Kentucky Canine Coach LLC

06/22/2024

🌟 Struggling to afford dog training but eager to learn? Here are some affordable options to get you started on your training journey:

1️⃣ **Online Resources**: Platforms like YouTube have countless free tutorials on basic obedience and behavior training techniques. My favorites are kikopup, Micheal Ellis and Dr. Ian Dunbar

2️⃣ **Local Library**: Check your library for books and DVDs on dog training. Some libraries even offer free access to online training courses.

3️⃣ **Community Classes**: Look for community centers or local nonprofits that offer low-cost dog training classes. They often cater to beginners and provide valuable hands-on experience.

4️⃣ **Pet Insurance Benefits**: Some pet insurance plans offer discounts or reimbursements for obedience classes and behavioral training. It's worth checking out if you have insurance for your pup.

5️⃣ **Shelter Discounts**: Local animal shelters may offer discounted or free training sessions as part of their community outreach programs. It's a great way to support a good cause while improving your dog's behavior.

Training your dog doesn't have to strain your budget. Start exploring these options today to build a stronger bond with your furry friend! 🐾💡

06/22/2024

Why does it matter what how your puppy was raised before they came home to you? Socialization matters even before 8 weeks.

🐾 Pet parents and professionals, let’s discuss the importance of proper socialization! Rushed or improperly managed socialization efforts, despite good intentions, can lead to long-term behavioral issues in dogs.

According to leading experts like Dr. Ian Dunbar, "Puppies have a critical need for socialization from three weeks of age, when their eyes and ears open, until 14 weeks of age."

Dr. Sophia Yin emphasizes, "Socialization should be done at a pace where the puppy is comfortable and positive experiences are reinforced."

Michael Ellis advises, "Socialization should involve exposing puppies to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled manner."

Following these guidelines helps prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety in adult dogs. Let’s prioritize positive and gradual introductions for our furry friends to ensure they grow into confident companions! 🐶💖

06/20/2024

Today we learned to ring bells on cue and played 3 no-bite games.

06/20/2024

We have all read the post about how shelter staff are tired. I wanted to share some insights coming from years of working in shelters as the behavior and training manager.

I wanted to talk about the importance of early socialization for puppies, based on recommendations from respected organizations like the ASPCA, AVMA, and AVSAB.

As someone deeply invested in the welfare of animals, I'm sure you're aware of how crucial early socialization is for puppies. The ASPCA stresses that the period between three and fourteen weeks of age is a pivotal time when puppies are most receptive to new experiences. This exposure helps prevent fear and aggression issues later in life.

Similarly, the AVMA advocates for starting socialization as soon as possible, even before puppies complete their full vaccination series. They emphasize that the benefits of early socialization far outweigh the minimal risk of disease.

The AVSAB also supports early socialization, recommending starting as early as seven to eight weeks of age to prevent behavioral issues that could persist into adulthood.

By focusing on early prevention through proper socialization, we can significantly reduce the number of dogs ending up in shelters due to behavioral problems that could have been prevented. Providing puppies with positive and varied experiences early on sets them up for a lifetime of confidence and adaptability.

I encourage you to consider integrating these recommendations into your practice to ensure the best outcomes for the puppies in your care. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these animals and promote responsible pet ownership.

Thank you for your dedication to animal welfare and for considering these important insights. I look forward to continuing this conversation with you in the comment section!
Are we shooting ourselves in the foot going against the recommendations of the AVMA, AVSAB and the ASPCA and scaring new puppy parents into waiting?

06/19/2024

🐾 **Essential Supplies for Your New Puppy** 🐾

Bringing home a new puppy? Make sure you’re fully prepared with these must-have supplies to ensure a happy and healthy start for your furry friend! 🐶

1. **Puppy Food & Bowls**: High-quality puppy food bowls and water bowls. Look for food bowls that provide enrichment. They should be stainless steel.
2. **Crate**: For training and providing a safe space.
3. **Bedding**: Comfortable and washable bed don't leave in the crate.
4. **Puppy Training Bells**: fun enrichment too.
5. **Collar & Leash**: Properly fitted collar/harness and a 6-10 foot leash.
6. ** Microchip**: Identification for safety.
7. **Toys**:
- **Kong Toy**: Great for chewing and mental stimulation. Try filling and freezing and using it to dispense their breakfast.
- **Teething Toys**: To soothe gums, try bully sticks or collagen bones
- **Interactive Toys**: soft two handle tugs, ball on a string
8. **Grooming Supplies**: Brushes, nail clippers, puppy shampoo.
9. **Enrichment Supplies**: Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats to keep your puppy’s mind active.
10. **Training Supplies**:
- **Treats**: For positive reinforcement.
- **Training Treat Bag**: To make treats accessible.
- **Training Classes**: For guidance and support.
11. **Puppy Gates**: To restrict access to certain areas.
12. **Puppy Insurance**: To cover unexpected veterinary costs some even covers puppy classes.
13. **Cleaning Supplies**: Pet-safe cleaners for accidents with enzymatic properties.

