Sunshine K9 Training

10/07/2025

🚫 Say goodbye to p*e pads! But sorry... it's a training process and we don't have any magical overnight solutions! Womp womp. Although it would be cool if we did. 😆

I got a message on the fly about training a dog to stop using p*e pads and wanted to give a quick answer because I think everyone should have access to this information! And yes, there's a rotisserie chicken in my front seat... don't judge! 🤣

If you’ve ever trained a small dog or puppy to use p*e pads, you’ve probably hit the point where you're over it. You want your dog to go outside like a “real dog,” but they just keep going back to the pad. 😩

In this video, I break down exactly how we transition dogs OFF p*e pads and teach them to go potty outside — using the same process we use in our board and train programs.

It’s not magic. It’s consistency, structure, and yes… your crate is your best friend during this process. 👏 (And no, I don’t recommend putting a p*e pad in the crate if your goal is to get rid of them altogether.)

This is the system that’s worked for us over and over again, even with the trickiest cases. And I’m sharing it for free — because potty training shouldn’t be a mystery.

PSA: We love that folks reach out to us with issues like this. No question is a dumb one. But potty training problems are always better done at home. In our experience with hundreds of dogs, they're always great here at headquarters, with minimal to no accidents, but if human habits don't change at home, they'll go right back to p*eing inside if you let them. You can do this! We're cheering you on! Just remember that this takes time and your dog may not get it right immediately. Afterall, you, too, were likely in diapers for a while.

And if you have other questions, don't hesitate to reach out! ☀️🐾🧡

💬 Drop a comment and let me know what’s worked for you — let’s help other dog owners out together.

09/07/2025

🐶 Not sure what to focus on when training your dog?
Hint: It’s not just about obedience.

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working with a wild adolescent, knowing what to prioritize at each stage can make all the difference. From confidence-building to setting boundaries, we’re breaking it all down in our newest blog post.

👉 Read it here: https://www.sunshinek9training.com/post/what-to-focus-on-at-each-stage-of-your-dog-s-life-it-s-not-just-about-obedience
💬 Let us know what stage your dog is in—and what you’re working on!

When most people think about dog training, they jump straight to obedience—sit, stay, come, potty training, etc. But if that’s all you focus on, you’re likely to end up with a dog that knows commands but still struggles with life.Here at Sunshine K9 Training, we see it all the time: dogs who c...

08/07/2025

🚶‍♂️ Training Opportunity: Weekender Board & Train! 🐾
25% OFF for three qualifying dogs!

We’re looking for a young dog (6 to 18 months old, 30–70 lbs) with minimal behavioral issues to join our Weekender Board & Train Program as part of a special video training project! 🎥

We're building a leash walking video series that features different dogs, so owners can see the same process applied across breeds and temperaments—and feel confident applying it with their own pups.

📆 What’s included:

7 days of board and train at our home-based training facility in Brunswick, GA

Focus on leash manners + food-based shaping of obedience

Access to our online course library to continue progress at home

A great jump start for dogs new to training

💸 For the next three dogs that meet our criteria, this program will be 25% off! These programs will be scheduled through the fall.
It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us build valuable, real-life training content.

⚠️ This is not an advanced off-leash program—but it's one of the best ways to start your training journey and finally enjoy those daily walks.

Requirements:
Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations.
Deposit is required to schedule program.
Remaining payment is due when dog arrives for training.
Owners must participate in two in person private lessons.

For further information on our policies, please see our FAQ page on our website.

👉 Learn more and schedule a call here: https://www.sunshinek9training.com/board-and-train-programs
📬 Or ask about our other board & train options for more comprehensive results.

Let’s make walks more enjoyable—for you and your dog! 🌞🐕

02/07/2025

🚨 Scheduling Update 🚨

We’re trying something a little different for the next six months to help streamline our schedule and better serve our clients and board and train attendees.

📅 Starting now, availability for phone calls, evaluations, and private sessions will primarily be Mondays and Tuesdays. These days are now set aside specifically for client interactions outside of our training headquarters.

