K9 Communication LLC

K9 Communication LLC structures its training around four phases of learning: Acquisition, Fluency, Generalization, and Maintenance. Acquisition involves forming new behaviors using marker words and reinforcement before pairing with a new cue. Fluency focuses on improving precision, speed, and response time with intermittent reinforcement until the skill is 90% perfect. Generalization slowly adds duration, distance, and distraction so skills can be performed anywhere. Maintenance incorporates the skill into daily life for readiness.

They offer Group Classes, including a Basic Obedience Class for dogs 9 months and older, focusing on foundational skills like sit, down, stay, recall, and loose leash walking, while also addressing undesirable behaviors such as jumping, barking, and digging. A specialized Puppy Training Class for puppies up to 8 months old teaches basic obedience, proper socialization, desensitization to handling, potty training, and mouthing.

One-On-One Training sessions are customized to individual dog and owner needs, focusing on specific obedience skills and behavior modification. These are recommended for puppies too young for group classes, multi-dog households, families needing more time, and reactive or aggressive dogs.

Various Boarding Options are available, including Board & Train, where dogs stay at the facility and receive a minimum of 3 hours of one-on-one training daily, plus exercise, enrichment, and snuggles. Board & Brush-Up allows dogs to stay in boarding suites and receive a minimum of 3 hours outside their suites daily for free time and a brush-up on obedience skills and good manners. Day school is also available.

Pricing Summary

Group Classes are $350 for 7 weeks. One-On-One Training costs $80 per hour at their Sanford location and $100 per hour off-site.

Board & Train program pricing depends on the dog’s needs and training goals, requiring a consultation prior to booking. A 2-week program for on-leash obedience, basic manners, and puppy training is $1680. A 3-week program for off-leash training, some reactivity, and socialization is $2520. Programs for off-leash training, severe reactivity, or task/situation-specific obedience skills are 3-4 weeks, with pricing varying. All Board & Train programs include 6 follow-up lessons or a 6-month guarantee.

Board & Brush-Up costs $65 per day for dogs under 8 months old and $50 per day for dogs older than 8 months old. Federal Holidays are $65 per day. A multiple dog discount of -$10 per additional dog is available. Pickup and drop-off services for all boarding options can be arranged for an additional fee of $0.50 per mile.

Policies

All dogs are required to be on leash with either a flat collar or harness while on the property; these tools can be borrowed or purchased for an additional fee. Children are welcome to join all training sessions with the accompaniment of an additional adult.

Group classes are limited to 8 dogs and require one human age 16 or older per dog. Until boarding facilities are complete, only one family at a time will be taken for board & train and traditional boarding services. Board & Brush Up services have a maximum capacity of 2 dogs. All board & train programs include a 6 follow-up lessons or a 6-month guarantee.

K9 Communication LLC is a dog training business founded by head trainer Sierra Ghironzi, who has over 5 years of professional experience working with dogs, stemming from a lifelong passion for understanding dog body language, breeds, drives, training methods, and psychology. Their primary goal is to establish clear communication between dogs and their families, enabling them to live fulfilling lives together.

The business firmly believes in the LIMA principle (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) and positive reinforcement training, which focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors to encourage long-term changes. While positive reinforcement is the cornerstone, training tools like e-collars and prong collars are only used as a last resort in specific cases of arousal-based reactivity or aggression, with proper explanation and humane application, and are phased out as the dog progresses.

K9 Communication LLC offers a variety of services to meet different training needs, including group classes, one-on-one training sessions, day school, and board & train options. They provide custom-built, anxiety-proofed boarding suites of various sizes (two 4×6 ft, one 4×8 ft, and one 4×11 ft) for boarding services. The facility boasts over an acre of fenced-in space for off-leash exploration and four additional acres for long-line exploration, ensuring dogs receive ample exercise, mental enrichment, and attention during their stay.

Accomplishments

The head trainer and founder, Sierra Ghironzi, has been working with dogs for over 5 years. She describes a lifelong passion for dog training, having taught her black lab a dance routine in first grade and working with her own insecure and reactive border collie at age ten, which sparked her deep interest in dog body language, breeds, drives, training methods, psychology, and evolution.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a free consultation to determine if K9 Communication LLC is a good fit, with no commitment, pressure, or obligation. Clients can book Private Training Sessions, Group Training Classes, or a Free Consultation directly through online booking links. Board & Train programs specifically require a consultation prior to booking.