Katz K9

Katz K9 offers intensive Board & Train programs (4 weeks for basic obedience, 6 weeks for behavior modification), private in-person lessons on their facility or in real-world environments, and structured boarding for alumni dogs. Their Board & Train includes daily obedience, leash work, recall, place training, and exposure to public settings. Follow-up coaching ensures long-term success. Protection and bite sport training focus on PSA and K9 Street League standards, with progressive, controlled drills. Decoy Development trains individuals in safe, professional protection work. All programs emphasize clarity, consistency, and handler education.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Programs include 4-week and 6-week Board & Train options with follow-up lessons, e-collar training, and ongoing support. Private lessons and decoy development programs are available upon consultation.

Policies

Board & Train programs include follow-up lessons and support. Structured boarding is exclusive to alumni clients. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Katz K9 is a dog training facility in Tacoma, WA, founded by Adam Katz and Carly McCormick, who bring personal experience and professional expertise to training dogs with challenging behaviors. They specialize in balanced training, combining positive reinforcement with fair corrections using tools like prong collars and e-collars to create clear, reliable communication with dogs. Their services include Board & Train programs (4 and 6 weeks), private lessons, protection and bite sport training (PSA & K9 Street League), behavior modification for reactivity, fear, and aggression, and structured boarding for alumni clients. They also offer a hands-on Dog Trainer Development program for aspiring professionals. The facility features a 1-acre property with outdoor kennels, indoor treadmills, multiple training rooms, and mock living environments to ensure real-world skill generalization. Adam and Carly are known for their deep knowledge of canine behavior, experience with high-drive working breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Belgian Malinois, and their commitment to helping owners maintain long-term results through coaching and follow-up support.

They serve clients across Pierce County, WA, and extend services as far south as Portland, OR, and north to Bellingham, WA. Their approach is results-oriented, emphasizing trust, consistency, and education for both dogs and owners. They welcome dogs of all ages, including seniors and those with bite histories, and prioritize safety, structure, and emotional well-being in every program.

Katz K9 also provides Decoy Development training for individuals seeking to become professional protection sport decoys, emphasizing responsibility, technique, and dog-reading skills.

Accomplishments

Adam Katz has certifications and training from Primal Canine, NePoPo Gold School, and Duke University’s Canine Emotion & Cognition program. He has a background in criminal justice. Carly McCormick holds a degree in criminal justice with a focus on psychology. Together, they have trained dogs with severe behavioral issues, including bite cases, that other trainers decline.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule an evaluation to discuss their dog’s needs. Adam and Carly provide detailed explanations of their NePoPo-based training system during evaluations to ensure alignment with client goals.