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“What we have here, is a failure to communicate.”
by Tracy Woodruff  – Senior Trainer at K9 Connection The title of this post is from the movie “Cool Hand Luke” and one of my all-time favorite movie lines. It sounds like such a simple answer in a complicated world, and it applies to so many aspects of life in general. I believe that we…
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Have Fun With Your Dog During Training!!
We often see dogs that although being cooed over, petted or fed treats, still seem miserable while being “trained.” Positive motivation can be a tricky thing. Dog training (dog learning) should not take on the flavor of a boring chore for the dog or handler. Some trainers will tell you to train early in the…
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Overcoming Toenail Terror
By Cynthia McCollum Our old dog, Casey (Traveling Salesman X Pet Store Cocker) was acquired from the SPCA at age 8 weeks. We lived in the city in a town house with no yard. All of Casey’s exercise happened on leash on concrete. Doing toenails was never a problem. She wore them down walking. She…
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Pit Bulls Love To Learn!
Many people, even some professional dog trainers, think that the Pit Bull is a very difficult breed. In my opinion, nothing can be further from the truth. Although they are a very strong dog, Pit Bulls are in general very loyal and have an incredible desire to please their human companions. All you need know…
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Training Aggressive Dogs IS Possible
“Lola”, a 5 year old aggressive Doberman. Lola’s owner was told that she either had to get rid of her dog, or move, due to the fact that Lola had attempted to attack several dogs in her building. Luckily, she contacted K9 Connection Dog Training first. Her free Consultation with a Trainer was the first…
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Free Shaping The ‘Place’ Command
Free shaping means that you are progressively marking behaviors that are closer and closer to the end behavior that you are trying to achieve. We use marker training to do this, the most common form of marker training is clicker training, however, I prefer to use my voice. I use the word “yes” in a…
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Teach Your Dog To Pay Attention
At K9 Connection Dog Training, one of the most important things that we teach our dogs is to pay attention to the handler. This is a crucial part of any successful training program, but what does attention really mean? Attention can mean different things, or perhaps more appropriately, it can come in varying degrees. For…
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Golden Retriever – Afraid of the Car
Golden, ‘Bob’, was terrified of the car, and despite all the owner’s efforts, they could not get him in without excessive force. During the training sessions, we used a ball to motivate the dog to overcome his fear. We also used an electronic training collar to help him stay focused through the fear. Many people…
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Dog Training Around Severe Distractions
Training a dog is an enriching experience, but it can become challenging when severe distractions are present. Whether it’s the sound of a passing ambulance, other barking dogs, or the excitement of children playing nearby, these distractions can test your pup’s focus and your training skills. However, with the right strategies, you can help your…
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Dog Training For The Whole Family
Bringing a dog into your home is a joyful experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of training. One of the most effective ways to ensure a well-behaved and happy pet is to involve the whole family in the training process. When everyone participates, it fosters consistency in commands and routines, which is crucial…
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Teaching a Puppy to Work In Straight Lines
This exercise has many direct applications into various dog sports where being able to send your dog away from you is essential. However I also find it very helpful for pet dogs as it will inevitably increase your ability to communicate with and control your dog even at distances.In general, anytime you can increase the…
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Creative Use Of A Square to Differentiate Commands
Training a dog to understand and differentiate commands like “heel,” “come,” and “sit” can be challenging, but using a square pattern can simplify the process and add structure to the training sessions. A square shape helps create consistent boundaries for teaching each command and provides a clear visual aid for the dog, making it easier…
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Sometimes We Just Like To Have Fun!
