Heart Mountain K9

Heart Mountain K9 offers diverse training programs, including Board ‘n’ Train, Day Training, Private Lessons, and Group Classes. Board ‘n’ Train programs involve dogs staying at the facility, integrated into daily exercise, socialization, and learning, with some packages offering guaranteed results and owner training sessions. Specific Board ‘n’ Train options include Advanced Obedience (5-6 weeks, on/off leash), Basic Obedience (2 weeks, on-leash), Adventure Skills Camp (2 weeks, focused behaviors), Puppy Bootcamp (3 weeks, potty training, socialization), Behavior Rehabilitation (aggression manipulation), Service Dog (customized, physical assistance, medical alert), Protection Dog (controlled aggression), Shed Hunting (3 months, e-collar included), and Bird Dog Puppy (2 months, impulse control, retrieving).

Day Training allows dogs to attend daycare with two professional training sessions daily, returning home at night, requiring a minimum 2-week commitment. Private Lessons are personalized 40-60 minute one-on-one sessions for specific issues or specialized skills. Group Classes are kept small and include DDT Scent Work (5 weeks, odor detection), AKC Star Puppy (on-going, basic skills for puppies), CGC Basic Obedience (5 weeks, prepares for AKC Canine Good Citizen test), and DDT Advanced Scent Work (5 weeks, proofing behaviors).

Additional programs include Puppy Kindergarten (6 weeks, socialization, basic commands), Fat Dog Day Camp (10 days, intensive exercise), a Working Dog Club for protection sports, and Titling Services for competition. They also offer a program for raising personal protection puppies, which includes a hand-picked puppy and extensive training phases.

Pricing Summary

Heart Mountain K9 offers various training packages with set prices. Board ‘n’ Train programs range from $1500 for 2 weeks (Adventure Skills Camp) to $3200 for 5-6 weeks (Advanced Obedience), with Behavior Rehabilitation at $750/week (minimum 4 weeks) and Service Dog packages starting at $6900. Day Training is $550 for 1 week or $1000 for 2 weeks.

Group classes are typically $250-$300 for 5-week courses, with a 5-class punch pass for AKC Star Puppy at $200 and Puppy Kindergarten at $150 for 6 weeks. Boarding rates vary by room size and number of dogs, from $35/day for one dog in a ‘Hide-Away Den’ to $118/day for four dogs in a ‘Homey Hollow’, with a 10% discount for stays over 10 days.

Daycare options are $25-$28 for a full day, with package deals available. Private lesson pricing varies with package discounts. Fat Dog Day Camp is $480 for ten days. Additional activity packages and add-ons are available for boarding.

Policies

Heart Mountain K9 offers guaranteed results for their Advanced and Basic Obedience Board ‘n’ Train packages, ensuring training completion and minimal owner time commitment upon return. Owner involvement is crucial for Board ‘n’ Train programs, with required training sessions before the dog leaves and complimentary follow-up lessons.

Day Training requires a minimum 2-week (10-day) commitment. The facility welcomes intact and difficult dogs without additional charges for boarding or daycare. For boarding, owners must provide their dog’s food, though the facility can provide kibble for an extra $3/day. There are no extra charges for administering medications or healthcare during boarding. Puppies from their breeding program are kept until at least 9 weeks of age.

Heart Mountain K9, owned and operated by Michael and Denae Thomas, offers comprehensive pet care services including boarding, daycare, and various training options. They are an activity-based facility that provides cutting-edge training methods tailored to each dog and handler.

The business specializes in Protection, Canine Aggression, and Nosework, while also being proficient in all other areas of dog training. A unique advantage is their claim that their protection dogs achieve higher training levels than those from larger vendors, at a fraction of the cost. Heart Mountain K9 has expanded internationally, assisting law enforcement by placing skilled K9s.

They also selectively breed German Shepherds from top specimens, proven through working venues and official health testing. During training or boarding, client dogs are accustomed to a home environment, ensuring comfort and a well-rounded experience. The company’s core mission is “Training with Purpose,” driven by a passion to protect families.

Accomplishments

Heart Mountain K9, owned by Michael and Denae Thomas, boasts over 18 years of combined training experience. They are noted as the only training company in Wyoming capable of handling aggression cases. The business has expanded internationally, placing competent K9s with law enforcement.

Their protection dogs are stated to achieve higher training levels than those from large vendors. One of their trainers is a certified DDT Judge. They selectively breed German Shepherds from top specimens proven in working venues and official health testing, mimicking the military’s Super Dog Program for early neurological stimulation in puppies. Their breeding dogs hold titles such as PSA 1, Personal Protection Dog, Retired Special Forces, and Narcotics Detection Dog.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can contact Heart Mountain K9 for a free evaluation, especially for private lessons or service dog training, to discuss needs and determine the best training options. For general inquiries, a contact form is available, or clients can call directly to start their training journey, particularly for service or protection dog packages.