Good K9 Training Academy

05/21/2026

Let’s talk about the “magica hand.”

Well meaning people reach out their hand so a dog can sniff and make friends. For some dogs, that is fine. For others, it is the fastest way to get bitten.

A reaching hand can:
• Feel invasive
• Reduce distance
• Corner the dog
• Predict restraint

Some dogs have learned that biting makes the hand go away quickly.

A better option:
Allow the dog to approach if they choose.
Ignore them until they initiate affiliative behavior.
Watch body language carefully.

And if:
🚫 You are unsure about what you are seeing
🚫 There is a bite history
🚫 Handling is not necessary

Walking away is the safest choice.

Preventing bites is often about reducing unnecessary pressure.


Dog Illustrations by The Drawables, Owned By: Liz V.

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

The 3 D’s of Dog Training 🐾

Distance. Duration. Distraction.

These three elements are the foundation of reliable obedience. But here’s the key—you don’t train them all at once.

✔️ Start small
✔️ Build gradually
✔️ Add one challenge at a time

Success in training comes from clear, structured progress—not rushing the process.

Slow is smooth. Smooth is reliable. 👊🐶

03/23/2026

When you have a set back in training, make sure you help you dog succeed. You will have failures in new environments. You will have failures if your dog is to tired. When that happens, adjust your training plan so your dog doesn’t fail.

03/19/2026

8 year old Kentucky girl raising funds for a diabetic alert service dog. Please share!

Atlas is my 8-year-old daughter, and she faces the daily challenges of living with … Rachel Redwine needs your support for Help Atlas Get a Diabetic Alert Dog

03/17/2026

03/17/2026

Mental stimulation can burn just as much energy as physical exercise. When the weather keeps you indoors, make sure your dog still has an outlet for their brain.

03/03/2026

The struggle is real 🐾

03/01/2026

Fearful dogs don’t need pressure. They need time and space.

Forcing a fearful dog to “go say hi” doesn’t build confidence — it reinforces the fear. Every pushed interaction teaches them the scary thing doesn’t go away… it gets closer.

Instead, we teach this:

✨ Engagement with me makes the scary thing go away.
✨ Choosing the handler builds confidence.
✨ Distance creates safety.

When your dog learns they can look to you instead of reacting, that’s where real progress begins.

Confidence isn’t forced — it’s built. 🐾

03/01/2026

🚫 Dog introductions are NOT nose-to-nose meet & greets.

One of the biggest mistakes I see? Bringing two dogs face to face and hoping for the best.

That’s not how we build calm, safe relationships.

✔️ I always start with a structured walk.
✔️ Both dogs are calm, controlled, and neutral.
✔️ Off-leash time only happens after both dogs show stability and respect on leash.

Walking side-by-side builds trust, lowers tension, and sets the tone. Face-to-face pressure can create conflict and trigger dogs.

Calm first. Control first. Then freedom. 🐾