The K9Konnection

08/27/2025

I mean, just sayin’!

But we know dogs love to share love so congratulations to Taylor and Travis!

Slider, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans bat dog, has a few words about today’s engagement announcement.
😂😂😂

08/26/2025

Happy International Dog Day! Let’s see those beautiful pups! 💕🐶💕

This is my sweet GeeGee!

08/09/2025

Get ready to unleash your pup's full potential, K9K Friends! 🐾

As we count down to Back to School, we're excited to announce that our September classes are now live! 📚 Make the most of these final summer weeks and join us for a fun-filled training experience that will leave you and your furry friend feeling empowered and inspired! 💪

Check out our class schedule and let's get started: https://www.thek9konnection.com/class-schedule

07/24/2025

Please think twice before letting your dog off leash to charge at another dog!!! Be respectful and be kind!

.secret.dog.walker

07/20/2025

Hi K9K Friends,

I don’t often post things that aren’t directly about dogs, but I feel strongly about this topic and wanted to share a recent decision with you. I have been a proud certified member of the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) for nearly 20 years. I have decided to no longer be affiliated with the CCPDT. This organization was, in my opinion, the most coveted independent certifying body in the dog training industry. And, they always stood by their LIMA principles (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive). However, recently they’ve shifted their point of view on aversive training. . . which is truly unfortunate. As such, they have retired their LIMA policy and moved to this:

“Respecting Methodological Diversity in Dog Training: The CCPDT acknowledges the significance of understanding the strengths and limitations of different dog training methodologies. It also recognizes that opinions regarding the use of punishment-based training strategies and certain types of training equipment differ within the professional community. We acknowledge that evidence indicates that reinforcement-based training methods are effective in most instances. However, as an organization dedicated to evidence-based training practices, we must recognize the utility of negative reinforcement and positive punishment in specific situations, toward realizing an overall benefit to welfare.”

I have 2 issues with this statement:
1. The research is clear that negative reinforcement (e.g. many physical corrections fall into this quadrant. An example would be using a prong collar to get your dog to your side – you tighten the prong so the dog feels discomfort/pain and ease up once the dog is at your side) and positive punishment (e.g. knee a dog in the chest when he jumps on you), while effective at stopping behaviors, is not effective in long-term modification of behavior. In fact, research has shown us time and again that there is negative fallout to using methods that fall into these quadrants of operant conditioning. So while the CCPDT says they are an “organization dedicated to evidence-based training practices”, they are clearly ignoring the research. It is unclear what “evidence” they are referring to.
2. It opens the door for the CCPDT to certify trainers who use aversive methods like the use of shock collars, prong collars, etc. Personally, I won’t be included in a group of “trainers” that are certified to use these methods. After 23 years of using force-free methods successfully, I can assure you that tools and methods that inflict pain, fear and intimidation have no place in teaching any sentient being, let alone a species that doesn’t speak “human”.

While the CCPDT does state that they believe in positive reinforcement training, with this recent shift they have now normalized punishment. We, as an industry, have fought long and hard for the educational betterment of dogs in our community and this policy change does nothing but erase that work. Because of all this, I will no longer be associated with the CCPDT. This is my position for myself only. For those trainers that are certified and continue to carry the CCPDT certification credentials, I respect their decision.

After decades in this industry, I already self-educate spending hundreds of hours in online conferences, reading the latest canine behavior research, reading the latest books all toward the goal to offer each of you and your dogs the best and most effective training techniques. So while I no longer have letters after my name, I’m still the same trainer I’ve always been with the same mission and that is to make sure that dogs in families can stay with their families! And for those of you who have trained with me, you know how committed I am to our dogs. I can’t, in good conscience, support an organization whose views are no longer in line with my values.

Stay positive, stay force-free!
With gratitude,
Nil

07/15/2025

Hi K9K Friends!
Can it be that we have just posted the final summer classes?!!! August classes are ready for you!

Beginner Manners, Scent Games, AKC STAR Puppy and Rocket Recall! AND we’ve brought back our Intermediate level class so any of you Beginner Manners grads, I’m waiting to see you in Intermediate class!

Let’s get learning and let’s have some fun!

https://www.thek9konnection.com/class-schedule

07/04/2025

Hi K9K friends!
Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July. Enjoy the celebrations and keep those pups safe inside!

07/01/2025

Hi K9K friends!

Happy July everyone! And that means July 4th is just about here, but the fireworks have already started. More dogs go missing on this one day than any other throughout the year. So here are some helpful ways to keep your pets safe!

Enjoy and be safe!

07/01/2025

Hi K9K friends!

Congratulations to our June grads: Chomper, Rocco, Max, Jesse, Hiro, Bryn, Oreo, Trickie, and Meadow!!!

Well done sweet pups! Well done!!

06/26/2025

I know you all know this but it’s worth repeating - this heat is soooo dangerous for our doggy friends!

Stay cool out there, friends! 🥵😎✅🫶🏻

03/23/2025

Hi K9K friends!
Out April classes are posted! We’re ready for you! Here’s the lineup:

AKC Star Puppy
Beginner Manners
Rally-O for fun
Intermediate Manners
Confident Canine (for those pups that need a little confidence boost)
Doggy Ninja Warrior (a fan favorite!)
Walk With Me (back by popular demand!)

Come Join us for some tail wagging fun!!

03/13/2025

Lagrangeville friends…..

Update: Dog has been found and is back home according to ACO

Dog MISSING in LAGRANGEVILLE. Owner IS NOT in the comments. Plaease share, admin

Rymph rd lagrangeville missing French bulldog named lo lo, loves balls
Taken from FLPHV.