K-9 Communication LLC
Ranked #1 in Milford and #6 in Connecticut
Service area: Milford, CT
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Biting / Nipping
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Working
- Terriers
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
K-9 Communication’s training methods are based on the science of canines, designed to make the learning process enjoyable for pets. The program begins with a no-cost temperament evaluation to determine the pet’s specific needs. Following this, a consultation is held with all family members involved with the dog to identify problem behaviors, and a customized program is then designed.
For protection work, flawless obedience is a prerequisite, ensuring protection training is an added command rather than an indiscriminate behavior. The business offers a “Lifetime Training Advantage,” guaranteeing training for the life of the dog. Additionally, K-9 Communication LLC provides full kennel services for clients’ dogs, with customizable crates to accommodate all sizes.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
A no-cost temperament evaluation is offered as the first step in the program. No other pricing information is available.
Policies
K-9 Communication offers a “Lifetime Training Advantage,” meaning training is guaranteed for the life of the dog. This is an exclusive promise to foster a partnership between the pet owner and the pet.
Testimonials
“Our family has had three dogs trained by Gus Marnel, two dobermans and one Scottish Terrier. We have known Gus for nearly 15 years. To say Gus is more than a dog trainer is an understatement. He is a part of our family and we trust him completely. Our daughter grew up with the dogs Gus trained and the reassurance that those dogs would understand their place in the pack was never an issue.We knew immediately after our initial consultation that Gus was the right trainer for us. Our goal was to have a loving, obedient companions that would become an extension of our family. Dogs that could be trusted around guests and ones that reciprocated the love we showed it. We knew after watching an amazing demonstration of ability (from his own dogs) that Gus achieved this level after years of mastery and loving techniques. The love and care (in addition to the commands) that he gave his own dogs was an indication of his technique. When you look for a trainer really ask yourself if that trainer will be there for you when you need advice and guidance. Gus will. Owning a dog is a wonderful experience and Gus will share those good times with you but more importantly, there will be difficult times (dogs will get sick and eventually you will have to say goodbye), Gus was there during those dark times too. We consider him family. Thank you Gus!”
– Briganti Family
“We decided our new puppy needed training because he was very headstrong and although we loved him very much he was wearing our patience very thin. We were parents of a preschooler and our Cyber was trying to be the leader of the pack. We attended training as a family. At the time it was my husband and myself and our 3 yr old daughter. Gus included her in the training. We didn’t continue to utilize all of the services Gus offered because our family grew very quickly and it became too difficult. However, Gus provided us with a lot of great techniques that we used on a daily basis. Cyber did remain very headstrong but we we were able to handle him much better. Ironically enough, I believe that our daughter ended up being his master. Cyber passed away this past May at the age of 20. His entire life he was by our daughter’s side. He obeyed her like none other (well, other than Gus) and I believe Gus also is responsible for teaching my daughter so much about the bond between a dog and their owner. Thank you Gus for helping us to make Cyber a part of our family and for having the patience to teach not only us but our daughter too.”
– Jay and Cheryl Michaud
“We had a four month old dobie who we thought needed to be trained and we we’re right. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer or person to count on. Issacc’s training has been in class for seven months and my husband and I have been very happy not only with his training but with all the help Gus has given us. He was there for our family this past weekend when our family needed a lot of help with our dogs and he took Issacc at a moments notice. I could never begin to thank Gus for all his help. This is the best choice that our family has made with any dog that we have had, Gus knows more about dogs than some Vets do. His knowledge is amazing and how he reads the dogs blows my mind. Thank You for everything Gus!”
– Jean Nizzardo
About the Trainer
K-9 Communication LLC, led by Constantine “Gus” Marnel, is a dog training business based in Milford, CT. Gus Marnel is a Registered Master Trainer with over 50 years of experience, having personally trained thousands of dogs using “loving techniques” and methods based on the science of canines. The business emphasizes making the learning process enjoyable for both the pet and owner, stating that training “should not be done with any kind of force.”
A unique advantage offered by K-9 Communication is its “Lifetime Training Advantage,” which guarantees training for the life of the dog, fostering a partnership between the pet owner and their pet. In addition to dog training, K-9 Communication LLC provides full kennel services for its clients, with customizable crates to comfortably fit dogs of all sizes.
Gus Marnel’s extensive background includes working with animals at Yale University School of Medicine, graduating from Ralston Purina’s Program in Animal Laboratory Technology, and becoming a Master Trainer from the United States K-9 Academy, Ltd. He has also been a guest lecturer on Dog Behavior and Psychology at the University of New Haven, is affiliated with Cornell University’s K-9 behavioral studies program, and is the author of “Canine Corner.” He has titled his own dogs in AKC obedience trials and served as an expert witness in dog bite litigation.
Accomplishments
Constantine “Gus” Marnel is a Registered Master Trainer who began his career working with animals at Yale University School of Medicine in 1971. He graduated from Ralston Purina’s Program in Animal Laboratory Technology in 1972 and the United States K-9 Academy in 1985, where he was granted Master Trainer Status in 1994.
Gus was a guest lecturer of Dog Behavior and Psychology in the Law Enforcement Program at the University of New Haven from 1993-1994. He received the Golden Leash Award in 2000 and authored “Canine Corner,” published by the Journal Register, in 2002. He also served as an expert witness in dog bite litigation in 2002. Currently, Gus continues to author articles related to canine obedience and leads training courses. He has titled his own dogs in AKC obedience trials and is affiliated with Cornell University’s K-9 behavioral studies program.
How to Get Started!
To begin, K-9 Communication offers a no-cost temperament evaluation of your pet to determine the type of work needed. The next step involves a consultation with all individuals involved with the dog to define areas of problem behavior. Following this, a program is specifically designed for your situation. A free appointment can be set up at your convenience to answer any questions about the program.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Kennel
- Pet boarding service