Grassroots K9 Sarasota

Grassroots K9 offers customized training programs including Puppy Foundations (socialization and basic obedience), Behavior Modification (for fear, aggression, reactivity), Obedience (basic to advanced commands), and Working Dog Training (protection, detection, sport). Private training is one-on-one with tailored plans. Group classes focus on real-world distractions. Board & Train provides immersive, daily training over a set period. Daycare & Train combines supervised play with daily training sessions. All programs include ongoing support and a comprehensive handover for home reinforcement.

Pricing Summary

Training is offered in flexible session packages: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 60 sessions that can be applied to any program (private, board & train, daycare & train, group classes). Each session is customizable based on client goals. The Working Dog Club costs $50 per session. A free 30-minute evaluation is offered to start.

Policies

Appointment requests require up to 48 hours for confirmation. Private lessons are not offered on Tuesdays. Clients must provide three preferred dates and times; availability is not guaranteed. Trainers may not always be available on requested dates, potentially extending wait times. No other cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Grassroots K9 Sarasota is a mobile dog training business led by head trainer Cory McDonnell, offering customized training programs designed to meet the unique needs of dogs and their owners. They provide private training, group classes, board & train, and daycare & train services, all focused on real-world results and building strong owner-dog bonds. Cory brings extensive experience in police handler training, PSA protection sports, and detection trials, applying a positive, personality-driven approach that emphasizes trust, communication, and reward-based methods. The business also offers specialized programs for puppies, behavior modification, obedience, and working dogs, including bite work and scent tracking. Additional services include seminars, online courses, a training shop, and a Working Dog Club. They serve multiple locations across the U.S. and Canada through regional branches, with Sarasota as one of their key hubs.

Their training is tailored to each dog’s temperament and the owner’s lifestyle, with ongoing support included to ensure long-term success. They offer flexible scheduling, free evaluations, and packages that allow clients to mix and match service types. Cory is known for his supportive, down-to-earth style and ability to connect with both dogs and families, including those with children or reactive dogs.

The business promotes community involvement and has supported clients in fundraising and competition events, extending their impact beyond training sessions.

Accomplishments

Cory McDonnell has extensive experience training police personnel in obedience and behavior modification. He has competed in PSA (Protection Sports Association) and detection trials. He has supported clients in achieving national-level competition results, including a Dockdogs World Championship, and provides sponsorship and community support through Grassroots K9.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a free 30-minute evaluation to assess the dog’s behavior, training level, and owner goals. This no-obligation session helps determine the most suitable training program. After the evaluation, clients can choose from flexible training packages and schedule sessions via the booking system.