DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed
Service area: Serves all of Connecticut and bordering New England states; accepts dogs from across the U.S. via approved transport locations.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Potty Training
- Recall
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Board and Train
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Terriers
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
DaCruz K9s offers four main training programs: Basic Puppy (8–16 weeks), Intermediate (4+ months), Behavior Modification (6+ months), and Advanced/Off-Leash (6+ months). All programs include on-leash skills, socialization, crate training, and manners. The Advanced/Off-Leash program adds full off-leash control using E-Collar Technologies collars. Board & Train programs are conducted at their residential facility in Shelton, CT, with home-style environments and video updates provided to owners. Programs are customizable and include post-program owner training sessions.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to schedule a call for customized quotes based on program selection and dog needs.
Policies
Policy details regarding cancellations or rescheduling are not specified on the website.
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 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.”
– Mike and Melissa & Liberty and Justice
“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!”
– Stephanie & Mila
About the Trainer
DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed is a certified LLC dog training business founded in 2019 by David Cruz, who has been in the dog training industry since 2016. They specialize in off-leash and on-leash training using positive reinforcement methods, with a strong emphasis on owner involvement and mutual respect between pets and their families. Services include Board & Train programs conducted at their residential facility in Shelton, CT, tailored for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs with behavioral issues such as reactivity, aggression, barking, and separation anxiety. They offer programs ranging from Basic Puppy to Advanced Off-Leash training, incorporating tools like Herm Sprenger pinch collars and E-Collar Technologies ET300/ME300 stimulation collars, which they describe as “shock factor” devices rather than electric shocks. They also consult with local veterinarians to ensure nutritional and medical advice is current. Owners are immersed in the training process and receive ongoing support after program completion.
They serve all of Connecticut and bordering New England states, and accept dogs from across the country via approved transport locations. Their training approach prioritizes safety, consistency, and long-term behavior change, with clients reporting dramatic improvements in dog behavior, including successful off-leash control and reduced reactivity.
Additional services include puppy litters for adoption and boarding during training programs. They do not offer grooming, walking, or daycare services.
Accomplishments
David Cruz has over 7 years of experience in dog training, including work with Police K9s. DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed is a certified LLC business and regularly consults with local veterinarians to ensure medically sound training practices. Clients report successful outcomes with highly reactive, fearful, and aggressive dogs, including full off-leash control in public environments.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a phone call or text to discuss their dog’s needs and receive a customized training recommendation. No online booking form is available; contact is initiated via phone or email.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Morning
- Afternoon
Hours
8am-6pm
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- onsite services
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder
- Pet boarding service
Location
42 Rolling Brook Ln, Shelton, CT 06484Listing Tools for Trainers
For DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed Only
Update Your Info
To update your profile, contact us with your changes.
Share Your Recognition!
You’re listed among Shelton’s best dog trainers. Add this recognition badge to your website to stand out from the competition, convert more website visitors into clients, and let clients know you’re part of a trusted community.
Upgrade Your Profile - Get Featured!
Become the obvious choice for dog owners in the Shelton area and grow your dog training business.
- 3x More Views – Featured profiles are seen first and visited the most
- Qualified Leads – A constant stream of motivated Shelton clients
- Enhance Your Profile – Stand out from the crowd with more photos, social media links, and custom sales copy
- More Web Traffic – Improve your site’s search engine exposure (SEO)
- Build Your Brand – Establish trustworthiness and prestige