First Friend K-9 Training

First Friend K-9 Training offers a variety of programs tailored to different needs and skill levels.
Puppy Kindergarten is a 6-week course for puppies aged 11 to 19 weeks, focusing on basic obedience (sit/stay, down/stay, come, leash walking), proper socialization, handling skills (grooming, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing), and addressing common puppy issues like chewing, jumping, nipping, barking, crate training, and house breaking. It includes three free days of daycare for socialization.

Novice Class is an 8-week entry-level group course designed to teach basic obedience commands (heel, sit, down, stand, stay, come) and address behavioral issues such as jumping, biting, barking, crate training, and house breaking. Classes meet once a week on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings, with a mandatory orientation.

Advanced Class is an annual membership class for graduates of the Novice Class, allowing handlers to continue challenging their dogs with advanced obedience, including reliable on-lead and off-lead work. This class helps prepare dogs for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Certification and meets every Wednesday night with three available class times.

In Kennel Training is an on-site boarding and training program for owners who lack time or have dogs with behavioral issues requiring intensive training. Dogs are housed at the facility and professionally trained. Owners receive a 1.5-hour private lesson at the end of the stay and a second free follow-up private lesson a few weeks later. Training includes work in their 3000 sq ft facility and dog-friendly retail establishments. Programs range from 1 to 6 weeks, with dogs needing to be at least 16 weeks old.

Private Lessons are individualized, one-on-one sessions at the facility, tailored to fit the owner’s schedule and specific behavioral problems. House Calls involve experienced trainers coming to the client’s home to address household-specific behavioral issues, bringing necessary tools and equipment, and potentially additional trainers and dogs. Behavior Problem Solving is integrated into various training options, including obedience classes, private lessons, house calls, and in-kennel training, to address a wide range of issues from chewing and barking to aggression and fearfulness. Agility classes are also offered.

Pricing Summary

Prices are subject to change without notice, and clients are advised to call for current pricing.
Advanced Class: $325 annual membership, $250 annual renewal for existing members.
House Calls: Start at $250 per session (up to 1.5 hours). Rates and availability vary by location.
In Kennel Training: Daily rate is $130. Weekly packages are available: 1 week for $650, 2 weeks for $1250, 3 weeks for $1875, 4 weeks for $2500, and 6 weeks for $3650. The 4 and 6-week programs include a free 8-week Novice Obedience course ($350 value) and a groom (up to $45 value). An additional fee is charged for home delivery after In Kennel Training.
Novice Class: $350 for an 8-week course. A $40 consultation fee is charged if a client does not sign up for the class during the consultation, but it is applied to the class purchase if they sign up later.
Private Lessons: $80 for 1-hour sessions, or $70 per session for clients currently enrolled in an obedience class. A package of 3 sessions is available for $210.
Puppy Kindergarten: $300 for a 6-week course, which includes a $30 non-refundable registration fee.
Holiday boarding rates apply during specific periods, such as Independence Day and Memorial Day weekends, at $43 per night for a single dog and $33 per night for each additional dog.

Policies

All dogs visiting the facility for boarding or training must be current on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccinations. Written proof from a veterinarian is required. Prices are subject to change without notice, and clients are advised to call for the most current pricing. For Novice Class, certain behaviors like aggression towards people or other dogs may require private lessons before class enrollment to ensure safety and handler confidence. Enrollment for classes is not guaranteed until payment is received. Puppy Kindergarten includes a $30 non-refundable registration fee.

First Friend K-9 Training is a comprehensive dog training facility located in Fishers, Indiana, specializing in a wide range of training services from Puppy Kindergarten to Advanced and Agility Obedience Classes. The business is owned and operated by Bruce McNabb, a certified director of training, who has been involved in K9 training since 1985 and joined First Friend K-9 as lead trainer in 2000, eventually purchasing the facility in 2005. He is often referred to as a “dog whisperer” due to his empathetic approach and in-depth understanding of canine psychology.

First Friend K-9 Training offers various training options including In Kennel Training, Private Lessons, House Calls, and group classes. Beyond training, they provide additional services such as boarding, daycare, and grooming. The business emphasizes building a strong bond between owners and their “First Friend” companions, contributing to the community by helping owners and dogs bond through various classes and leadership skills. Bruce also supports Canine Companion, an organization that provides assistance dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

The facility is 3000 square feet, and In Kennel Training includes training both on-site and in dog-friendly retail establishments. The business requires all visiting dogs to be current on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations, with proof from a veterinarian. They consider clients part of their “extended family pack.”

Accomplishments

Bruce McNabb, the owner and Certified Director of Training, began his K9 training path in 1985 as part of a K9 Training program with Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. He relocated to Indiana in 1994 and joined First Friend K-9 as their lead trainer in 2000, purchasing the facility in 2005. Bruce has trained over 20,000 clients throughout the state and is known for his unique and empathetic approach, often referred to as a “dog whisperer.” He also contributes to the organization Canine Companion by teaching classes for puppies, novice, and advanced levels, which provides assistance dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

How to Get Started!

To register for Novice Class, clients must call the office to set up a consultation appointment to meet their dog beforehand. Consultations are scheduled Monday through Friday during the day (9:00am-3:00pm) or Monday through Thursday evenings (6:30pm-8:00pm). Payment for the class is collected at the time of consultation. To schedule In Kennel Training, clients should call the office and can print and fill out an In Kennel Training Questionnaire to speed up check-in. For House Calls or Private Lessons, clients can call the office or submit an online form to get in touch with a trainer. To register for Puppy Kindergarten, clients submit an online form and will receive a phone call to complete enrollment.