K9Luva Training and High Needs Home Stays

12/10/2025

Here is a video demostrating how training is about you and your dog building a strong and trusting relationship.
Blaze has learnt that I will keep her safe (physically & emotionally), and I am fun to CHOOSE to interact with over something that is super hard for her.
Little Buddy is in the paddock and Blaze seriously did not like him at all when she 1st saw him.
Now she is able to make super good decisions, and decisions that make her feel happy and rewarded.
Please note, there is NO quick fix for dogs with severe behaviour problems. but they are possible without force, punishment or discipline.

12/10/2025

One of the things I see with severely reactive dogs is a huge lack of confidence in themselves and inhibition to do 'normal' dog exploration etc.
The more I can get dogs back to the 'natural' behaviours then the more their world opens up in a safer way for them.
The more calming and information gathering activities dogs can do, the less they have to worry about what makes them feel bad.

11/10/2025

Blaze has been doing super good with her rehabilitation training in managing her big negative feelings around other dogs.
The training is not about getting Blaze to like other dogs, more about her not even being interested in them.
The more you build other skills, and most importantly handler connection, the more the dog can learn to trust you to keep them safe and feeling good!
I LOVE working with reactive dogs, so please feel free to reach out if you too are struggling to understand why your dog is this way.

04/10/2025

Aw sad day, Luna (Lu Lu) goes home today.
Thought I better ttake my opportnity to get in a last cuddle and play.
Of course, no show without Buddy. Think He migh miss his little companion over the next few days.

04/10/2025

Working with highly reactive dogs is not about challenging them to 'deal with' the triggers, it's about building lots of other skills that nuture natural dog behaviours - all dog behaviours have a purpose. Think how much 'brain function' is required to eat kibble out of a bowl - none. Bored brain, bored dog, unwanted behaviours out of frustration a lot of the time.
As you can see, keeping Blaze using her brain and natural 'hunt' skill to 'earn' her food. We always feel better about ourselves when we earned something, right?
Starting off slowly as also need to build this skill and Blaze's self confidence so it has to start easy.

01/10/2025

Ever wondered how I start my rehab training with dog aggressive dogs?
Introducing Blaze. Blaze is a beautiful staffy mix that had a pretty awful life, before ending up with a fabulous lady who has already done training and worked on a lot of her behaviour problems.
Now to tackle the BIG one - Blaze is highly prey motivated by small fluffy things (this may well have been someting that was reinforced in her previous 'homes').
Keeping every dog safe is number one! Helping Blaze learn to de-escalate, try to regulate her emotions and develop a strong bond with her people. Blaze is not human aggressive so that's a bonus.
This is her 1st Board andd Train session today and all I am asking of her is to not go into a state of high arousal at the distant sound of the barking little dogs.
Blaze did awesome.
Create positive associations, don't focus on the negatives. Build relationship, trust and a sense of safety first!

28/09/2025

This is a beautiful read

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24/09/2025

I swear I didn't mean to do it! Country holidays are just so much fun.
I found the only mushy cow pat and had a bath.
Look how beautiful I am, AND I smell fantastic.
Aunty Francine told me I am going to have to have a bath (or 3) before Mum comes to get me. WHAT!!! I wonder if I will still be green?

24/09/2025

Training respect in a multidog house.
You all know that I have a multi-dog household. All are rescues and all have their own behaviours and personalities that make them who they are. One of the training I do often is what I call the 'name game'. Each dog needs to be able to wait patiently for their name followed by a treat, without being rude, try to steal from the neighbour or space invade. Seed is learning but he doesn't have to sit as it hurts him.

22/09/2025

Seed's Final surgery day today.
We did it!!
Another massive day of surgery for Seed today. 3 Hours under General Anaesthetic His final 3 rotten & nerve exposed teeth are gone! The vets and I are so amazed at how stoic this old fella is. 2 hours after coming off the table he is up and about at home, and eating lovely soft mushy food.
Ever wondered why it is so expensive if you let your dog's teeth get to this point?...
In the photos you will see 2 of the 3 teeth that were removed, one photo shows how much we see and how much is below the gum line.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who have donated towards his surgery. I only have $1300 left to find to cover what's remaining of the initial $5000 so I feel incredibly blessed to have been so kindly supported. Seed thanks you a hundred times more!
He is booked for Flinchlock and massage in 3 weeks and hopefully that will also help with his old bone pains.
And of course - massive appreciation to Your Vet at Waipu for the exceptional care they have given Seed (and all my dogs that go there!), allowing me to stay until he is sedated so I can make a Seed Burrito. You guys are amazing!

19/09/2025

Success - 3 dogs all interacting appropriately.
Same day, all 3 dogs have now had the appropriate introductions and management and after only an hour or so they are happily hanging out, doing their own thing and behaving very appropriately. None of the 3 are even really fazed by the 2 big dogs in the exercise area. Not bad for 3 dogs, different ages & breeds, and all with a history of 'behaviour problems'.

19/09/2025

Yesterday my dogs all got a special treat - a nice fresh bone.
Seed was so excited and although I thought he might just lick the bone. Oh no....Seed might not have any front teeth, poor vision and his legs have a mind of their own, but don't let that hold this old boy back from something he wants!