Julio Hernandez K-9

Offers 6-week and 12-week training blocks focusing on basic and advanced obedience commands (sit, heel, down, recall, focus) through interactive games. Advanced training includes high-level obedience and protection/sport dog work. Training is hands-on and owner-involved, with no drop-off model. Programs are structured around building a bond through emotional engagement and social discipline.

Pricing Summary

Training sessions start at $75 per session; a 6-week block of six sessions starts at $450; a 12-week block starts at $850. Puppies start at $2,000 and are AKC registered with a health guarantee.

Julio Hernandez K-9 is a dog training business based in Lillington, NC, founded by a U.S. Army veteran with over two decades of experience in dog training, breeding, and animal husbandry. The business offers group dog training sessions focused on obedience, protection sports (Schutzhund/IPO), and working dog development using interactive games and social discipline. Training is conducted at their outdoor facility and emphasizes owner involvement—clients are taught how to train their own dogs rather than having the dog trained for them. They specialize in German Shepherd Dogs from their own breeding program, producing puppies with high drives for protection, obedience, and tracking. Their training philosophy includes the use of corrections, prong collars, and e-collars, as well as physical corrections, according to client reports. They also offer advanced training for competition-level working dogs and accommodate military personnel with flexible scheduling.

In addition to training, Julio Hernandez K-9 operates as a breeder of working-line German Shepherds, offering AKC-registered puppies for sale starting at $2,000. They maintain a stud dog program with two primary males, “Beast” and “Caiser,” both with IPO 3 titles and proven working lines. The business runs a Schutzhund/IPO club (Sandhills Working Dog Club) and promotes the sport through events and breeding. They provide health guarantees on puppies and emphasize pedigree knowledge and genetic selection in their breeding practices.

Client reviews are mixed: some praise Julio’s deep knowledge, competitive results, and dedication to working dogs, while others report harsh training methods, including the use of prong collars, e-collars, and physical corrections on fearful or reactive dogs, raising concerns about welfare and suitability for behavior modification.

The business is open 8am–8pm, 7 days a week, and encourages direct phone calls for inquiries about training or puppies.

Accomplishments

Julio Hernandez is a U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of experience in dog training and breeding. He operates a USCA-recognized Schutzhund/IPO club (Sandhills Working Dog Club). His stud dogs, “Beast” and “Caiser,” hold IPO 3 titles and have produced offspring that compete nationally. He has experience as a vet tech and in high-kill shelters and private security.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call directly to discuss training needs or puppy availability. Consultations are not offered as free evaluations; initial contact is made via phone call to schedule training or inquire about upcoming litters.