Prepare ahead and make your new puppy feel right at home! 🏡💕

06/17/2024

🐾 **The Dangers of Not Getting Enough Sleep for Dogs** 💤

Just like humans, dogs need adequate sleep to stay healthy and happy. Lack of sleep can lead to various health and behavioral issues. Here’s why it’s essential to ensure your furry friend gets enough rest:

- **Health Problems:**
- Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to illnesses.
- Chronic lack of sleep can lead to obesity and related health issues.

- **Behavioral Issues:**
- Insufficient sleep can cause irritability and aggression.
- Dogs may become less responsive to training and commands.

- **Cognitive Impairment:**
- Lack of sleep can affect your dog’s memory and learning ability.
- It can lead to confusion and reduced problem-solving skills.

- **Emotional Impact:**
- Sleep-deprived dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety and stress.
- They can become less social and more withdrawn.

Ensure your dog has a comfortable, quiet place to sleep and a consistent routine to promote healthy sleep habits. Your dog's well-being depends on it! 🌙🐶

06/17/2024

🐶✨ Want to take your pup’s training to the next level? Learn about AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test! 🎓🐾

🌟 **Boosts Obedience**: Master essential commands and manners.
🌟 **Strengthens Bond**: Deepen your connection with your furry friend.
🌟 **Socialization**: Great for meeting other dogs and people.
🌟 **Foundation for Future Training**: Perfect stepping stone for therapy dog work or advanced sports!

Join the CGC journey and watch your pup shine! 🌟🐕
Photo credits goes to Dorothy Baker and her daughter Sarah, thank you both for melting in the heat for pictures this week.

06/12/2024

🐶✨ **Looking for Your Forever Friend?** ✨🐶

With more shelters being full and having waitlists, many loving dogs are looking for their new homes. We've been receiving a lot of messages about adorable dogs and puppies needing placement, including this sweet 8-week-old baby girl! 🐾❤️

If you're on the hunt for a family dog or a pup with a bit more drive or a lazy family dog, don’t be shy about reaching out. We’d love to help you find your forever furry companion. 🏡🐕

06/12/2024

Board and train programs are perfect for preventing behavior problems in your puppies.

Here's why:

1. **Intensive Training**: your dog is taught by a trainer so they learn quicker with lasting and effective results.
2. **Expert Handling**: Professional trainers correct issues early.
3. **Structured Routine**: Consistent habits form good behavior.
4. **Socialization**: Safe and correctly done with other dogs, people and enviormets
5. **Owner Support**: Follow-up sessions ensure lasting success.
6.**Busy owners**: Rarely have the time to address everything they should be doing in the first 16 weeks (socialization window)
Prevent problems before they start!

06/10/2024

🐾 Does your pup have what it takes to be a K9 Good Citizen? 🐕✨ One key part of the AKC's Good Citizen Test is the Supervised Separation Test Point. In this exercise, your dog must remain calm and well-behaved when left with a trusted person for 3 minutes while you’re out of sight. This tests your dog's ability to handle being apart from you without anxiety or distress. It's a true mark of confidence and good manners! Ready to take on the challenge? 🐶💪

06/07/2024

🌟 Hey there, amazing clients! 🌟

I hope this post finds you all well! 😊 It's been such a pleasure working with each and every one of you, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your trust and support.

If you've had a positive experience with my services, I would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave a Google review. Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover the value I strive to provide.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support! 🙏 Let's keep spreading positivity together! 💫

06/06/2024

🐾 Meet Wednesday, our adorable German Shepherd puppy student! 🐾

Tonight was her very first lesson, and she nailed it! We practiced "leave it" with treats and our kitty 🐱.

