Elite K9 Training

11/18/2025

Please come out and support this Saturday!

11/17/2025

Meet Astro ✨

This sweet guy is still settling in and taking his time to decompress in his foster family’s home. We’ve put together a gentle plan to help him feel more confident and a little less anxious when exploring the “real world” — neighborhoods, parks, and all the new sights and sounds that come with it.

His foster parents are doing an amazing job supporting him, giving him space, comfort, and consistency while he adjusts. 💛

Slow steps, safe spaces, and lots of patience — Astro is already showing us just how brave he can be. 🌟🐾

11/16/2025

Scent work isn’t a modern invention. When we offer scent-based activities, we’re not just teaching a skill—we’re restoring a function rooted deep in their evolutionary story.

When a dog sniffs, they are not simply detecting a scent. They are gathering information, recalling memories, and processing emotions. Scent activates the brain in powerful ways, helping dogs make sense of their world, connect with others, and feel safe.

That’s why scent work is so much more than a game—it’s a way to support your dog’s emotional wellbeing through the sense they trust most.

The real gift of scent work isn’t performance—it’s perspective. It reminds us that to truly support our dogs’ wellbeing, we must first step into their sensory world and see the environment as they do: rich, layered, and alive with information.

11/14/2025

🐾 3 Ways to Help Your Dog with Self-Regulation 🐾
Supporting your dog’s ability to settle, relax, and think clearly is one of the most valuable skills you can teach — especially for anxious, overexcited, or easily overwhelmed pups.

✨ Here are three simple ways to help your dog build better self-regulation:

1️⃣ Encourage Sniffing
Sniffing isn’t “wasting time” — it’s how dogs decompress and understand the world. Slow down and let them explore with their nose on walks!

2️⃣ Play “Off-Switch” Games
Calm moments should be rewarding too. Teaching your dog that relaxing leads to good things helps them settle more naturally.

3️⃣ Create a Relaxation Spot
A comfy mat or bed paired with positive reinforcement gives your dog a safe place to unwind on their own.

💛 Building self-regulation takes practice, but these small daily habits make a big difference.

11/13/2025

Remi, you have such a wise face. 🥹✨
It’s hard to believe this beautiful girl is already 6 years old! I still remember working through some of her puppy challenges when she was just 6 months old — time really does fly. 💛 Watching her grow into the amazing, thoughtful dog she is today has been such a joy.

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

✨ Meet Sophie and Finian! ✨

We focused on building Finian’s focus and calm at home — before taking those skills out into the real world 🌎. It’s so important to help our dogs succeed by teaching and reinforcing behaviours in easier environments first, then gradually working up to more challenging situations 💪🐾

We’re also helping Finian learn that the leash and harness are no big deal 👏 — turning them from exciting triggers into calm, everyday items. Plus, we introduced some fun mental enrichment games and strategies to help him decompress and relax when he needs it 🧠💤

Consistency, patience, and the right foundation make all the difference ❤️

11/11/2025

Today, we remember. ❤️🌺

On this Remembrance Day, we pause to honour and thank all the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to serve and protect our freedom.

Let’s all take a moment of silence at 11:00 AM to reflect and pay our respects.

We hope everyone is proudly wearing their poppies today — a simple symbol of gratitude and remembrance. ❤️

11/07/2025

🐾✨ Just a little compilation of my adventure kitty, Bubbles!

She’s almost 24 years old and still full of energy 💪🐱 She follows me everywhere — loves the water, loves the boat, and adores the dogs.

Before anyone worries about how she’s riding on the boat — don’t! 😅 She’s been doing this her whole life. I started her off with a harness and long line, and now she stays right by my side. She’s always safe in the boat (and usually rocking her little life jacket — just not in these pics 🦺🚤).

Just wanted to share some of my favorite shots of my girl💜

11/06/2025

🐾 Generalizing Skills in Dog Training! 🐾

Training your dog to do a trick in your living room is great—but can they do it everywhere? 🌳🏠🚗

Here are some quick tips to help your dog generalize skills:

1️⃣ Vary the Environment – Practice commands in different rooms, outside, at friends’ houses, or on walks. Dogs learn better when they can succeed in multiple settings.

2️⃣ Change the Context – Use different surfaces, distances, and distractions. Teaching “sit” on the couch is different from “sit” in a busy park!

3️⃣ Use Different People – Have family, friends, or even strangers give the cue. Dogs shouldn’t rely on one person to perform.

4️⃣ Mix Up Rewards – Alternate treats, praise, or toys. This keeps your dog motivated and adaptable.

5️⃣ Short, Frequent Practice – Multiple mini-sessions across various situations help skills stick better than one long session.

💡 Pro Tip: Always set your dog up for success—start in low-distraction areas and gradually increase difficulty.

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about helping your dog shine anywhere, anytime! ✨

11/05/2025

🎓🐾 Congrats to our Basic Skills Graduates! 🐾🎓

Everyone had such a blast and learned so many great things together! This class is all about building a solid foundation with your dog — from focus and communication to confidence and teamwork. 💪✨

We missed Orzo and Daphne at graduation, but we’ve added their adorable photos from week one! ❤️

📅 Our next Basic Skills class starts November 17th at 6pm — don’t miss your chance to join the fun and start building your dog’s foundation for success!