K-9 Companions

K-9 Companions offers a range of training programs tailored to different needs. The K-9 Boot Camp is their signature program, a two-to-four week board and train stay at their Southern California facility. Dogs receive daily training from multiple trainers and benefit from socialization, with the program including one in-home follow-up lesson and three on-site follow-up lessons valid for one year.

Basic Obedience and Manners training addresses common negative behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, aggression, soiling, biting, and digging. This program covers fundamental commands such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Down, along with manners like stopping at doors/gates and curbs, and laying down in “place.” Training options include K-9 Boot Camp, in-home training, and field lessons at their facility, with a focus on training the owner to be the “pack leader.”

Advanced Obedience and Agilities training is designed for dogs that have mastered basic commands, providing a foundation for protection training, obedience trials, or other skills and competitions. Lessons include advanced commands like sit/down out of sight and at a distance, food refusal, drop on recall, directed jumps, and agility elements such as cat walk, high jumps, and barrels.

Service Dog Training is a comprehensive program that typically takes about 18 months when starting with a young dog or puppy. It involves the dog owner in the training process and requires a suitability evaluation and a physician’s recommendation. The training covers basic and off-leash obedience, Canine Good Citizen training and testing, public access training, and specific service skills tailored to the owner’s disability, such as opening doors, retrieving objects, getting help, and alerting.

Level One Protection Training focuses on instilling a defensive mindset in dogs, teaching them to alert to cues and to turn aggression on and off on command, without involving biting or attack training. Dogs learn to be social with family and friends but suspicious of strangers, threaten on command, cease aggression on command, and check the house for intruders in various environments. A free evaluation is required to determine a dog’s suitability for this training.

Pricing Summary

Specific pricing details are not provided, but the “Board & Brush Up” service is available for a daily fee after completing the Boot Camp program. K-9 Companions also operates a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that trains service dogs for U.S. Veterans at no charge.

K-9 Companions offers professional dog training services for a variety of purposes, aiming to help dog owners address common behavioral frustrations and build a stronger bond with their pets. They provide training for basic obedience, advanced skills, and specialized areas like service dog training and protection.

Their training philosophy emphasizes kindness and respect for dogs, utilizing positive reinforcement alongside mild corrections. All trainers are certified master trainers.

A unique advantage is their K-9 Boot Camp, a popular board and train program, which includes follow-up lessons and a “Board & Brush Up” boarding service. They also operate a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to provide service dog training to U.S. Veterans at no charge.

Accomplishments

All trainers at K-9 Companions are certified master trainers. The business works in partnership with the American Red Cross for Service to the Armed Forces. They have also established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for U.S. Veterans at no charge.

How to Get Started!

To get started with K-9 Companions, prospective clients can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and evaluation. This initial meeting allows the trainers to assess the dog’s knowledge and trainability, and gives owners an opportunity to visit the facility. Consultations are required before signing up for advanced training or protection training, and are also offered for the K-9 Boot Camp program. Appointments can be scheduled by calling or filling out a form on their website.