Kati And The Dogs

08/05/2025

🌟 Training Tip Tuesday 🌟

Let’s talk RECALL — aka the come when called cue! 🐶✨

A strong recall can keep your dog safe and give you more freedom on walks, hikes, and park days. But it takes consistency, trust, and LOTS of rewards to build a reliable recall! 💪

Here are my top tips to boost your pup’s come-when-called game:

🔹 Name = Attention
Before anything else, make sure your dog responds to their name. Say it in a happy tone and reward them for just looking at you. Eye contact is step one!

🔹 Be Fun to Run To
If you’re calling your dog with a serious voice or only when it’s time to leave the fun, they won’t want to come. Use an upbeat, excited tone and throw a little party when they run to you! 🎉

🔹 Practice on Leash First
Start with short distances on a long leash or drag line. Say "Come!" once, then encourage them with praise and movement. Reward big when they get to you! 🦴🐾

🔹 Never Scold for Coming Late
If your dog takes their sweet time, still reward them. Coming to you should always feel safe and positive!

🔹 Use High-Value Rewards
Bring out the good stuff for recall. Think hot dog slices, cheese, or their favorite toy — whatever makes them sprint to you like it’s the best thing ever. 💨💥

🔹 Keep It Random
Call them for no reason sometimes, reward, and let them go right back to playing. This builds the habit and removes the “ugh, we’re leaving” vibe.

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💬 What’s your favorite recall game to play with your pup? Need help building a strong recall? Let’s chat!
📩 DM me or check out our training programs today 🐕‍🦺

07/29/2025

🐾✨ Training Tip Tuesday: Let’s Talk Dog Neutrality! 🐶💛

Not every dog wants to be besties(that’s okay!)
Dog neutrality means your pup can walk past another dog without pulling, barking, or going full zoomie mode 🚶‍♀️🐕💨

🎯 The goal? Calm, confident vibes around other dogs. No drama. No pressure. Just chill.

💡 Try This:
Start with space between your dog and others (distance = success!) and reward them for checking in with you instead of the distraction.
👀 "Look at me" → 💥 "YES!! Good job!"
🎉 Toss a treat, throw a party, or give your pup their favorite praise!

🙅‍♀️ Skip the on-leash meet & greets (they can lead to tension, overexcitement, or reactivity)

👏 Neutrality = a dog who can hang out in any environment without losing their mind over another dog. Peaceful walks? Yes please! 🧘‍♂️🐾🌳

💕 Practicing neutrality helps build trust, confidence, and stronger communication between you and your dog 💕

Call now to connect with business.

07/22/2025

🌟 Training Tip Tuesday! 🌟

🚪 Threshold Training & Doorway Manners 🚪

Does your pup try to shoot out the door like a firework? 🎆 Teaching your dog to wait at doorways is a simple way to build impulse control and keep them safe.

Try this mini exercise:
1️⃣ Walk up to the door with your dog on leash.
2️⃣ Ask for a calm sit or “wait.”
3️⃣ Start to open the door. If your dog moves forward, close it gently and reset.
4️⃣ Only open the door fully and go through when your dog is calm and waiting.

This is such a quick way to practice patience AND focus. Plus, it makes your daily walks start off on the right paw! 🐾

Will you try this with your dog this week? Drop a 💡 or 🐶 if you’re adding this to your training!

07/17/2025

🚨 Heads Up, Pack Parents! 🚨

Kati and The Dogs will be unavailable for training sessions and boarding on these dates:
📅 July 24 – August 10
📅 September 1 – September 20

🐾 Spaces are limited before and after these dates, so if you’ve been thinking about booking training or boarding, now is the time to grab your spot!

✅ Send us a Facebook message or email us at [email protected] to secure your sessions.

Thank you for planning ahead and trusting us with your pups! 💛

— Kati and The Dogs

07/15/2025

🌟🐾 Training Tip Tuesday 🐾🌟
Okay y’all let’s talk about something super common and totally fixable...
Your dog only listens when you’ve got a treat in your hand, right? 👀🍖 (I mean Im more motivated by food too)
Totally normal. And we’re going to help you change that while keeping things fun and rewarding 💛🐶

Here’s how to fade out treats and luring the right way for better long-term results:

🍬 Step 1: Ditch the lure, keep the magic
If your pup is following the treat into a sit or down, awesome! 🙌
Now try doing the same hand motion without the treat in your hand
After they do the behavior, reward from your treat pouch or the other hand
It feels like a little surprise party every time 🎉

🎁 Step 2: Mix up the rewards
Once they know the cue, don’t reward every single time
Try giving a treat every second or third time
You can also reward with praise, a toy, a cuddle, or the freedom to sniff around
This keeps training fun and keeps your dog guessing

🌈 Step 3: Be fair about distractions
If your dog has only practiced “sit” in the kitchen, it’s not fair to expect perfection at the park on day one
Build up distractions slowly and give your dog time to adjust
Practice in quiet places first, then slowly add more excitement

📚 Step 4: Practice everywhere
Dogs don’t automatically know a cue means the same thing in different places
Practice the same cue in the living room, the backyard, your driveway, the pet store, the vet parking lot
The more variety you add, the stronger their behavior gets

Treats are a teaching tool, not a forever bribe
We’re not taking away the reward, we’re just teaching your dog to work with you because they want to, not just for a snack

Let me know what you’re working on this week and how your training is going
We love to cheer you and your pups on !!🐾💖

07/13/2025

🎉🐾 FREE Dog Training Meetup! 🐾🎉
Come train, chill, and get your sit together!

