, you will create a strong foundation in communication and training that will empower you to build new behaviors and address potential problems long after you have completed this course.​

This is the class for you if you want a dog that:
🌟listens to your commands.
🌟can settle and relax on cue.
🌟comes when you call them.
🌟walks nicely on a leash.
🌟relaxes during grooming and nail trims.
🌟is properly socialized to new people, dogs, and other distractions.
🌟has a well rounded skill set that prevents problems before they start!

Visit summitk9training.com/groupclasses to learn more and register!

04/06/2024

Looking for a way to provide your dog with more exercise, socialization, and mental enrichment WHILE gaining rockin' obedience skills? We are currently accepting applications for new Enrichment Daycare participants! Learn more about the program and schedule a Behavior Consultation on our website to join in the fun 💫

How will Enrichment Daycare benefit you and your dog?
⭐ Your dog will build strong basic obedience skills that can be translated to your day to day life!
⭐ Your dog's needs for both physical and mental outlets will be met, resulting in less nuisance outlet behaviors at home.
⭐ Your dog will receive plenty of potty breaks, attention, and exercise while you are at work.
⭐ Your dog will practice basic manners and conditioned relaxation, creating a more balanced state of mind.
⭐ Your dog will learn appropriate dog-dog social skills, avoiding future problems behaviors due to under socialization, over socialization, or bad experiences with other dogs.
⭐ You will qualify for our Summit Skills Club classes, where you will have the opportunity to learn how to implement the training your dog received at daycare.

How does it work?
⭐Dogs enrolled in daycare are dropped off at the Summit K9 facility in the morning during the specified drop off window.
⭐Throughout the morning, dogs enrolled work on a variety of obedience activities and games, building key training skills and enjoying physical and mental outlets.
⭐In the afternoons, dogs are integrated into carefully selected groups for play and socialization and/or given appropriate physical outlets, such as walks, treadmill time, or one-on-one play.
⭐At the end of the day, dogs will be picked up by their owners during the specified pick up time window, and will receive a brief update on how the day went.

How do you enroll?
Visit summitk9training.com/daycare to learn more and request a behavior consultation!

06/05/2024

Don't miss the next Summit Skills Club, next Sunday at 6:00pm!

I'm shaking up the format a bit, so expect:
⚡️Conditioned Relaxation practice
⚡️Exercises to fine tune your handling and communication with your dog
⚡️Activities that introduce new skills to keep your training fresh and continuing to grow
⚡️Practice around other dogs and owners in a controlled setting
⚡️Troubleshooting for target issues

As this class develops out, expect general fun and silliness that will test your training. Our aim for these classes is to keep things fun and creative while providing opportunities to practice and maintain your existing training with others in the Summit K9 community!

For those of you new to Summit K9, this class is formatted for past and existing clients involved in any of our programs. New handlers are welcome, but must audit for the first class in order for us to meet and discuss whether your dog is ready for this class before jumping in!

This class is $24.99/dog and free to Board and Train alumni!

Visit BookSummitK9.as.me/SummitSkillsClub to register!

29/02/2024

Now hiring for Dog Handler/Apprentice Trainer positions!

Summit K9 is seeking motivated, dog loving candidates to assist in handling and caring for dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Daycare, Boarding, and Training programs.

This position is open both to experienced dog handlers and aspiring dog trainers. This position is an excellent paid opportunity to hone your dog training skills and work hands on with other trainers to improve your craft. For motivated, self-starting candidates, this position offers significant growth opportunities, from professional trainer positions directly teaching clients and classes, to leadership roles within Summit K9. In addition to on-the-job training, motivated apprentices are encouraged to shadow our training staff outside of working hours for continued education and professional development.

Summit K9 Dog Handlers/Apprentice Trainers are responsible for caring for dogs, assisting in their training, and assisting in integrating dogs into safe and productive social groups during daycare and boarding services. Handlers are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the facility to ensure a safe and functional space for dogs enrolled in programming.​

The ideal candidate should have experience caring for dogs in a boarding and daycare setting and possess some base dog training and behavior knowledge and skill. However, candidates can expect professional development opportunities and on-the-job training, so candidates who demonstrate other qualities that match our values (highly motivated, friendly problem solvers with a passion for the work) but who may not have significant professional experience with dog training will be strongly considered.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated candidate to join a collaborative team of like-minded, passionate, knowledgeable dog professionals and receive endless opportunities to improve their dog training skills.

Visit www.summitk9training.com/employment for more information about this position and to submit an application!

