Because training starts the moment they come home. ⸻ Training does not start at a certain age. Training starts the day you get your dog. Whether your dog is 8 weeks old or 2 years old, the moment they enter your home, you’re already training them — either intentionally or accidentally. Every interaction teaches something. The question is whether it’s teaching structure or creating bad habits. At Elite K9 Service, we believe early training prevents problems instead of fixing t

Because habits don’t “pass with age” — they solidify. ⸻ There’s a lot of advice out there about puppy training, and most of it sounds like this: “Let them be a puppy.” “They’ll grow out of it.” “Just focus on socialization for now.” The problem is that puppies don’t grow out of behaviors — they grow into them. At Elite K9 Service, we start puppy training early, calmly, and with structure. Not because puppies need to be punished — but because early structure creates confidence

Because knowing the difference explains why progress stalls. ⸻ When people say their dog is “trained,” they usually mean the dog responds sometimes. But real dog training happens in three very different levels, and confusion between them is why so many owners get stuck. At Elite K9 Service, we define those levels as Communication, Training, and Reliability. Each level serves a different purpose — and you can’t skip one without paying for it later. ⸻ Level 1: Communication Com

Because chasing cats is instinct — but instincts still need rules. ⸻ Let’s clear this up first: Yes, chasing cats is instinctual for many dogs. Prey drive, movement sensitivity, and curiosity are hardwired — especially in working breeds and high-drive dogs. The problem isn’t that the instinct exists. The problem is when the instinct is never addressed, shaped, or controlled. At Elite K9 Service, cat reactivity is handled in one of two ways: 1. Early exposure and structure as

Because a Service Dog isn’t defined by paperwork — it’s defined by function. ⸻ There’s a lot of misinformation about Service Dog training. Many people think it starts with a vest, a certificate, or a registration website. None of those make a dog a Service Dog. In the United States, a Service Dog is legally defined by two things only: 1. The handler has a legally recognized disability 2. The dog is trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate that disability Everything els

There’s a lot of confusion about Service Dog vests. Some people think they’re legally required. Others think the vest “proves” the dog is a Service Dog. Neither of those things is true. Under ADA law, a vest is not required, and it does not make your dog any more or less of a Service Dog. But in real, everyday life? A vest has practical value, and most handlers end up using one for very good reasons. Here’s what the vest actually does — and why it matters. ⸻ 1. It Prevents Un

Because a calm walk starts with clear communication. ⸻ A loose-leash Heel is all about teaching your dog what the leash actually means. And that starts with pairing the leash in a positive way. 1. Pair the Leash with a Reward You want your dog to understand that a gentle tug on the leash means good things are coming. Think about it... the leash is usually the one thing that keeps them back from where they want to go — So, how can you expect them to follow it. Here’s how: • Sm

In the dog world, you’ll hear all kinds of labels: Positive Only, Balanced, Force Free, Correction Based, and more. Underneath the arguments, there are four ways a dog can learn, genetically and behaviorally: ⸻ 1. Negative Reinforcement Only Training This system relies almost entirely on pressure. The dog learns what turns discomfort off, but not what earns good things. It can produce obedience, but often at the cost of confidence. The dog learns how to stop mistakes, not how

Because a dog that listens sometimes… doesn’t matter when it means most ⸻ There’s a lot of information out there about how to “train” your dog — but reliability isn’t created in just a 20-minute lesson or a bag of treats. Reliability is built through structure, clarity, and the way your dog lives with you every day. Most owners think reliability means “my dog knows commands.” In reality, reliability means: My dog does the behavior the first time, even with distractions, witho

If you’ve ever stared at the pet-food aisle or your fridge wondering what to feed your dog, you’re not alone. The debate between dry kibble, home-cooked meals, and raw diets has been going on for years. This overview breaks it all down — pros, cons, and real-world insight... so you can make the choice that fits your dog’s lifestyle. ⸻ 1. Dry Food (Kibble) — The Convenient Classic What it is: Shelf-stable pellets made from ground meats, grains, vegetables, and supplements. ✅ P

How to train manners that still matter when they get excited... ⸻ Jumping up is one of the most common and misunderstood problems in dog training. Most owners try to fix it with “off” or by turning away — but jumping isn’t ignored away. It’s about control, attention, and the relationship you’ve built with your dog. At Elite K9 Service, we teach that obedience doesn’t start when the leash goes on — it starts when your dog gets emotional. Here’s how to stop jumping in a way tha

Proper Washing & Drying to Prevent Knotting Preventing knotting isn’t just about brushing — it’s about proper drying. A damp coat is what creates matting. Washing Steps 1. Brush the dog fully to remove loose fur & tangles 2. Wet the coat thoroughly 3. Apply dog shampoo (or Dawn if necessary) — avoid eyes & ears 4. Rinse all shampoo out of the coat 5. Apply conditioner if needed — rinse completely 6. Towel dry just to remove most of the water (no rubbing that twists the coat)

When you’re first starting out with training, it’s important to understand that anything you don’t want your dog to do is where you’ll pair the “No Command.” Instead of teaching “Leave It,” where the dog just walks away from something for a little, we teach the “No” command — which means the dog reliably stays away from it. Everything we do at Elite K9 Service is rooted in positive reinforcement. The dog learns to follow your lead because obedience leads to reward — calmness,

Because reliability doesn’t come from perfect conditions — it comes from consistency. ⸻ Before worrying about how your dog behaves in public, make sure they’ve mastered the fundamentals. Ensure your dog has solid obedience training — and even more importantly, a solid “No” command. If you haven’t yet taught that, start there first: 👉 See this blog for more information. Because if your dog doesn’t obey around your neighborhood, it won’t magically obey in public. ⸻ Start with

Because public manners are part of real training. ⸻ Walking into a store with your dog isn’t just about exposure — it’s a test of...

Because timing and clarity make all the difference. ⸻ There’s a lot of information out there about when to correct your dog, and most of...

Because training isn’t just a time slot — it’s a lifestyle. ⸻ A lot of owners think training means putting the leash on and heading...

Whining is one of those behaviors that drives owners crazy. At Elite K9 Service, we don’t treat whining as “just noise.” We see it as a...

Because equipment isn’t leadership. ⸻ It’s easy to think the tool is the fix. Slip lead, prong collar, etc. — each has its place. But...

Because good behavior shouldn’t always come with a treat. ⸻ Most people think rewards in dog training = food. And while treats can be...