K9 Optima

K9 Optima offers several distinct training programs. Obedience Sessions are a 4-session package focusing on loose leash walking, place, stay, and recall, using games, lure, and reward-based training to build the dog’s commitment and confidence without punishment. Reactivity Therapy addresses all types of reactivity, emphasizing comfort, curiosity, and potential socialization through nose-to-nose interaction and play, utilizing positive reinforcement and avoiding corrections.

Virtual Package Sessions provide personalized online training via Zoom with Josh, including comprehensive evaluations and customized counterconditioning strategies using positive reinforcement and behavior modification. Board and Train programs, available for 2, 4, or 6 weeks, offer a comprehensive approach to reactivity, in-home behavior, socialization, and obedience. Dogs in these programs are not kenneled but interact freely with resident dogs and children, with training sessions livestreamed for transparency. The 6-week program specifically targets inter-dog conflict and aggression.

Additionally, K9 Optima provides The Infinite Approach Community, an online platform with direct access to Josh, a library of case studies and webinars, and weekly live Q&As. They also offer a Mentorship Program for aspiring and existing dog trainers, providing one-on-one guidance on training skills, business development, social media presence, and handling difficult aggression or reactivity cases.

Pricing Summary

Pricing for services includes: Obedience Session (4 Sessions Package) for $600; Reactivity Therapy for $300 (1 session) or $900 (4 sessions); Virtual Session for $150 (1 session) or Virtual Package for $400 (3 sessions). Board and Train programs are priced at $2,800 for 2 weeks, $5,800 for 4 weeks, and $8,400 for 6 weeks. The Mentorship Program is $150.

K9 Optima is a highly-rated dog training company founded by Josh Beckler, specializing in severe aggression, anxiety, and extreme behavioral challenges. Josh transitioned from compulsion-based methods to a compassionate, scientifically-backed approach rooted in neurobiology, physiology, animal social learning science, ethology, and fight or flight theory, informed by child psychology. He is currently obtaining certification as a Canine Science Behaviorist.

The company offers a range of services including in-person obedience sessions, reactivity therapy, and comprehensive board and train programs. They also provide virtual package sessions and an online community called The Infinite Approach, which offers direct access to Josh, case studies, and webinars. K9 Optima emphasizes positive reinforcement, avoiding punishment and leash corrections, and focuses on building a strong, positive bond between dogs and their owners.

A unique aspect of their training involves “helper” dogs (Boo, Gigi, Waffles, Juju) that assist in reactivity cases and conflict resolution. For board and train programs, dogs are not kenneled but roam and play with resident dogs and children, and training sessions are livestreamed for transparency. K9 Optima aims to transform lives by empowering owners to build calm, confident, and well-balanced dogs, having transformed nearly 6,000 dogs in four years.

Accomplishments

K9 Optima has been recognized as Sniffspots Top Trainer in 2023 and 2024, ranking #1 in the Bay Area, #1 in California, and #7 in the Nation. They were also the Winner of Oakland Magazine Readers’ Choice 2024. The company states they have transformed nearly 6,000 dogs in four years, with their Reactivity Therapy program alone helping over 4,000 dogs in four years and successfully assisting over 800 dogs with reactive behavior in 2022. Josh Beckler is currently obtaining certification as a Canine Science Behaviorist.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can schedule a free consultation call to determine the right training program for their dog. For Board & Train programs, clients are advised to call before making a purchase. The business also offers a free challenge that individuals can join by entering their details, and the Infinite Approach Community can be joined directly online.