K9 Etiquette

K9 Etiquette offers group classes and private lessons. Group classes include Puppy Kindergarten for dogs 8-18 weeks, focusing on bite inhibition, early socialization, temperament, and basic commands. Canine Obedience is a 5-week course for adolescent and adult dogs, teaching cues like sit, down stay, heel, loose leash walking, and recall, emphasizing independent behavior. Level Two Obedience & Basic Impulse Control focuses on immediate responses, commands in motion/at a distance, and emotional balance for dogs who have completed Level One. Private lessons are available for specific problems, individual attention, or dogs not suited for group settings, offered in-person or virtually.

Pricing Summary

Canine Obedience and Puppy Kindergarten are 5-session courses for $150, with a $75 non-refundable deposit required to secure a spot. Level Two Obedience & Basic Impulse Control is $160, with an $80 non-refundable deposit. Payment options include Venmo, PayPal, credit card via invoice, or mailing a check. Initial private consultations are 75-90 minutes, and follow-up lessons are 45-60 minutes, booked every 2-3 weeks.

Policies

Deposits for classes are non-refundable in most cases. For dog day sitting, all dogs must pass an evaluation test and meet vaccination requirements (Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo Virus), be over 4 months old and fully housebroken, and spayed/neutered if over seven months old.

K9 Etiquette is a dog training business owned and operated by Susanne Shaw, who has a deep passion for animals stemming from her childhood experiences rehabilitating abused horses and taming stray cats. Susanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).

The business focuses on helping owners understand how to communicate with their dogs using positive reinforcement techniques, aiming to raise well-behaved family companions. K9 Etiquette also provides items to help dogs fulfill their instinctual needs and offers dog daycare services to ensure dogs remain social and exercised.

During the 2020 pandemic, K9 Etiquette pivoted to offering online training classes and plans to launch an online store in August 2021 for online lessons and recommended training products. They offer both group and private training lessons, addressing general obedience and various behavior modification needs. Additionally, they provide dog day sitting services for socialization and exercise, requiring an evaluation test for new dogs.

Accomplishments

Susanne Shaw, the owner and trainer, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She obtained certification as an obedience instructor from the Animal Behavior College and received her Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) Certification in October 2013. Her experience includes working at a Kennel/Veterinary Clinic since 2001 and starting an in-home pet sitting company in 2004.

How to Get Started!

To register for group classes, pre-registration and a deposit are required via Calendly links, Venmo, PayPal, credit card invoice, or mailed check. For dog day sitting, owners must fill out and submit an application and release forms, then contact K9 Etiquette via Facebook message, email, or text to set up an evaluation test. Private lessons can be scheduled via Calendly for virtual or in-person consultations.