Elkhorn Dog Services

10/26/2026

This past week, I was reminded what dog training really means to me. That it goes beyond obedience, training is about so much more. One of my goals is to prepare dogs for situations we hope they never have to experience.

Introducing a puppy to a crate early on isn't just about housebreaking. It's about making that crate a familiar, safe place if they ever need to be boarded, travel, or spend time at the vet. The same goes for muzzle training. Hopefully, you'll never need to put a muzzle on your dog, but if that day comes and your dog is injured, scared, or in pain, the last thing I want is for the muzzle itself to become another stressor.

I can be confident in my dog's behavior under normal circumstances, but pain and fear can change how even the most stable dog responds.

Good training isn't just about the dog you have on a good day!! It's about preparing that dog for the bad days, human life changes such as moves, a new baby etc.

The more we can introduce, condition, and normalize before those situations happen, the less stress we're asking our dogs to navigate when life doesn't go as planned. Such as a squirrel a fence and a two inch gap were obviously one should stick their leg in. Send good vibes for Mr. Titan, who will now be bubble wrapped going forward.

08/09/2026

Little Riu is learning how to dog. In her world she is a princess and must be carried everywhere. The mean lady trainer is making her walk and cope with the word on four paws 🐾 something about resilience blah blah becoming less anxious whatever 🙄someone call the manager and get her a pup cup ASAP.

Little dog or big dog Danielle Doth | Lexington Dog Trainer is here to help.

05/28/2026

Tobi is learning how to dog in our puppy preschool program. Many behavioral issues can be avoided in the early stages of raising by puppies getting enough sleep (which means naps during the day too), not getting too much freedom too soon (using playpens, baby gates, and a leash when outside of crate), and having positive experiences with new sights and sounds. These are just a few things that can really help your puppy have the best foundation.

03/13/2026

03/11/2026

Chief learning that you don’t have to resource guard all the things and humans will give you crunchy carrots, which are the best.

02/05/2026

Poppy says I only get to see my vet and my groomer once in a while so we are practicing grooming and handling well I’m at training.

Most groomers see your dog about 1% out of the year. Help your Veterinarian, your groomer and your dog out by practicing calm handling at home. This helps make grooming and vet visits way less scary for your dog.

Using the dogs breakfast or dinner while they work through brushing, touching, and standing still is a really awesome way to build confidence.

A little practice at home = a much happier pup everywhere else 💛

if you need help or guidance on how to practice, calm handling drills or grooming drills at home we are here to help.

02/04/2026

This is Mr Gus aka Gus Gus or Gus the Bus

Gus has big feelings about dogs outside his house and on walks, so we’re using play—guided by Jay Jack’s Window Theory—to help him regulate his nervous system and build flexibility between excitement and calm.
As his ability to recover improves, we’ll start changing the meaning of those triggers: dogs outside the home, outside the crate, and dogs he’s decided he doesn’t like.
Teaching play is often messy, and when we rush or change the rules, we add pressure—clear, consistent rules that both human and dog follow create clarity, trust, and real progress.

01/28/2026

🎓🐶 Puppy Day Training at Elkhorn Dog Services

This is Miss Poppy 💕

Today she’s learning marker words through a little free shaping — letting her brain turn on, offering behaviors, and figuring out that training is actually a good time. We’re using food because she loves it (and I love motivation), but the real goal is clarity, confidence, and engagement — not just “sit for snacks.”

Day training isn’t just cues and reps either. We’re also working on:
✔️ Potty training
✔️ Not turning household items into chew toys
✔️ Learning how to settle and make better choices

I keep day training very small and very intentional — only a few dogs at a time — so your puppy isn’t lost in the chaos and actually gets the structure, feedback, and attention they need to thrive.

Less overwhelm. More progress. Better puppies. 🐾✨