K9 Instincts
Service area: Serves Portsmouth, RI and surrounding areas within Newport and Bristol Counties, approximately 20 miles from Providence and the Mount Hope Bridge.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
- Service Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Working
- Herding
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training begins with an in-person consultation to evaluate the dog’s temperament and home dynamics. Programs are customized and include intensive board-and-train options lasting weeks, with refresher training available during boarding. Training covers obedience, behavior modification, and working dog skills using a balanced method with praise and correction.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not publicly listed. Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to receive a customized quote based on training goals, duration, and program type.
Policies
Policies on cancellations and rescheduling are not publicly detailed. Clients are advised to contact the facility directly for specific terms.
Testimonials
We had such a positive experience working with K9 instincts for our rescue puppy Bowen. He was unsure of himself/expectations and exhibited many “typical puppy” behaviors that we didn’t want to become habits. Through training he gained so much confidence, obedience, structure and a balanced temperament.
Aside from their expertise, the team at K9 instincts is truly dedicated to long-term success for both the dog and owner(s). Their support doesn’t end after training. Reinforcing everything he learned will be a lifelong commitment and the team has made themselves accessible for continued help/advice!
I highly recommend K9 instincts to anyone looking for an exceptionally skilled and supportive trainer for their dog. You won’t regret it!!
– Client
I had my dog trained here for 4 weeks. Best decision I made. My dog is now great on the leash, off the leash at the park and has amazing recall. Before training another dog or squirrel would set off the tugging on the leash or a mad dash to chase with no recall. No longer. I can take my dog anywhere and have complete control. My dog has more confidence and is definitely calmer in situations that previously caused unwanted barking or excitement.
– Client
We brought our two giant schnauzers to K9 Instincts to strengthen their foundations, build confidence, and address some issues. The progress they made was remarkable. One of our dogs had resource guarding issues, and the trainers equipped us with the skills to address this safely. Our dogs are now more confident because they know what’s expected, and we feel more confident as owners. The trainers were honest and direct (never sugarcoating) while giving us clear guidance on where we could improve. As a dog owner, especially of powerful breeds, half the battle is recognizing and accepting your own mistakes. Even when you think you’re doing OK, the expertise of professional support can show you how much better things can be. Huge thanks to the K9 Instincts crew for their ongoing support.
– Client
About the Trainer
K9 Instincts is a professional dog training and boarding facility in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, founded by Matt Betts in 1999. The team specializes in behavior modification, obedience, on/off-leash control, service dogs, and police K9 training, with a focus on challenging cases like fear aggression, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. They use a balanced approach combining praise and correction to build well-behaved dogs and strengthen the owner-dog bond. The facility also offers boarding with daily care, exercise, and optional refresher training, along with a breeding program for German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Malinois for both working and pet homes.
Trainers Matt Betts, Brittany Raymond, and Emily Nesby bring decades of combined experience, including work with police agencies, veterinary medical backgrounds, and international seminars. They emphasize personalized evaluations and customized training plans tailored to each dog’s temperament and home environment.
Clients praise the team for their professionalism, ongoing support, and transformative results — from leash reactivity to confident, obedient companions. The facility is equipped for intensive programs and provides hands-on care in a secure, temperature-controlled environment.
Accomplishments
Matt Betts is a graduate of Pro Train in San Diego and has trained police, service, and protection dogs since 1999. He has managed training facilities in New York, Texas, and California and is frequently invited to give seminars internationally on police K9 techniques and behavior modification. Brittany Raymond has over 14 years of experience at K9 Instincts and a background as a veterinary technician. Emily Nesby has trained under Matt and Brittany since 2014 and holds a degree from URI.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients must schedule an in-person consultation at the facility to meet the dog, discuss behavioral concerns, and develop a customized training plan. This evaluation is required before enrolling in any program.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 8am-8pm
Tuesday: 8am-8pm
Wednesday: 8am-8pm
Thursday: 8am-8pm
Friday: 8am-8pm
Saturday: 8am-8pm
Sunday: 8am-8pm
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder
- Kennel
- Pet boarding service
Location
160 Willow Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871Listing Tools for Trainers
For K9 Instincts Only
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