The Importance of Having Fun While Training Your Dog Training your dog is not just about teaching obedience or tricks; it’s about building a strong, positive relationship with your canine companion. One of the most important aspects of successful dog training is making sure it’s enjoyable for both you and your dog. When training sessions…
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Puppy Training – Teaching The ‘Stay’
Teaching the “Stay” Command to a Puppy: Building Patience and Focus Teaching a puppy the “stay” command is a valuable exercise that helps build their patience, focus, and self-control. Although puppies are naturally energetic and curious, learning to stay in one place is an important skill that can be applied in various situations, such as…
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Dog Training – Using Your Environment
Using Your Environment While Training Your Dog: Making the Most of Everyday Spaces Training a dog doesn’t have to be limited to the living room or backyard; in fact, using various environments can significantly enhance the learning process. Every space you encounter presents unique opportunities and challenges that can help your dog generalize commands and…
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Puppy Training
The Benefits and Challenges of Training a Puppy: What to Expect Training a puppy is a rewarding journey that comes with its share of benefits and challenges. It’s an important part of raising a well-behaved and happy dog, as it helps establish a strong bond, promotes good behavior, and lays the groundwork for more advanced…
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The Importance of Down Time
The Importance of Down-Time in a Dog Training Program When training a dog, it’s easy to focus solely on structured sessions and practicing commands, but down-time is just as crucial to a successful training program. Incorporating periods of rest and relaxation allows your dog to decompress, recharge, and process what they’ve learned. Just as humans…
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Dog Training – Fear of Floors
Helping a Dog Overcome Their Fear of Floors: Steps to Build Confidence It may come as a surprise, but some dogs develop a fear of certain flooring surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, or laminate. This fear can be triggered by a bad experience, like slipping, or the strange sensation of the floor’s texture under their…
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Teaching a Dog to Release a Toy
Teaching a Dog to Release a Toy: A Key Step in Play and Training Teaching your dog to release a toy on command is an essential part of playtime and training. It not only helps ensure safe, interactive play but also reinforces obedience and impulse control. Many dogs naturally enjoy holding onto their toys, especially…
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Pack To Basics
Chad Mackin is the creator of the Pack to Basics program, and he has trained dogs and other professional trainers since 1993 throughout the US and Canada. He has also been a board member of the International Association of Canine Professionals http://www.canineprofessionals.com The key to Pack To Basics is to use the dog’s naturally strong social…
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Pack Walks
Even when it’s cold, windy and rainy here in Buffalo, NY, dogs still need to be walked. Don’t let the weather be an excuse for not giving your dog the mental and physical activity that they need.If your dog pulls you, or walks in front, then call K9 Connection and we’ll train them to heel…
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Dogs and the Road – Walking in the City
Walking Your Dog Around Traffic in the City: Tips for Safety and Confidence Navigating city streets with your dog can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to traffic. As urban environments are often bustling with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, it’s crucial to prioritize…
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As Good As It Gets – Engagement Training
by Tyler Muto Before I get too involved in this post, let me just start by saying that there is a big difference in my mind between training dogs for competition obedience, and doing what I term “Real world dog training.” Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of similarities as well, the most…
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Exercise your Dog. Why it’s Important.
The Importance of Regular Exercise for Your Dog’s Health and Happiness Regular exercise is vital for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Just like humans, dogs require physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote mental stimulation. Exercise not only benefits your dog physically but also enhances their…
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An Interesting Perspective on Canine Aggression
Chad Mackin (founder of the Pack to Basics program, and board member of the International Association of Canine Professionals) outlined a model of aggression that he termed the “Layered Stress Model of Aggression.” Although it may be argued that standing alone this model does not represent a complete understanding of the causes of aggression, I…
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How To Use a Prong Collar Part 1
At K9 Connection the proper fit and use of training tools is critical. This video is part 1 of 2 in the proper fit and use of Herm Sprenger prong collars.
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How To Use A Prong Collar Part 2
At K9 Connection the proper fit and use of training tools is critical. This video is part 2 of 2 in the proper, safe, and effective use of Herm Sprenger prong collars.
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Pressure Motivates, Release Educates
by Tyler Muto Pressure is a term that I use a lot when discussing dog training. The concept of pressure is somewhat central to my system of training and influencing dogs’ behavior, and understanding how pressure works will make anyone a better handler. The most important to remember is that pressure motivates, and the release…
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Silly Humans are suckers for “talking” dogs!
Have you ever noticed that nearly everyone in the world believes that they are an expert on what is best for your dog? At K9 Connection, we have found that one of the toughest areas of training can be teaching good greeting behavior. We’re not talking about the dog training part of it. It’s the…
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Exceptional Obedience, or Obedience With Exceptions?
by Tyler Muto One of the questions I always ask humans who bring their dogs in for an evaluation is “How is your dog’s obedience?” Most people respond something like “Oh, she’s really obedient, she knows all the basics, sit, down she’s not so good at stay but we’re working on it.” Of course, I naturally…
Real People, Real Dogs, Real Results.