Ever catch yourself scrolling and start to watch these dog training videos that pop up with the most random and unnecessary dog commands that people are teaching to their dogs? Seriously, what is an “Emergency Stop” or an “Emergency Recall”? Why are trendy dog trainers calling it a “Sit-Stay” and “Down-Stay”, isn’t it a “Sit” a sit command and “Down” a down command, and your dog shouldn’t move until you release them? What happened to training commands with an implied stay and utilizing a release? It is hard to not laugh out loud when these videos pop up with these trendy useless commands. Why not train your dog to truly understand the commands given, while holding your dog accountable for what you are asking of them? Dog training is extremely simple, you have to be consistent, use clear and concise communication, follow through, and hold your dog accountable. If you can follow those simple steps you can train a dog. However, today it seems like everyone wants to try make training complicated, catchy, and go with fads and trends. All they are doing is using marketing strategies to make you think their training is better or different and innovative.  Some of the things we see a lot of are, emergency commands, “Focus” commands, wait vs stay and the complete misuse of the actual command given, as well as “Look At Me” command instead addressing whatever it is the dog is reactive towards. So let’s dive into it and break it all down! We will start with the emergency commands, whether it be an “Emergency Down/Stop” or “Emergency Recall”. We see people all the time picking a different word to use that they only use in emergencies to get their dog to recall, meaning in those situations they are NOT using the typical “Here” or “Come” to recall. Instead, they are choosing a special word like a color, “Red” for that “Emergency Down/Stop”. Well, if you don’t train for a recall and utilize the command in a correct manner your dog isn’t going to know how to recall properly anyways. A recall is a recall, the reliability is built through consistency in building the command from start to finish while having a clear expectation. Now, you have to hold your dog accountable at all times with the command to ensure it’s going to work. Telling your dog to “Come” and never truly teaching the commands throughly or holding them accountable isn’t going to work regardless if you change the word and or change the title of the command you area teaching. You have to take the guess work out of training for the dog. For example, when teaching a your dog a recall and training them to understand that the only acceptable action is coming to you and sitting in front of you for a recall will help eliminate your dog doing as they please.  If you let the dog determine where they’re going to recall to, meaning next to your side or blow past you and that becomes ok with you, then how can you expect them to come to you when you need it to work? Adding the word “Emergency” to a title of the command isn’t going to fix the dog’s recall training or make the recall anymore reliable, it won’t make your dog more consistent, nor will it make you follow through with training. If you want a recall command to be reliable you have to put in the time, the reps and the work with your dog to achieve that goal. Now, let’s talk about the “Focus” command and “Look At Me” command when distractions, triggers, or anything else is around that your dog is reacting to. “Focus” a nd “Look At Me” isn’t teaching your dog neutrality and how to work through the distractions and environment at hand, it’s only teaching your dog to avoid something and look at you. If you truly want to train past reactivity or distractions you need to train your dog to have neutrality and to utilize impulse control, so that way they learn to work through the distractions to the point the distractions don’t matter to them anymore.. Again, training isn’t finding the easy way out to avoid a problem so that we feel good about it. Training is finding a true solution, so that the problem doesn’t exist and the dog not only has the confidence and neutrality to work through any situation, but also can utilize impulse control to listen to you to overcome the situation. Lastly, my favorite the one that you see everywhere, implied commands versus utilizing a “Sit-Stay” or “Down-Stay”. We can’t stress this enough, dog training is simple, why confuse it when it doesn’t have to be. “Sit” is sit and “Down” is down, if you teach a reliable release command, such as “O.K.” or “Free” with every command regardless of the position, then you’ve built implied commands. At this point the dog understands, “I’m in this position until I’m released”. The release command “O.K.” or “Free” in this situation is the main factor and point of focus to where you dog will learn duration of command and hold that command until told otherwise. Now, for the infamous “Sit-Stay” and “Down-Stay”, this method still requires a release command, if you haven’t built a release then your dog will never understand when they can get up from that position and command, and they will break from it and get up on their own. If you find yourself giving a command to your dog then repeating yourself over and over saying “Stay, Stay, Stay…”, then there’s a very good chance your dog is learning the game of you backing up so far while you repeat “Stay” over and over, and then your dog comes running to you after at the same distance every time. If you’re not teaching a release command, then you’re not truly training dog to hold a position and learn duration of a command. Just like anything else it takes time and consistency to build muscle memory and conditioned responses in all dogs. At the end of the day, don’t fall for great sales pitches, training gimmicks, or promises of results without putting in the work! Training takes time, patience, consistency, follow through, and holding you and your dog accountable. There aren’t any short cuts, you’re creating muscle memory and conditioned responses in an animal. You should always ask yourself can my dog perform a task, whatever that task is just answer “Yes” or “No”, don’t explain it, it’s simple, “Yes” or “No”, If the answer is “Yes”, then great, keep up the good work, if it’s “No”, then push yourself and your dog through proper training so it can become a “Yes.” 7E573FE1-A9FA-48BA-A3D2-7C8ED2E65A26.mov