This new structure applies to the links on our website and any scheduling links we send out. While we are available outside of those days, we kindly ask that clients stick to Monday or Tuesday scheduling whenever possible.

❗ Need to schedule outside of that time frame? No problem—just reach out! You can email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

📞 Due to the high volume of calls we receive, we’re often unable to answer unscheduled phone calls and text messages from new clients. Booking a call during our dedicated client days helps us stay organized and ensures you get our full attention.

We’ll be testing this schedule through the end of the year and will revisit it in 2026 based on how it’s working for both us and our clients.

Thanks for rolling with us as we try new ways to improve your experience! 💛🐾

—The Sunshine K9 Training Team

30/06/2025

✨ Fireworks don’t stop after the 4th — and neither does the stress for anxious pups.

If your dog struggles with fireworks, thunderstorms, or general anxiety, I highly recommend these Pet CBD treats. They’ve been a total game changer for dogs that once needed heavy sedatives just to cope with summer storms.

I’ve seen dogs go from panting and pacing to relaxing comfortably at home — no drowsy zombie-dog side effects. These treats won’t magically cure noise sensitivity, but they do help dogs break through the initial panic so we can actually work on building confidence.

Bonus: we also use them with some of our senior dogs who deal with mobility issues, and the difference has been incredible. 💚
Let me know if you want more info — I’m always happy to share what’s worked for us and the dogs in our care!

Support your pet’s wellness with TWINE’s 750mg CBD Treats—delicious steak flavor, 99% pure CBD isolate, and THC-free. Ideal for larger pets or those needing stronger daily relief.

23/06/2025

Thinking about bringing home two puppies at once? Let’s talk.

We totally get it — you go to pick up your new puppy, and there’s another one just as cute staring back at you. Maybe they’re siblings. Maybe they seem bonded. Maybe it just feels right in the moment. But here’s the honest truth:

One puppy is a lot. Two puppies are more than double the work.

Behind every cute photo of a napping puppy is a pile of chewed-up belongings, a crate accident, or a tantrum over the leash. Raising a puppy takes time, structure, patience, and consistency — and doubling up on puppies multiplies that chaos in ways many people just aren’t prepared for.

It’s not that two puppies can’t work out. Some folks do it and make it look easy. But in our experience? Most families who bring home littermates or raise two young puppies at once end up overwhelmed — especially when trying to juggle busy lives, careers, and kids.

It’s okay to just get one dog.
It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to wait.

You’re not a bad dog lover for setting realistic expectations. In fact, you’re being a responsible one.

Raising one puppy well is better for everyone — including the puppy.

If you raised littermates, share your tips in the comments below!

23/06/2025

Bringing your dog to the beach this summer? ☀️🐾 Let’s make it a safe and respectful outing — for everyone.

We love a beach day with our dogs. But before you load up the car, here are a few things to keep in mind:

🌡️ Heat safety matters.
If your pup isn’t used to the heat, full sun in the middle of the day can be dangerous. We recommend early mornings or evenings for beach trips — that’s when we do our own pack walks.

🌊 No sea water sips!
Salt water can make your dog really sick. Bring fresh water and offer it frequently.

🐢 Respect the wildlife.
Many Georgia beaches are home to nesting birds and sea turtles. Even in off-leash areas, your dog should be under solid voice control. Better yet, use a long line or keep them leashed near sensitive areas.

👣 Mind your fellow beachgoers.
Not everyone loves dogs — and no one wants a wet nose in their picnic basket. The beach isn’t a dog park, so don’t let your dog charge up to people, dig random holes, or run wild.

You can still have a great time — just plan ahead, pack smart, and remember that good dog etiquette keeps everyone safe and happy. 🧡

21/06/2025

☀️ Trying to decide what flavor ice cream to get this weekend…

It’s officially that time of year where we aren’t the only ones feeling the heat — our dogs are, too. And if your dog is joining you on weekend adventures, this is your friendly reminder to prep them for the Southern sun. 🌞🐾

Wyatt’s rocking his boots not just for fashion, but for function. We started conditioning our personal dogs to wear boots after seeing so many paw pad injuries, especially when we lived in Atlanta where sidewalks, patios, and parking lots stay hot all day long.

