Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Off-Leash Colorado will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Is there anything better than relaxing with a good book after a long and luxurious walk with your pup? Whether you prefer a hard copy or an audiobook, we think anything featuring a dog is, well, doggone fantastic. Her ..read more

Just like humans, dogs enjoy certain post-exercise perks after an intense workout. We’ve compiled our list of post-hike symptoms to be on the lookout for, plus some TLC tips so that no matter where your adventures take you, your pup can recover well and get back out on the trail sooner. Overheating/Hydrate Overheating is very dangerous for your dog! Remember to hydrate both before and during a hike, but it’s equally important to maintain hydration afterward too. Pace your dog with small amounts of water at a time and, for an added treat, dampen a towel and give them a cool rubdown with it. Als ..read more

It’s time to kick off 2022, and in honor of the new year, we’ve made a list of activities (one for every month) for you and your pup to enjoy together. Happy adventuring! January Kick-off the new year in full force with some active outdoor adventuring. Bring your pup along for outdoor excursions like snowshoeing or skijoring (a cross country-style activity where your dog helps pull you). Check out a few different location options here and here for inspiration on how to get started. February For a more laid-back activity and chance to escape the bitter cold that likes to accompany February, why ..read more

Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Off-Leash Colorado will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Our Trainers Favorite Holiday Gifts for Dogs Don’t forget to buy something special for your furry friend this holiday season. Our trainers have hand-selected nine gifts to make your holiday shopping a little easier. F ..read more

Happy Halloween everyone! Here at Off-Leash K9 we’re ramping up the fun and festivities with a list of some of our favorite costume ideas for your pup. Stay spooky! Dog Costumes If you’re looking for a costume for your furry friend, we have a few suggestions below. Number one on our list, the “pup-uccino.” This costume is fit for pups of all sizes (small through extra large)! The logo “cup” is soft and fits similar to a harness, and the straw cap ties on for a little added flair. The only other thing you need is your pug-kin… oops, pumpkin spice latte to match! Saddle up for option two! This ..read more

Teaching your dog to give you a hug is a fun and cute way to show affection to your furry best friend. Not only is it an adorable trick, but it also helps build the bond between you and your dog. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to teach your dog to give you a hug. Step 1: Introduce the “hug” command Start by standing in front of your dog and holding out your arms in a hugging motion. Say “hug” in a happy, upbeat tone and encourage your dog to come closer to you. If they do, reward them with treats and praise. Repeat this several times until your dog starts to associate ..read more

Puppy eyes are why we adopt them, but those eyes tend to do less and less to get them out of trouble when bad behavior starts. Luckily, puppies are very receptive to learning from you during their formative years, and Off-Leash K9 is here to help get you started on the right paw (er… foot). This article helps you manage unwanted puppy behaviors including: Jumping Rough play Biting Hands & Mouthing Destructive Behavior Barking Digging Motion Sickness Handling Mounting Behavior Eating Feces When dealing with unwanted puppy behaviors (which become adult dog behaviors if not corrected early ..read more

What is Crate Training? Crate training is a technique that teaches your pup that their crate is a safe, comfortable space for them to rest. It triggers their natural instinct to seek out a cozy den and is useful for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Why Why crate train? We know some people may feel anxious about crating their dog, thinking it’s cruel to keep them cooped up, but when done correctly, it’s exactly the opposite! Crate training has many benefits, both for you and your dog. Crate training keeps puppies and older dogs with destructive behavior safe when they are unsuperv ..read more

Whether it sounds like more of a squeak, ruff, or bork, barking may not always be a welcome form of communication from your furry friend. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Excessive barking is one of the most frequent “help” requests submitted to Off-Leash K9. But what can you do right now to curb excessive barking? Trainer Derek weighs in with a few tips:   Work it Out Is your dog getting enough exercise? While the daily amount is breed-dependent, a good rule of thumb is to exercise your pup for a minimum of thirty minutes every day. A working pup (and a tired pup) is a happy pup, and can o ..read more

Do you have a “pandemic puppy” adopted from a shelter during lockdown? Maybe an “old soul” who has been pleasantly snoozing their way through the ups and downs of society over the past year. Either way, it’s important to ensure your pups are learning, or re-establishing proper socialization, now more than ever while our communities are open. We’ve consulted with Derek, a lead trainer at Off-Leash K9, for some insider tips and tricks on re-socializing your dog to strangers in a group setting. Here’s what he suggests: Be Gradual Start small, preferably with your closest family and friends who do ..read more