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...

Know the law. Make it work. Protect the team. ⸻ Let’s cut right to it: Service dogs are not pets. They’re working animals, protected...

Riding with your dog in a bike basket can look fun, but it’s also risky if your dog isn’t properly prepared. At Elite K9 Service, we view...

A muzzle is a safety tool, not a punishment. ⸻ Most people see a dog in a muzzle and assume the worst: “That dog must be aggressive.”...

Socialization isn’t playtime — it’s exposure under control. ⸻ Most dog owners hear the word socialization and picture their dog running...

If you want results, speak their language. ⸻ At Elite K9 Service, we don’t believe in begging dogs to behave. We believe in teaching them...

It’s Not Fear — It’s a Lack of Structure. If your dog lunges, barks, or bites at the vacuum, you’ve probably been told it’s because...

It’s Not About the Territory — It’s About Control. Does your dog growl when you approach their food? Snap when someone walks near their...

It’s Not Teething — It’s a Lack of Structure. Chewed furniture. Destroyed baseboards. Shredded shoes. Most owners shrug it off: “He’s...

Timing is everything, and most dog owners get it wrong. You’ve practiced Sit. You’ve offered treats. You’ve watched YouTube videos. But...