Laurent's Sirius K9 Direction

07/03/2025

I'm sure somewhere down the road of training your dog you might have heard someone say or directly tell you to use a spray water bottle to help correct your dogs undesirable behaviors such as: barking, jumping up on people or furniture, reactivity and possibly more.

Here is why I am personally against this technique.

As a dog trainer, I do not like the water bottle method for dogs. not because its abuse but because on hot summer days, I like to do baths outside. I prefer my dogs not to have a negative reaction to being sprayed with water. plus, I also use a water bottle while outside at events to both spray some water on their chest, belly and paw pads along with using the stream spray for them to "catch" the water as a fun activity and also for hydration.

The method of using a spray bottle may suppress the behavior temporarily, but it doesn't teach the dog what you want them to do. Dog Training and Behavior Modification is not only about punishment and consequences. If that's all your doing then yes, that type of training is harmful and may be considered abusive training.
Absolutely, dogs need a consequences for their bad behaviors as this is how dogs learn.
However, we have to show the dogs a better solution as well. The lack of no is yes and positive only training by rewarding with treats isn't telling the dogs no. It sounds complicated and complexe but it really isn't that hard. Dogs learn so much differently than humans do. That is the first step in understanding how to help our dogs learn.
Every dog is different and every dog learns in a different way. There is a lot we need to know and understand about our dogs before we can begin teaching and helping them through stressful moments. That is another post for another time. Let's get back to the spray bottle now...
And can lead to fear, anxiety, and a damaged relationship with the owner.

Many dogs may not associate the spray bottle with the unwanted behavior, especially if the timing is off, and they may learn to misbehave when the bottle isn't present.

If we have anxious and fearful dogs and dogs with low confidence, this method can create more problems than solving them.

Some dogs can find immense joy in being sprayed, so ultimately using a spray bottle will only reward their behaviors.

To learn more about training and behavior message us today!

06/30/2025

I see a LOT of comments about people's dogs and how people have to drug them due to them being afraid of fireworks.
As a dog trainer, many dogs can actually be helped through training and management to overcome their anxieties, low self confidence and fears.
Not all dogs can, but a good majority can.
The problem is, people just want a good dog off the bat with no work.
While I do agree that the weeks leading up to and days following of loud fireworks are very annoying and frustrating and weeks leading up to the 4th shouldn't be allowed of all hours and types of fireworks being set off... people have the right to be able to celebrate.
We cannot control and micro manage everyone nor should we. Its our job and responsibility as dog owners to ensure proper training, desensitization and exercise and management for our dogs.
There are SO MANY options on how we can help our dogs other than constantly drugging them. And honestly, its my opinion that drugging them can make things worse. A drugged dog, unless knocked out, still has its senses and it can be more prone to freaking out because now its body is "shutting" down.

Message me today for more information for a Remote Training bundle on how you can help get your dog in the right direction.

06/27/2025

Over the years, I had worked with an animal talent agency and a few of my dogs, including my cat were asked to be a part of projects, commercials, and ads.

Back on June 27th 2017, one of my dogs was chosen and I was asked to present an achievement award to Howard A. Tullman.
They wanted a dog to give him his award because of his love for dogs.
We are featured in this video at the 35 second marker.
The routine ended being changed at the last minute, but as a Trainer this was a proud moment for us and I wanted to share this with you all. 🥰

The inaugural Tech-X award event hosted by Illinois Institute of Technology and honoring Howard Tullman of Chicago's 1871 was held on June 27, 2017. More tha...

06/26/2025

Do you know what the first step is when teaching your dog leash manners?
Leave your answer in the comments below.

06/21/2025

Be cautious and careful today. Its already 89⁰ but feels like 100⁰!

06/18/2025

One thing I love about Canine Training is that there are so MANY ways to learn and train. Unfortunately, when it comes to the learning process for humans, sessions are usually done in one way.
I know first-hand, probably better than most, at just how crazy, chaotic and unexpected life can be. Sometimes life steps in and just makes finding time to do things that must be done or to do the things we enjoy nearly impossible.
It's not only owners who suffer with their dogs lack of training, but the dogs suffer as well. Let's face it, if owners are unhappy so are their dogs. Dogs are excellent at reading, picking up and feeding off of energy, so when their humans are suffering mentally and or emotionally, things can often get heavy for our dogs. This can result in dogs unleashing their pent-up energy in many unwanted ways of not just obedience but behavior and manners as well.