How many times have you heard those claiming that our modern-day dogs are carnivores? Only to be followed up with the statement “…they only need to eat meat because our domesticated dogs descended from wolves, therefore must be meat eaters only.” Let us dive into the controversial topic of whether our domesticated canines are carnivores or not. To answer these questions first let's discuss what a carnivore is, and the three types of carnivores are that exist. Then, we can discuss how our domesticated canines evolved over thousands of years from their ancestor, the wolf. By definition a carnivore is an animal that feeds on other animals. The word carnivore is derived from Latin and literally meaning “meat eater.” There are many kinds of carnivores, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Most carnivores are larger animals, have bigger brains with a higher intelligence, and a less complicated digestive system, unlike an herbivore with a more complex digestive system. So, what are the three types of carnivores? Types of carnivores and their varying levels of meat consumption: ·      Obligate carnivores- are also known as a hypercarnivore. A hypercarnivore are animals that consume at minimum 70% of meat in their diet. They are called obligate carnivores because they cannot properly digest vegetation. An example would be felines. ·      Mesocarnivores- are animals whose diets consist of anywhere from 30% to 70% meat, and then with a balance of non-vertebrae foods. This can include, but not limited to things such as fruits, grains, plants, and insects. An example would be coyotes, foxes, wolves, and polar bears are a few. Yes, our domesticated dogs belong to the Order Carnivora but does not necessarily make them an obligate carnivore or a mesocarnivore. ·      Hypocarnivores- are carnivores that eat the least amount of meat. These carnivores consume less than 30% of meat in their diet. Their diets will consist of and not limited to meat, fish, plants, berries, and nuts. They are also known as omnivores. An example of hypocarnivore would-be mammals (other bears, dogs), birds, fish, insects, reptiles, ants, rodents, and humans. These animals can be predator, prey, and scavengers. So, what does that make our domesticated modern-day canine? It makes them an omnivore, also known as a hypocarnivore. Yes, our modern-day canines evolved from wolves roughly 11,000 years ago (end of the Ice Age) and thought to be first domesticated about 8,000 years ago. Modern day canines only share about 0.8% of their DNA with a wolf. That might not seem like much to you, but what differentiates us from chimpanzees is only about 1.2% of DNA. Should we follow a diet that is proper for a chimpanzee? No- no one would recommend doing that. So, if our domesticated canines are clearly not wolves, then why feed them that way? Before we start really diving into this topic, let’s understand like most wild animals, what they eat, and why they eat the way they do. These wild animals, just like a wolf are trying to survive to reproduce, as well eating to support their health through those reproductive years. With that said, we need to understand that we are not feeding our “pets” just to meet the basic necessities of life, but for longevity! We are feeding them for both their health and wellness, our goal is to support a balanced holistic life for them. *I can’t find credit to give to image, if this is yours, please notify and will gladly post your info and give credit to image     Why does the domestication of canines’ matter when discussing the diet of these carnivores? Well, let’s first acknowledge what was going on roughly 11,000 years ago. The Ice age was ending, the climate was changing, and humans were thriving. Humans at this time were hunters and gathers, foraging, and living in concentrated societies. As this was happening, wolves started venturing closer to these humans' settlements, and they would eat the food scraps from the humans, as well as their waste. The more food they had readily available to them, the more they reproduced and flourished. So, as this was happening, they passed down their genetics and characteristics to their offspring. Wolves began to evolve, and they became smaller overall, with smaller snouts, jaws, and teeth. With that said, humans' settlements starting evolving shifting from hunter-gathers to more of a domesticated society with agriculture. This is where canines' diets started to change with more starch being present and available to them. Through evolution, canines adapted to digest starch as their bodies started producing the enzyme amylase. There has been research done by scientist that discovered prehistoric canine droppings that had been preserved from the Bronze Age from these canines' biome that included the gut microbes that produce amylase. Why is this important? Amylase is an enzyme that essentially turns starch into sugar. This enzyme is what helps humans and certain animals' breakdown and digest complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Canines for thousands of years still could not produce much amylase, but through research it is found that long before canines started evolving and their DNA changing, scientists discovered evidence of gut microbes in prehistoric wolves that were present even before they started producing amylase. In conclusion, modern-day domesticated