PLAY! K9 Academy

Play! K9 Academy offers five core programs: One-on-One Sessions for personalized training; Board and Train for intensive 3-week residential programs; Day Train for dogs to receive training while owners are away; Online Coaching for remote guidance; and Puppy Programs focused on socialization and foundational skills. All programs integrate play and positive reinforcement. Group classes are held Saturday mornings, and ongoing support is provided free of charge. Training is tailored to each dog’s temperament, breed, and behavioral goals, with a focus on building confidence and communication.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is customized based on individual needs and program selection. Clients are invited to request a personalized quote through the website. No public pricing is listed, but reviews indicate the services are considered affordable and worth the investment.

Play! K9 Academy is a dog training business based in Bradenton, Florida, led by head trainer Nina, who has 25 years of experience working with animals, including rescue dogs, exotic animals, and working breeds. The academy offers personalized training programs using positive reinforcement and play-based methods to build confidence and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Services include one-on-one private sessions, board and train, day training, online coaching, and specialized puppy programs. Nina is known for tailoring training to each dog’s unique personality and needs, with a focus on emotional well-being and genuine connection rather than repetitive reward cycles. The business also provides pet boarding and dog daycare services, and Nina actively supports rescue efforts, especially for high-drive working dogs. Clients praise her compassion, expertise, and commitment to long-term success for both dogs and owners.

Play! K9 Academy’s training philosophy emphasizes joy and engagement, using play as a core tool to teach obedience, reduce reactivity, and improve behavior. Their programs are designed for dogs of all ages and types, from puppies to senior dogs, and include specialized support for leash reactivity, separation anxiety, biting, barking, and recall. The team also offers ongoing support and free group classes to help owners maintain progress after formal training.

In addition to training, they provide boarding and daycare, ensuring dogs are cared for in a safe, stimulating environment. Nina’s background includes working with aggressive birds, primates, and livestock, which informs her deep understanding of animal behavior. She trains her own dogs in multiple sports including IGP and agility, and uses them as demonstration dogs to showcase effective, relationship-based training.

The business is highly recommended by clients for its personalized approach, responsiveness, and genuine care—many note that Nina goes above and beyond, even monitoring dogs’ health during boarding and coordinating vet visits when needed.

Accomplishments

Nina, the head trainer, has 25 years of experience working with animals, including rescuing and training dogs from a young age. She trained her German Shepherd, Nova, who became a demo dog and earned titles in multiple dog sports. Nina has worked with exotic animals at a sanctuary and specializes in behavioral modification for reactive and high-drive dogs. She places rescue dogs into active, sport, and working homes and continues to train her own dogs in IGP, agility, and herding.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can fill out a form on the Get A Quote page to request a personalized consultation. Nina responds promptly and works with clients to assess their dog’s needs and recommend the best training program. Free initial consultations are offered to help determine the right fit.