Balanced Dog Training With Suburban K9

Muzzle training and conditioning doesn’t have to be scary or stressful.Here is a link to the video we discussed today: https://youtu.be/FSnpjh2k7O4Why Proper Muzzle Acclimation Is So Important: When muzzle training is done poorly, dogs often learn to fear the muzzle. That fear doesn’t come from the muzzle itself, it comes from how it’s introduced.Common problems happen when:The muzzle is forced on the dog, the dog is restrained or cornered, the muzzle only appears before scary events, stress signals are ignored, or the process moves too fast. That’s how dogs learn that the muzzle predicts bad things.In contrast, proper muzzle acclimation teaches the dog that the muzzle predicts food and calm interactions, they have choice and control, nothing bad happens when the muzzle appears and staying relaxed pays off. That’s exactly what you’ll see in this video.The goal is not to rush to get the muzzle buckled. The real goal is to get a dog who understands what’s happening, who isn’t stressed or shut down, and who willingly participates. If a dog can calmly put their nose into a muzzle on their own, everything else becomes easier.Treats are a huge part of successful muzzle acclimation — and no, they’re not “bribes.” Food helps change emotional responses, build positive associations, lower anxiety, reinforce calm behavior and create clarity.Muzzle appears → food appearsThis simple step is where most of the groundwork happens.Voluntary Nose-In Muzzle Training is something you should be thinking about. Eventually, the dog begins placing their nose inside the muzzle — on their own. This is a critical moment in muzzle training.Build Duration Slowly Duration is where a lot of people mess up muzzle training. They get one success and immediately jump ahead. Instead, we build duration gradually while watching the dog’s body language closely.If stress shows up, we slow down or take a step back. There’s no deadline or rush.Choosing the Right Muzzle for TrainingNot all muzzles are created equal. For proper muzzle acclimation, the muzzle should allow full panting, allow drinking water, allow taking treats, fit securely without rubbing and not restrict breathingBasket muzzles are typically the best option for training because they allow normal mouth movement and airflow.Muzzles are one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training. A lot of people assume that if a dog wears a muzzle it means the dog is bad or incredibly aggressive. In reality, a muzzle is simply a safety tool, and when it’s introduced correctly, all dogs can learn to wear one comfortably and calmly.Thanks for listening and feel free to reach out with questions!

This episode is for all the trainers that listen to our show. Burn out in dog training is a real concern and is something all trainers should be aware of.We have roughly 50 people on the Suburban K9 team and burn out is something we talk about with all of our team members. It is crucial that you take care of your self so that you are in the right head space to help others.Happy holidays!

In this episode Matt answered some dog training questions that listeners had submitted recently. Let us know in the comments if this type of episode is helpful!

Matt's take in this episode is that stay and place are often used so much that it becomes abusive.  He and Nelson dive into both commands and discuss appropriate and inappropriate uses for them. If you are interested in ensuring that your dogs and your clients dogs have a great life this episode is a can't miss.

We spent some time talking through how to handle Halloween with your dog. We discussed costumes, decorations and all the various ways your dog may become scared or aggressive. Please share this episode with anyone you think may need it!

We had a lot of comments on our YouTube channel about a streamer named Hasan using an e collar on his dog.  People are alleging that he is abusing his dog with an e collar after incident during one of his live streams.We watched the videos (linked below) and then filmed this episode discussing what we saw.  It led to a great conversation about e collar usage and treatment of dogs in general.  Let us know what you think:!https://youtu.be/dqexB1-3TOA?si=F6F0TMu2XWlurnp9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0IoJ9RXnk8

We dive into a conversation about every type of leash we can think of. We give the pros and cons of each type and explain when we use each type of leash.Let us know if you have any questions!

We had a fun conversation discussing the differences between reactive dogs, aggressive dogs and dangerous dogs. This may sound like semantics, but the distinction matters.

We had Evan Doggett on the podcast for a wide ranging dog training conversation! We talked about treadmill training dogs, fixing behavioral problems, how diet can affect your dog's behavior and much more. Make sure to follow Evan on social media and YouTube. Links below!Evan's website: doggettstyle.com Evan's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@doggettstyledogtraining

Although we are fans of e collar training, there are a lot of bad e collar trainers out there. Some people point to bad trainers and say "BAN THE TOOL", but this won't work. Bad trainers will always be bad trainers unless they learn. Banning a tool will just drive the tool underground or cause them to use a different tool with the same bad methods. When using a e collar it is crucial to (1) have a plan, (2) take your time when introducing the collar and (3) spend more time on the teaching phase than you think you need to and (4) make sure you spend a ton of time on teaching the dog another alternative to undesirable behavior.