Pro tip: We used two balls to teach her fetch! When she picked up one, we showed her the other to get her to come back and trade. Fetch comes naturally to many breeds, especially German Shepherds! 🐕💕

Isn't she the cutest? 🥰✨

06/04/2024

🐾 Remember our adorable puppy friend, Lake? 🌊 Well, he’s all grown up now, and he’s living his best life! 🐶✨ His owner sent us the sweetest update: Lake enjoying an off-leash camping adventure! 🏕️❤️

Check out these pics of Lake exploring the great outdoors, full of joy and freedom. 🐕🌲

Drop a 🐾 if you think Lake is living the dream! Share your favorite camping memories with your furry friends in the comments below! 🏞️👇

05/31/2024

Fergus is boarding with us and I would say he is enjoying himself!

**Off-Leash Dog Safety Tips 🐾**

Enjoying off-leash time with your dog? Keep it fun and safe with these tips:

1.**Training First**: Ensure solid recall and obedience.
2. **Know the Rules**: Check local off-leash regulations.
3. **Use Designated Areas**: Stick to off-leash parks.
4. **Stay Vigilant**: Always watch your dog.
5. **Carry Essentials**: Bring water, p**p bags, and a leash.
6. **Avoid Crowds**: Choose quieter times if needed.
7. **Health Check**: Keep vaccinations and flea prevention up-to-date.
8. **Be Considerate**: Respect other park users.

Happy adventures! 🐶✨

05/30/2024

🐾 Start them young, and watch them grow! 🐾

Did you know that early training for puppies leads to well-behaved and happy dogs? 🐶✨ Studies have shown that dogs who receive early training are more likely to be retained by their owners and exhibit fewer behavioral issues. From learning basic commands to socializing with other pups, early training sets the foundation for a lifetime of good habits and strong bonds. Plus, it's a blast to see those tiny paws master new tricks! 🐕🎓

Ready to give your fur baby the best start? Let's get those tails wagging! 🐾💖

**References:**

- **American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior**: Early puppy training and socialization can prevent behavioral problems and reduce the likelihood of dogs being surrendered to shelters.
- **Journal of Veterinary Behavior**: Studies indicate that dogs who receive early training are more likely to stay in their homes and have better overall behavior.

05/29/2024

**Tips to Help Your Overweight Dog Slim Down**

Worried about your dog's weight? Here are some tips to get them back to a healthy size:

1. **Feed the Right Amount:** Aim for 2-3% of your dog’s ideal weight in food. Adjust based on activity level.
2. **Reduce Portions or Feedings:** Experiment with one meal a day or split into smaller meals if your dog is always hungry.
3. **Don’t Free Feed:** Measure out meals to track how much your dog eats.
4. **Choose Nutritious Foods:** Focus on protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Add fruits like blueberries or veggies like green beans.

Small changes can make a big difference! 🐾💪

05/28/2024

🐾 Gruku had a fantastic training session at Pioneer Park today! We worked on "come" and "sitting politely for petting." 🐶✨

Remember, setting your pup up for success starts at home. Practice those skills and gradually add distractions to help them master their manners. Happy training! 🌟🏡

05/28/2024

Domestic dog aggression jeopardises dog welfare, and family- and stranger-directed aggression risks human health and safety, remaining a primary cause of shelter relinquishment and euthanasia. Neutering was used by 58 percent of Dutch dog owners for “correcting” unwanted behaviour, but failed to reduce aggression in most dogs (Roulaux et al., 2020). Marginal increases in levels of stranger-directed aggression in neutered dogs have even been noted (Farhoody et al., 2018), and earlier work showed neutering failed to improve stranger-directed aggression (Neilson et al., 1997). Neutered males have also been found to be more “emotionally unstable”, display a greater tendency for aggressive behaviour (Kaufmann et al., 2017) and exhibit higher rates of owner-directed aggression (Guy et al., 2001; Hsu and Sun, 2010). Conversely, other publications concluded human-directed (Matos et al., 2016) and conspecific aggression (Casey et al., 2012) were less prevalent in neutered dogs. Female spayed dogs are highly represented in many studies with a higher likelihood of presenting with human-directed aggression (Podberscek and Serpell, 1996; Guy et al., 2001; Kim et al., 2006; Bálint et al., 2017; D’Onise et al., 2017) and reactive behaviour (Lorenz et al., 2019) compared to neutered males and intact females, but this message is not coherent (Casey et al., 2012).

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/effects-of-neutering-on-undesirable-behaviours-in-dogs

05/27/2024

Your homework for the week? Set some training goals for your dog OR pick a title to work towards!

1. **Clear Direction:** Goals give you and your furry friend a roadmap, making training sessions and activities more purposeful and enjoyable.