Dog Training needs to be made a little easier, simpler and more accessible for their owners. This is why I am constantly finding and creating new ways to help dog owners, and their dogs find the right direction for success!

Typically, when I have a few or more owners approach me asking for a specific program, I see the need and if I am able to create a program to fit that need, I will create one.
In the last couple of months, I have been receiving messages if I offer Coaching support. And you know what? This is actually a great idea and concept to have! So many owners need help planning and creating weekly goals, but they just don't know where to start. And often times along the way of training, sometimes road bumps are hit and brings owners to a standstill wondering how to pick things back up again. Having a coach who can guide you along the way and help you fix any troubleshooting can be an absolutely priceless backup to have.

I do my best to work with owners on finding programs to fit their exact needs and work to make things as budget friendly as I can.
This is why if you head over to our website, you will find so many different selections to choose from. As we know, Dog Training is NOT a one size fits all package.

If you ever have any questions about training, behavior, pricing or more for your dog, please never hesitate to message me.
There are no stupid questions, especially for those who are just getting started.

Without further ado, here is a link to a new Online Canine Coaching program I have been working behind the scenes on.

For a limited time, pricing has already been put on a discount for this program.

https://laurentssiriusk9direction.com/canine-coaching

06/17/2025

It's currently 89⁰ but feels like 92⁰. Make sure you take all necessary precautions on keeping your dogs cool.
This shouldn't have to be said however, DO NOT leave your dogs in a car. 5 minutes can be deadly consequences. Your dog will be much happier to stay at home where they have fresh water and can be dry and cool.

06/12/2025

There are 3 chairs in a room.
Chairs A, B and C.
I invite you to have a seat and you choose seat B while Karen chooses seat A.
I say nothing and walk up to you,
hand you a dollar and then I turn to Karen and pinch her.
We take a break and when you return, you and Karen sit in the same seats. Again I walk up, hand you a dollar and pinch Karen.
We take a break again and this time, Karen sits in seat C and you remain in B.
I walk over to you, give you a dollar and give Karen 5 dollars.
What chair will you sit in next?
Your obvious choice is to make a quick run for C. However B will always be a good choice as well.

Seat B was good until you saw C had a higher value to it.

When we are training our dogs, it’s important to give out rewards for desired behavior and giving a correct "punishment" for the unwanted behaviors.
Remember, the lack of no is yes.
Remember, punishment is not physical abuse.
When we take things away from our kids like electronics for example, they are receiving a punishment for their misbehaving.

Most often owners tell me that they do not want to train with treats because they do not want the dog dependent on treats, but rather to depend on them as the owner.
My response,
“Go to work and tell your boss that you do not need to be paid. You are happy to work for free.”
Seems a little silly doesn’t it?
It’s crucial to find a payment that holds enough value to your dog. The beauty of using high value treats is that over time, you fade them away. As the treats slowly disappear, your praise, touch and energy become just as valuable because your dog has learned how to work with you and trust you.
No payment = no incentive.
Why would your dog want to listen to you when they can run over and chase the leaves blowing in the wind? That is much more rewarding to your dog.
In the dog world, you have to earn your value to your dog. This means a promise to pay out. There are other ways to become valuable to your dog as well.
For instance, Set up rules, boundaries and limitations. Get a structured schedule for your dog in place. Dogs thrive on schedules. You are the main source for feeding your dog. You show your dog how to focus, have confidence and be an acceptable part of society through training. These are all very important keys in not only setting up your dog for success, but for becoming a valuable leader to your dog.

Punishment is just as crucial as rewards.
I will say it again,
The lack of no is yes.
If your dog jumps up on you and you just push your dog down.. your dog is not learning anything. Well, maybe except that it’s a fun new game of wrestling.
You have to make the act of jumping up uncomfortable for your dog.
Some dogs are so excited about any kind of touch, that shoving your dog down and off of you can actually increase the intensity of the next jump.
Did you know that one of the main reasons dogs are taken to the shelter is because they jump on people? This can be a dangerous action that can lead to serious injury or even escalate the situation to something more.
So through the act of a punishment whether you are giving a knee to the chest, using a prong collar and leash, using an e-collar and so on.. you are using clear communication for your dog to let them know that this behavior is completely unacceptable.

