Nexus K9 Services

07/11/2025

There are 2 ways for a dog to “learn” a behavior:

1) They are made to
Or
2) They make the choice to

Which one do you think has a more positive lasting effect?

01/28/2025

Positive Reinforcement….

It’s not what you think it is. It’s not treats, it’s not toys, it’s not even affection. So what is a dogs positive reinforcement? It’s simple…it’s what THAT dogs want right then, in THAT moment. All the things listed above just end up reinforcing the active brain…which becomes a negative reinforcement. Want to figure out how to handle a dog’s “bad behavior”? Find out what it wants…then find out what’s making it worse. If you know those 2 things, the desired end result is easier to obtain.

01/05/2025

Probably going to ruffle a little feathers here, but here goes….

If you’re hiring a trainer, especially for behavioral issues, and all the pics on their social media all have prong AND ecollars on, or that’s their instant go to on the assessment…ask yourself “why do they need to instantly use BOTH of the most controlling/aversive tools on the market for EVERY dog/situation?” Let me break it down for you…there are only two categories when it comes to what creates a dogs behavior…inability to control their physical energy (excitement, lack of stimulation, etc.) or their emotions (fear, trust, uncertainty, anxiety, etc.)…and all those are directly related to your response to them. Regardless how those “trainers” spin it, both tools are used for control and produce a certain level of discomfort, which produces pain, which produces adrenaline, which in turn produces an overactive mind…and an overactive minds produces MORE BEHAVIORAL ISSUES. TO “fix” the issues is simple, it’s a relationship people…put those collars on your spouse, kids, or best friend…they’ll do whatever you want them to do. Ask yourself, will it be out of “obedience”…or avoidance from the fear of what will happen. Either the “trainer” knows this, and still continues to use them, OR they don’t know…either way, they shouldn’t be the norm. Remember, they are individuals just like you and me…one size doesn’t fit all.

I’ve said this on the past and it’s becoming an issue more and more. So much that I’m tempted to write a book called “10 things your dog trainer tells you, that they shouldn’t…and 10 things they don’t tell you, but they should.”

12/13/2024

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “well, my last (insert dog/breed) didn’t act like that”.

News flash people…they aren’t robots.

06/09/2024

The difference between being “the boss” and being a “leader” is respect.

05/26/2024

We hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend…and would thank all those men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Jake and Ruby would like to remind y’all to spend time this weekend with your furry friends…and to remember to take breaks from the sun and stay hydrated.

03/21/2024

That K9 should’ve never been in the field. It was stressed coming into the environment, and the only thing the “handler” did was make it worse. This occurred about 3 months ago and I’ll I can find is the sheriff’s department said it’s “under investigation”. Under investigation? Here, let me solve it for you. First, fire the idiot officer…if he’s that forceful with something that he’s is suppose to be bonded with, I’d hate to see what he does in other situations. Second, remove the dog from service until it can be properly retrained or accessed to determine if its temperament is fit for work. Third, reevaluate the trainer/supervisor that cleared this dog/handler combo to be in the field. If they fail…see step number 1.

We're all getting quite used to being mistreated by the Police, but it smarts especially bad when they act like as****es to their K9 companions. This dude ge...

03/02/2024

Equality ≠ Fairness

12/14/2023

Question….

What is your dogs love language?

11/01/2023

If my human followers could help me out with a poll, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Should Veterinarians have the same standard of care as doctors? What I mean by that is, should they disclose all possible complications/side effects with any procedure/medication they recommend? Whether it be something as simple as flea/tick medications to spay/neutering to extensive long term care.

08/19/2023

I’ve said it a 1,000 times and I’ll say it until I can’t say it anymore…submission through fear isn’t submission, it’s avoidance. This dog did not submit and trust. Instead, he shut down out of fear of how the “trainer” was going to respond. At that point, all the normal triggers disappear because of the dogs tunnel vision towards the trainer. There is a HUGE difference between letting an aggressive dog know his actions aren’t going to work on you, than forcing him to keep living it until he submits.

05/24/2023

Remember when walking and dealing with anxious and low confident dogs, the only way to address it correctly is to approach it from both directions…human AND dog. During those tense moments, how you feel internally, he/she will show it externally. You need to build the dog’s confidence in him/her self, but also the person holding the other end of the leash. If you’re in a constant state of nervous energy, it’s going to be hard for the dog to be confident in themselves or you.