Delaware K9 Academy

Delaware K9 Academy offers a variety of dog training programs tailored to different needs and ages. Their Board and Train programs include a 2-week Boot Camp ($2,750) for basic obedience (heel, sit, down, stay, place, come) for dogs 6 months and older, focusing on foundation and reliability in various environments. A 3-week Boot Camp ($3,750) is available for dogs 6 months and older with anxiety, reactivity, or other behavioral issues, providing more time to build positive behaviors and confidence. Both board and train options include follow-up lessons and daily updates.

Private Lessons are designed for owners who want to be actively involved and can dedicate 20-30 minutes daily to homework. The 6-Lesson Program ($1000) covers basic obedience like recall, sit, place, down, and heel, suitable for general obedience needs. The Reactivity Program (starting at $1200) is specialized for dogs with barking, lunging, or fear issues, focusing on engagement and relationship-building. Cooperative Care (starting at $900) is a 6-10 week program that uses positive reinforcement to create stress-free experiences for handling, grooming, and muzzle training.

Puppy Training is best for puppies 2-4 months old, covering proper socialization, environmental exposure, and basic obedience. Options include a 1-hour Informative Session ($125) for a quick brush-up on puppy-raising skills, and a 6-Lesson Puppy Program ($800) over 6 weeks, building a foundation with sit, down, stay, place, loose-leash walking, crate/potty training, and engagement.

Service Dog Training begins with a Prospect Evaluation ($100) to assess suitability. Public Access Training (starting at $1800) is a 12-week program that prepares dogs for public accompaniment by developing reliable obedience in any environment. Task Training is highly individualized, adding specific tasks like Deep Pressure Therapy, Stim Interruption, and Guiding, which can be done through private lessons, board and trains, day training, or a combination.

Additional programs include Day Training, a supplement for enrolled or completed program dogs, offering multiple sessions for specific needs. A La Carte Lessons ($150) are available for clients who have completed a program, offering refreshers or addressing specific behavioral issues. They also offer CGC Testing ($35) for AKC Canine Good Citizen, manners, and trick titles.

Pricing Summary

Delaware K9 Academy offers various programs with transparent pricing. Board and train options include a 2-week Boot Camp for $2,750 and a 3-week Boot Camp for $3,750. Private lessons include a 6-Lesson Program for $1000, a Reactivity Program starting at $1200, and Cooperative Care starting at $900.

Puppy training includes a 1-hour informative session for $125 and a 6-Lesson Puppy Program for $800. Service dog training begins with a Prospect Evaluation for $100, followed by Public Access Training starting at $1800. Other services include A La Carte lessons for $150 and CGC testing for $35. Scent Detection programs are available as Private Lessons for $500 (6 lessons) or Group Lessons for $300 (6 lessons). Pet Portraits are offered at $200 for a 1-hour session at one location, including travel within 15 miles of zip code 19804 in Wilmington, Delaware.

Delaware K9 Academy aims to help dog owners and their dogs achieve a happier, more cohesive life together. Their programs focus on creating well-trained and polite dogs in public, while also fostering a healthier and more effective relationship between pets and their owners. They address behavioral issues by understanding the underlying “why” to build confidence in dogs and help them understand their place.

The academy works to bridge the communication gap between dogs and owners, enabling owners to understand their dog’s feelings and needs, and helping dogs make good choices. They utilize structure, boundaries, and reward-based obedience training to transform dogs and owners into a happy, compatible team across Northern Delaware.

Training is designed to be fun and exciting for both dog and owner, with lessons progressing at the owner’s pace following an 80/20 rule to ensure success. For board and train programs, daily updates including photos and videos are provided to keep owners involved. Beyond dog training, Delaware K9 Academy also offers Scent Detection training, Pet Portraits, and partners with Contained K9 for Underground Electric Pet Fence installations. They are committed to providing affordable, reliable, and safe services.

Accomplishments

The team at Delaware K9 Academy brings a range of qualifications and experiences. Cory B., the Owner and Trainer, holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Health and Behavior and is currently pursuing her master’s. She has a strong background in equine training since 2015 and has worked in veterinary medicine and dog training since 2020, also competing in dog sports.

Trish F., a Senior Trainer, joined in June 2024. She is a veterinary technician with Fear Free certification and has a background in shelter medicine, specializing in behavioral and service work. Christos Philippou, the Founder and Trainer, graduated from the University of Delaware in 2014 and began working with dogs and owners in 2018, founding Delaware K9 Academy in early 2019.

How to Get Started!

To get started with Delaware K9 Academy, interested clients can reach out to discuss their training goals and determine the best program fit. For service dog training, the process begins with a $100 Prospect Evaluation. General inquiries can be made by leaving a message through their website contact form, providing name, email, phone, dog’s age, breed, and message.