Rager K9

The Gold Star Board & Train program is a 17-day intensive program where dogs stay in-home with Kirstin Rager. They learn obedience commands (Come, Sit, Place, Down, Stay, Heel, Leave it, Drop it, No) and address behavioral issues like stealing, counter surfing, and greeting guests. Owners receive daily video and photo updates and participate in a hands-on session upon completion to learn how to maintain progress. Lifetime support is included. The In-Home Assessment is a one-time consultation to determine the best program. Boarding is available for dogs needing care with daily training and socialization.

Pricing Summary

The Gold Star Board & Train program costs $2,500 for a 17-day intensive program. In-home assessments are $150. Boarding is $90 per night with a 2-night minimum. Discounts are available for dogs previously enrolled in training programs.

Policies

Boarding requires a 2-night minimum and is extremely limited, so early scheduling is recommended. Discounts are available for dogs previously enrolled in training programs. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Rager K9 Training is a dog training business based in Carroll, Ohio, led by Kirstin Rager, who has over 10 years of experience working with thousands of dogs exhibiting behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression, stealing, and reactivity. They offer balanced, experience-based training methods that combine positive reinforcement with accountability to build strong communication and bonds between dogs and their owners. Services include an intensive 17-day Gold Star Board & Train program, in-home assessments, and in-home boarding with daily training and updates. Their training focuses on obedience, behavior modification, and socialization for pet dogs, working dogs, and potential service dogs. They provide lifetime support after programs and share video and photo updates during boarding. Kirstin is an active competitor in AKC sports and owns multiple working breeds, bringing hands-on expertise to her training. They also offer boarding services with a 2-night minimum, where dogs stay in-home rather than in a kennel, receiving personalized care and socialization.

Their approach emphasizes making training enjoyable and confidence-building for the dog, while ensuring owners are fully equipped to maintain progress after training ends. They specialize in addressing challenging behaviors like counter surfing, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and greeting guests, and tailor programs for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs.

Rager K9 serves clients primarily in Ohio, with in-home assessments and boarding available by appointment. They prioritize clear communication with owners throughout the process and offer a structured, results-driven path to lasting behavioral change.

Accomplishments

Kirstin Rager has over a decade of experience training dogs and has worked with thousands of dogs with behavioral issues. She has a lifelong background with rescue dogs and competed in 4H Dog Obedience. She actively competes in AKC sports including dock diving, FastCAT, and PSA with her personal dogs, which include a Dutch Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and English Lab.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with an In-Home Assessment ($150) to discuss their dog’s behaviors and training goals. After the assessment, they can book the Gold Star Board & Train program or boarding services through the online booking calendar.