My K9 Buddy

My K9 Buddy offers a comprehensive range of training programs designed to build strong relationships between dogs and their owners using positive, force-free methods.

Manners classes include Puppy 101 (8-15 weeks, basic manners, socialization), Puppy 102 (graduates of Puppy 101, under 7 months, builds on foundation skills), Manners Level 1 (dogs older than 15 weeks, introductory class covering sit, down, stay, wait, come, leash walking, leave-it, targeting, go-to-place), Manners Level 2 (builds on Level 1 skills, working through distractions), and Manners Level 3 (real-life training, incorporating distance and distractions for reliability).

Dog Sports classes are offered on a six-week schedule and include K9 Nose Work (for all ages/abilities, no prerequisites), Rally Obedience (builds on Manners, utilizes AKC and WCRL signs, prerequisite Manners Level 3), Great Start Level 1 & 2 (foundation for all off-leash sports, focusing on attention, self-control, handling skills, prerequisite Manners Level 3 for Level 1), Conformation/Handling, Dog Agility (from Foundation to Master Handling, prerequisite Manners Level 3 for Foundation), Competition Obedience (focus on heeling, retrieve, jumping, ring readiness, prerequisite Manners Level 3), and Tracking (harnesses natural scent ability, no prerequisites).

Focus and Fun workshops include Confidence & Focus (3-week workshop using motion-based exercises and puzzles), Try it out (2 weeks each of Rally, Nose Work, and Tricks, prerequisite Manners Level 2), Adventure Quest Workshop (3-week workshop navigating obstacles and solving tasks), Puppy Confidence & Focus (3-week workshop for puppies exploring obstacles), Dog About Town (focus and manners in public, meets weekly at different locations, prerequisite Manners Level 3), Handling Workshop (for conformation, obedience exams, vet visits, grooming, agility measuring), Puppy About Town (on-the-road class for puppies under 8 months who completed one class), Confidence Building – Teenage puppies (6-14 months, 3 one-hour sessions), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class (6-week class to prepare for CGC evaluation, prerequisite Manners Level 3), Novice Tricks Class (prerequisite Manners Level 1), and Advanced Tricks (for dogs completed Novice Tricks).

Pricing Summary

Group classes are typically 6 or 7 weeks long. Puppy 101 and Manners Level 1 are 7-week classes for $160. Puppy 102, Manners Level 2, and Manners Level 3 are 6-week classes for $140. Dog sports classes are also on a six-week schedule for $140.

Private training packages are available for both in-home and in-facility sessions. In-home packages include a one-hour initial consult, 45-minute home sessions, a training plan, and a daily training checklist. The Bronze package is $300 for 2 home sessions over two weeks, Silver is $500 for 4 home sessions over four weeks, and Gold is $700 for 6 home sessions over six weeks. In-facility private packages include a one-hour initial consult, 30-minute in-person or online coaching, a training plan, and a daily training checklist. The Bronze package is $200 for 2 coaching sessions over two weeks, Silver is $350 for 4 coaching sessions over four weeks, and Gold is $500 for 6 coaching sessions over six weeks. Virtual private sessions are $240 for 4 sessions, with the first session being 1 hour and additional sessions 30 minutes.

Policies

For private sessions, cancellations within 48 hours result in forfeiture of the session. Sessions canceled prior to 48 hours will be rescheduled. No-shows also result in forfeiture. Refunds for private packages are not issued after 7 days of the first consult. Package expirations are: Bronze – 1 month, Silver – 2 months, Gold – 3 months after the first session. These policies may be modified at the trainer’s discretion, except for the refund policy.

For classes, a full refund is available if notified at least seven days before the class start. After the first class, a partial refund for remaining classes may be issued if notified within 24 hours. No refunds are given after the first class. My K9 Buddy promotes a least invasive, minimally aversive training philosophy; therefore, choke collars, prong collars, or electronic collars are not allowed. Harsh corrections by any handler are cause for dismissal without refund. Females in heat may attend classes with panties if their hormones do not interfere with learning. Weather cancellations are announced via Facebook and email; manners classes will have a make-up class. Dogs should use the grassy area across the parking lot for elimination, and all solid waste must be picked up. Owners are responsible for cleaning up accidents inside the building.

My K9 Buddy is a dog training business dedicated to providing top-quality pet training services that help dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships. Their mission is to offer flexible, effective dog training guided by experienced, knowledgeable trainers using positive, force-free methods, presented in a fun and informative way. They believe every dog deserves the chance to learn and grow, becoming a well-behaved, happy family member.

The business offers a variety of classes and private sessions, including manners classes, dog sports, and focus and fun workshops. They also provide agility field rentals for current students and non-students by permission. My K9 Buddy emphasizes humane training techniques and a positive atmosphere for learning.

Accomplishments

My K9 Buddy boasts a team of experienced and certified instructors. Marta Coursey, who started training professionally in 1998, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Evaluator, and a member of APDT and Pet Professional Guild. Val Koogle has over 10 years of training experience and heads the manners department. Donna Sims, a public school teacher, has been involved in agility since 2003, achieving multiple championship titles and national event finalist placements. Mary Webb has over 30 years of experience training and showing Shelties, earning numerous obedience and agility championships. Tamara Smith and Jan Manuel are NACSW Certified Nose Work Instructors. Ruth Sheller is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and AKC Tricks/CGC Evaluator. Cher Snyder is an Obedience instructor with 15 years of experience, having earned an OTCH and UDX7. Chris Bevillard is a CCPDT-KA and ACDBC (Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with IAABC), with over 30 years of experience.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can sign up for specific classes or workshops via links provided on the website, which direct to a registration system. For private or virtual sessions, clients can schedule an appointment by clicking a button on the “One on One Sessions” or “Virtual Training at Home” pages. New class inquiries for dog sports are directed to a waitlist.