22/02/2024

Looking for a way to provide your dog with more exercise, socialization, and mental enrichment WHILE gaining rockin' obedience skills? We are currently accepting applications for new Enrichment Daycare participants! Learn more about the program and schedule a Behavior Consultation on our website to join in the fun 💫

How does it work?
Dogs enrolled in daycare are dropped off at the Summit K9 facility in the morning during the specified drop off window. While at daycare, dogs are worked individually and in groups throughout the day, building key training skills, enjoying physical and mental outlets, and learning effective inter-dog socialization skills. Between sessions, dogs rest in kennels to allow them to relax and reset!

The number and length of activity sessions will depend on the target skills/activities set for the individual day and dog, and will vary. On days where dogs receive more structured obedience work in the early portion of the day, we will provide more unstructured play or enrichment time to create an enjoyable, balanced, and well-rounded experience for the dog.

At the end of the day, dogs will be picked up by their owners during the specified pick up time window, and will receive a brief update on how the day went.

During their time at daycare, dogs will rotate through sessions that focus on:
🌟 Training & Skill Building
🌟 Conditioned Relaxation & Rest
🌟 Socialization & Play
🌟 Enrichment & Mental/Physical Exercise
​
Rather than providing a traditional, free play version of daycare, the Summit K9 Enrichment Daycare program subscribes to a more structured, training-based model that ensures the highest level of safety, comfort, and enrichment for enrolled dogs. Dogs in this program will receive far more than a few play sessions with other dogs throughout the day.

Though this program is open to all dogs, and would provide excellent enrichment and training work for stable, outgoing dogs, this is also an ideal program for dogs that may otherwise fail to thrive in a more traditional daycare setting.

This program has been a fantastic match for many dogs who are:
🌟 Mildly anxious, fearful, or low confidence
🌟 Easily overwhelmed by other dogs
🌟 Reactive to dogs or strangers
🌟 Easily overstimulated or overexcited
🌟 “Too much” for traditional daycare settings

Due to the highly individualized nature of this program, we are able to accommodate dogs that need specialized handling by experienced professionals. Dogs enrolled in our programs will be integrated into group work slowly and methodically to ensure that it is a safe, productive, and pleasant experience for all participants.

Enrichment Daycare rates start at $39.99/day. Full information on rates can be found on our website.

To learn more about Enrichment Daycare, please visit summitk9training.com/daycare

The Summit K9 Enrichment Daycare Program is a great alternative to traditional daycare services! This program reflects our values and philosophy as dog trainers and caregivers, and is designed with the dog’s needs and drives in mind. Enrichment Daycare programming is offered Monday through Thursda...

20/02/2024

I can't believe how fast it's flown, but today marks 1 year since we opened the facility! I'm so grateful for each and every client who has trusted us to assist them with their training and provide care for their dogs. We truly seem to find the coolest people out there, and it's a privilege to work with your dogs.

So many programs have evolved over the last year, and we are so excited to continue developing our existing services to always offer the best possible program, and to continue experimenting with new services, events, and collaborations with other businesses and pet professionals.

For past, current, and prospective clients, who happen to have a free moment, we would greatly appreciate any feedback you are willing to provide. By filling out this quick survey, you can assist us in bettering our programs and ensuring they are as accessible as possible to those seeing assistance!

Follow the link to complete the anonymous survey -
https://forms.gle/jrog4ciryzAaaFxA6

None of the answers are required, so feel free to provide as little or as much information as you are willing and able! 🙏

08/02/2024

Announcing Tuesday Trick Nights!

Each week we will coach participants through specific tricks, and have adaptations for all levels to ensure that novice dogs are set up for success and intermediate and advanced dogs are adequately challenged! This is a great opportunity to develop your dog's skills, your handling skills while having a great time.

Similar to our Scent Detection classes, participants are invited to register for as many sessions as they would like, whether they want to just try it once or come every week!

Visit summitk9training.com/groupclasses to register!

06/02/2024

Don't forget about the upcoming Playing with Purpose workshop on 2/18! 🥎

Visit the link to register-
https://BookSummitK9.as.me/PlayingWithPurpose

01/02/2024

Join the team!

Summit K9 is seeking a full time Program Manager to assist in coordinating and operating our Training, Enrichment Daycare, and Boarding programs.

The Summit K9 program manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations and care of dogs enrolled in programs. Candidates should expect to be hands-on with the staff, actively driving programs and ensuring that services are running sustainably and efficiently while providing a high standard of care and training.

