Category: Dog advice

Inviting a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life. These furry companions can bring so much happiness, affection and protection into your home. However, most dogs benefit greatly from some form of professional dog training, especially if it’s to weed out behavioural issues. Whether it’s […]

When selecting a breed of family protection dogs, it’s important to balance traits like temperament, strength, loyalty, and trainability. In doing so, you can select a dog breed that is perfect for both family life and protection. In this article, we’ll help you understand which dog breeds are best suited for family protection and what […]

Teaching your dog new tricks is a rewarding experience that can strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation for your furry friend. Not only is it a fun activity, but it also helps to keep your dog’s mind sharp and their behaviour manageable. Below, we explore a variety of tricks that you can teach your […]

Security dogs are specially trained working service dogs that focus on protecting property and people. Their work is demanding, which means that to do their job effectively security dogs need to be in peak physical and mental condition. One of the most important things to maintain with these dogs is the right nutrition and healthcare […]

Castration, also known as neutering or spaying, is a common surgical procedure performed on dogs to remove their reproductive organs. While this procedure is primarily aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risk of certain health issues, many dog owners wonder whether it has an impact on their pet’s behaviour. In this article, we […]

Training your dog to sit is one of the fundamental commands that can pave the way for further training and discipline. Not only does it help in managing your dog’s behaviour, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. So in this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively […]

A flirt pole, sometimes referred to as a “teaser pole” or “tug pole,” is a versatile and interactive dog training tool. It consists of a long, sturdy pole with a rope or line attached to one end, and a lure or toy affixed to the rope’s end. This simple yet effective device is designed to […]

The diet of a dog can have a profound impact on its physical health, but what about its behaviour? As research into canine nutrition advances, evidence suggests that what a dog eats can indeed influence its mood and behaviour. Pet owners and professionals are taking notice of how nutritional components can act as building blocks […]

The palatability of dog food plays a significant role in shaping a dog’s behaviour. Palatability refers to the taste, texture, and aroma of food that entices a dog to consume it. While the impact of palatability on a dog’s appetite and enjoyment of meals is well-known, its influence on how dogs act is often overlooked. […]

Owning a security dog can bring a sense of safety and protection to your home. These highly trained canines serve as excellent deterrents to potential intruders and can provide valuable assistance in maintaining a secure environment. However, before bringing a security dog into your home, it’s important to make sure your living space is prepared […]

Understand Guarding Behaviour The first step in addressing guarding behaviour is understanding what triggers your dog. Common triggers include the approach of people or other animals while they are eating, playing with toys, or resting in a favoured spot. Observing your dog’s behaviour closely and noting what prompts the guarding can help you create an […]

Protection dogs are specially trained canines that provide security and protection to their owners and their property. They are becoming increasingly popular among people who want an extra layer of protection for their homes or day-to-day lives. If you are considering buying a protection dog, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure […]

Dog trainers are professionals who specialise in teaching dogs to behave in desired ways. They help owners to develop an understanding of their dogs and to teach commands, skills and behaviours to help dogs become well-mannered and obedient companions. Training Basics The first stage of training a dog usually involves teaching them basic skills and […]

Introduction Bringing a guard dog into your home is incredibly rewarding, but it can be a little daunting at first. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you and your pup have a safe and comfortable environment. By taking the time to prepare your home for a guard dog, you can make sure […]

Introduction Dogs are our best friends for a reason. People love dogs as pets because they are loyal, affectionate, and fun to play with. If you choose to train your pet as a security dog, then it also offers a number of unique benefits. So in this article, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of […]

When we think of dogs, we usually picture a happy and energetic animal who’s always up to something, but this isn’t always the case! While most dogs are submissive in nature, some can be overly dominant…

It isn’t uncommon for a dog’s behaviour to change over time. However, dogs tend to reach maturity at around three years of age, so sudden and drastic behaviour changes

Protection dogs don’t need affection This is one of the most damaging myths out there. Though protection dogs may look fierce and have a job to do, that does not mean that

At Total K9 we have decades of combined experience in selecting and training world class protection dogs. We are proud to uphold incredibly high standards and we don’t think you should settle for anything less, especially when it’s your personal safety, family and relationships at stake. Here are five traits to look out for in […]

Over the past year leaving the house to walk a dog has been classed as essential daily exercise. But sociable meet-ups with other owners in busy parks have become a thing of the past. As a result most dogs have had less

  If you’ve welcomed a new puppy or dog into your residence, you may be feeling a little lost when it comes to training them. Most dogs need help learning the necessary behaviours to live in a domestic environment. However,

It is important, of course, to care for your dog year-round. Winter, however, can provide a unique set of challenges for dog owners that must be carefully considered. Below we outline some important considerations and care tips for dogs in winter.

