08/24/2025
Well, this page is about to get much more active with training videos again. I chose to leave my position in law enforcement and in doing so, I gained possession of my K9 partner, Snitch. His kennel name is Kortez and I affectionately refer to him as just "Tez". Just because we are not actively employed as a team, doesn't mean I can't keep him sharp. I intend to! Whether its through private deployments with search & rescue operations or in dog sports, I owe Tez that opportunity.
Muzzle training.
Muzzle training shouldn't be a fight. This can be introduced with a food or toy driven dog, but I find food works best for beginners. With Tez here, I'm using a ball. If your dog shows any interest in the muzzle, pay it and get excited! Fun is the sole foundation of any canine training. This can go from sniffing, touching to placing their nose completely inside the muzzle. Pay any of it. I highly recommend dialing up the reward / excitement for the dogs effort. Sniffing may get you a treat, but placing his nose it in may get him two or three. If you have a toy driven dog, use the time they possess the reward as the variable. Keep sessions short but ALWAYS end on a positive!
A muzzled dog doesn't ALWAYS mean a dangerous dog. This is a common misconception in the canine community. Kortez is a very social guy, but due to his working K9 training, its a great idea to ensure he has no issues with a muzzle. I have to be in control of the sharp end. Often people read DO NOT PET / WORKING K9 and still reach out to pet him without asking. Canines get the dangerous label in these interactions, because the person did not heed posted warnings and reactions occur. Think about it as a no trespassing sign. People read and still walk right by them.