The ideal candidate should not only have experience caring for dogs in a boarding and daycare setting but possess strong dog training and behavior knowledge and skills. Candidates must have the necessary skills to maintain every dogs’ training during boarding and daycare services and collaborate with training staff regularly to ensure the safest and most beneficial services for our clients. Our day programs focus heavily on teaching social skills to dogs who offer inappropriate social behaviors (from overexcitement to nervousness), and the ideal candidate will be experienced in working dogs through safe social interactions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dog professional to hone their skills, be hands on with creative program development, and to build services that better serve dog owners. This position offers opportunities for the right candidate to choose their own adventure, developing services that maximize owner benefit and community building within the organization, from planning local events to puppy program development to dog sport opportunities.

The Summit K9 Program Manager will be responsible for scheduling staff, training employees, driving and maintaining daycare and boarding program curriculum and protocols, assisting in creating and maintaining training program curricula and programs, streamlining daily operations, and collaborating with the other staff members and leadership staff in building and maintaining the best possible programs within the organization.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated candidate to drive the direction of our programs and creatively problem solve while ever improving their skills.

For more information and to apply, please visit summitk9training.com/employment

01/02/2024

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!

We are as excited as you are! We open at 7 PM tonight for our first overnight shift! It's going to be overwhelming, wonderful, and a little scary! We want to give everyone a couple of reminders to make sure every pet has the smoothest journey with us:

1) We are a lot smaller than VSES was, and smaller than most of the other emergency facilities in the surrounding areas. We will not have the capacity to see every pet. Like a human ER, we will need to prioritize the most critical cases. You may get redirected to another emergency facility. That brings us to:

2) Please call ahead if possible. We can help you assess your pet's situation and determine if we have the capacity to provide the care they might need. We can also collect your information and begin to check your pet in, making it easier for you when you arrive.

3) We will be open for emergencies NIGHTS and WEEKENDS only. The wonderful Animal Hospital of Rochester is providing us with a space to work, but they are maintaining their general practice in the space during the day. Animal Hospital of Rochester is a separate organization, and is not taking emergency patients during their hours.

4) Our staff truly cares about the pets we treat and the Rochester Community. Emergency care is stressful for everyone involved. Please treat our staff with kindness and respect, especially as we get through the hiccups to get the hospital up and running. We promise to treat you and your pets with compassion and the best care we can provide 🐾

Our phone number is:

585-775-0020

All of our contact information will be updated in our profile here and our website by the time we open this evening! Thank you for all of the community support that has allowed us to open today. We can't wait to start giving back to everyone that's helped us on this journey!!!

(We were going to share a picture of the hospital, but our sign isn’t up quite yet, so instead please enjoy this picture of Dr. Ingersoll’s puppy, Anvil)

29/01/2024

Harness the power of play to strengthen your training and enrich your relationship with your dog!

Guest trainer Matt Drake will guide participants through building engagement and drive, types of reward work and proper timing for effective application, integrating play principles into obedience work, and proper play styles and their ultimate purposes. This is a perfect learning opportunity for pet owners and competition handlers alike!

Working spots: $100, Audit: $75 (use code PWPAUDIT)

https://BookSummitK9.as.me/PlayingWithPurpose

18/01/2024

Special Summit Skills Club this Saturday at Cobbs Hill Park!
Open to all past and current SK9 clients.

Date & Time: 1/20 at 11am

Focus: Maintaining key skills at an off-site location. Special focus on loose leash walking.

Price: $25
(free for board & train grads)

Link:
BookSummitK9.as.me/SummitSkillsClub

It will be a fun one! Hope to see you there.

*If the weather is too cold (under 25*), we will replan for a session at the Summit K9 facility instead and reschedule the off-site session for another warmer weekend!*

11/01/2024

I want to take a moment to talk about the indirect benefits of precision obedience and sport training work.

We see a pretty significant trend in our training clients. Those who pursue training work not only as a means of solving typical problems, but as a hobby and activity, see better results. Owners who pursue ongoing education, dog related activities, and dog sports always see the greatest positive change in their dogs' behaviors.

This is especially true for owners who are working through more significant problem behaviors, such as reactivity, fearfulness, and mild aggression.

Why do we see such a strong correlation? I believe it comes down to a strong history of relationship building and strengthening of communications systems.

When we work with our dogs to achieve low stress, high precision goals, two major things happen.
1. We are forced to strengthen and diversify our methods of communication with our dogs. As we creatively problem solve for novel tasks, we expand our skill set as handlers to show our dogs what we would like them to achieve and motivate them to engage in the work.
2. We improve our relationship with our dogs by building a history of collaboration and conversational training. The end behaviors are not the critical piece of this work, but the skills, habits, and emotions that we build within our dogs are.

