Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming. With endless brands, formulas, and marketing claims, it’s hard to know what truly supports your dog’s health. The good news? When you understand your dog’s individual needs and what to look for on a label, the decision becomes much simpler. Below is a clear, trainer-approved guide to help you make the best choice for your dog. 1. Start With Your Dog’s Individual Needs No two dogs are exactly alike, and diet should never be...

Training your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can share with your furry friend. But where do you start? How do you find local dog trainers who truly understand your pet’s needs and can help you build a strong, positive relationship? If you’ve ever searched for “dog training near me,” you know it can be overwhelming. Let’s break it down together and make this journey easier and more enjoyable. Why Choosing Local Dog Trainers Matters When it comes to training

Meet Piper: A Star Student at K9 Kindergarten! Say hello to Piper — a sweet, full-of-personality German Shepherd who completed training with us last week! Piper worked hard on important skills like “come,” “leave it,” leash manners, and more. We’re so proud of her progress! At K9 Kindergarten, we don’t just train dogs — we empower owners, too. Whether you're dealing with behavioral issues or just want a better-behaved pup, our personalized programs are designed to help you an

Harley’s Training Journey Begins at K9 Kindergarten Meet Harley — a playful one-year-old black Lab who just started our Board & Train program at K9 Kindergarten! In just two days, Harley has already mastered the “come” command and is now working on “sit” and “place.” We love seeing such fast progress! All of our programs are led by David Wilkins , an IACP Professional Master Trainer with years of hands-on experience. Whether you're struggling with obedience, leash manners, or

From Runaway Pup to Calm Companion: Neptune’s Transformation at K9 Kindergarten It’s been a busy and rewarding week at K9 Kindergarten, where David Wilkins , IACP Professional Master Trainer, has been working one-on-one with families to help turn stress into success. One of our recent stars is Neptune — a lovable pup who came to us with a few big challenges. His family was at their wit’s end dealing with constant barking and frequent escapes. Every time someone opened the doo

Training in Full Swing at K9 Kindergarten — Meet Our Latest Pup Stars! It’s been a busy (and tail-wagging) week here at K9 Kindergarten — and we wouldn’t have it any other way! 💕 David Wilkins , IACP Pro Master Trainer, and our amazing team have been hard at work with two sweet pups who are learning essential skills like “come,” “leave it,” polite greetings (no jumping!), and confident leash walking. These early wins lay the foundation for better behavior, deeper trust, and

Fireworks & Furry Friends: Helping Your Dog Stay Calm This 4th of July Did you know it’s completely natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises? 📣 The sound of fireworks can trigger their nervous systems, causing anxiety, fear, and a powerful instinct to run and hide. While thunder is a natural sound they might adjust to over time, fireworks are sudden, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. At K9 Kindergarten , we understand how stressful holidays like the 4th of July can be for bo

Safe. Simple. Secure. Why More Families Trust K9 Kindergarten for Hidden Dog Fence Installation & Training Your backyard should be a place of freedom, fun, and peace of mind — not worry about your dog wandering off. At K9 Kindergarten , we combine professional-grade hidden dog fence installation with personalized training, so you can feel 100% confident your pup will stay safe, stay close, and stay home . With over 30 years of experience  in both electrical systems and canine

Dog Training Collars: Tools for Communication, Not Fear Not all dogs learn the same way. While some pups respond beautifully to treats, clickers, and leash guidance, others need more structured, intuitive support—especially when behaviors go beyond basic manners. Issues like aggression, bolting, dominance, or confusion about their role in the “pack” often require a different approach. That’s where dog training collars , used properly, can make a life-changing difference. Misu

What If Your Pet Goes Missing? Imagine losing your dog or cat; you would have a much better chance of being reunited with your pet just...

The Four Rules of Leash Walking: Simple Tips for a Better Walk with Your Dog Walking your dog should be one of the most enjoyable parts of your day — not a tug-of-war match or a source of stress. At K9 Kindergarten , we believe a well-structured walk creates confidence, calm, and a stronger bond between you and your pup. Here are our Four Essential Rules of Leash Walking  to help make every walk a success: 1. Potty First, Walk Second - Before you head out, make sure your dog

How Underground Dog Fences Work (and Why They're So Effective) K9 Kindergarten LLC | David Wilkins, IACP Pro Master Trainer Keeping your dog safe in your yard shouldn’t mean chaining them up or building an expensive, view-blocking fence. That’s why so many families turn to underground dog fences  — a proven, affordable solution that gives your dog freedom and  keeps them secure. At K9 Kindergarten , we combine expert installation  with personalized training , so your dog not

How to Potty Train Your Puppy the Right Way By K9 Kindergarten | David Wilkins, IACP Pro Master Trainer If you're welcoming a new puppy into your home, congratulations! But before you stock up on puppy pads and cross your fingers... let’s talk about how to actually  potty train your pup — the right way. At K9 Kindergarten , we’ve helped thousands of families housebreak their dogs quickly and successfully using simple, humane methods based on canine behavior. Here’s what you n