We just had our first trial run class this morning and y’all… it was AMAZING! Huge shoutout to the pups and humans who showed up and worked hard 💪🐕 We’re officially making this a monthly thing — every second Sunday at 9AM ☀️

Depending on interest, we might sneak in an extra class at the end of the month too 👀

This class is perfect for:
🌟 Building confidence
🌟 Working on leash manners
🌟 Practicing neutrality around other dogs
🌟 Nailing down the basics — sit, stay, recall, and more!

🐾 IMPORTANT:
🚫 No on-leash greetings — some dogs will be working through reactivity and need space to focus
💦 We’ll bring a water cooler so everyone stays hydrated (humans AND pups!)
🧘‍♀️ Pajamas, funky gear, and weird dogs are all welcome — no judgment here!

Whether your dog is brand new to training or just needs a tune-up, come hang out, body double, and work in a supportive space with other cool humans who just get it 💜

📍N. H. Scott Recreation Center

Drop a 🐶 or “I’m in!” below so we can keep you updated, especially if we add that bonus class this month!

06/30/2025

📦🐾 Bringing Home a New Puppy? Here's What You NEED to Know 🐶💡

There’s nothing more exciting than bringing home your new best friend—but let’s set you up for success before those puppy teeth meet your furniture!

🍼 Teething Troubles
When puppies start teething it can last up to 6 months of age! Have plenty of appropriate chew toys on hand. Rotate textures and flavors to keep them engaged. If they start nibbling your fingers or furniture, redirect them immediately to a toy. Teething isn’t bad behavior—it’s a biological need!

🛑 Puppy-Proof Like a Pro
Think toddler-proofing, but lower to the ground and more determined. Get down at puppy eye level and look for:

Loose wires

Open trash cans

Shoes

Small objects they could swallow

Gaps under furniture they can wedge into

Use baby gates, exercise pens, and closed doors to control their environment until they’re more trustworthy.

💤 Set the Routine Early
Start crate training on day one. Give your pup a calm, cozy space to nap and decompress. Puppies need a ton of rest—don’t overstimulate them trying to do everything at once.

🧠 Training Starts Now
You don’t have to wait until they’re older. Start building positive habits from the moment they arrive—reward calm behavior, gently interrupt unwanted behavior, and keep training sessions short and sweet.

Your future adult dog starts with the habits you build today.

Got a new puppy and feeling overwhelmed? I’ve got you. Message me to set up your first training session or learn more about puppy plans that fit your lifestyle 🐕‍🦺💬

06/30/2025

Big and small, we train them all 🐾💪

Duke has been with me for 2 weeks now in our board and train program, and he’s been making huge strides with his leash manners, impulse control, and focus around distractions. Today, he practiced calmly hanging out in public with the tiniest of distractions—my personal dog Betty White, who weighs in at just 5 pounds!

This kind of real-world training is what helps turn progress into permanent results. Duke handled everything like a champ and even posed for a post-walk photo with his little buddy.

Want your dog to be this chill out and about? Let’s talk about board and train options at Kati and The Dogs!

📍Decatur, GA
📧 [email protected]
📱 .and.the.dogs

06/28/2025

Ever seen a 5lb dog act like she’s taking down a lion? 😂
In this video, Betty White (my tiniest pup) and Edgar Allen Paw (my mischievous Frenchie mix) are stalking Bowie — who’s somehow always the target of their big dreams and little legs.

👉 This playful behavior is rooted in prey drive ✨️a completely natural instinct in dogs✨️ But when unmanaged, it can lead to problems like chasing wildlife, nipping at ankles, or overstimulation during play.

Here are a few ways to safely engage and control prey drive:
✅ Flirt pole sessions for a safe chase-and-catch outlet
✅ Controlled tug games to build engagement
✅ Structured recall games to sharpen responsiveness even in high-arousal moments
✅ Impulse control training around movement

Your dog isn’t “bad” for having prey drive — they’re just asking for the right outlet. Let’s teach them how to channel it safely. 🐕💪

06/26/2025

🎆 Fireworks & Furry Friends: Prepping Your Pup for Holiday Booms 🎆

Holidays like the 4th of July can be stressful for dogs, especially with fireworks lighting up the sky. Many pups don’t understand the loud bangs and flashing lights, and that fear can lead to shaking, hiding, bolting—or worse.

Here’s how you can help your dog feel safe and calm:

🐾 Start Desensitizing Early
Play firework sounds at a low volume during calm moments like mealtime or training sessions. Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks, always keeping it positive and stress-free. Pair the sounds with treats or a favorite toy so they learn there’s nothing to fear.

🐾 Create a Safe Space
Set up a cozy spot with their bed, crate, favorite toys, and even some calming music. Keep the room dark and quiet if possible. This gives them a place to retreat if things get too overwhelming.

🐾 Keep Them Secure
Double-check fences, gates, doors, and ID tags. More pets go missing on firework-heavy nights than any other time of year. Walk them earlier in the day, and never leave them outside during fireworks.

🐾 Use Calming Tools
Thunder shirts, calming treats, and enrichment toys like stuffed Kongs can make a big difference. You can also talk to your vet about anxiety support if your dog struggles badly with noise sensitivity.

🐾 Stay Calm & Present
Your dog will take emotional cues from you. Stay calm, speak gently, and offer comfort without over-reassuring. Sometimes just sitting nearby can help more than words.

If your dog struggles with noise phobia, it’s never too early to start helping them cope. Reach out if you want personalized desensitization plans or training support.

📍 Small company. Big results. Real care.
📲 DM us at Kati and The Dogs for help before the fireworks start!