Got Your Back K9 Life

Got Your Back K9 Life offers a variety of structured training programs. The Puppy Conditioning Program consists of five introductory lessons in private or small-group settings, focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and preparing for basic obedience. Owners can opt for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluation for an additional fee.

The Basic Obedience Training is an eight-session outdoor group program that teaches essential commands like “No, Down, Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, Stand,” emphasizing focus amidst distractions. The Advanced Obedience Training is an outdoor group class held once a week, designed for off-leash control and precision obedience, introducing advanced skills such as poison prevention and maintaining focus with duration and distractions. This program prepares dogs for AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) and AKC Community Canine (CGCA) titles, with an option to test in if the dog has completed another basic obedience course and holds an AKC CGC certification.

For intensive training, the Board & Train Program is a two-week program where dogs receive professional training twice daily, along with socialization and public outings. It includes a private lesson for owners upon completion and one Basic Obedience group lesson, preparing the dog for AKC CGC.

Specialized programs include Personal Protection Dog Training, which requires a solid foundation in obedience and assesses a dog’s drive and temperament to teach controlled protection work (guard, bite, release on command). A Beginning Bitework & Temperament Assessment is available for evaluation. Business Protection Dog Training is also offered to enhance security for businesses, and Specialized Training for Law Enforcement & Security provides tailored programs for agencies, including K9 handler training.

Additionally, they offer Canine CPR & First Aid Training, covering emergency response techniques, wound care, vital signs, and life-saving skills for dogs. All training programs emphasize consistent practice at home for at least 15 minutes twice daily. The business provides 2 free refresher classes per year for the life of the dog after initial course completion.

Pricing Summary

General pricing is indicated as “$$”. Specific pricing is not listed, but fees apply for AKC evaluations and continuing education classes. Discounts are available for active and retired law enforcement, military, and first responders. Clients are encouraged to contact the business for specific pricing details.

Policies

If more than two consecutive classes are missed without prior arrangements, the training contract becomes void. Training with another organization or trainer while enrolled in their program also voids the contract due to a conflict of interest. Make-up classes are available at no extra cost if the instructor is notified in advance of any absences.

For Doggy Day Care, all dogs must be housebroken, crate trained, have up-to-date vaccinations and flea treatment, and be in good health (a certificate of good health is required, and a vet letter is needed for ongoing issues). Acceptance is at the sole discretion of the facility owners, and reservations are required, with drop-ins accepted only if space allows.

For Advanced Obedience, dogs must have completed their Basic Obedience program or hold an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification from another basic obedience course to test into the class. They offer 2 complimentary refresher classes per year for the lifetime of the dog after the initial course is completed, but clients must call ahead to reserve a spot, and instructor approval is required for additional class participation.

Got Your Back K9 Life is a premier dog training facility located in Jacksonville, FL, offering expert training programs in a safe, structured environment. They specialize in canine obedience, protection, and detection training, catering to family pets, working K9s, and service dogs.

With over 25 years of experience, Got Your Back K9 Life combines multiple successful training philosophies, tailoring their approach to each unique dog and handler partnership. They emphasize establishing the handler as the pack leader and utilize positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, food, and play rewards. While they primarily use a balanced and humane training approach, e-collars are only used as a last resort in extreme cases.

Beyond training, they also provide Canine CPR & First Aid training, dog boarding, and doggy day care services. The facility is fully licensed and insured, featuring climate-controlled indoor training areas, shaded outdoor play areas, spacious fenced training fields, new indoor kennels, a dedicated puppy training room, a large wading pool, agility equipment, and a classroom for handler education.

Got Your Back K9 Life proudly offers discounts on training services for active and retired law enforcement, military, and first responders as a token of appreciation for their service.

Accomplishments

George Vidler, the Owner and Master Trainer, is a Certified Master Canine Trainer, CPR & First Aid Instructor, and AKC CGC Instructor & Evaluator. He possesses over 25 years of experience in K9 training, with an extensive background in Certified Personal Protection Training and Narcotics & Explosives Detection Training. George has worked with law enforcement, military K9 units, and civilian handlers.

Christie Whitt, an Owner/Operator, is a Certified Canine Obedience Trainer, CPR & First Aid Instructor, and AKC CGC Instructor & Evaluator. The facility itself is fully licensed and insured.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Got Your Back K9 Life to inquire about scheduling, pricing, and upcoming classes for various programs. They can also schedule a tour of the facility or observe a class before enrolling to see the training methods in action. New Bayard Kennel clients can register for daycare and boarding or request an appointment via provided online links. For protection training, clients should contact the business for an evaluation.