“My Dog Needs a Refresher” — Or Do You?
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—reframes the classic request for a “refresher.” Dogs don’t usually “forget” training; they renegotiate rules when accountability fades. Kati breaks down why effectiveness beats endless “consistency,” how to prevent slide-backs by keeping tools in play, and why the real fix is owners returning to clear rules, boundaries, and meaningful follow-through.
Episode Highlights
- Effectiveness over endless consistency: Good training changes behavior so you don’t have to micromanage forever.
- Dogs renegotiate, they don’t forget: When standards aren’t enforced, dogs test—and then keep the new pattern.
- Keep the e-collar on during the habit-setting phase: Think 6–18+ months depending on dog, people, and use.
- Accountability must exist with or without tools: If the collar is off, you still need a clear consequence for bad choices.
- Skin care PSA: Dry under waterproof e-collar straps after swimming; keep the neck clean to avoid hot spots.
- “Refresher” usually means handler coaching: The dog knows the skills; owners need a reset on enforcement.
- Start fair, then be meaningful: Use low–moderate levels to re-draw boundaries, then follow through so it sticks.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:29 – Who we are: Diamond K9; off-leash obedience, behavior modification, and puppy programs.
- 01:27 – “We haven’t been consistent.” Why consistency helps only if you’re doing the right things.
- 02:38 – Door example: within a day or two, dogs can auto-pause at thresholds—effectiveness reduces day-to-day nagging.
- 03:36 – If you’ve been “lax” for months, that’s not a phase—that’s a lifestyle your dog has learned.
- 05:57 – Boarding drop-offs: “He could use a refresher.” Translation: standards slipped; dogs renegotiated rules.
- 07:45 – Mistakes will happen; your response determines whether patterns regress or hold.
- 08:50–10:34 – Why Kati keeps e-collars on in the early months: catch the inevitable mistake and keep patterns clean.
- 10:34–12:55 – Common pitfall: collar off + no real consequence → dogs learn there’s a free pass.
- 12:55–13:40 – Social media myths vs. results: leaving e-collar on helps owners keep reliability.
- 13:40–14:44 – Hot-spot tip: waterproof straps + moisture can irritate; dry well after swims.
- 16:11 – What “refresher” really is: go back to original rules and accountability; the dog already knows the work.
- 17:30 – Life happens; small slides become new normals unless you intervene.
- 18:36–19:53 – High consequence for clear disobedience reduces future boundary-testing.
- 19:53–21:23 – When can you remove equipment? Only if you can replicate trainer-level enforcement.
- 23:01–25:13 – Trainer confessions: tightening up threshold manners at home; tools stay on so misses can be addressed.
- 25:13–26:42 – At pick-up, owners need hands-on time—skills aren’t new; enforcement technique is.
- 26:42–28:42 – Puppies: leash/obedience first; later add e-collar to finish reliability.
- 28:42–31:10 – Expect a little confusion when re-enforcing after a long gap; start fair, then be meaningful.
- 31:10–32:19 – Final takeaway: stop focusing on the dog’s “memory” and look at your enforcement. Change your patterns; the dog’s will follow.