DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed
Ranked #4 in Shelton and #17 in Connecticut
Service area: All of Connecticut and bordering New England states. They also accept dogs at approved safety animal transport locations and airports for Board & Train programs for clients located across the country.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Potty Training
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
DaCruz K9s offers customizable Board & Train Programs and Stay & Train Programs. Board & Train programs provide a “home away from home style training” in their residential home in Shelton, CT, focusing on progress and easier transition back to the owner’s home. Stay & Train programs are daycare-style, where pups are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening, allowing them to learn new skills while owners are at work.
Programs include:
* **Basic Puppy (8-16 weeks):** Covers sit, down, bed, public/dog socialization, house-breaking, crate training, stay, leash skills, and manners (not jumping). Uses a 2.25mm Herm Sprenger pinch collar and early clicker training.
* **Intermediate (4 months and up):** Covers sit, down, bed, public/dog socialization, crate training, stay, advanced leash skills, manners (not jumping), and attention commands. Uses a 2.25mm Herm Sprenger pinch collar and clicker training.
* **Behavior Modification (6 months and up):** Addresses issues like excessive barking, lunging, and aggression. Includes sit, down, bed, public/dog socialization, crate training, stay, advanced leash skills, manners (not jumping), and attention commands. Uses a 2.25mm Herm Sprenger pinch collar, clicker training, and a dominant collar.
* **Advanced/Off-Leash (6 months and up):** Covers sit, down, bed, public/dog socialization, crate training, stay, advanced leash skills, manners (not jumping), attention commands, and complete off-leash skills. Uses a 2.25mm Herm Sprenger pinch collar, clicker training, and an E-Collar Technologies ET300 or ME300 stimulation collar.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Training is offered at low costs compared to similar local competitors. Specific pricing details for programs are not provided.
Testimonials
“My 85lb GSD was VERY dog reactive to the point I did not feel comfortable taking him on walks or being in public with him. The solution? Time with David and his team. I am now a proud owner, in FULL control of my dog and we go everywhere & anywhere with confidence and pride.”
– Andrea & Pilot
“We are beyond happy with the training our puppy received with David and Gianna. She is now a very well mannered puppy, completely potty trained, and crate trained. You can expect professional, knowledgeable, and quick responses from DaCruz K9s. They genuinely care about dogs and their families! We will never look anywhere else for training and boarding.”
– Stephanie & Mila
“We sent our 2 French Bulldogs for the Off-Leash program. We were kinda skeptical because, hey, they are French Bulldogs, but after talking to David I felt much more comfortable. When our pups (just 11 months old) came back to us they were and still are amazing! We can now eat without them begging, we can confidently walk them on and OFF-LEASH, and they are just all around more well behaved. We could not be any happier, and David and Gianna made it clear that we are now part of their “pack” and if we need anything in the future they will be there. I have and will be referring them to anyone and everyone that may be looking for a trainer…and trust me when people see 2 French Bulldogs walking right next to me without a leash…I get a lot of questions! Thank you David and Gianna and the whole team!!!!”
– Mike and Melissa & Liberty and Justice
About the Trainer
DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed, LLC, established in 2019, offers dog training services with a focus on positive reinforcement methods. Owner/Trainer David Cruz has been in the dog training industry since 2016, working with various breeds in obedience, off-leash training, family pet training, and Police K9 work.
The business aims to provide a new method of training, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect in the owner-pet relationship. They involve owners fully in the training process, believing owners learn as much as their dogs.
DaCruz K9s provides quality off-leash and on-leash training at competitive costs. They offer evaluations to provide training solutions for behavioral issues or driven dogs. They also consult regularly with local veterinarians regarding nutritional and medical advice to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs.
In addition to training, DaCruz K9s also handles dog litters, helping them find “Fur-ever Homes” and providing information on upcoming litters.
Accomplishments
Owner/Trainer David Cruz has been in the dog training industry since 2016. DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed, LLC was established in 2019 and is a certified LLC business. They specialize in obedience, off-leash, family pet training, and Police K9 work. They regularly consult with local veterinarians to ensure their nutritional and medical advice is current and correct.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can call or text to find out more about their unique approach to training. They can also book an appointment online to discuss their interest in DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed. An evaluation is offered to provide a training solution for dogs with behavioral issues or those that are highly driven.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- onsite services
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder
- Pet boarding service