K9 Principles Dog Training

K9 Principles Dog Training The trusted dog trainers for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.

A firm believer in building the foundation before raising expectations is the only way to set a dog up for success!

12/18/2025

Our Agility classes put on a show last night. Our Beginner class dogs continue to amaze us with their confidence and have done so well. The Family Fun dogs had a fast course prepared for them that had their owners moving.

Registration for the Febrauary 4th classes is open if you want to get in on all this fun with your dog. Visit https://k9principles.ca/all-programs/ to sign up.

Walking your dog should be a delightful experience, not a tug-of-war. For many dog owners leash training remains a cruci...
12/16/2025

Walking your dog should be a delightful experience, not a tug-of-war. For many dog owners leash training remains a crucial yet challenging aspect of dog ownership. Here are a few tips to help you teach your dog to walk properly on a leash, transforming your daily strolls into enjoyable, stress-free outings.

Start Early and Be Consistent: The best time to start leash training is as a puppy, but it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Consistency is key. Use the same leash and harness each time, and establish a regular walking schedule.

Choose the Right Gear: Select a sturdy, comfortable leash and harness. Avoid retractable leashes for training, as they can encourage pulling. Devices such as gentle leaders can discourage pulling and work great WHEN THEY ARE ON.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or a quick play session. This positive reinforcement makes the experience enjoyable for your dog, encouraging them to repeat the good behaviour.

Keep Initial Training Sessions Short: Begin with short, frequent walks, gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable and skilled at walking on a leash.

Focus on Attention Training: Teach your dog to pay attention to you during walks. Reward them every time they look at you or walk nicely by your side.

Practice Inside and in Low Distraction Areas: Start training in a familiar, low distraction environment, such as your yard or a quiet street. Once your dog is comfortable, gradually introduce more challenging environments.

Be Patient and Calm: Dogs can sense frustration, which can make them anxious or excited. Stay calm and patient, offering guidance with a gentle, yet firm hand.

Teach 'Heel' Command: Train your dog to walk by your side using the 'heel' command. This not only improves leash manners but also enhances your dog's focus and responsiveness. Put a treat in your hand closest to the dog and put it by their nose. Reward them with the treat every time they heel appropriately. You can not expect them to be in a formal heel for the whole walk so only do this for a few minutes at a time.

Avoid Pulling on the Leash: If your dog starts to pull, stop walking. Wait until they look back at you and reward. This teaches your dog that pulling won't get them where they want to go faster and helps with their focus.

Leash training is an investment in your dog's safety and your mutual enjoyment of outdoor activities. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you'll be on your way to having a well-behaved canine companion, ready to explore the world by your side. Remember, every dog has its unique personality and pace of learning, so adapt these tips to suit your furry companion's needs. Happy walking!

🐾 Unleash the Ultimate Bond with Your Furry Friend! 🐾Are you tired of struggling with your pup's behaviour when they're ...
12/15/2025

🐾 Unleash the Ultimate Bond with Your Furry Friend! 🐾

Are you tired of struggling with your pup's behaviour when they're off-leash? 🐶

Unpredictable behaviour, running away, and not listening to your commands can be frustrating for both you and your dog. But fear not – our Private Off-Leash Dog Training is here to save the day!

What is the Off Leash Program?🤔

6 Personalized Private Training Sessions: Tailored to your dog's unique personality and needs.

Real-World Simulations: Training in actual outdoor settings for practical off-leash control.

Expert Guidance: Our trainers have years of experience in canine training.

Key Skills Taught: Recall, impulse control, and obedience that lasts a lifetime.

Strengthened Bond: Watch your connection with your dog grow stronger than ever!🥰

📢 Why Choose Our Off-Leash Control Program?

✅ Proven Results: Countless success stories from thrilled dog owners.

✅ Safety First: Ensure your dog's safety in any environment.

✅ Enjoy Freedom: Explore the outdoors together without worries.

✅ Say Goodbye to Stress: No more chasing or embarrassing scenes.

🐶 Your Best Friend Deserves the Best!

We understand that every dog is unique, and that's why our training is customized to suit your dog's specific temperament and learning style. Whether you have a boisterous puppy or a seasoned companion, our expert trainers will equip you both with the skills needed for a lifetime of off-leash adventures.

Don't let off-leash challenges hinder your precious moments together. Take the first step towards a happier, more confident canine companion.

