K9 Workingmind, Training by Tara LLC

Training is delivered through 6-week curriculum-based group classes covering obedience, agility, recall, heeling, trieball, and communication. Specialty sessions target specific skills. One-on-one private sessions address individual behavioral issues. Behavioral consultations are required before certain training and involve observation without hands-on training. Stay & Train is a board-and-train program. Online webinars cover topics like body language and aggression. Therapy and service dog training includes certification preparation.

Pricing Summary

Clients pay for curriculum-based packages, not by the hour. Group classes are 6-week programs. Private sessions are 30–60 minutes. Stay & Train is offered as an intensive program. Online webinars are available for purchase through Podia. No hourly rates are listed, and pricing details are not publicly disclosed.

Policies

Client feedback indicates that the Stay & Train program requires signing a liability waiver for injuries. No formal cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated on the website. One client reported receiving only one update during a boarding stay after requesting more.

K9 Workingmind, Training by Tara LLC is a dog training business based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to improving the relationship between dogs and their owners through clear communication rooted in canine instincts. They focus on helping dogs stay in a “working-mind” state—calm, focused, and motivated to work for their owners—by teaching owners how to speak their dog’s language using body language and pack behaviors. Services include group classes, private one-on-one sessions, in-home consultations, behavioral consultations, and specialized training for therapy and service dogs. They also offer a “Stay & Train” board-and-train program, online webinars, and community programs like the K9 WorkingMind Shelter Program. Their approach emphasizes understanding the root causes of behavior rather than just correcting symptoms, helping owners build long-term, sustainable relationships with their dogs.

They operate two training locations in east and north Austin, with class sizes limited to four dogs to ensure personalized attention. Training is structured around 6-week curriculums, and clients pay for the curriculum, not by the hour. They also provide Zoom/Facetime consultations for clients outside Austin and offer on-demand educational content through their website.

Their team includes Tara Stermer and Laura, both experienced trainers who specialize in behavior modification, reactivity, leash training, and service dog certification. They are certified Canine Good Citizens evaluators and offer specialized classes in agility, recall, heeling, trieball, and communication. Their philosophy is summarized as “See them. Hear them. Help them.”

Accomplishments

Tara and Laura are certified Canine Good Citizens evaluators. Tara is the host of a dog behavior podcast and offers on-demand educational content. The business runs a shelter program and community initiatives like Stepped In Texas and T-DAWG.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first complete a Behavioral Consultation Form. A consultation with Tara or Laura is required to evaluate the dog’s behavior before determining the appropriate training path. In-home consultations are available only with Tara. Group classes and private sessions can be booked after the consultation.