Top Dog K9 Training, LLC

10/21/2026

Vinnie knows!

10/18/2026

Eek. Are we still teaching this?
"Mum, can I pat the cute dog?"
"Sure, just reach your hand right out and let them sniff you first."

And it's not just children we've been teaching this to.
It's generational, and it's well and truly established as "how to greet a dog".

But somewhere along the way, we've confused letting a dog gather a bit more information with asking them to accept more physical contact from us.

Dogs don't need a hand presented to their face to smell us.
They really can smell us from metres away.

Do dog trainers disagree on this?
Yes.
Because yes, dogs can gather additional scent information by investigating things up close. I'm not disputing that
But I'm all for safety!
I see a wet floor, I'm gonna put a cone on it.
When I see hands reaching out towards an unfamiliar dog's face?
I'm going to say "please stop".

Because putting a hand directly into a dog's personal space can be the very thing that leads to a bite.

One thing is for sure, though.
Many dogs will choose to come closer to gather more information.
And yes, they can even do it when they're unsure about the person they're investigating.

A sniff doesn't mean an emotional connection has just been made.
It's not any sort of invitation.
And it certainly isn't proof of trust.

So how about we normalise keeping our hands by our sides?

And please, let's teach children a different way. Because this is one piece of advice that really doesn't need passing down to another generation

10/17/2026

This beautiful plaque will have a place of honor in my studio until the end of my time here on this planet. I’m so thankful for you Beth.

10/17/2026

Saw this today and it was great! I predict there will be an influx of clients with German Shepherd
Puppies in need of training! It happens every time a movie features a specific breed. Whatever it is becomes the most popular regardless of whether or not the breed fits the family’s lifestyle. Don’t get a dog who does not fit your lifestyle.

10/15/2026

Do your research!

10/15/2026

Remember, in life (and in dog training), there’s always going to be a bump ahead. The key is to persevere to get to the other side.

10/12/2026

10/07/2026

TOP DOG K9 TRAINING
Reading Your Dog’s Everyday Signals
Small behaviors can offer useful clues about what your dog is noticing or feeling. Read each signal in context and look at the whole dog—not one movement by itself.
TEETH CHATTERING AFTER A SNIFF
Your dog may be processing an interesting scent. Dogs have a scent-processing organ in the roof of the mouth, and jaw chattering can help move scent information toward it. It does not automatically mean your dog is cold.
TOP DOG TIP Give your dog a moment to investigate. Notice what was sniffed and whether the rest of the body stays loose and comfortable.
A SUDDENLY CLOSED MOUTH
A mouth that was relaxed and open may close when something catches your dog’s attention. Your dog may be concentrating, uncertain, or becoming tense; the mouth alone cannot tell you which.
TOP DOG TIP Look at the eyes, ears, weight shift, tail, and ability to respond. Increase distance or simplify the situation if your dog stiffens or stops responding.
HOLDING YOUR HAND GENTLY IN THE MOUTH
Soft, controlled mouthing can happen during play or social contact. It can also increase when a dog is excited or unsure, so the pressure and the rest of the body matter.
TOP DOG TIP Keep hands calm and end the interaction if pressure increases, the body becomes stiff, or your dog cannot settle. Teach a clear alternative such as a toy or resting on a mat.
CARRYING FOOD AWAY FROM THE BOWL
Some dogs prefer to eat in a quieter or more comfortable spot. Bowl noise, floor texture, nearby activity, or a sense of security may influence where they choose to eat.
TOP DOG TIP Feed in a calm area and let your dog eat without hovering. If your dog guards food, growls, or becomes distressed when approached, do not take the food away; ask a qualified trainer for help.
DROOLING IN THE CAR
Drooling can come from motion sickness, worry, or both. It is not always a sign that your dog expects a snack.
TOP DOG TIP Build comfort gradually with brief, low-pressure car sessions and short trips to pleasant places. Ask your veterinarian about repeated drooling, vomiting, or signs of nausea.
YAWNING DURING A TENSE MOMENT
Yawning can mean tiredness. In a busy or uncomfortable situation, repeated yawning may also be a sign your dog is trying to cope with stress.
TOP DOG TIP Lower the excitement, give your dog room, and avoid forcing greetings or handling. Watch for other signs such as turning away, lip licking, freezing, or trying to leave.
Structure • Clarity • Calm • Leadership

10/01/2026

Client rescheduled. Oli decided to head back to bed.