📞 Call 289-880-3382
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit Our Website: www.k9principles.ca

🐾 Unleash the Possibilities – Where Every Walk Becomes an Adventure! 🐾

12/14/2025

🌟 Master the Real World with Our "Master Class"! 🐾

Say goodbye to traditional classroom settings and hello to real-life training! Our Master Class takes you and your dog into Hamilton’s retail locations, helping them build skills where it counts most—in everyday environments.

Why this course is a game-changer:

✔️ Confidence Boost: Real-world experiences foster a calm, self-assured dog ready to tackle any scenario.

✔️ Handle Distractions Like a Pro: From crowded aisles to new sights and sounds, your dog will learn to stay focused and composed.

✔️ Practical Skills for Everyday Life: Watch your dog’s abilities flourish in real-time, making daily outings a breeze.

✔️ Step Towards Pet Therapy: This course lays a solid foundation for dogs aspiring to join Pet Therapy or the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA’s Pet Visiting Program.

This isn’t just training—it’s a stepping stone to a more confident and connected life with your dog.

👉 Find out more and take the first step today: https://k9principles.ca/programs-masters-1-0/

The world is your classroom. Let’s get started! 🐕✨

It is time for the weekly class pictures 🥳We had 2 fantastic level 1 graduations this week! Our Caledonia class left us...
12/13/2025

It is time for the weekly class pictures 🥳

We had 2 fantastic level 1 graduations this week! Our Caledonia class left us amazed at how well they performed, as their scores were off the charts. Our HBSPCA Thursday night level 1 class followed their lead with a spectacular graduation with equally impressive marks.

We hope you enjoy checking out this week's pictures and have a great weekend!

Last night was something else — huge congratulations to our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA October 30 Level 1 crew on an absol...
12/12/2025

Last night was something else — huge congratulations to our Hamilton/Burlington SPCA October 30 Level 1 crew on an absolutely impressive graduation! 🎓🐾

These dogs were on fire. Focus, effort, and real teamwork… you could feel it in every exercise. The results didn’t happen by accident, either.

A massive shout-out to the owners: the work you put in at home really showed. You stayed consistent, you did the reps, you pushed through the messy bits, and last night you got the reward — clear progress, confident dogs, and outstanding scores. That’s the kind of “paid off” we love to see.

We’re genuinely excited to keep the momentum going in Level 2, and we can’t wait to have you back. The best part? This is only the beginning. 💪🔥

Thank you for trusting us with your dog training and taking our classes at the HBSPCA, where half your registration fee stays with the HBSPCA to help them care for animals in need.😍

Sometimes you need to break of tradition and send the class agility pictures a few days early because they did so well l...
12/12/2025

Sometimes you need to break of tradition and send the class agility pictures a few days early because they did so well last night! 🤗

This Beginner class we are working with continues to amaze us and is so much fun to work with. Only two weeks in and their confidence is soaring. The owners and their dogs are all smiles as they enjoy their class.

Our Family Fun class had a fun course ahead of them with some technical handling situations, which had them thinking on their feet to help their dogs navigate the course. They did great and the dogs were blazing through the course!

Next week, we are bringing out the teeter for our Beginner class and can not wait to see how well they do with one of the more challenging pieces of agility equipment. Stay tuned and come back next week to hear all about it.

Last night was one for the books 🤩Our October 28th Caledonia Level 1 crew absolutely smashed their graduation – the mark...
12/10/2025

Last night was one for the books 🤩

Our October 28th Caledonia Level 1 crew absolutely smashed their graduation – the marks were off the charts and so many dogs were just a breath away from perfect scores.

This group was an absolute blast to work with. They showed up, they put the work in at home, and it really showed on the floor last night – beautiful loose leash walking, solid stays, focused heeling, and dogs who were genuinely tuned in to their people.

We’re so proud of every single team in this class. You didn’t just “do a course” – you built skills, confidence, and a stronger relationship with your dog, and you kept showing up even when it was hard or life got busy. That’s what creates real results.

Huge congratulations to all our new Level 1 graduates 🎓🐾
If this is what you achieved in just a few weeks from level 1… just imagine what Level 2 is going to look like.🧐

Thank you for trusting us with your dog training.

Be honest… is your dog actually living their best life – or just doing whatever they want while you quietly lose your mi...
12/10/2025

Be honest… is your dog actually living their best life – or just doing whatever they want while you quietly lose your mind?

