Special K9 Dog Training & Country Resort

Training programs are individualized and focus on real-world obedience, behavior modification, and skill-building without over-reliance on treats. Programs include family training, therapy dog preparation, agility, and working dog development. Clients receive hands-on instruction and follow-up support. Board and train programs last multiple weeks, with daily play, socialization, and structured training sessions. Dogs are evaluated individually to determine program length and goals.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; however, boarding includes a $60 fee for after-hours arrivals/departures (5–6 PM Sunday) and a $90 fee for early/late arrivals. Puppy training and boarding services are available for dogs as young as 12 weeks with completed vaccinations. Training programs are customized and require direct consultation for pricing.

Policies

Boarding requires all vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella) to be completed 14 days prior to stay. Visual copies of vaccination records must be emailed. After-hours drop-off/pickup on Sunday (5–6 PM) incurs a $60 fee; early or late arrivals/departures cost $90. No after-hours service on Saturdays or holidays. No refund policy is stated for boarding or training, but testimonials indicate complaints about unexplained charges and lack of refunds for poor care.

Special K9 Dog Training & Country Resort is a family-owned dog training and boarding facility located in Burrton, Kansas, founded by Jenny Oberhelman, a certified master instructor with over two decades of hands-on experience training dogs. The business offers family dog training, boarding, daycare, and therapy dog preparation services in a country resort setting where dogs are never left in pens 24/7 but instead enjoy daily play, socialization, and potty breaks. Training methods focus on building control, manners, and bond without relying solely on treats, and are tailored for real-life scenarios including agility, hunting, and therapy work. The facility is licensed by the Kansas Animal Health Department, vet-recommended, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Jenny’s background includes training since childhood, competing in AKC and USDAA agility nationals, and specializing in behavior modification and aggression rehabilitation. The team is small, highly vetted, and emphasizes trust, compassion, and integrity in all interactions with pets and owners.

In addition to training, they offer boarding and daycare services with climate-controlled kennels, daily photo updates, and strict vaccination requirements. They also breed and sell Working Line German Shepherd puppies for future training or companionship. Their Therapy Heroes United program supports therapy dog certification and placement. Clients receive ongoing support to maintain training at home, and the facility welcomes dogs as young as 12 weeks old if vaccination requirements are met.

Accomplishments

Jenny Oberhelman is a Professional Canine Obedience & Behavior Modification Instructor graduate of Triune K9 Academy, AKC CGC Instructor & Evaluator, Therapy Heroes United Founder & Evaluator, Service Dog Instructor & Evaluator, and AKC & USDAA Agility National Finalist. Special K9 has won multiple awards including 2025 Best Dog Training & Boarding Service – South-Central Kansas, 2024 Small Business of the Year (Hutch Chamber), 2023 Community’s Choice Award, and BBB Honor Roll & Accreditation since 2017. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Sterling College.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact the facility to schedule a consultation, submit vaccination records, and discuss training or boarding needs. A facility tour is offered to build trust and confidence. Puppy and adult dog evaluations are conducted to determine appropriate program placement.