These particular boots? Nothing fancy. We picked them up at Hollywood Feed near Atlanta — they just fit well and did the job. It wasn’t about brand — it was about protection.

And no, the sunglasses aren’t designed for dogs — they’re mine. But Wyatt doesn’t mind. (We are considering getting him another pair of proper Doggles again, though. 😎)

But beyond cute accessories, here’s the real deal:
🔥 Dogs don’t sweat like we do.
🔥 Asphalt and sand can burn their paws in minutes.
🔥 A dog used to a 72°F house will struggle in 100°F public spaces without proper acclimation.

Before you plan your next summer outing with your pup, keep these tips in mind:
✔️ Use boots to protect paws when walking on pavement or hot sand
✔️ Offer cool, fresh water — not ice chunks when your dog is overheating
✔️ Take breaks in the shade and avoid peak heat hours
✔️ Know the signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, confusion, vomiting, or collapsing)

And always check your local beach or park rules — not just for legality, but because some places prohibit dogs during the hottest months for their protection.

Our dogs love being part of the adventure — but it’s our job to make sure it’s a safe one. 🐕💛

19/06/2025

🐾 Leash on when out of the crate!

More than half the dogs we work with weren’t introduced to a leash until they were older than four months — and it shows.

The same cluster of problems tends to pop up:
🚫 Getting on furniture uninvited
🚫 Jumping on guests
🚫 Bolting into off-limits rooms
🚫 Biting or mouthing
🚫 Creating general puppy chaos

And it’s not because these dogs are bad — it’s because they were given freedom before guidance.

We always say: a leash doesn’t restrict your dog — it helps them succeed. It's not a punishment. It's a tool of communication. With a leash, you can calmly and clearly guide your dog without grabbing, yelling, chasing, or resorting to physical corrections that feel scary to your pup.

It’s a huge disservice to wait until a dog is fully vaccinated before introducing a leash indoors. Young puppies can absolutely wear a lightweight leash around the house for training — even if they aren’t ready for public outings. The leash lets us guide them through choices, keep them safe, and gently interrupt behaviors that haven’t yet spiraled into bad habits.

Some owners hesitate because they worry it will take away their dog’s freedom. But freedom isn’t just being allowed to do whatever you want — it’s knowing what to do in the first place. And leashes help teach that.

Tucker, who joined our lives nearly six months ago, is a great example. When it’s just my husband and me at home, he has the freedom to move around without a leash. But when guests are over, we clip his leash back on so we can help guide him if he’s feeling unsure or needs support. He’s almost two years old — proof that leash guidance isn’t just for young puppies. It’s for any dog that needs clarity. Sometimes that need is age-related, and sometimes it’s situational.

If you’ve just adopted a new dog — whether they’re 8 weeks or 8 years — we always recommend keeping a leash on when they’re out of their kennel and being supervised. It gives them clarity when they need it most… and gives you a chance to guide calmly instead of correcting after the fact.

Leashes don’t control dogs — they support them. And they give us a gentle way to step in before things go wrong.

Pictured is Teddy the adorable puppy!

17/06/2025

We don’t teach eye contact the way we teach sit or down. In our board and train program, it’s something we capture — a natural moment that we mark and reward.

When a dog looks at us, especially in a world full of distractions, they’re making a choice. And we want that choice to feel worth it.

We don’t say “watch me” or “look". Instead, we wait. And when they check in, even for a split second, we mark it with a “yes!” and follow it with something they like: a treat, praise, affection, etc..

Before long, eye contact becomes a habit. Engagement becomes their default. That’s why so many dogs that come through our program end up watching us like we’re the most interesting thing in the world.

Because to them… we are.

