Applejack K-9 Academy & Kennel

Training begins with a free evaluation. Dogs then enter a 7-day intensive board-and-train program with daily professional training, exercise, and play. Owners receive weekly private lessons followed by group classes. Obedience is required before advanced courses like protection, agility, tracking, or off-leash training. Service dog training is available through the ERWD program, requiring application. Group classes are held Monday–Saturday with specific times for basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Advanced courses occur in spring and fall.

Pricing Summary

Basic Obedience Package: $1,200–$1,500; Basic Obedience and Behavioral Modification: $1,500–$2,500; Personal/Family Protection: $5,000; Boarding: $40/night; Discounts: $100 for military/first responders, rescue dogs, multiple dogs, and juveniles under 6 months. No fixed class limits—training continues until goals are met.

Policies

Boarding requires completion of the initial week of training. Dogs must have up-to-date immunizations: Rabies, Bordatella, DHPP, and Canine Influenza. Owners may provide their own food or pay $5/day for 4Health food. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated for training sessions.

Applejack K-9 Academy & Kennel is a family-owned dog training business established in 1987 by Douglas Ramsey and now operated by his sons, Kyle and Ryan. They offer customized training programs for all dog breeds, focusing on behavior modification, obedience, protection, agility, tracking, and service dog training. Their approach emphasizes dog psychology, communication between handler and dog, and uses vocal praise instead of food rewards or clickers. Training begins with a free evaluation, followed by a 7-day intensive board-and-train program where dogs learn a 13-command routine. Owners then receive weekly private and group lessons to reinforce skills. They also offer boarding services with large indoor/outdoor runs, infrared heat, and skylights, and breed German Shepherd puppies with temperament and health screening. Their ERWD program specializes in service, therapy, and working dogs. They serve clients in Southern Maryland and beyond, with training available weekdays and weekends.

They provide training for puppies, adolescents, adults, and seniors, addressing issues like aggression, separation anxiety, leash pulling, reactivity, chewing, and fearfulness. Discounts are available for military, first responders, rescue dogs, multiple dogs, and juveniles under 6 months. Their facility is located in Charlotte Hall, MD, and they prioritize long-term success over fixed class limits, adapting training to each dog’s needs.

In addition to training, they offer pet boarding, dog breeding, and a service dog certification program through ERWD.org. They do not offer grooming, walking, or daycare services beyond boarding and training.

Trainers include certified professionals and student trainers under the Ramsey family’s guidance, continuing Doug’s legacy of hands-on, psychology-based training.

They have trained thousands of dogs since 1987, including working dogs, service dogs, and family pets, with many clients returning for multiple dogs or boarding.

Their training is facility-based, with no in-home or video sessions offered.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1987 by Douglas Ramsey, Applejack K-9 has trained thousands of dogs for families and working roles internationally. The Ramsey family continues his legacy with a focus on dog psychology and behavior modification. Their ERWD program is a nationally recognized service dog registry.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free evaluation of your dog. Schedule online or call (301) 884-7547. After evaluation, dogs enter a 7-day intensive board-and-train program. Owners then attend weekly private and group lessons to continue progress.