Volunteer K-9 Series 2
For those volunteers who attended the October 2024 Level 1 Volunteer Session, we are pleased to offer in partnership with K9 Principles Obedience Training Level 2. This session, which is for people only, will cover a variety of topics including a focus on Reactivity: Dog on Dog aggression, People aggression, Territorial aggression, Resource Guarding/Drop it etc.
K9 Principles operates with an unwavering passion and decades of expertise, and are committed to transforming canine behavior through evidence-based training techniques ONE PAW AT A TIME.
Their mission extends beyond obedience—it’s about forging a lifelong bond filled with trust, love, and mutual respect. K-9 Principles are the trusted dog trainers for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, setting the gold standard for responsible and heartfelt pet ownership.
As part of our continued efforts to recognize our amazing volunteers, we are offering this 3-part series to provide an opportunity to learn more about dog behavior from our partners and experts at K9 Principles. Volunteers have the opportunity to ask questions and learn key elements in understanding dog reactivity and behaviour.
More information from K9 Principles:
85-90% of aggressive behaviours in dogs is rooted in fear, not hostility. A common misconception among dog owners is that aggressive behaviour can be ‘corrected’ through physical or verbal reprimands. The truth is that confidence cannot be instilled in a dog through punitive measures, nor can a dog be ‘taught’ to appreciate people, other dogs, or vehicles simply by correcting their actions.
We believe in addressing every behavioural challenge with Positive Reinforcement as the first line of intervention. While negative reinforcement may appear to control the issue, it merely suppresses the symptoms without treating the underlying problem. This not only poses risks to humans but is also inhumane to the dog.
Our approach prioritizes safety for both the handler and the dog. We create controlled, real-world scenarios to work through the challenges your dog faces, and even introduce our own well-trained dogs into the mix when addressing dog-to-dog aggression. By opting for Positive Reinforcement, we ensure a humane, effective, and long-lasting solution to help your dog become the best version of themselves.
Struggling with a dog suffering from anxiety can be a complex challenge that requires specialized solutions. At K9 Principles, we specialize in treating various types of canine anxiety, such as Separation Anxiety, Rescue Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Illness-Induced Anxiety, and Unspecified Generalized Anxiety.
Whether your dog exhibits destructive behaviour, indoor accidents, or even aggressive tendencies, we are equipped to help. Utilizing proven positive reinforcement training techniques, we tailor our approach to each dog’s individual needs. Our evidence-based solutions to effectively manage your dog’s anxiety symptoms have worked for hundreds of dogs with outstanding success!
Resource guarding is a prevalent issue among dogs, and many owners inadvertently exacerbate the problem through their reactions. Typical responses include removing the food or possessions immediately, inserting a hand into the food dish while the dog is eating, or continuing to pet the dog throughout the meal. Some owners even resort to verbal or physical punishments if signs of guarding behaviour emerge. Such reactions not only confirm the dog’s sense of threat but also tend to worsen the resource-guarding behaviour.
Our seasoned trainers specialize in evidence-based methods designed to address resource guarding effectively. We equip you with training techniques that will not only alleviate your dog’s anxieties but also encourage positive interactions around their possessions. Trust us to transform your dog’s behaviour, welcoming your approach rather than guarding their possessions.
Paws for Cause 2024 Awards:
Event Information
Our partners at K-9 Priniciples Obedience Training will deliver Part 2 in our 3-part series for Volunteers focusing on dog reactivity.