Sit Happens K-9 Academy LLC

15/08/2025

What is a truly dominant dog.
Something that is debated on whether or not it actually exists or not. I believe it does for sure.

Not reactive.
Not fearful.
Not confused.
I’m talking about the rare dog who will look you in the eye and challenge everything you do—literally and figuratively.

Most dogs labeled “dominant” aren’t.
They’re stressed, insecure, under-socialized, or just untrained.

But a truly dominant dog? That’s a different animal entirely.

🧠 These dogs are:
✔️ Confident—sometimes to a fault
✔️ In control—they don’t yield easily to humans or dogs
✔️ Sharp—they read weakness and test every inch of it
✔️ Powerful—not just physically, but mentally

They don’t escalate out of fear—they do it to win.
They push back, they resist pressure, and they don’t follow unless they choose to.

This is the dog that comes up the leash, shuts down hard, or stares through you when you give direction.
It’s not anxiety. It’s not confusion.
It’s control.

🔥 Can you train them?
Absolutely.
But not with softness, inconsistency, or ego.
These dogs require calm, confident, structured leadership. Every. Single. Day.
No bluffing. No sloppy handling. No “maybe tomorrow” energy.

Once you earn their respect?
You’ll have one of the clearest, most loyal, no-nonsense dogs you’ll ever meet.

Stop calling every pushy or reactive dog “dominant.”

I have met two and they are probably the only 2 I will ever encounter because they really aren’t that common.
A beagle of all breeds and a spaniel maybe collie mix. Breed doesn’t matter

True dominance is rare—and when you meet it, you’ll know.

14/08/2025

Took Finley and P to the park today with Oakley!
This was Finley’s first time ever tagging along to a client session — and he crushed it! Zero reactions, just happy to be out and pumped about life.

P, on the other hand… was P , good like always but just himself 🙄

Oakley did awesome! Since she’s never been around that much going on before, kids , bikes, people , cars, dogs etc we kept it light — not too much too soon. We focused on:
• Following her mom on the leash
• Practicing neutrality with down-stays and sit-stays
• Touching on her small dog reactivity — which she handled fantastically

Proud of all three today! But most importantly Oakley. She seems to enjoy training now and is much more chill.
She starts her E - collar training soon and I’m super excited! She’s a very smart girl !

14/08/2025

Interesting choice of co workers I picked today.

13/08/2025

🐾 Flutter’s Back in Class! 🐾
I forgot to snap a new photo, so here’s a throwback — but I’m happy to share that Flutter has returned for e-collar conditioning! We’re working toward giving her that off-leash freedom she so deserves. 💛

13/08/2025

I was driving the other day (as usual) and threw on a dog training podcast to pass the time. A trainer I’d never heard of before—Uncle Jess from Your Dog’s Favorite Uncle—was on, and he said something that really stuck with me. I’m paraphrasing, but here’s the gist:

“Training dogs is like fighting fires.”

You don’t use water on a grease fire. You don’t spray down an electrical fire. Some fires need foam, some need to be smothered.

Same with dogs.

Some need structure and clarity. Some need more freedom. Some need tools like e-collars or prongs, clicker training , slips , etc Others need patience and decompression. Every behavior has a root cause, and not every approach works for every dog.

That one-size-fits-all mindset? It’s how you make things worse.

What stuck with me most is how simply he explained something that often gets lost in arguments over “methods” and “tools.” Good trainers don’t pick sides—they pick strategies that make sense for the dog in front of them.

Big respect to Uncle Jess for that perspective.

13/08/2025

Got more than one dog? Then you already know things can go from peaceful to chaotic REAL quick.

The secret weapon? ROUTINE.

And trust me—I live it daily.
With 6 personal dogs and 1–2 foster dogs at all times, routine isn’t optional in my house—it’s survival. It’s what keeps my pack calm, cool, and collected. Also keeps me from going to insane asylum.

When dogs know what to expect—when it’s time to eat, go out, train, or play—they’re less likely to get anxious, reactive, or squabble over resources.

Dogs thrive on consistency. A solid routine helps them feel safe and understand their role in the pack.

No more door mobbing, food bowl drama, or random zoomie brawls. Routine = peace.

🧠 Training Sticks Better with Routine
Balanced dogs with clear expectations = dogs who actually listen.

Pro Tip:
Feeding in crates, structured walks, scheduled play, and calm downtime are essential—not just for training, but for keeping everyone sane. Yourself , your spouse , or whoever lives in your house include. However , it is just as important to switch up that routine a little bit from time to time, so in the event your dog(s) have to change their routine for whatever reason: they do not have a full blown melt down.

Routine = Peace.
Peace = Happy dogs.
Happy dogs = Happy YOU. 🐕💖

12/08/2025

Got a new dog recently? An adult dog , puppy or a senior ; Whether they came from a shelter, breeder, or a Facebook rehome, don’t forget the magic word: DECOMPRESSION.

