Black Diamond K9

Group Classes are designed as workshops with small sizes for individual attention, mixing demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and group work. Instruction is adaptable to different learning styles. Current classes include Puppy Fundamentals (12 weeks-6 months, $400), Leash Walking/Public Access (6 months+, $425, includes walking tools, open to reactive/unconfident dogs, no direct dog socialization), Adult Basic Obedience (6 months+, $400, no structured socialization), and Advanced Obedience ($400, requires basic obedience, tailored curriculum based on client goals). Upcoming classes include Pack Walks, Puppy Socialization, Neutrality, and Nose Work.

The E-Collar Day Training Program is a structured two-week program (Monday-Friday) for off-leash reliability using an e-collar. Week 1 involves drop-off/pick-up at their facility in Four Corners. Week 2 offers complimentary home pick-up and drop-off within their service range, with the exception of Friday’s pick-up at the facility for a lesson. This program costs $1,975, including the e-collar.

E-Collar Training focuses on off-leash reliability and consistent verbal recall for issues like prey drive, boundary issues, and lack of impulse control. This service is only available through their board & train or day training programs, not as private lessons. Dogs must be at least six months old, and a free evaluation is required. They only accept E-Collar Tech and Dogtra e-collars for new students.

The Private In-Home Board & Train is an exclusive, personalized service where the dog lives and trains daily with owner Joe Williams in his home for a pre-determined amount of time, with a minimum of two weeks. Training is implemented in both home and real-world environments. A free evaluation is required. This service includes a lifetime guarantee, offering free private lessons if the dog loses learned behaviors or if further instruction is needed on agreed-upon skills.

Back-To-Pack is a highly controlled social program for dogs with trauma from negative encounters or those lacking confidence. It aims to build stoicism, confidence, and grace by providing a safe environment with well-balanced dogs to help recovery and rebalance social skills. This program runs every other Wednesday and requires a mandatory free evaluation.

Private Lessons offer one-on-one instruction for owners to train their dogs on important behaviors and skills. These are recommended for non-behavioral issues if group classes do not fit the client’s schedule. A one-hour lesson costs $125.

Evaluations are free and are strongly suggested for anyone seeking dog training to ensure a good fit with the trainer. They are mandatory for the Board & Train, E-Collar Training, and Back-To-Pack services, and may be suggested for group classes if a dog is reactive or nervous.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $400 to $425 for a six-week series. The E-Collar Day Training Program is $1,975, which includes the cost of the e-collar, for a two-week program. Private lessons are $125 for a one-hour session. Evaluations are free of charge. The Private In-Home Board & Train requires a two-week minimum, with pricing determined based on training goals.

Policies

The Private In-Home Board & Train service includes a lifetime guarantee for the training provided. This means if the dog loses learned behaviors or further instruction is needed on agreed-upon skills, a private lesson will be provided at no additional charge.

Black Diamond K9 is a small Bozeman-based dog training company with nearly a decade of professional experience. They provide intuitive and easy-to-understand support and services for dogs, addressing a broad array of training issues and goals from puppy raising to behavioral issues, reactivity, aggression, public access, and advanced skills.

Their unique methodology, ‘K9 Context,’ balances reward-based systems to motivate and reinforce desired behaviors with fair, mindful, and clear corrections to interrupt problematic ones. They emphasize individuality and adaptability, recognizing that no two dogs are the same and tailoring their approach to each dog and owner’s unique personalities and communication styles.

Services include group classes, e-collar day training, private in-home board & train, e-collar training, Back-To-Pack social programs, and private lessons. They also offer complimentary dog pick-up for the second week of the e-collar day training program within their service radius, and Lindsey hikes dogs via SoulMutt.

Accomplishments

Joe Williams, the owner and head trainer of Black Diamond K9, has nearly a decade of professional experience in dog training. His journey began after his own Dutch Shepherd, Rex, faced significant behavioral challenges, leading Joe to enroll Rex in an intensive board & train program and subsequently pursue an apprenticeship. Joe was responsible for raising and training two Karelian Bear Dogs for a Japanese conservation organization in 2015. He later served as Head Trainer for two different companies in Washington D.C. and New Orleans. Before opening Black Diamond K9 in April 2021, he was also the head trainer for Know Thy Dog in Bozeman under its original ownership.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are strongly encouraged to request a free evaluation to discuss their dog’s needs and determine if the trainer is a good fit. Evaluations are mandatory for the Board & Train, E-Collar Training, and Back-To-Pack services, and may be suggested for group classes if a dog is reactive or nervous.