It’s important to understand what kind of rewards to use, how to use them and when to use them.
It’s important to understand what kind of punishment to use, how to use it and when to use it.
Both of these go hand in hand.

There are acceptable ways to punish behaviors. This is especially true for certain behaviors.

Rewarding a dog with attention can reinforce a behavior...not an emotion.
The same can be said about a punishment.
A punishment does not make a dog afraid of you. It makes the act of what they are doing stop.

If you are a parent, you know that by punishing your child for outing act that your child doesn’t love you any less.
You are creating a well mannered child to become an acceptable citizen in society.

06/10/2025

Does your dog suffer with separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can be harmful not only for dogs but for their people as well.
If you have a dog who is constantly following you around causing you to trip or stumble, this can cause physical harm to you and your dog should you accidentally step on or fall on your dog.

It can be harmful for your dog when they need to be left alone. Dogs that are pent up with anxiety usually try to find ways to cope and this could mean it ends up ingesting items that are dangerous and even life threatening.
Or if the dog is crated and tries busting out of the crate, it can damage their mouth, teeth, paws or worse should they manage a partial escape with their head getting stuck in the crate.

So how do you work on managing and curing separation anxiety for your dog?
I'm glad you asked!

I have found that using a place cot is a great start! This way through training, you help to teach the dog to stay in one place without it feeling confined and "trapped" the place cot is so easy to move around inside or outside. Once the dog has learned a trusted stay on the cot, I encourage owners to place the dog on the cot while doing household chores such as dishes, sweeping or vacuuming and laundry. Even while watching tv shows, the dog stays on the cot and owners "break" (my cue for releasing) them off during commercials.

Crate training should also be used as well. At first I treat the crate like a place cot, leaving the door open so the dog feels more relaxed. Sure they can "escape" the cot or crate, but we help the dog learn that it is more comfortable and rewarding to be on "place" (cot) or in the crate. Once the dog is feeling comfortable, we work on closing the crate door for short periods and extend time and duration.

Dogs who have separation anxiety, I will always tell clients not to overly do emotions and praise while training. Often this can trigger a negative response as most owners will "baby talk" their dogs through their fear and anxieties. This causes the dog to become emotionally unstable even more so.
So we work on just simply saying "good or yes" and that's it. Positive calm body language is also a reward for the dog. No emotions are being amped up and the dog learns how to cope more easily.
Depending on severity, owners will need a LOT of patience and to really, allow their dog to calm down without them using so many words and physical affection. Owners fail to realize how much we actually handicap our dogs when we try and talk them through the process of calming down.

There are important steps to take when introducing your dog to new things like a training cot and crate. You cant just force your dog on or in them. You need to introduce your dog to the training "tool" and take baby steps, especially for fearful and anxious dogs. It is a process not a race.

For a more detailed breakdown on how to start managing and helping your dog through fearful experiences of being separated and anxious, please message us and set up your in person consultation or remote consultation and training as well. 🥰

Lets get started in the right direction and set our dogs up for a lifetime of success!

06/09/2025

Wow! What a brilliant quote!

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”

-Edward Hoagland

It is practically impossible to enjoy a dog once we have humanized them.
When we do this, we take away one of the most important aspects of simply being a dog. Even more so, we take away their extraordinary abilities!
When it comes to training, you will find the most value by thinking more like a dog. When we can begin to understand why dogs do what they do, we can begin to control those instincts and behaviors and put the negatives to much better use. When we put human emotions and thought process into our dogs by humanizing them, we truly do our dogs a great injustice. We take away the things they need and require to be fulfilled and happy.
This is one of the most important ways on how you should look at a dog:
Animal
Species
Breed
Name
Personality

Dogs are not people. They are animals. They have animal instincts. These should not be taken away but instead worked to strengthen and control. For example:
It is a dog’s instinct to use their nose to search for things. We can strengthen this by playing search games.
Animals have an instinct to be territorial and this can lead to aggression. This behavior should be controlled and prevented.
Now once we understand the animal nature, we look at species to better understand their psychology.
You won’t understand a dog by studying human psychology or feline psychology.
Then it is time to look at the breed. What is this breed capable of and what were they bred for? What is their purpose?
It is just as important to look at what this breed was not meant to do. This will help us come up with a plan and teach us how to move forward.
We now come to the end.
The dogs name and personality.
Every dog is different and unique. Just because we have a room full of 10 German Shepherds, does not mean all 10 will love the sport of IPO. We may see some shine in agility, while others live to herd. You may even find a Shepherd who simply enjoys the gentle routine of Rally.
By finding what your dogs drive is can better help you succeed in their training.
Never force a dog to do something they don’t love. There are so many opportunities, games and sports for your dog to enjoy.
The sky is the limit and the possibilities are endless!

www.laurentssiriusk9direction.com

06/08/2025

Don’t just train your dog.
Transform your dog and your relationship.

