K.O. Dog Training

All training is private, one-on-one, and conducted weekly for 5–6 weeks. Each 1-hour session is fully dedicated to the owner and dog, with training focused on commands like Come, Sit, Down, Stay, Focus, and Stop, plus leash etiquette and behavior issue resolution. Service Dog Training requires an individualized assessment and involves advanced public access training with increasing levels of distraction, duration, and distance. AKC CGC training spans 4 weeks with a final evaluation. All programs emphasize owner education and consistent home practice.

Pricing Summary

Private training programs cost $540 for Basic Obedience, Puppy Training, or Behavior Modification (6 weeks in SC, 5 weeks in CA). AKC Canine Good Citizen training is $160 for group or $280 for private. A 10% discount is offered for Active Military, Veterans, and Senior Citizens. Additional fees of 10–20% apply for training at locations outside their facilities. A second dog from the same household costs $270 extra in SC or $135 in CA.

K.O. Dog Training is a husband-and-wife team, Philip and Michelle Kaough, who provide private, in-person dog training services using Positive Reinforcement, Rewards-Based, and Relationship/Leadership methods. They do not hire outside trainers, ensuring they personally work with every dog they train. Their programs focus on teaching owners how to become confident, kind leaders while improving their dog’s behavior through consistent, reward-based techniques. Services include Basic Obedience, Puppy Training, Behavior Modification, Service Dog Training, and AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation. They offer a free 30-minute assessment to evaluate each dog’s needs before starting any program. Their training is conducted at their own facilities in South Carolina and California, with potential additional fees for off-site training. They are Veteran-owned and offer a 10% discount for Active Military, Veterans, and Senior Citizens.

Philip is a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Pet CPR & First-Aid Certified, and an AKC-Endorsed CGC Evaluator. Michelle is also a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), a Certified Police K9 Trainer, and specializes in behavioral issues and scent detection. Both emphasize understanding dog body language, timing, and motivators to build strong owner-dog relationships.

They train dogs of all ages—from puppies to seniors—and address issues like leash pulling, barking, jumping, separation anxiety, reactivity, potty training, and resource guarding. Their programs are structured as weekly one-hour private sessions, typically lasting 5–6 weeks depending on location. They also offer ongoing support for the life of the dog after training completion.

Accomplishments

Philip Kaough is a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Pet CPR & First-Aid Certified, and an AKC-Endorsed Canine Good Citizen Trainer & Evaluator. Michelle Kaough is a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Certified Police K9 Trainer, and Pet CPR & First-Aid Certified. Both completed the Animal Behavior College program, with Michelle graduating as Honor Graduate. Philip has years of professional experience as a Dog Trainer & Consultant.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a free 30-minute Assessment of their dog, during which the trainers observe the dog’s behavior, discuss the owner’s goals, and determine the appropriate training program. There is no obligation to proceed after the assessment.