Man’s Best Friend

The flagship program is a 30-day intensive boarded training program that teaches formal commands: “Here,” “Down,” and loose-leash walking, using pack order and leadership principles. Dogs receive daily training, structured exercise, and behavioral conditioning. Upon return, owners attend a 3-hour transfer lesson to learn how to maintain obedience. Lifetime free private lessons and phone support are included. Online video modules are provided for ongoing home training. Puppy evaluations and private lessons are also available as standalone services.

Pricing Summary

The 30-day boarded training program costs $4,500, which includes $150 per day for training and boarding. An additional $60/day boarding fee may apply if temperament issues delay training. A deposit is required at enrollment, with full payment due at program completion. Training equipment is provided and kept by the owner. Online training via Top Dog Academy is available for $47/month. Private lessons and phone consultations are free for life.

Policies

A financial deposit is required at enrollment in the boarded training program. Payment in full is due at the end of the 30-day program. If a dog’s temperament prevents immediate training, additional boarding fees of $60/day apply until training begins, but training charges are capped at 30 days. Vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies) are required. Food must be provided by the owner. No cancellation policy is explicitly stated.

Man’s Best Friend is a dog training business based in Battle Ground, Washington, founded in 1998 and led by owner Shannon Walker. They specialize in boarded training, private lessons, puppy evaluations, and pet boarding, with a focus on pack order and leadership-based methods to create balanced, obedient dogs. Their flagship 30-day boarded training program transforms dogs with behavioral issues such as jumping, leash pulling, aggression, reactivity, and destructive behavior, and includes a 3-hour post-program lesson to teach owners how to maintain the training. They also offer lifetime free private lessons and phone consultations. Their facility features climate-controlled kennels, therapeutic beds, large outdoor areas, and trained staff with experience working with police K9s. They provide an online course platform, Top Dog Academy, for remote training at a lower cost. The business serves clients across the Pacific Northwest and internationally, and emphasizes long-term success through education and consistency.

They offer both in-facility boarding and training, and their services are designed for dogs of all ages and temperaments, including fearful, reactive, and high-energy dogs. Their approach combines structure, leadership, and positive reinforcement with controlled corrections, aiming to build a calm, respectful relationship between dog and owner.

In addition to training, they provide pet boarding, puppy evaluations, and access to online video modules for ongoing support. They are highly recommended by police departments and have received numerous testimonials praising their results, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Accomplishments

Shannon Walker and her team have over 50 years of combined experience in dog training. They have trained thousands of dogs, including multiple police K9 units in the Vancouver area. They are recognized across the Pacific Northwest as a top canine training facility and have received consistent praise from law enforcement and pet owners for their results with reactive, aggressive, and high-energy dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must schedule an appointment to enroll in the 30-day boarded training program. A proof of current vaccinations is required. Owners must bring their dog’s regular food and pay a deposit at the time of scheduling. A puppy evaluation or private lesson can be booked directly through the website for non-boarded services.