Connecting with K9s
Service area: Eugene, OR and Creswell, OR
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
Connecting with K9s offers balanced dog training programs designed to teach dogs life skills, problem-solving, and how to make choices, emphasizing structured mental and physical exercise. Training is tailored to each dog’s pace, focusing on communication, basic obedience, and behavior modification.
Private sessions are 60 minutes, including an evaluation, a verbal training plan, tool recommendations, and homework, addressing issues like jumping, barking, leash pulling, reactivity, and mild aggression. Group classes, typically held outdoors from April to October, include “Life Skills for Dogs” for basic obedience and behavior correction, and “Life Skills for Puppies” focusing on basics, correcting unwanted behaviors, and confidence building.
Specialized group classes like “Connecting with your K9” are for anxious or slightly reactive dogs, while the “Adventurers Class” is an intermediate/advanced class for fine-tuning skills in distracting public settings. They also offer pack walks for leash manners and leadership skills in a group setting, with a focus on social distancing and no nose-to-nose dog greetings.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Private sessions are $175 for an initial 60-minute session, with follow-ups at $125. Packages are available: Package 1 is $400 for an initial session plus two follow-ups, and Package 2 for aggression is $525 for an initial session plus three follow-ups. Group classes include a 6-week “Life Skills for Dogs” class for $180, and “Adventurers Class” at $25 per drop-in session. Pack walks are a $10 donation per dog team. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and healthy, with no female dogs in heat.
Policies
Training success depends on the owner’s effort and time, with no guarantees on the outcome. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and healthy before training, and female dogs in heat are not permitted. Dogs with bite records or serious leash aggression are not eligible for group classes and should opt for private sessions or multi-session programs.
Testimonials
“Thank you for all your help with Marley. He is doing well because of everything I have learned from you. You saved the day. Marley has come a long way. He walks well on the leash, no more separation anxiety and listens to commands. When we are out front and he tries to nonchalantly walk away. I just have to say in a calm voice. ” Where are you going?” then he will come back and sit in the garage. Other dogs are still an issue and I know that a lot of it is my fault. I know someday I will get over it, and so he will be able to, too. You have told me he can feel my energy; and that is very true. Thank you again Darla!”
– Maria, Greg & Marley
“Connecting with K9s was such a Godsend! Before Darla worked with Joey, we couldn’t go on a walk without the fear he may try to nip at strangers, chase after cats or bark at other dogs. After one training session with her, he was able to control himself, walk on a loose leash and was looking to me for guidance and support. The change was phenomenal! Because of the training we received from Darla, Joey was able to be placed in a foster home while I went to training with the Army. Which would not have even been a possibility earlier due to his behavior. Thank you for everything!!”
– Allison & Joey
“Three year old Nikki update. She came home at only 7 weeks and she was super wild & high strung – obvious now that was too early to leave the litter. Tried a puppy trainer in Coos Bay and after the second class Nikki was “bounced from the kindergarten class’ with a $ refund. I tried a 2 week in house training with a renowned German Shepherd trainer with over 50 years of military & police dog training and then continued with his 10 one hour group training sessions. Nikki was still uncontrollable & very high strung – couldn’t control her on walks and she was impossible in the car. Enter Connecting with K9s. I dropped off a wild animal with Darla. Nikki spent 3 weeks ( spring of 2018 ) for a board and train. It was great being able to watch her progress via the daily video updates that were posted online ( I was at a wedding in Florida and these training videos were a big hit). We also did a 7 week class that following summer. Today Nikki is the German Shepherd she was meant to be. Still sharp and energetic and not at all aggressive. Runs well with dogs she knows and walking on leash is much easier. Surprisingly, our bond has reached the point where she stays close to my side healing OFF leash. We will continue with her socializing and looking forward to whatever new projects Darla puts together at the new location.”
– Steve & Nikki
About the Trainer
Connecting with K9s offers balanced dog training and rescue services, focusing on teaching dogs life skills, problem-solving, and making choices. The trainer, Darla, has over 30 years of experience with dogs and has been training professionally since 2008. They utilize a variety of tools including treats, toys, prong collars, slip leads, electronic collars, and praise, with an initial training formula of 20% corrections and 80% reward training.
The business also operates Connecting with K9s Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation established in March 2016. They have rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed over 600 dogs and numerous cats over the last 20 years. All rescue dogs complete a 2-week board & train program before adoption.
Accomplishments
The trainer has over 30 years of experience with dogs, having started training professionally in 2008. Over the last 20 years, they have rescued, rehabilitated, and re-homed over 600 dogs and numerous cats. The trainer also volunteered with Save the Pets since 2008 and established Connecting with K9s Rescue in March 2016.
How to Get Started!
To get started, clients should first fill out an online training questionnaire. The second step involves a telephone consultation to discuss training needs and ensure compatibility. Clients can also contact the business directly or fill out a contact form before completing the questionnaire.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Evening
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet trainer
Location
205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR 97477Listing Tools for Trainers
For Connecting with K9s Only
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