Domestication

Humans domesticated dogs to be of service to humans. Dogs were selectively bred to perform a certain type of work that was useful to us. We continue to breed these dogs although many never are given the opportunity to express those natural inclinations. The inevitable result is a host of behavioral problems. Failure to release the excessive energy can result in destruction. The dogs are often simply bored.

Our dogs are not bred to lay back and relax in our home. They are not a plant that needs some nutrition and water. Dogs need to be exercised and mentally stimulated. If your dog shows signs of boredom here are a few awesome dog jobs available to you:

• Agility
• Assistance
• Competitive Obedience
• Herding
• Police K-9 work
• Protection (Golden Retrievers may not do so well in this!)
• Schutzhund
• Therapy
• Tracking
• Scent work
• SAR

There is an alternative job for every breed if you cannot provide the job they have been bred for. Contact your dog trainer for more information.

Resources: Joy Tiz

Our newest business venture

Since 2007 K9 Consultant had been in the planning. The rise of The Dog Hikers, PurrfectKiddies and the K9 Outdoor Adventure Club (K9OAC) kept us happy and busy that we put our plans aside. Nathalie's back suddenly went out again. The result from a motorcycle accident in 2003, Nathalie's back ended up in a mess. As life changing as the 2003 accident was in her life, the new flaring up of her back made her decide that running a family and three full time successful businesses is just too much. She decided to concentrate on what she had been doing behind the scences all this time: train dogs to become pleasant and happy companions.
Nathalie will be concentrating on setting up a dog consulting business. Training is just part of that. We are happy to announce the launch of K9 Consultant on September 15, 2010. Although some of our services are already available we will officially publish our website on that day! By the end of the year Djuka will be joining our K9 team as well. She is finishing her theory on dog behavior although her knowledge is extensive as a certified Search and Rescue handler. We will also collaborate with Tammy, who is planning on offering Agility to interested dog owners.

We are really looking forward to building up a unique business by providing information to dog owners and taking dog training to the outdoors versus a classroom. Going back to school has just become a lot more fun. Happy Training!

Your K9 Consultant Team

Dog Star Daily

Before I even start about dog behavior I would like to refer to an awesome website called: Dog Star Daily: http://www.dogstardaily.com/. Dog Star Daily is a free website for dog lovers that covers everything that has to do with dogs. Based on positive reinforcement you find helpful tips on how to raise your dog, identify certain behavioral issues, etc. A great resource site if you're looking for answers or pure for educational purposes!

As soon as I have some pictures made I will start writing about dog body language and how much you can learn to understand what your dog is communicating. It will not make you an expert but it will help you understand and work with your dog instead of against him/her.

Consider yourself going back to school!

Welcome to K9 Consultant

Welcome to our BLOG!

Are you ready to learn a new language?

Never considered that being owned by a dog may require a bit more than just a whole lot of loving? Your dog has you figured out but have you figured her/him out?

Learn to read their language and learn to communicate with them.

Step by step we will help you understand dog communication.

You will learn what your dog is telling you and what you have missed all this time.

Dogs don't speak (really, only in the movies!).

Dogs communicate mainly through body language.

A language you are about to learn.