👉 There’s no way to force a dog to look you in the eye — and that’s why we don’t give eye contact a verbal or physical cue. Even if you gently guide their head to face you, it doesn’t mean they’ll actually see you. Eye contact is offered, not demanded. It comes when the dog feels safe, confident, and engaged.

So if you’re wondering why we don’t just add a cue like “look” — it’s because a cue is only useful if it’s something we can help the dog be successful with. Unlike a sit or down, where we can guide them into position, we have no way to reinforce a “look” if they don’t do it. And holding a piece of food in front of your eyes doesn’t count — we all know they’re looking at the snack, not at you. 😉

Real connection can’t be faked. But it can be earned. And that’s what we’re all about.

11/06/2025

Training tip: How to get a dog to listen everywhere...

🐾 Teach them in a calm and quiet place first
🐾 Be clear in what you're communicating
🐾 Practice in all sorts of different environments and on different surfaces
🐾 Instead of getting frustrated when you're dog doesn't listen, give them extra guidance to help them win!

If you're having trouble getting started with training and want to be able to take your dog on fun adventures, send me a message and we'll talk about your expectations and how I can help you live a brighter, more inclusive life with your best pal. Our Doggy Boot Camp board and train programs are currently booked into 2026, but our online courses are always available so that YOU can develop a relationship of understanding and clarity with your pup, anytime, anywhere!☀️❤️🐾

16/05/2025

The Search for Help 🧭

By February of 2019, something had to give.

Everyone around me was afraid of Leo—my sweet cuddlebug, my best pal. I loved him deeply, but I couldn’t deny it anymore: I didn’t know how to help him. And I couldn’t keep living in a world where the dog I loved most made everyone else feel unsafe.

So I did something big. I quit the job I had worked so hard for, packed my things, and set out across the country in search of answers.

I didn’t know what I’d find—but what I discovered was this: Leo wasn’t the only “impossible” dog. I met hundreds of people on that journey. Dog owners just like me, stuck in what felt like hopeless situations. Over and over, I heard their stories. And I realized I wasn’t alone.

And more importantly?
Leo wasn’t impossible.

At some point along that journey, I met a trainer named Jeff who changed everything.

He wasn’t afraid to be honest with me. He pointed out, plainly but kindly, how I was contributing to Leo’s behavior. He didn’t take Leo’s reactions personally. He didn’t label him as broken. He simply saw a dog who needed direction—and a human who was willing to learn.

That day, Jeff gave me the tools I needed to help Leo begin to let go of his overprotectiveness. He showed me how to teach Leo to disengage from me. To walk away from me when someone approached.

Using a long line, a remote collar, and the word “out,” we worked through a simple exercise. Leo wore a muzzle for safety, and I gave the verbal cue. Then came the stim. Jeff gently guided him away on leash. After just a couple of practice rounds, Leo was choosing to move away calmly. Jeff could walk up and shake my hand, and Leo would lie down nearby, relaxed.

That wasn’t the end of our journey. But it was the first real hope I had felt in a long time.

That moment changed my life.
And it lit a fire in me to help others the way Jeff helped me.

What started as a hobby—helping other overwhelmed dog owners—grew into a full-time mission. Over the last few years, I’ve worked with more than 200 family dogs in our board and train programs and served clients internationally. I now run Sunshine K9 Training full-time right here in the Golden Isles.

Dog training wasn’t part of the original plan.
But it became my purpose.

And to anyone out there still searching for help—I hope you don’t give up. The right person is out there. Sometimes they just look a little different than you expect.

When I show up at the homes of dogs with serious aggression issues, I’m often met with surprised looks. People don’t expect a 31-year-old woman to be the one walking in, ready to handle a dog that others have written off as dangerous. But here I am. And I show up with the same mindset someone once gave me: this dog can be helped—and you can be too.

I never imagined I’d be a dog trainer. I definitely never imagined I’d run my own company. But somehow… this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

And while I might step back now and then to do other things—because of the online courses we’ve created and the amazing team we’ve built—just like I’ll always be a turtle girl, I’ll also always be the girl that trains dogs.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🐾