2. **Motivation:** Goals keep tails wagging and spirits high, motivating both of you to give your best paw forward during training.

3. **Measurable Progress:** Watching your dog reach milestones is like seeing them earn gold medals! It's a reason to celebrate and continue pushing towards new achievements.

4. **Bonding:** Setting goals creates paw-some bonding moments as you work together towards common objectives, strengthening your special connection.

5. **Enhanced Communication:** Goals encourage woofs and wags of understanding between you and your dog, making training sessions a breeze.

6. **Increased Confidence:** Achieving goals boosts your dog's confidence, transforming them into a proud, tail-wagging superstar.

7. **Enrichment:** Goals add sprinkles of excitement and adventure to your dog's day, keeping their tails wagging with anticipation.

8. **Improved Behavior:** Goals reinforce good behavior like treats on a successful training day, helping your dog become the best version of themselves.

9. **Sense of Accomplishment:** Reaching goals is like winning a game of fetch - it fills you both with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

10. **Fun and Enjoyment:** With goals in sight, every training session becomes a playful adventure, filled with laughter, tail wags, and plenty of cuddles.

So, grab those goals and let the fun training journey begin! 🐾

05/27/2024

This Memorial Day Im honoring my dear friend Tom, former Chief of Police for Walton, KY, All Saints Catholic Church member, and proud U.S. Navy Veteran.

We met through Schutzhund, but our bond grew over our love of performance horses. Tom encouraged me to push for Buck's last title when I felt I should just focus on being a mom.

For over 40 years, Tom supported NKY law enforcement and dog sport enthusiasts, importing top dogs from Germany and offering invaluable training. Remembering him on Memorial Day, we honor his service, friendship, and passion. Tom, your legacy lives on in us all.

05/26/2024

📢 Exciting News! 🎉

We're thrilled to announce that we are again offering educational talks for shelters, rescues, kennel clubs, veterinary practices, and grooming salons! 🐾✨ Our expert-led sessions cover a wide range of topics including safety, cooperative care, responsible ownership, and early puppy development. This may include us bringing in outside speakers for you.

# # # Why We're Qualified

Ahmia Black, owner of Kentucky Canine Coach LLC, brings extensive experience in dog training and behavior modification, addressing issues from separation anxiety to aggression. We offer a variety of training programs, including AKC Canine Good Citizen training/testing, AKC Trick Title training/testing, and service dog training. Our personalized approach ensures training plans are customized to meet the unique needs of each dog and owner. We are committed to community education, partnering with local shelters, schools, and other organizations. Additionally, all our talks are approved for CEUs through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

Whether you want us to come to your facility or prefer to visit ours, we're here to help educate and support our community. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our furry friends! 🐶❤️

Get in touch to learn more and schedule a talk today! 📞📧

05/25/2024

🐶✨ New puppy in the house? Dreaming of relaxing park days, adventurous hikes, and leisurely evening strolls with your furry friend? 🐕✨

Many puppy owners have visions of the perfect companion, but no one imagines dealing with a scared, barky, or antisocial dog. The first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are crucial for shaping their future behavior. 🐾

Dr. Ian Dunbar, a renowned expert with decades of experience, emphasizes that early socialization is key. It’s easier to teach good manners and prevent behavior problems before 16 weeks than to fix them later.

✨ Here’s what you need to know:
- **Start Socializing Early**: Puppies can begin socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks old.
- **Choose the Right Class**: Look for classes that require vaccinations, use proper hygiene, and group puppies close in age.
- **Create Positive Experiences**: Ensure your puppy meets different people, animals, and experiences in a safe environment.

Don't wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, early socialization is crucial and safe with the right precautions.

If you want a well-behaved, social dog who can join you everywhere, start early. Your future self (and your pup) will thank you! 🐾❤️

Written by Ahmia Black 🌟

05/24/2024

Raising a dog is a big responsibility, they won’t know how you want them to behave unless you train them. Fortunately, with the right methods, training your puppy can be easy and enjoyable

05/24/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I am thrilled to announce that my family is growing - we're expecting a baby boy! 👶💙

To prepare for this wonderful new chapter, I will only be accepting new clients until the end of the month. I will continue working with my existing clients and complete existing packages.

I look forward to resuming full training sessions and welcoming new clients again in November after we've welcomed our little one.

Thank you all for your support and understanding during this special time!

