29K9 Dog Training

10/13/2026

This is why I tell folks to talk to their vet before automatically spay/neuter. It is about more than just birth control. Responsible pet owners need to know all the facts before making those decisions. This study addressed mast cell tumors. There are tons of other peer-reviewed studies that address different types of cancers, orthopedic problems and behavior challenges. Do your research before deciding when or if to spay/neuter. Be responsible. We are on our 3rd dog that we've delayed spay/neuter for and have had zero unplanned pregnancies.

✂️🥜🐶 WHAT IF WHEN YOU SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG MATTERS JUST AS MUCH AS WHETHER YOU DO IT?

Preventing unwanted litters matters. But is it time to rethink HOW we sterilize dogs? Hormone-sparing procedures, including hysterectomy and vasectomy, can prevent reproduction while preserving natural s*x hormones.

🔬 NEW 2026 PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH

Over 10 years, researchers reviewed records from 56,254 veterinary patients, including 313 dogs with mast cell tumors and 638 tumor-free comparison dogs. The study was accepted for publication in The Veterinary Journal.

🤯 1. TIMING MATTERS!

Dogs spayed or neutered before age 2 had 343% higher odds of a mast cell tumor diagnosis compared with intact dogs. Dogs sterilized after age 2 showed no statistically significant increase.

🐕 2. SIZE MATTERS!

Compared with small dogs, medium dogs had 2.6 times the odds and large dogs 5.2 times the odds.

⚖️ 3. WEIGHT MATTERS!

Overweight dogs had 80% higher odds than dogs at an ideal weight.

🧬 4. BREED MATTERS!

Compared with mixed-breed dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers had 7.5 times the odds and Boxers 3.9 times. Some breed groups were small.

❤️ 5. WHAT ABOUT SURVIVAL?

Neutering status wasn’t significantly associated with survival after surgery. Tumor grade and size were more important predictors.

🔬 WHY MIGHT HORMONES MATTER?

S*x hormones influence immune function and development. Researchers propose that early hormone removal and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) may play a role, but this remains unproven.

🐾 THE BIG TAKEAWAY

Preventing unwanted litters doesn’t always mean removing hormone-producing organs. It’s time for individualized conversations with veterinarians about WHEN and HOW we sterilize dogs.

📄 Download the FREE PDF with the latest research surrounding Spay & Neuter Syndrome. Link in comments!

10/12/2026

It's Pumpkin Season! Sugar pumpkins are a fun add for changing up those outside toys.

09/30/2026

We have some new freezer treat shapes and this one was a definite winner. The Freezbone Freezflower was filled with oatmweal mixed with yogurt and then apple slices, carrot chunks and a chicken foot were in there. She had a blast as you can see.

09/30/2026

A virtual leash is still a shock collar and will still cause your dog pain. Even the threat of pain causes damage. Don't do that when there are so many ways to work with your dog that are positive, fear, pain and intimidation free, and will create the type of relationship you want.

09/29/2026

The weather is frightful so it's time to create indoor enrichment. Today I made a puzzle from a soda box and paper towel tubes.

09/28/2026

Let's make apple pumpkin cookies!

09/25/2026

My favorite chews have changed over the years as we've learned more about what is safe and what should be avoided. Everyone knows to avoid rawhide, but what chews are currently ranked among the safest? The Whole Dog Journal has a great article on choosing the best chews.

The best chew bones and treats for dogs offer a combination of durability, satisfaction, and safety for your dog to enjoy.

09/14/2026

Yesterday I made these treats for the dogs. I cut them pretty large but you'll want to cut to size for your dog. RuhRoh and Jeepers both thought they were pretty yummy.

08/27/2026

What is one of those necessary (even life saving) cues that our dogs learn? Drop. Teaching a dog to drop what is in their mouth can be life saving, preventing obstructions and injesting life threatening objects. With Jeepers, he absolutely loves to snag smaller laundry items that get dropped...socks, dryer balls, underwear. All things that we don't want him to have. Rather than turning this into a game of hide and seak (dogs LOVE this game) or trying to remove the item from his mouth (which can lead to resource guarding) we taught him "drop".

08/12/2026

We've walked by it a gazillion times and he's never bothered to check it out. It's an old water trough in the corral. Only thing in there today was a spider, but that's ok. He was curious and I want thim to check out his environment. Walks are for him, not me.