Dogs With Ties

Training is offered in private one-on-one sessions (in-home, park, or pet-friendly locations), weekly group classes at Mirasol Park, and online video sessions. Programs are structured around customized goals: puppy foundations, adult obedience, behavior modification (reactivity, guarding, anxiety), and AKC certification prep. Group classes focus on socialization, focus, and calm behavior in public settings. AKC testing is offered monthly during group sessions or by appointment. Board and train options are available occasionally upon inquiry.

Pricing Summary

Private training: $70/hr (puppy), $80/hr (adult), $100/hr (behavioral); discounted packages of 5 or 10 sessions. Group training: $10/session or $30/month (4 sessions). AKC testing: $35–$100 per dog; video-based titles cost $5. Online training: $25/hr with package discounts. Travel fee of $1.5/mile outside Morgan Hill. Board and train available by request.

Tessa, the founder of Dogs With Ties K9, is a certified dog trainer based in Morgan Hill who specializes in communication-based training to build lifelong partnerships between dogs and their owners. She offers private and group training sessions tailored to each dog’s and owner’s needs, covering everything from puppy basics to advanced obedience, behavior modification, and AKC certification preparation. Tessa has experience training dogs for show, sport, hunting, and search and rescue, and now focuses on helping dogs become well-mannered companions and Canine Good Citizens. She also provides pet-sitting, dog walking, and occasional board and train services. Her training emphasizes positive reinforcement, clear communication, and adapting methods to fit the dog’s personality and the owner’s lifestyle. She is certified as an AKC Evaluator for Puppy S.T.A.R., CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Trick Dog, and Virtual Home Manners titles, and is pursuing additional certifications like CC-PDT and CDTI. Tessa is also certified in canine and feline CPR, emergency first aid, and is working toward becoming a Pet Partners evaluator for therapy dogs.

She trains all dog sizes—from Pomeranians to Newfoundlands—and works with puppies, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her clients include families, rescue owners, and those training service or therapy dogs. Tessa offers in-home, park, and pet-friendly store sessions, as well as online training for remote clients. Group sessions are held weekly at Mirasol Park in Morgan Hill, focusing on socialization, focus, and calm behavior around distractions.

Tessa’s approach is highly personalized, and she educates owners on nutrition, supplies, and environment to support their dog’s success. She has helped dogs overcome reactivity, leash pulling, resource guarding, and anxiety, and has successfully trained dogs to live harmoniously with cats and other pets. Her own dogs, including Meg and Chispa, are actively trained for therapy and search work, demonstrating her hands-on expertise.

Accomplishments

Tessa is a certified AKC Evaluator for Puppy S.T.A.R., CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Trick Dog, and Virtual Home Manners titles. She is certified in Canine and Feline CPR, Canine Wilderness First Aid, and Reptile/Avian/Small Mammal Emergency First Aid. She is actively pursuing CC-PDT, APDT, and CDTI certifications. Her own dogs are training for therapy and search and rescue roles. She is working toward Pet Partners evaluator certification for therapy dog teams.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact via email or phone, or schedule a free video call consultation to discuss goals and determine the best training path. A consultation is required before joining group training.