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K9s in Action

Training You to Train Your Dog

About the Dog Trainer

If you’re looking for a dog trainer who trains with science and compassion, you’ve found me!

I service the nearby area up to a one-hour drive radius. If you do not live in this vicinity, no problem. I can still work with you over Google Meet.

I Help You Train Your Dog Without Yelling or Frustration

I grew up surrounded by animals. I love them to death. So it was no surprise to anyone around me when I went to school and received a bachelor’s degree in animal behavior from Carroll University

Early on, my direction in life seemed certain. I was going to be a marine biologist. Then something unexpected happened.

Kia (“KAI-uh”) entered my life. A mischievous puppy, she was truly a force to be reckoned with. But, I was committed to being the best human companion she could have

So I dove deep into understanding dog behavior. Little did I know it then, but she was flipping my whole world upside down. And thanks to her, I emerged with a whole new direction in life. 

Now, I want to help others who also struggle with their beloved canines to integrate them into their families in the most loving and effective way possible.

Monica and Kia
Dog training philosophy-K9s In Action

My Training Philosophy

Many years ago, training used to be about just behavior. That led to trainers using aggressive (and sometimes downright abusive) tools and techniques meant to make dogs “submit” to their “masters”. Thank goodness we’ve moved beyond that. 

Today, modern training is no longer about mere “obedience”. It’s concerned with the whole dog. As you train, you have an opportunity to nurture and care for your dog’s overall health (including physical, emotional, and social health), so that it develops into a healthy, confident canine companion. To make that happen, it’s important to start with a basic knowledge of how a dog processes information before you start training your dog.

My Training Approach

That’s why I approach training as being less about training the dog and more about empowering human companions to understand, communicate with, and respond to their canine family members. 

I want to help you train your dog with respect, compassion, and love, rather than intimidation, fear, and violence. I want you to be able to use the science-based methods effectively to get the results you want. I want my knowledge to become your knowledge. 

It is possible to train your dog to reach their full potential without the frustration and yelling. I would love the opportunity to show you how.

Training Approach K9s In Action
My training experience. Happy dogs. K9s in Action

Your Training Experience

Because the primary goal of my training is to empower you to understand your dog, be able to communicate with your dog clearly, and draw out the responsiveness that comes with a solid relationship, I do not do group classes.

Many people prefer group classes because they are more economical. Participants split the cost of the class with other participants. The problem, though, is that they are also splitting the instructors time. That means the content you receive is generic content that isn’t tailored to the needs of your household. And because you are sharing your time with others, you will get very little time, if any, to ask questions.

I also do not do board and train. I realize that many people like this option because it doesn’t take up their time. They send their dog away for someone else to train it. The trainer then brings the dog back and spends an hour or two showing you how to get your dog to respond. 

The problem with this approach is that you don’t learn anything about how to train your dog. What happens when the training goes awry? You don’t know what to do because you weren’t part of the process.

My Training Experience. German Shepherds. K9s In Action
Training Experience K9s In Action

I Focus Specifically on Private Lessons

because they are the best option when it comes to training you to train your dog.

The benefits are clear.

  • You have my undivided attention for the entire class. 
  • I can answer your questions as they arise. 
  • I can adapt the training for the needs of your household. 

And to make working with me even better for you, I have extremely low rates for my private training sessions compared to the typical rates in the dog training industry.

That means when you work with me, you get…

  • The most advanced dog training in the area 
  • with the most empowering experience 
  • at unusually affordable rates.

If this is what you’re looking for, I hope to hear from you soon.

My Training Experience. Dog walking. K9s in action

Are You Ready to Learn How to Train Your Dog?