K9 Good Manners

K9 Good Manners offers a 6-week intensive in-kennel board and train program, known as “Puppy Boot Camp,” designed for dogs with behavioral issues or those needing foundational obedience. The program includes training in commands like sit, stay, heel, recall, and the signature “place” command. Dogs are trained using a balanced approach combining positive reinforcement and corrections. After the program, owners receive in-person follow-up training at their home to ensure consistency. The training is guaranteed for the life of the dog, and owners receive regular photo/video updates during boarding.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to call for details on their 6-week board and train program. A monthly training special is advertised, suggesting variable or promotional pricing. Payment is expected upon enrollment, with no refund policy mentioned.

Policies

K9 Good Manners guarantees their training for the life of the dog. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated, but clients are encouraged to call for details. Programs require advance enrollment and payment, with no mention of refunds.

K9 Good Manners is a veteran-owned dog training facility founded by John Smithhart, a former U.S. Air Force dog handler with over 17 years of professional experience in dog training and behavior. They specialize in intensive in-kennel board and train programs designed for dogs with behavior issues such as separation anxiety, leash pulling, reactivity, chewing, and aggression. Their programs are built on science and real-world experience gained from military, law enforcement, and K9 operations worldwide. In addition to board and train services, they offer owner training to help families maintain their dog’s progress. They also provide pet boarding and have trained shelter dogs for adoption. Their unique guarantee covers training for the life of the dog, and they emphasize building strong owner-dog bonds through clear communication and consistent reinforcement.

They serve clients locally and nationally, with many clients traveling from out of state to enroll their dogs in their 6-week intensive program. They provide regular photo and video updates during boarding and even deliver trained dogs back to owners’ homes to conduct in-person follow-up training in the family’s environment.

John Smithhart has trained dogs for NYPD, Secret Service, and military missions, and has imported dogs for the NYPD K9 program. His background ensures a high level of expertise in both obedience and behavior modification for dogs of all breeds and temperaments.

Accomplishments

John Smithhart has over 17 years of professional dog training experience, served as a U.S. Air Force dog handler, conducted explosive detection and man-tracking missions in Iraq and other global locations, trained dogs for NYPD K9 program, and worked on Secret Service missions for two U.S. Presidents. He founded K9 Good Manners in 2007 after a distinguished military and civilian K9 career.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call 864-451-8271 to inquire about the current training special and schedule a consultation. The process begins with a phone conversation to assess the dog’s needs, followed by enrollment in the 6-week board and train program. Owners receive updates during training and are invited for in-person follow-up sessions upon pickup.