Koda's Canine Academy

10/14/2026

I can't believe I even find myself making a post like this, however, I think it needs to be said because apparently some people still don't know how to behave like adults.

There is nothing I tolerate less than people treating my people with hate or disrespect, especially when it has absolutely nothing to do with their character or how they perform their job.

Trust me when I say I am the first person to hold them accountable if I think they did something wrong, and they will be the first to tell you that. I am also absolutely open to hearing criticisms about something they did as a trainer or professional. Because that's how we grow.

However, if you treat them with blatant hate or disrespect because you think they are somehow lesser than you and hurt them on a personal level, I'm the one you get to deal with. I'm not the type of leader who lets things go to protect my own image, I'm the type that goes to war defending my own.

I ask a lot of my team and them of me.

Koda's wouldn't be what it is today without them; they literally helped make my wildest dream come true.

I will defend them to my last breath.

So before you bring your entitlement over here thinking it's okay to treat others that way, just ask yourself, is it worth it?

-Respectfully, Jordan Rogers

10/13/2026

Big news for the Chattanooga and Walker County dog community! 🎉 Kodas Canine Academy has officially claimed the #1 spot for Dog Training in Walker County! Kathleen has been taking on some of the toughest behavioral cases out there and turning them into incredible success stories. Her dedication to every dog and family she works with is unmatched, and her passion is the heartbeat of everything we do here. Coming to Kodas isn’t a transaction, it’s joining a family, it’s finding a lifelong support system for you and your four legged best friend. Call Koda’s today if you’re struggling with where to start when it comes to your training journey. We promise it will be worth it!

10/12/2026

Where's the off switch on this thing?

When we work with high-drive dogs, it’s easy to become focused on giving them enough outlets for their energy and instincts.

More exercise.
More play.
More training.
More jobs.
More stimulation.

And while those things absolutely have their place, sometimes we can accidentally overcompensate for a dog's need to work and overlook one of the most important skills we can teach them: how to settle.

A dog can have a strong work ethic, incredible drive, and a natural desire to engage—and still need to learn how to turn it off.

Settling is a skill.

It means learning that not every moment requires action. Not every movement means something is about to happen. Not every environment needs to be explored. Not every opportunity to work needs to be taken.

For some dogs, especially those with strong working drives, this doesn't come naturally.

They may pace, constantly seek engagement, follow you from room to room, stare at you waiting for the next activity, struggle to relax after training, or become frustrated when nothing is happening.

That's where self-soothing and settling skills become incredibly important.

We want dogs to learn how to move between states:

Engage → Work → Recover → Relax

Instead of:

Engage → Work → More stimulation → More work → Exhaustion

There is a big difference between a dog being physically tired and a dog being able to genuinely settle their nervous system and relax.

Sometimes the best thing we can give a high-drive dog isn't another game of fetch, another walk, or another training session.

Sometimes it's the opportunity to learn:

Nothing is happening right now—and that's okay.

Teaching a dog to settle doesn't mean ignoring their needs or suppressing their instincts. Actually, its the opposite.

We can give those instincts appropriate outlets while also teaching the dog that they don't have to be in work mode all the time.

A confident working dog should be able to work hard when asked…

…and then come home, take a breath, and just be.

That ability to switch off isn't something we should overlook.

The goal isn't a dog that is constantly busy.
The goal is a dog that understands when it's time to work—and when it's time to rest.

10/09/2026

I get to make dogs and their owners feel more comfortable and confident.

10/07/2026

10/05/2026

In case you need a reason to smile this Monday.

Moose says hi. 😊 ♥️ 🐾

10/05/2026

Play is more than just fun—it gives dogs a healthy and appropriate outlet for their natural instincts.

Whether they are chasing, tugging, retrieving, searching, problem-solving, or using their bodies, purposeful play allows dogs to engage in the behaviors they were naturally designed to perform. These sessions can build confidence, improve engagement, strengthen communication, and deepen the bond between a dog and their handler.

When we give dogs appropriate opportunities to fulfill those instincts, we aren’t just tiring them out—we’re meeting an important part of their physical, mental, and emotional needs.

At Koda’s Canine Academy, we use play with purpose: nurturing natural instincts while building focus, self-control, trust, and teamwork. 🐾

10/03/2026

I want to welcome Miss Stella to the Koda's Canine Academy pack. Stella is an extremely fearful girl. She is so fearful that just seeing new people can cause her to urinate.

Today Angie went to Stella's house, and spent time just being calm and still, waiting for Stella to come to her when Stella felt safe and comfortable.

I was very happy when Stella felt comfortable enough for me to be able to walk around inside her home, without feeling like she had to hide or have an accident.

I am looking forward to watching this beautiful girl grow more comfortable and confident.

10/02/2026

When you have a reactive dog, you have to have patience.

This is my new friend Nelly and she is a little reactive. Nelly is a very sweet smart girl, but she can sometimes appear a little aggressive. When in reality she is just very excited,curious and just a little nervous.

So we worked on engaging and disengaging with some of Nelly’s biggest challenges. Dad and I would let her see a neighborhood dog, and we disengaged her from her challenge of seeing a dog. Nelly did a great job at showing some of her signals that she was starting to have some big emotions. We disengaged before Nelly can start to bark.

Stay consistent and keep working with your reactive pup. I promise it will pay off. If you want some help, please reach out to us. We believe in balance training at Koda’s.