K9 Connection

K9 Connection offers a variety of dog training programs designed to meet diverse needs. Their **Board and Train Program** is an intensive, hybrid approach where dogs receive multiple daily hands-on training sessions from professionals, with owners participating in weekly “go-home” lessons and a follow-up session. This program is available in 4-week, 3-week plus 6 private lessons, and 5-6 week durations, catering to basic obedience, mild to severe behavioral issues, and off-leash training.

**Private Lessons** provide one-on-one weekly instruction at their training center, focusing on teaching owners effective communication, handling, and training techniques. These customized sessions address basic obedience, minor behavior issues, and can include off-leash training, with the option for in-home lessons as the program progresses.

For initial guidance, a **Consultation with a Trainer** is available, offering a 30-minute assessment of the dog and the dog-human relationship, providing immediate advice and training recommendations.

Group class options include **Puppy Class**, a 5-week foundational course for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months, covering basic obedience, leash walking, and socialization. The **Puppy Social Hour** offers monthly off-leash social time for puppies aged 3-7 months, with expert guidance on proper socialization.

The **Confidence Building Class** is a 5-week course for shy, fearful, or anxious dogs, using positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to build confidence. **Tricks Class**, also a 5-week course, is a fun way to strengthen the bond and teach impressive tricks using food motivation. **Scent Class** (Beginner and Intermediate, 5 weeks each) engages a dog’s natural instincts for scent detection, offering mental enrichment and strengthening the dog-handler bond.

The **Day Training Program** is an extension of their Board and Train and Private Lessons, or a stand-alone Advanced Pack Socialization. It allows clients to drop off their dogs for daily training sessions focusing on proofing obedience, refreshing skills, e-collar introduction, crate training, leash manners, and confidence building. They also offer specialized **Socialization** to help dogs overcome fear and stress, and a **Life Skills with Your Dog Group Class** to teach essential real-world skills like recall and leash manners.

Pricing Summary

K9 Connection offers various programs with different pricing structures. The 4-week Board and Train program costs $3,699, as does the 3-week Board and Train program combined with 6 private lessons. A longer 5-6 week Board and Train program ranges from $4,699 to $5,699. A $500 deposit is required for Board and Train programs at the time of booking, and a payment-on-file is needed for the program’s duration for additional equipment or treats.

Private lesson packages include Six Private Lessons for $799 and Ten Private Lessons for $1,299, with additional 1-hour private lessons available for $139 each. Training equipment is not included in these prices, with basic collars ranging from $35-$50 and professional-grade remote training collars from $240-$290.

Group classes are typically 5 weeks in length: Confidence Building Class is $199, Puppy Class is $179, Beginner Scent Class is $179, Intermediate Scent Class is $199, and Tricks Class is $199. Day Training is offered at $155 per day. Financing options are available through Affirm for various programs.

Policies

K9 Connection has specific policies regarding payments, cancellations, and missed sessions. Generally, any remaining balance or unused training expires one year after the purchase date. For Board and Train programs, a $500 deposit is required at booking, which is non-refundable and non-transferable if cancellation or rescheduling occurs less than two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the program start date. Refunds for deposits are credited back in the original form of payment.

For private lessons, clients must provide 24 hours advance notice for cancellations or rescheduling, otherwise, the lesson is forfeited. For group classes, missed sessions cannot be made up without express consent from management. If a dog exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior during a group class, the owner may be asked to leave, in which case a 50% refund of the class fee will be issued.

All dogs participating in K9 Connection activities must have current vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Kennel Cough (Bordetella or Intratrac), with proof required prior to class commencement. A signed Liability Release and Training Agreement is also required for participation in any program.

K9 Connection is a dog training business in Buffalo, NY, dedicated to enhancing the relationship between clients and their dogs through improved communication and leadership. Their core mission is to build better behavioral wellness for dogs and their owners, offering high-quality educational standards. They are committed to ongoing self-improvement and education to provide the highest standards in training.

They offer a wide range of dog training programs tailored to specific training or behavioral goals, including Board and Train, Private Lessons, and various Specialized Group Classes. K9 Connection also provides related services such as Enrichment Daycare and Grooming Services. They address common dog behaviors like lunging, barking, jumping, pulling, and biting, and also help new dog owners start off on the right paw.

Their unique Board and Train program uses a hybrid approach, offering intensive professional training while allowing dogs to spend weekends at home, maintaining the handler-dog bond. This approach aims for faster results, less stress on owners, immersive learning in a structured environment, and enhanced customization, especially for behavioral cases. They pride themselves on achieving recognition from dog owners and professionals worldwide for their comprehensive programs and unique approach to training and behavior modification.

Accomplishments

K9 Connection has been proudly serving clients and their dogs in Buffalo and the Greater Western New York area since 2011. Their comprehensive dog training programs and unique approach to training and behavior modification have achieved recognition from dog owners and professionals worldwide. Their 4-week Board and Train program is described as a 5-star reviewed program. The team has spent over a decade developing their approach to rehabilitation and socialization.

How to Get Started!

To begin with K9 Connection, prospective clients are encouraged to fill out a brief contact form so the team can better understand their individual needs. A member of the team will then reach out as soon as possible, typically within one business day via email. A 30-minute consultation with a trainer is also available, currently offered for free for a limited time, which can be booked directly online.