- The Black Family

05/23/2024

🌟 Calling all our amazing past clients
🌟We've had the privilege of working with so many wonderful dogs and their paw-some owners over the years, and we want to celebrate YOU and your furry friends!

We'd love to hear about the successes and achievements you've experienced since working with us. Whether it's mastering a new trick, earning a title, overcoming a behavioral challenge, or simply deepening the bond with your beloved companion, we want to know all about it!

Share your stories, photos, and videos in the comments below or tag us in your posts. Let's spread the joy and inspiration together! 🐾💕

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey towards a happier, healthier relationship with your dog. Here's to many more successes to come! 🎉

05/23/2024

🥗🫒Why You Should Add a Few Cranberries to Your Dog’s Bowl

✅️ Help Prevent Cancer**
- Half of all dogs over 10 die of cancer. Cranberries help keep cancer at bay.

✅️Manage Urinary Tract Infections**
- Cranberries are well-known for preventing UTIs, which are more common in female dogs.

✅️ The Importance of D-Mannose**
- Cranberries contain D-mannose, a sugar that stops E. coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.

✅️Manage Gut and Immune Health**
- A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for your dog’s health, supporting both digestion and the immune system.

✅️ Reduce Heart Disease Risk**
- Cranberries can help reduce the risk of heart issues like CHF, heart murmurs, stroke, and DCM.

✅️ Prevent Diabetes**
- While too much sugar is bad, cranberries are great for diabetic dogs due to their natural sugars and health benefits.

✅️Promote Oral Health**
- Cranberries can prevent gum disease by stopping bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, promoting overall wellness.

05/23/2024

Had the best training session today! 🐾 We started with "leave it" commands and leash walking, then moved on to socializing Miss Bella. She met some horses and the adorable mini Gracie. 🐴 Next, we practiced obedience around the charming black and white cat, Socks. 😺 And to top it all off, Bella got to play with Ruby, the farm dog. 🐶 Such a fun day on the farm! 🌾💛

05/22/2024

Wondering if you should earn a title with your dog? Check out the benefits!

1. 🏆 **Celebrating Achievements:** Every title earned is a paw-some milestone worth sharing with the world!

2. 🐾 **Boosting Confidence:** Each title reflects the hard work and dedication you and your dog put into training, building confidence with every step.

3. 💬 **Inspiring Others:** Share your dog's journey to inspire fellow dog lovers to set goals and embark on their own training adventures.

4. 📸 **Capturing Memories:** Document your dog's title-earning journey with adorable photos and heartwarming stories to cherish forever.

5. 🤝 **Connecting with Community:** Join a vibrant community of dog enthusiasts who share your passion for training and achieving greatness with their furry friends.

6. 🌟 **Setting Goals:** Titles provide tangible goals to strive for, keeping training sessions fun, engaging, and rewarding for both you and your dog.

7. 📚 **Learning Together:** Training for titles is a journey of growth and learning, strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion.

8. 🎉 **Celebrating Progress:** Whether it's mastering a new skill or conquering a challenging course, every step forward is cause for celebration!

9. 🤗 **Spreading Joy:** Share your dog's title-earning success to spread joy and positivity throughout your social media community.

10. 🌈 **Unleashing Potential:** Earning titles unlocks your dog's full potential, showcasing their talents and abilities for the world to see.

Let's celebrate every wag, woof, and win on the road to title-earning success! 🐾🏅

Do you have a new puppy and want to start him off right? Contact our CPDT-KA certified trainer.

05/22/2024

Congratulations on bringing home your new bundle of joy! 🐾 It's such an exciting time for the whole family! As your adorable puppy explores the world with their curious teeth, remember that the first 6 months are crucial for setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness together. Involving everyone in your proactive plan from the get-go ensures success and strengthens your bond with your furry friend. Start training, establish those paw-some habits, and teach expectations early on to make life with your puppy even more paw-sitively delightful! 🐶💕

05/22/2024

🐾 How to Socialize Your Puppy 🐾

Let's talk about the right way to socialize your new furry friend!

💙 Start early! By 16 weeks, your puppy should have positive experiences with different people, animals, and places.

💚 Let your pup decide! Giving them the choice to explore new things or meet new people builds confidence.

💛 Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% focus on you around people and dogs, and 20% free play. This helps prevent overexcited behavior later on.

🧡 Remember, playing with your family dog isn't enough. Your pup needs to meet new people and animals outside the home too.

Check out the American Veterinary Behaviorist Association's recommendations for more information!