Think of it like this:
You just moved to a new planet where no one speaks your language, the food is weird, and everyone keeps hugging you.

Now imagine someone just gave you a soft bed, some peace and quiet, and time to chill. THAT’S decompression.

🐾 Let your dog settle in.
No dog parks. No “meet the whole family.” No wild adventures.
Just slow mornings, structure, naps, snacks, and zero pressure.

📅 Here’s the 3-3-3 Rule: It doesn’t always apply since dogs are such individual beings , but it is the majority of the time super close to this time line.

• 3 days to decompress
• 3 weeks to start to feel safe
• 3 months to truly feel home

Give your dog space to exhale, observe, and adjust. You’ll be amazed at who they become once they feel safe. ❤️

Check out Adoptable Atlas at True Friends Animal Welfare Center 👇

’tRush

11/08/2025

Let’s Talk About Breed Tendencies - genetics

This may be why Your Terrier Might Be a Squirrel-Seeking Missile)

Some breeds are just built different. Literally.

Dog or animal aggression isn’t always a “behavior problem”—sometimes, it’s just genetics.
A lot of dogs were bred for jobs that required low tolerance for other animals: hunting, guarding, baiting, protecting territory, or eliminating pests.

It doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs. It means they were bred for drive, focus, and intensity—and that comes with some side effects.

Can these dogs live peacefully with others? Of Course ! The above is not always the case but if you get a breed bred for a purpose , don’t be surprised if it starts to exhibit those traits.

Examples of breeds more prone to dog or animal aggression:
• Terriers (tenacious, prey-driven, small-animal hunters)
• Bully breeds (often dog-selective, bred for grit and conflict)
• Livestock guardians (not here for strange animals or strange people )
• Huskies & northern breeds (strong prey drive—your cat may be “fair game”)
• Working-line shepherds & Malinois (intensity, dominance, same-sex selectiveness)

Genetics matter. Training matters. And knowing your dog’s breed tendencies gives you a huge advantage.

10/08/2025

10/08/2025

🚀 Apollo’s First Day of School! 🚀
At just 4.5 months old, this handsome pup started his basic training today! 🐾

We worked on:
• Loose leash walking – so walks are a joy, not a tug-of-war
• Place (“go to your bed”) – building calm
• Thresholds – my favorite way to introduce a puppy to the concept of stay 🛑

He’s already catching on quickly, and I can’t wait to see this smart boy again! 🐶✨

10/08/2025

Breed History Spotlight: The American Staffordshire Terrier
This month, we’re highlighting a strong, loyal, and often misunderstood breed: the American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff.
Very often mistaken for the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) in fact most “pit bulls “ are not actually APBT or even mixes , they are Am staffs or Am staff mixes .

Where They Came From:
The AmStaff originated in 19th-century England, where bulldogs and terriers were crossed to create strong, agile “bull-and-terrier” dogs. These dogs were used in now-outlawed blood sports, but over time, as they were brought to America, breeders began focusing on structure, stability, and family-oriented temperaments.

In the U.S., these dogs were selectively bred to be larger, more composed, and better suited as companions—while still keeping the courage and athleticism they were known for.

AmStaff vs. American Pit Bull Terrier:
Although they share ancestry, the AmStaff and the APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) have diverged in both appearance and purpose.

• AmStaffs are typically larger and heavier, bred to conform to AKC standards for appearance and temperament.
• APBTs tend to be leaner, more athletic, and are still bred in some circles for working or sport purposes (like weight pull or protection sports).
• AmStaffs often have a stockier build, thicker heads, and a calmer demeanor compared to the typically higher-energy APBT.

Average Size Comparison:
• AmStaffs: 55–70 lbs, 17–19” tall
• APBTs: 30–60 lbs, 17–21” tall
(Varies based on bloodlines and breeding purpose)

Temperament:
AmStaffs are known for being loyal, confident, affectionate, and people-oriented. With early structure, training, and socialization, they make excellent companions. But they still carry drive, strength, and tenacity—so they require leadership and guidance to thrive.

Today’s Role:
While their working days are behind them, AmStaffs excel in obedience, therapy work, and family life when trained and fulfilled properly. Like all purpose-bred dogs, they still benefit from having clear jobs, structure, and engagement.

Respect the history. Train the instincts. Fulfill the dog.
Stay tuned for more monthly breed breakdowns!

Rosie (aka bean) pictured below is my only true 100% Am Staff , the rest of my fatheads are mixes.

09/08/2025

Come see us today 11-4 at the Wyoming county fair grounds for Meshoppen Cat Rescue black cat bonanza !
You can meet Lana and peanut !