K9ology

07/08/2025

Hey, guys! Petsmart has 20% off Stella and Chewy! You are to order online (I did for pickup in Store) and scored some awesome Grain free | Legumes free food for our gang!

07/03/2025

This image does a great job at depicting how restrictive some harness designs can be. Not only do straps across the shoulder hinder free movement, it can even cripple your dog and change their whole front assembly over time.

Harnesses are not my first go-to tool, but when we do use them, they need to:

- be properly fitted for the size and body style of the dog
- be activity appropriate ... casual walking vs car safety vs cani-x all have different styles and uses
- allow free movement and full range of movement ... anything that restricts your dog is no good
- be used *alongside training* to achieve desired results! No tool on this planet can be put on your dog and magically fix them.

Do consider: Ruffwear Front Range, Ruffwear Slackline, Ruffwear High and Light, Petsafe 3-in-1

Ditch: Julius K9, Petsafe Easy Walk, Sporn, etc

07/03/2025

Raise of hands!!

Who wants to see a puppy socialization class this summer in Sperryville? Instead of a 4 week "this is how to raize your puppy" class it would be strictly focused on handling, exploration, engagement, dog/dog interactions, and careful exposure training. Debating offering it as a drop-in option rather than a 4 week class.

Thoughts and feedback welcome and encouraged!

07/02/2025

This is training Thursday.... CONTAINMENT PHOBIA.

There are many types of Separation Anxiety (SA) and they don't all look the same!

Containment Phobia is a type of SA where the dog feels anxious, trapped, and helpless when confined, especially to small spaces like traditional crates. Some dogs with extreme symptoms may break their teeth trying to escapee, vocalize, hyper salivate, become otherwisese destructive, and even urinate or defecate out of stress.

A great alternative for dogs with containment phobia is to use a small room (such as a pantry, laundry, or bathroom), commercial style kennel (like the 10ftx10ft ones and keep it in the basement or garage), OR a sturdy exercise pen as shown here with our old dog Soleil, who has had separation anxiety to some degree or another all of her life (seriously a stage 5 clinger).

Anxiety can be tricky and requires good management, acclimation and counter conditioning, and in more extreme cases additional pharmaceutical support.

07/01/2025

We’re thrilled to announce a new class: PREP FOR THE VET!

🩺 When: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM, starting July 23, 2025
🩺 Where: K9O Center 12167 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740
🩺 Who: Up to 4 dog participants for a semi-private learning environment
🩺 What: Exercises for handling, restraint, consensual interactions, and acclimation for the vet, groomer, and general husbandry!

Register online through our website! Use code 🌞SUMMERSAVINGS🌞 at checkout for 10% off.

This class is ideal for dogs of all ages and skill levels, from socializing new puppies to building confidence in older dogs. We welcome dogs with handling sensitivities, but please no dog-reactive participants (we want to limit triggers and ensure a productive environment for everyone).

Register directly here:

K9ology Dog Training! Get your dog used to handling and restraint for the vet, groomer, and more!

06/29/2025

Good morning from the Twiggy Iggies, Tessa + Dolce! They are growing like weeds and love exploring during the cooler temps!

06/29/2025

It's sunday funday which means Sophie is all smiles.

06/26/2025

Bonnie really is stinkin' cute!

06/26/2025

Good night from Blue @ K9ology Shenandoah Valley 🫶

06/24/2025

We are so excited to see some of our Rappahannock and Piedmont area clients in Churchville! We have Blue visiting for a couple of days... and although we have a new building and setup - he knew the drill and made himself right at home in his upgraded 6x5ft suite. Cookie lady is here to spoil you buddy!

06/20/2025

Circe just had a solid real world training lesson at Gypsy Hill and rocked it! Thanks to the lovely bistanders who let her say "hi" as a life reward!

06/20/2025

I am really enjoying putting together our 🌎 Puppy Exploratorium 🌍 This sensory pen is designed to introduce young dogs to a variety of textures and surfaces while also allowing passive socialization and observation inside the Agility Arena.

Our puppy exploratorium is designed to introduce young pups to a variety of textures and surfaces while allowing passive socialization while we work with oth...