Gateway Canine LLC

Gateway Canine LLC offers personalized dog training focusing on clear, consistent, fair, rewarding, and fun communication. They provide evaluation sessions, private lessons, group classes, and day training programs.

Evaluation sessions are 30-minute meet-and-greets required for day training or private lesson enrollment, designed to create a tailored training plan. Private lessons are 45-minute one-on-one sessions where owners are guided by trainers, available for special cases. Group classes are offered monthly, covering basic obedience (sit, down, climb, loose leash, recall, heel, canine communication, problem-solving, manners), intermediate skills (advanced distractions, heeling, off-leash work, hand signals), and trick training (Tricky Dog 101). They also offer a Puppy Star class focusing on manners, mouthing, potty training, and socialization for pups 8 months and younger. Day Training is a drop-off option where dogs train with trainers during the day and return home in the evening, offering focused training and quicker results.

They also offer the “New Year, New You” program with Starter and Ultimate packages, combining extensive day training, private lessons, spa services, fitness sessions, and group classes. They help dogs work towards and achieve AKC titles such as Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Community Canine (Advanced CGC), and Novice Trick Dog. Emily is also a certified Trick Dog Instructor, Canine Conditioning Coach, and Stunt Dog Judge through Do More With Your Dog! (DMWYD).

Pricing Summary

Training rates include: Private Lessons at $100 for one, $450 for five, and $850 for ten. Group classes are $200 for a 7-week Basic Obedience course, $150 for a 6-week Intermediate Group Class, and $150 for a 6-week Tricky Dog 101 class. Puppy Star is also $150 for a 6-week class.

Day Training packages are: Bronze (10 days) at $500 (with 2 private lessons) or $650 (with 2 private lessons and a 7-week group class). Silver (15 days) at $675 (with 2 private lessons) or $825 (with 2 private lessons and a 7-week group class). Gold (20 days) at $800 (with 2 private lessons) or $950 (with 2 private lessons and a 7-week group class). Refresher classes for dogs completing 20+ day courses are $50 for 1 day or $250 for 5 days.

The “New Year, New You” Starter Package is $1,500, including 25 days of drop-off day training, 2 private lessons, lifetime email support, 1 bath appointment, weekly nail appointments, daily fitness sessions, and 1 group class. The Ultimate Package is $2,000, including 30 days of drop-off day training, 2 private lessons, lifetime email support, 1 bath appointment, weekly nail appointments, daily fitness sessions, and 2 group classes. Grooming prices are individualized based on pet size, coat condition, temperament, and needs. After-hours drop-offs/pick-ups cost $20 and must be arranged 48 hours in advance.

Policies

All services are by appointment only. After-hours drop-offs or pick-ups must be arranged at least 48 hours in advance and cost $20.00. New grooming clients are required to be on a 4-12 week schedule.

Cancellation Policy: No-shows, no-calls, and last-minute cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) are subject to a $50 fee per pet. Clients who frequently no-show or cancel last minute may be required to pay a $50 service charge to hold their next appointment, which is applied toward the appointment but is non-refundable and non-transferable if the appointment is not met. Cancellations must be made via phone.

Vaccination Requirements: All dogs must be current on Rabies (when age appropriate), Distemper, and Parvo. Bordetella vaccine is strongly recommended. Printed receipts or certificates from a vet clinic are required; tags are not sufficient proof. Current titers tests or a letter of health from a vet are accepted for pets unable to receive vaccines. Puppies 10-15 weeks should be up-to-date on their first two rounds of puppy vaccines and Bordetella. Dogs 16 weeks and older must have a current Rabies vaccination per MO state law. All clients must be current on monthly flea and tick prevention. Dogs with fleas or other parasites will incur an extra charge for special shampoo and deep cleaning, and the business reserves the right to refuse service for safety.

Spay/Neuter Policy: Since group play is not offered, pets are not required to be altered. In-season females must reschedule for after their cycles.
Breed Restrictions: No breed restrictions, but the business reserves the right to refuse service to any pet with undisclosed aggression or that poses a danger to themselves, staff, or customers.
Training cards (bulk lessons) expire 3 months after purchase. Classes are not transferable to other pets, friends, or family members. Abusive owners and harmful training methods/equipment will not be tolerated.

Gateway Canine LLC is a family-owned dog training and grooming business founded in 2005, originally as Gateway K9 Training in Florissant, Missouri. Their motto is “Pets First, Always,” emphasizing that a dog’s safety, happiness, health, education, and well-being are their top priorities. They pride themselves on dedication, experience, and work ethic.

They offer personalized dog training programs, including drop-off day training, private lessons, and various group classes. Additionally, Gateway Canine provides full-service dog grooming, offering a range of services from full haircuts and basic baths to maintenance brushing and nail trims. They also have a “New Year, New You” program that combines manners, obedience, fitness, and spa visits.

The business focuses on training individual dogs based on their motivations and offers methods and programs that fit the owner’s needs. They have experience assisting local police departments and directing service dog programs for veterans. The lobby is currently closed to the public to ensure a more relaxed and safer environment for grooming dogs, especially those turned away by other groomers due to reactivity or anxiety. They are located in Cedar Hill, Missouri, and are committed to supporting local communities.

Accomplishments

Rick Johnson, Master Trainer and Owner, trained and directed police canines for Minnesota and Canadian officials and developed a successful German Shepherd Dog breeding program. He attended the Tom Rose School for both Professional and Master’s Programs, placed dogs in active Military missions, and assisted local canine officers.

Emily Johnson, CTDI, CCFC, Master Trainer, and Owner, interned as a vet tech and attended both the professional’s and master’s courses at the Tom Rose School. She helped lead a program for a large Therapy Dog organization out of Chicago, directed Gateway’s service dog program for veterans, and served as Training Director for Got Your Six Support Dogs in Illinois. Emily is a member of the IACP, a certified evaluator for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen, Trick, and Fitness programs, a certified instructor and evaluator for DMWYD, a Certified Canine Conditioning Coach, Animal Actors Evaluator, and a certified Stunt Dog Judge. She recently received the Trainer of the Year award from DMWYD.

Kate Doster, Head Groomer and Trainer, has over 8 years of grooming experience, guided by conformation groomers. She is also studying to become a trainer, combining skills from 4H, grooming, and equine studies. Kate is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a CTDI with DMWYD.

How to Get Started!

To get started with training, clients must call to schedule a free training evaluation. This 30-minute session is required for all clients enrolling in a day training or private lesson program and helps set up a personalized training plan. An extensive training evaluation form must be filled out in advance for these sessions.

For grooming, new clients should fill out a contact form online, and a groomer will contact them within 2 business days to schedule a consultation or first appointment. All new grooming clients are required to be on a 4-12 week schedule. A free grooming consultation is available to discuss style options and get an accurate quote. A separate extensive grooming general contract form is required for all new pets, but clients are advised NOT to fill it out until an appointment has been made. Appointments are by phone only, as the landline does not accept text messages, and walk-ins are not accepted.