canines have evolved producing amylase making them functional hypocarnivores, also known as omnivores. What should I feed my domesticated canine? And what should I focus on when providing a balanced diet? First, we as humans need to accept the fact that we have contributed to the evolution of canines and what their diet consists of. Our canines are our family! We want them to live a long and healthy lives. Life gets busy and commercial feed is an easy choice but does not mean it is the best option. Here at Leash & Beyond K9 Solutions we suggest feeding a homemade balanced holistic diet that can be raw or gently cooked. Soon we will be providing a service through our daughter company Vital Moments K9 Health Solutions that can make this an easier option for you. Our services will provide formulated diet plans with recipes for all stages of your canine's life using a mindful approach. For more information click here: https://www.lbk9solutions.com/vital-moments-k9-health-solutions There is nothing wrong with feeding your dog a commercial feed, just be aware what is in that commercial product. The more processed the feed, the more unwanted chemicals and by-products will be in the food. If feeding commercial feed look for a brand that is freeze-dried, dehydrated, gently cooked or raw, that has whole food ingredients listed. Or your canine's diet could be a homemade balanced diet with essential nutrients that ensures the right balance of amino acids too. This includes but not limited to water, protein, meat, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. There are multiple foods a dog can have the have a reliable source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for them, that is not just from protein. You want to have a diverse diet for your canine that will include, all sources of protein, vegetables, fruits, small amounts of grains, nuts, fungi, and even seeds. We do want to avoid carbohydrates and sugar that feed inflammation. You want to have diversity in their diet to ensure balance within these meals whether you serve them raw or gently cooked. Conclusion Make every moment vital and worth living for your canine. Do not believe everything that “people” say and follow the “trends.” and do your own research. One thing I think we can all agree on is that our domesticated canines are in fact a carnivore, they prefer to eat meat, but will eat what they need in order to survive, thus over thousands of years led them to evolve from their ancestor of the wolf into the domesticated “pet” they are today, thriving on a well-balanced diet just like many other omnivores. Just some food for thought.

The search for a dog trainer can be overwhelming and daunting. Everyday more dog trainers are popping up. The only thing people seem to care about when seeking out these services is the cost, “How much?”. This process can be time-intensive, but it can be rewarding experience finding a dog trainer that listens to your needs, as well the wants and goals you have for your dog, and a dog trainer who understands your dog’s issues. It’s important to find a dog trainer who can customize a dog training program that fits your needs and end goals, but that teaches you as much as they teach your dog. The first question as a small business owner that I would ask when looking to hire services like this is, “Do you have a business license?”, “Are you insured and bonded with your business?”, and “What type of hands on experience in the field do you have?”, and “Where did you obtain that experience?”. Just because you think about hiring cheaper dog trainer that is a more convenient option for you, does NOT mean this is a better option for your dog. Ask yourself when researching for these cheaper and more convenient services, “Why do they have an immediate opening?”, “ Why are they so underpriced compared to their competitors?”. Is it because they care more about quantity or quality? Do they have the proper hands on experience, the proper staff? Can I trust my dog with this company? Do they have the proper insurance incase of an emergency? Do the have the proper paperwork when starting? When searching ask if a business has insurance polices, and contracts, if they don’t you should look else where! If the dog training company you are looking into is NOT insured, then you can’t afford to use them. Try to think about all the risks involved. Is it “OK” to shop around for a dog trainer? It is absolutely fine to shop around for a dog trainer! You should do multiple IN-PERSON consultations before making that decision. You are the best person to advocate for your dog because you are responsible for their well-being, so take your time and ask your questions to determine if any of these dog trainers will be a safe investment for you and your dog. Ask these potential trainers “How can you help me achieve the goals I have for my dog?”, “What style of training methods do you offer?”, “What type of approach will you be suggesting for my dog?, “What type of programs do you offer, if any?”, “Will you be training my dog personally, or will I be working with a different trainer every week?”, “Are you available for video chat, text, phone calls when I need help?”, “What support do you offer outside our private one on one sessions?”, “Will you be teaching me how to work and train my own dog, not just training my dog by yourself?”