The guys each ran through a couple of training scenarios/stories from their week. From witnessing a dog attack to socializing a Frenchie, they each had an interesting week!

Teaching your dog proper boundaries is important from a safety standpoint and it also makes life a lot more fun!This ranges from teaching them not to leave the boundaries of your yard to things such as stairs, crates, the front door and other thresholds. Enjoy the episode and let us know if you have questions!

Heel is a foundational command and when done right teaches your dog much more than to simply stop pulling. This is a command that can truly change your dog. It teaches them to focus, establishes the fact that they need to listen to you when you ask something and is a great calming technique that you can use anytime.

This episode is fully focused on our 3 step process for correcting unwanted behavior and calming a dog down. As you listen to the episode you will notice that this process is extremely simple and can be applied to a huge variety of situations. Drop a comment with any questions!

The hosts spent some time talking about current news stories in the dog world. From dog robots to Korean dog meat farms, they covered a large variety of stories. Tune in and enjoy!

In this episode, the hosts discuss how to manage dogs that are scared of fireworks, especially with the 4th of July approaching. They cover various strategies including medication, training techniques, and desensitization methods. The hosts emphasize the need for responsible pet ownership and proactive training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners during the holiday. TakeawaysMedication like Benadryl can help manage fireworks anxiety in dogs.It's important to train your dog in basic commands before the fireworks start.Desensitization to loud noises can reduce fear of fireworks.Staying home with your dog during fireworks is crucial for their comfort.Exercise your dog leading up to the 4th of July to help them relax.Using music to mask the sound of fireworks can be beneficial.Fireworks anxiety can be managed with proper training and preparation.Don't let your dog hide during fireworks; it can worsen their anxiety.Consider boarding your dog if you have a party during fireworks.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of e-collar training for dogs, emphasizing the importance of proper introduction and mechanics. They explore the differences between positive punishment and negative reinforcement, and how to effectively use e-collars for commands and behavioral corrections. The conversation also highlights common mistakes trainers make and the significance of client education in ensuring successful training outcomes. We also added a new game where we randomly call one of our trainers live on the show and put them on the spot!

Today on the Balanced Dog Training Show, we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Melanie Uhde for an eye-opening conversation on how hormones and neurotransmitters influence dog behavior—and how that knowledge can transform your training approach.Dr. Uhde is a renowned expert in canine neurobiology and behavior, and she's leading the charge in bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday dog training. In this episode, we dive deep into the major neurotransmitters and hormones—like dopamine, serotonin, cortisol, and adrenaline—and how each one affects a dog’s emotional state, reactivity, focus, and ability to learn.We break down how these chemical messengers impact common behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression, overexcitement, and fear. More importantly, we explore how understanding what’s happening inside a dog’s brain allows trainers and owners to tailor their approach, creating calmer, more confident dogs and more effective training sessions.Whether you're a professional dog trainer, a passionate dog owner, or just someone curious about the science behind behavior, this episode offers a fascinating look at the biological forces shaping your dog’s actions—and how you can use that knowledge to your advantage.Guest: Dr. Melanie Uhde📘 Facebook: Dr. Melanie Uhde📷 Instagram: @caninedecoded▶️ YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@dr.melanieuhde

In this episode, the hosts discuss the concept of guard dogs, focusing on how to raise a family-friendly dog that can also exhibit guarding behaviors. They explore the balance between allowing natural guarding instincts and ensuring the dog remains social and manageable. The conversation delves into the importance of breed selection, personality traits, and the role of training in shaping a dog's behavior. The hosts emphasize that a dog's deterrent effect often relies on its appearance and behavior rather than formal training. They discuss how daily interactions shape a dog's behavior, the significance of socialization, and the management of barking. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency in training and the understanding that dogs learn from their environment and the responses of their owners.

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the nuances of energy in dog training, emphasizing its critical role in establishing effective communication and training methods. They explore the differences between using treats and praise, the importance of reading a dog's energy, and how to tailor training approaches to individual dogs' needs. The discussion also touches on the significance of energy levels in creating a strong bond between trainers and dogs, and how understanding these dynamics can lead to more successful training outcomes.