Deep down, you know your dream isn’t just to have a dog who sometimes has manners. Your dream is to have a dream dog!
I can help you reach for the stars and help you get one step closer to reaching your dreams and turning them into a reality!

Message me today to unleash all the possibilities!

06/07/2025

While scrolling through tiktok this morning, I came across this video that was in the category "funny animals".
I couldn't help but notice the choke collars that the dog is wearing. There are two tools that I will always flat out refuse to use. These are retractable leashes and choke collars.
Today I want to discuss the dangers of the choke collar.
There are many arguments over the different types of training tools that can be used to help guide and teach our dogs. Many of these topics get heated and spiral out if control. The most famous one is the prong collar. It looks scary and painful for a dog, but this is because many owners do not understand how they are actually to be used.
I will discuss prong collars more thoroughly in another post. However I will state that a prong collar is designed to put on pressure and immediately release. Its design is not to be pulling, yanking or popping / snapping the leash with force. In reality it is merely a slight flick of the wrist. This creates pressure where it is supposed to, around the dogs neck but does not sit how a choke collars does. A prong is fitted under the "chin" of the dog and around the back of the neck sitting higher up on the dog. It avoids sitting directly on a dogs trachea which can cause a dog to choke, struggle breathing and potentially cause damage to a dog's trachea.
When fitted properly, a prong collar will slide around a dogs neck causing the handler to have to continuously readjust it unlike a choke collar.
(Okay, I guess I am also discussing prongs as well lol).
Choke collars are always sliding down from where they are intended to sit on the dogs neck which is supposed to be the same way a prong collar is fitted. Choke collars need to constantly be readjusted but sadly, I see many owners walk their dogs with these collars which are hanging low around the bottom of the dogs neck.
Once tension is applied to these choke collars they tighten up and do not release. So now, adjusting needs to be done to loosen the collar. Due to the way these collars sit, it really does little to deterre a dog from pulling. Instead, it adds a constant pressure and constant tension which most often just "gasses" up the dog to keep pulling.
Now we have a dog pulling on a leash while it is hacking, coughing and potentially doing damage to their neck and at risk for passing out.

The picture posted here, do you see how the chain is just dangling down the dogs neck? Imagine if this part should happen to get caught and the dog begins to freak out only tightening the choke collar more and risking losing its life from lack of oxygen.

It is my firm belief that dogs who are inside and especially dogs that are unattended, should NEVER havecollars left on.
If you are with your dog doing a training session, its perfectly acceptable so long as you are with them. Lets face it, it only takes a second for something to go wrong.

There are many different ways we can train and control our dogs behaviors out in public.
Choke collars I will never use.
Prong collars, I will use. However, not every dog needs to learn with a prong collar and prong collars should not be tossed on a dog just to get quick results. I believe in fading tools out over time once a dog learns. I do not want to have to rely on prong collars, e-collars, treats or constantly reassuring my dog. I want my dog to be reliable because we worked together and built a solid bond of trust, respect and strength in each other.
Ultimately it is our bond that is rewarding and dependable.

Dogs who pose a severe health risk to themselves, their handlers or others, I will suggest using a prong collar for training. I would rather have complete control over my dog and add a split second of discomfort, rather than have a dog pull their handler in the middle of traffic causing death to themselves or their handler or anyone else.
A split second of discomfort is better than 6 months of discomfort and recovery from being hit by a car.

However, teaching a dog to not pull on leash starts with them 100 percent knowing and understanding what their name means. (A dogs name does not mean come here or stop that. It means pay attention.) Then, we need to teach them dog how to focus on us. Then we can begin teaching them leash manners. And before we jump to using training tools such as prongs or ecollars, (unless its absolutely crucial to do so) we first teach leash manners by playing games and encouraging the dog we are more valuable than anything else they see.

If you need help teaching your dog leash manners or would like to learn more about different methods and training tools, make sure to message us today.

www.laurentssiriusk9direction.com