. These are all important questions to ask! Keep in mind and remember to not be afraid to ask questions. If the potential dog trainer gets defensive, uncomfortable, even angry, and or can’t answer any your questions, do NOT be afraid to move on and try another dog trainer until you find someone who accepts your request for more information. Preparing yourself for the training sessions with your dog and trainer: • Before you start training with your dog, it’s important that you think about what exactly you want out of the training experience, the goals you have in mind for your dog, and understand the realistic expectations that might be there for the dog. • Write down any questions that are important to you to ask your trainer. • Ask how training sessions will be laid out, what is expected of you, ask how your trainer is going to help your dog achieve their goals, what will training be like, what do I need to bring to be prepared, what is the approach you will be using, what style training do you use, do you use more than one method of training because every dog is different and everyone learns differently. The answers to these questions will give you a clear insight of what kind of dog trainer they are and what kind training they do. If the prospective dog trainer doesn’t offer up these kind of details, or doesn’t know how to answer these type of questions, this should be an indication to not hire this trainer. The dog trainer you hire should be confident with the training strategies they offer. Making a commitment to your dog and to the training: Your dog can’t ask you to train them! It is your responsibility to train your dog, NOT your dog trainers. Do not believe a dog trainer if they say “They will guarantee you results.” Why is this? Because a dog trainer CAN’T guarantee you are going to do the work! They can however make a good prediction, but lasting results is up to you, It is important to remember that dog training is not an overnight fix, it is a process that takes time. It takes approximately 60 to 90 days to properly condition a behavior into a dog. However, there are great experienced dog trainers out there to help you. In conclusion, I hope this article has been informative in your search for a dog trainer. Remember that every dog is different, that everyone learns differently, and there are dog trainers out there that are experienced enough to not have a “one size fits all program and training method”. A good dog trainer will train the dog in front of them, and teach you as much as they teach your dog. Try to do your due diligence when researching for the “right fit” dog trainer for you!

Accidents and emergencies happen. Learning basic K-9 first-aid techniques and having a proper first-aid kit “grab bag” on you will help manage emergencies more effectively, and knowing what you can handle more confidently when you take these steps before seeking veterinary care. Basic first-aid for K-9s is essential. The important thing is to have the right tools for the job. If you have the proper items and you have the “grab bag” accessible to you while you are out, this will help you be more comfortable and confident in an emergency with your K-9. Every few months if you don’t know yet, we do a K-9 Safety 101 & Ditch MedIcine class as one of our rotating Thursday night specialty group sessions. Lee Talmage will go over everything from how to perform a health and wellness check monthly on your dog, to finding the heart and heart rate of your dog, go over the basics of CPR and the Heimlich technique, to bloat and warning signs, to heat exhaustion and how to prevent it, how to do a proper safety muzzle when you have nothing but your leash, and the quickest way to end a dog fight, are just a some of the few topics we cover. One of the questions we got asked last night was “what do you have in your ‘grab bag’, a.k.a ‘first-aid kit’ for your dog?”. So, we said we would post some links to K-9 first aid kits that are for all budgets, and as well list those extra items we think are necessary to have on you in case of an emergency. These are some of the links for K-9 First-Aid Kits from Amazon: *as an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases https://amzn.to/3XzYd7v https://amzn.to/3zsXSf6 https://amzn.to/47HaImE Additional items we thought are essential to have with you, if you carry other essential items with you in your “grab bag” that we didn’t list then please comment below to share with others. • Large or small micro-fiber towel • Nitrile gloves • Chem lights • Paracord • Knife • Lighter or matches • Tampons • Soft muzzle • Tourniquet • Rectal thermometer • Corn starch • Benadryl • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide • Saline solution • Artificial tear drops • Forceps • Tweezers • Magnifying glass • Oral syringe, no needle • Instant cold packs • Collapsible water bowl • Corn syrup • Extra bottles of water Again, this information is intended for educational purposes and what we found works for us. Use this information at your own risk, it is only provided as general information. Always do your own research and make your own decisions based on what works best for your K-9 and your own first-aid kit, and always consult with veterinarian for medical advice. RPReplay_Final1726862682.mov

This is YOUR dog training, wellness, and nutrition forum! We are starting this platform so we can build a stronger community for dog training, dog wellness and nutrition, it will be a place for Q&A community, problem solving, and getting assistance from others that are like minded and want to build a strong bond with their dog. As well, this will be a place for ALL things dog related, list of public dog friendly establishments, dog friendly festivals and arts markets, dog related stores, groomers, vets, and boarding recommendations. Feel free to ask any questions about dog training, detection, protection, behavioral issues, dog maintenance, wellness, nutrition, grooming, health checks, development, service dog and therapy dogs, are just a few examples. Again, WELCOME to the Leash & Beyond K9 Solutions dog traning and wellness forum, feel free to invite fellow dog enthusiasts. We look forward to building this community and meeting you ALL. ‼️ Now, the house keeping rules, just be respectful, we don’t want drama, and no soliciting or spam. If it becomes a problem we will show you the door.