German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the country and for good reason. Their versatile temperaments make them both the perfect family pet and an effective crime deterrent. Here are the top reasons to choose a German Shepard trained dog as your next canine companion.

Part of the fun of getting a new puppy is their seemingly boundless energy. Playing games with your puppy is a great way to spend the day, especially if you have children. Unfortunately, all this energy can cause problems at bedtime. New puppies often struggle to sleep and a restless puppy can keep the whole […]

There’s nothing quite like knowing that you’ve got your very own living, breathing alarm system by your side, bred and trained to protect you, no matter what. At heart, that’s what a personal protection dog is. Love and loyalty come genetically inherent with many of these breeds so,

Training a new puppy or adult dog can be a difficult and time-consuming process. The process of training your dog can take even longer if you are making any of the following 5 common dog training mistakes.

If the first thing you do when your pet ignores you is shout, then you might be doing something wrong. Take a step back and read some of the suggestions below. There are lots of reasons a pet might ignore you, whether it’s when they refuse to return to their lead during a walk or […]

As the saying goes, a dog is a man’s best friend. However, anyone who has ever owned a dog will understand just how much work goes into keeping a furry friend, and more importantly, keeping them happy. However, before they embark on this task, many people underestimate just how much training goes into ensuring a […]

When your dog is displaying negative behaviours, it can be hard not to get frustrated, or blame yourself. However, it’s important to understand why your pup is

Some people assume training their dogs is “just common sense”, but they are soon convinced otherwise when they join us on one of our residential dog training programs. To effectively train your pets, residential dog training uses scientifically proven methods from the realm of psychology. Here are three key theories you should be aware of:

You may always get annoyed by your dog’s harsh greetings to visitors. However, don’t entirely blame your dog. You probably haven’t trained them on how to give visitors a calm reception. The following three ways can go a long way in training your dog to

Introducing any new pet to the family is an adjustment for existing members. But, with the stereotypical image of cats and dogs at war, how can you combine feline and canine in household harmony? Despite expectations, dogs and cats can be

Mental stimulation is one of the most important aspects of residential dog training, but it often gets overlooked. If you find your dog is still overstimulated and excited after a walk or a game of fetch, consider adding some brain games into the mix. Instead of giving your dog every meal in a food bowl, […]

Your dog is part of the family, and you should be able to include them in all aspects of family life. But, what happens when your beloved dog is antisocial

If you’re a new dog owner, you may have noticed that your puppy can be somewhat possessive of items around the house. This possessiveness can extend to anything from a high-value item like a bowl of kibble to a (seemingly) low-value item like a scrap of cardboard.

It’s estimated that 24% of people in the UK own at least one dog. Some have been motivated by a desire for companionship, some by a need for protection and others simply by a love for all things cute. But if you’re one of the six million UK individuals with anxiety or depression or one […]

So maybe you’ve just adopted or rescued a new dog, and you bring your new family member home, only to realise that they are not trained. Don’t worry; it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

Training your dog helps build the bond between you and enables the creation of a trusting relationship. Some of the essential skills your dog needs to learn include:

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time as new pups are hyper, cute and lots of fun. However, it can be easy to forget about proper dog training as you play with your adorable new arrival, but good training is key to a well behaved adult dog. Once your puppy grows up, mischievous behaviour […]

A dog is a companion for life. Loyal, devoted and constant, they look after their owners without question. At TOTAL K9 ®️ we understand that lifelong dedication and fidelity is vital, this is why you can trust us to provide you, your family and your own home with a particular type of safety: a fully […]

If you are looking for protection dogs for sale, then make sure you get them microchipped when you finally bring them home. There will be a legal requirement from April next year for all dogs to be microchipped with information about their