Cognitive K9 Dog Training

Cognitive K9 offers tiered training packages: Smart Start is a single introductory session; Undergrad, Masters, and PHD packages include increasing numbers of private in-home sessions and progressively longer access to group classes (up to lifetime access). The Board & Train program includes 3+ weeks of immersive training with four follow-up sessions. Service Dog training is customized based on task requirements. All programs include leash control, obedience, behavior modification, and public access skills. Group classes are included in most packages and are ongoing, allowing continuous reinforcement.

Pricing Summary

Training packages include: Smart Start (1 session, $175), Undergrad (3 sessions + 6 months group classes, $500), Masters (5 sessions + 1 year group classes, $800), PHD (8 sessions + lifetime group classes, $1,000), Board & Train (3+ weeks + 4 follow-ups + lifetime group classes + equipment included, $2,700), and custom pricing for Service Dog training. Equipment costs are additional.

Policies

Dayna reserves the right to decline training for any reason. Clients must complete a form to enroll, and responses are provided within 2 business days. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Cognitive K9 Dog Training, led by Dayna Winter-Nolte, is a professional dog training business based in Salt Lake City, Utah, offering personalized training solutions for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Dayna specializes in balanced training methods that combine positive reinforcement with tools like e-collars, prong collars, and slip leads, tailored to each dog’s needs and the owner’s comfort level. Services include private in-home lessons, group classes, board and train programs, and specialized service dog training for tasks like psychiatric assistance, mobility support, and medical alerts. Dayna also offers training for dog sports including PSA, IGP, agility, dock diving, nose work, and disc dog, and has successfully trained and placed dozens of service dogs. Her approach emphasizes building strong owner-dog bonds through consistent communication and real-world application.

Cognitive K9 provides flexible training packages ranging from a single Smart Start session to comprehensive PHD and Board & Train programs, with lifetime access to group classes included in higher-tier packages. Training occurs in the client’s home or in controlled outdoor environments, and Dayna brings her own dogs to sessions for safe socialization practice. She also offers puppy-specific training for dogs aged 2–5 months, focusing on crate training, biting, jumping, and potty habits.

Dayna holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Sports Psychology, and she has competed on the TV show America’s Top Dog, placing second overall. Her hands-on experience includes nine years working with dogs, seven years as a professional trainer, and prior work as a kennel technician. She actively trains her own German Shepherds, Border Collie/Poodle mix, and Weimaraner in high-level dog sports, bringing real-world expertise to every client.

Accomplishments

Dayna Winter-Nolte competed on America’s Top Dog with her Border Collie/Poodle mix, placing second overall. She has successfully trained and placed dozens of service dogs for psychiatric, mobility, hearing, and medical alert roles. She holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Utah and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Westminster College. She actively competes in PSA, IGP, agility, dock diving, nose work, and disc dog.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients fill out an online form providing details about their dog’s age, breed, challenges, goals, and preferred training package. Dayna reviews the submission and may contact the client for further details before scheduling an initial session.