K9 Workingmind, Training by Tara LLC
Service area: Serves east and north Austin, Texas, with virtual consultations available nationwide.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
- ✓ Other
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
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 & Policies
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.
Testimonials
Tara was able to pinpoint the issues with my dog and provide accurate training regime for us. I learned how to lead my dog and now we have a wonderful relationship. My dog is happy and trust me.
– Anonymous
I can’t even remember the last time I had to yell or say no to my dog. There was no need to! The series of training helps me communicate positively to my dog and it works!
– Anonymous
I’ve had several private sessions with Tara so far (lots more planned for the future). I have a pack of 4 reactive dogs and she has helped me understand them so much better! I recommend her to all my friends, coworkers and clients (I work at 2 vet clinics). I recommend booking wayyy in advance as she is usually full a month and a half in.
– Anonymous
About the Trainer
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.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 8:30am-6pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-6pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8:30am-6pm
Friday: 8:30am-6pm
Saturday: 8:30am-6pm
Sunday: 8:30am-6pm
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
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