Doc’s K9 Center

Doc’s K9 Center offers structured group classes with descriptions available online, including obedience, agility, and behavior modification programs. Classes are held in both indoor and outdoor facilities, with options for seminar demos and agility training. Programs are ongoing and include pre-registration requirements. Training emphasizes positive reinforcement and behavior understanding, with a focus on building trust between dogs and owners. The center also provides specialized sessions for rescue dogs and dogs with anxiety or reactivity issues.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Clients must pre-register for classes via a Google Form, and pricing is likely structured around session packages or ongoing weekly programs. Gift certificates are available for purchase.

Policies

There is no explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy stated on the website. However, one review indicates that clients are expected to follow orientation instructions and may be turned away if they arrive with a dog when not permitted, suggesting strict adherence to class rules. No refund or rescheduling policy is publicly documented.

Doc’s K9 Center is a dog training facility located in Kingston, NY, led by Dr. Karen Garelick, who emphasizes behavior-based training rooted in compassion and the human-animal bond. The center offers group classes, agility training, and behavior modification programs in both indoor and outdoor training centers. They specialize in working with rescue dogs, puppies, and dogs with behavioral challenges such as reactivity, fearfulness, and separation anxiety. The facility also includes a second-hand dog supply shop with proceeds supporting dog rescues. Staff members include experienced trainers like Blythe and Zach, and the center highlights the emotional connection between humans and dogs through stories of rescued and retired dogs who have served as therapy and training partners. Dr. Karen’s approach is deeply personal, often incorporating life lessons learned from her own dogs, many of whom were rescues with significant medical or behavioral histories.

The center provides a range of services including obedience training, agility courses, seminar demos, and Paw Therapy sessions that use dogs for emotional support. They welcome all dog ages and types, including small, medium, large, and doodle breeds, and focus on positive, relationship-based methods. Their training philosophy is grounded in patience, observation, and understanding canine behavior, as reflected in their emphasis on listening to dogs and avoiding fear-based techniques.

Doc’s K9 Center also promotes adoption and rescue, encouraging clients to “Add a Rescue to Your Life,” and maintains a strong community presence through radio appearances and local articles in the Daily Freeman. The facility is designed to be welcoming for both dogs and owners, with separate indoor and outdoor training spaces to accommodate different learning environments and weather conditions.

Accomplishments

Dr. Karen Garelick is a recognized local expert in dog behavior, featured in the Daily Freeman and on local radio. She has successfully rehabilitated numerous rescue dogs with severe behavioral and medical issues, including spinal strokes, dislocated elbows, and fear aggression. Her personal story of overcoming health challenges while continuing to run the center reflects her deep commitment to canine welfare. The center’s legacy includes mentoring dogs like Jack, Ellis, and Cha Cha, who became influential therapy and training partners.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must pre-register for classes using a Google Form linked on the website. After registration, they are expected to attend an orientation session, though some clients report not receiving required paperwork, leading to confusion. Classes begin after orientation and pre-registration confirmation.