Elite K-9 Companions

Training begins with a mandatory $30 consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner goals. Programs include: Puppy Board & Train (8 weeks–6 months) covering potty, crate, socialization, and basic commands; Advanced Obedience Board & Train (6+ months) with on-leash obedience and optional off-leash recall via E-collar; Service Dog Board & Train for dogs with foundational obedience, customized to ADA standards; Private Lessons (weekly, 1-hour sessions) in-person or virtual with homework; and In-Home Boarding for current/past clients, with updates via text/photo/video. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement, structure, and generalization of behaviors.

Pricing Summary

Consultations cost $30. Private Lessons are priced at $550 for 4 sessions, $725 for 6, and $800 for 8; virtual lessons are $50, $675, and $750 respectively. Puppy Board & Train is $850/week (minimum 2 weeks). Advanced Obedience Board & Train is $3,100 for 3 weeks or $3,800 for 4 weeks. In-Home Boarding is $45/night with optional $30/half-hour add-on training sessions.

Policies

Elite K-9 Companions reserves the right to refuse a sale at any time. In-Home Boarding requires advance scheduling due to limited capacity (1–2 dogs at a time). Consultations are required before any training program begins. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Elite K-9 Companions is a dog training business owned and operated by Taya Hekking, based in Smithfield, Utah. They offer customized training programs focused on building strong relationships between dogs and their owners using science-backed, positive reinforcement methods. Services include Board & Train programs for puppies and adult dogs, Private Lessons (in-person and virtual), In-Home Boarding, and Consultations. They specialize in Service Dog Training, including public access and task work compliant with the ADA, as well as Therapy Dog Training. They also offer obedience training, off-leash recall using E-collar technology, crate and potty training, leash manners, and treadmill training. They do not work with reactive or aggressive dogs. In-Home Boarding allows dogs to stay in the trainer’s home with her family dogs, receiving structured training, exercise, and socialization while owners are away.

Taya has trained hundreds of dogs, including her own service and therapy dogs, and holds certification from the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. Her approach emphasizes foundational skills, confidence building, and generalization of behaviors across environments. Training equipment such as slip leads, E-collars, and high-value treats are used as appropriate, with equipment recommendations provided during consultations.

Clients appreciate her clear communication, personalized attention, and ability to train dogs of all levels—from puppies to advanced service dogs—while also educating owners on consistent, effective handling techniques.

Accomplishments

Taya Hekking graduated from Utah State University with an associate’s degree in communication sciences and certified in advanced obedience from the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. She has trained hundreds of dogs, including service dogs for medical alert, psychiatric, mobility, autism, and seizure response tasks. She owns and trains multiple service and therapy dogs herself and has helped clients from across the U.S. and Canada.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first schedule a $30 consultation, held at the trainer’s home in Smithfield, Utah. During the consultation, the trainer evaluates the dog’s behavior, drive, sociability, and history, discusses the owner’s goals, and recommends the appropriate training program. Consultations are required for all new clients before enrolling in any service.