We see it all the time:
Dogs with the full run of the house.
Owners exhausted, embarrassed, and wondering why “being loved so much” still leads to chewed cushions, barking at everything that moves, and zero ability to switch off.

Here’s the hard truth no one tells you:
Most chaos isn’t about a “bad” dog.
It’s about too much freedom, too soon and not enough structure to help them cope.

The good news? You don’t need harsher rules or more shouting.
You need calmer, clearer boundaries – crates used properly, place training, smaller spaces, and freedom that’s earned, not just given. That’s where the real transformation happens.

If this picture feels a bit too familiar, our latest article is for you 👇
https://k9principles.ca/2025/12/08/the-hidden-problem-with-giving-dogs-too-much-freedom-too-soon/

We break down:

Why your dog’s chaos isn’t random

How early structure actually reduces stress and anxiety

Simple changes you can make at home to turn that chaos into calm

👉 https://k9principles.ca/2025/12/08/the-hidden-problem-with-giving-dogs-too-much-freedom-too-soon/

Introducing a new dog into a home already bustling with canine energy can be both an exciting and challenging endeavour....
12/09/2025

Introducing a new dog into a home already bustling with canine energy can be both an exciting and challenging endeavour. Ensuring a smooth and successful integration requires thoughtful planning, understanding of dog behaviour, and patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this journey, creating a harmonious and happy multi-dog household.

Step 1: Preparation Before Arrival
Understand Your Existing Dogs' Temperaments: Knowing the personalities and quirks of your current dogs is crucial. Are they social? Do they have any behavioural issues? Understanding these factors will help you select a new dog that is likely to be a good fit.

Create Separate Spaces: Before the newcomer arrives, prepare a separate area for them. This personal space is essential for your new dog to feel secure and for your existing dogs to maintain their own safe zones.

Step 2: Choosing the Right New Dog
Consider Compatibility: Look for a dog whose energy level, size, and temperament complement those of your existing dogs. Opposite genders often integrate more smoothly, but personality compatibility is key.

Health Checks: Ensure the new dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent any health risks to your current pets.

Step 3: The First Meeting
Neutral Territory: Introduce the dogs in a neutral area, like a park, to avoid territorial responses. Keep all dogs on leashes, but allow them some slack for natural interaction.

Observe Body Language: Watch for signs of stress or aggression. Positive signs include relaxed body postures, playful bows, and wagging tails. Interrupt any negative interactions calmly and gently.

Step 4: Gradual Home Introduction
Controlled Home Environment: Bring the new dog into your home on a leash, allowing them to explore while supervised. Keep initial interactions short and sweet.

Feeding Separately: Feed the dogs in separate areas to prevent food aggression and resource guarding.

Step 5: Monitoring and Adjusting
Supervise Interactions: Supervise all interactions during the first few weeks. Gradually increase their time together as they become more comfortable.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward all dogs for calm and friendly behaviour. This reinforces positive interactions and builds a bond between them.

Step 6: Ongoing Support
Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Keep feeding, walking, and playtimes consistent to help all dogs feel secure.

Individual Attention: Spend quality time with each dog individually. This helps to prevent jealousy and reinforces your bond with each pet.

Introducing a new dog to a multi-dog home is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Patience, understanding, and careful planning are the keys to ensuring a smooth and successful integration. By following these steps, you’ll foster a peaceful, happy environment where all your canine companions can thrive together.

Remember, every dog is unique, and adjustments may be needed based on individual personalities and dynamics. With love, patience, and consistent training, your multi-dog household will be a place of harmony and joy.

🏡 Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour Where It Matters Most — At HomeTraining doesn’t have to happen in a busy classroom. Wit...
12/08/2025

🏡 Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour Where It Matters Most — At Home

Training doesn’t have to happen in a busy classroom. With our in-home private training, we bring the expertise to your doorstep — creating powerful breakthroughs in the place your dog feels safest.

✨ Here’s what makes it a game-changer:

Real results, faster — Tackle behaviours exactly where they happen, in your dog’s everyday environment.

Completely tailored sessions — Every dog, every household, every lifestyle is different. We customise it all to your world.

Zero distractions — Without the chaos of group settings, your dog can finally focus and learn with confidence.

Family-wide support — We work with everyone in your home so training stays consistent and effective long after we leave.

Because lasting change begins where your dog lives, learns, and loves.

📲 Ready to start? Visit www.k9principles.ca/private-training

Address

Caledonia, ON

Telephone

+12898803382

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