Through obedience and sport work, your dog builds trust in your direction, respect for you as a leader, and a habit of seeking feedback and interaction from you over the environment. By working collaboratively with you under low stress, your dog learns to seek out engagement with you and trust you to direct them towards comfort, safety, and rewarding experiences. A dog is used to following direction and working collaboratively with you in the minor, low pressure moments and is more likely to fall into that habit in the higher pressure, high arousal scenarios when they are struggling. By intentionally building a long history of being a predictable, clear, benevolent leader, your dog will naturally seek out direction from you more readily.

Plus, it's really fricken fun.

So get out there and find some ways to have fun with your dog while challenging your skills! You might just find it's the missing piece to achieving your bigger behavior goals 💚

Not sure where to begin? Visit summitk9training.com for classes, events, and opportunities!

Comment below if there are classes, activities, or sports you would love to try that we don't currently offer. We are building out our classes for 2024, and plan to have a few sport opportunities coming your way!

27/12/2023

Seeking the perfect pet dog or beginner sport prospect?
We are now accepting applications for Mojo!

Mojo is a 5 year old male German Shepherd with no known behavior problems. He was surrendered to a friend through no fault of his own. We have taken him for periods of time to have on hand as a boarding buddy for our board and trains and boarding dogs, and he has been an absolute joy to have around.

This guy would do best in an active pet home. He is enthusiastic and fun, and would love to be someone’s hiking or running buddy, but can also easily chill around the house. He loves people, and is always ready for a good game of tug or fetch, or just a nice belly rub from a buddy. He is food motivated, intelligent, and extremely receptive to training. He would be a great candidate for a beginner, low impact sport dog, and I could see him excelling at scent detection, competition obedience, and even potentially light agility with some proper physical conditioning.

He has been kid tested and would make a great family pet!

Mojo would ideally go to a home without small animals. He has significant prey drive, but with the right owner, this may be easily addressed through training. He is very dog neutral, but we are still working to test him in unstructured settings with other dogs. However, he has done well on longline hikes with other polite dogs and training in groups at our facility.

The pros:
⭐️Very friendly and loves people. Fun, goofy personality.
⭐️Energetic enough to be active and fun, but deserves a couch potato life. I’d consider keeping him as a Summit K9 dog, but he deserves a house pet life and would thrive with that.
⭐️Great with kids.
⭐️Neutral to other dogs.
⭐️VERY food and toy motivated, but generally polite about it. Will sit and stare at toys set on tables, but will wait politely.
⭐️Loves a good game of fetch, and walks reasonably nicely on leash. Leash skills could be easily perfected with some practice and development.
⭐️Knows basic commands and is a very fast learner. Should be off-leash reliable in short order. Already comes well when called under controlled circumstances (i.e. on a long line outside and when off leash in the facility).
⭐️Super responsive to training, and a beautiful mover. Would be a lovely competition obedience prospect!
⭐️Crates well.
⭐️Potty trained.
⭐️Generally quiet. Haven’t heard him bark much.
⭐️He’s a big dude. Looks intimidating, but is a big mush.
⭐️A generally easy keeper!

The cons:
⭐️Not fully dog tested just yet. We aren’t totally sure if he is dog social in group settings, but the evidence so far is promising. With a polite dog, he has done fine on long line walks together but just kind of aloof. We are continuing to test this to see how he handles it, but no issues so far. It’s unclear how much exposure he has had to other dogs. Would not be a “dog park dog” candidate, as he clearly would not enjoy pushy or rude playmates and just wants to chill and vibe with the dogs he has been exposed to.
⭐️Strong prey drive. Would not recommend placement with small animals unless the adopter has significant training experience. This will require further testing, but I am optimistic that his behavior towards small animals could be addressed through training if someone is willing to put in the training miles with him!
⭐️Some skin and ear issues that we are still resolving. He has had chronic ear infections, which I believe could be resolved with some more intensive intervention. Overall, the skin issues have improved immensely in the past few months, but will require a bit more TLC and possible experimentation with diet to fully clear up!
⭐️He can get over excited and jump occasionally, but this would be easily fixed. Honestly, I created this bad habit a bit since I was so excited when he started showing more energy and enthusiasm as his fitness improved!

He is a joy to have around, and we are not in a rush to home him. Only exceptional candidates who are ready to provide excellent care for this big goof will be considered.

If you’re interested in meeting Mojo and being considered as an adopter, please complete the following application!
https://forms.gle/jGrcXfEzJiz8dMmTA