Spirited K9

Spirited K9’s Board & Train programs provide a focused, controlled environment for dogs to learn, ensuring faster progress compared to traditional classes. A 2-week minimum stay is required to allow dogs to adjust and build foundational communication skills like markers, engagement, and bonding. During their stay, dogs are treated as family members, receiving high-quality care including bathing, exercise, playtime, snuggling, and training.

After the first week, owners are invited for hands-on sessions to learn how to reinforce training at home, ensuring a smooth transition. Each week of training purchased includes one private lesson, in addition to a go-home lesson. Standard commands taught include “Yes,” “No,” “Free,” “Sit,” “Down,” “Come,” “Heel,” “Place,” “Leave it & Get it,” “Stay,” “Up & Off.” Additional skills covered are proper socialization with dogs, humans, and new environments, as well as basic manners like no jumping, sitting at doors, mouthing, and excessive barking.

Programs are customized to individual needs, with durations varying based on the dog’s pace and owner goals. Specific packages include the 2-Week Board and Train for foundational skills on-leash in low distraction settings, and the Complete Puppy Package which is split into two 2-week cycles for off-leash reliability. The 4-Week Off-Leash Freedom Package focuses on off-leash reliability for dogs 6 months and older. Rehabilitation programs address behavioral issues with a minimum 4-week commitment, and Custom Performance Packages are available for specialized training in areas like mobility support, Schutzhund/IPO/IGP, tricks, tracking, frisbee, and competition obedience.

Pricing Summary

Spirited K9 offers several board and train packages. The 2-Week Board and Train is priced at $1,700, not including equipment. The Complete Puppy Package costs $3,700 and includes equipment, consisting of two 2-week board and train sessions split a few months apart. The 4-Week Off-Leash Freedom Package, for dogs 6 months and older, is also $3,700 and includes equipment.

Rehabilitation programs have a 4-week minimum duration and start at $3400+, with equipment not included; a free consultation is offered to determine a tailored plan. Custom Performance Packages have varying durations and pricing, requiring a consultation for evaluation. An $850 deposit is required to reserve a spot for any program.

Spirited K9 is a licensed and insured dog training center located in Blue Ridge, GA. They specialize in personalized board and train programs designed to help dogs of all ages, from puppies to older dogs, overcome behavioral challenges and develop into confident, well-behaved companions. Their training approach is tailored to each dog’s unique personality and learning style, focusing on building trust and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.

The facility is situated on 2.5 acres and includes a 1,200-square-foot climate-controlled training barn, known as “The Barn,” for private lessons, group classes, and specialized training. There is also a comfortable boarding house with spacious kennels and a living area where dogs can socialize and practice good house manners. The outdoor spaces include large, fenced yards and walking trails.

Spirited K9 also operates Vom Blauberge, a small-scale breeding program dedicated to improving the German Shepherd breed. They focus on working line German Shepherds, with breeding stock boasting impressive titles and undergoing rigorous health testing. Puppies from their program are bred to excel in working venues such as search and rescue, police K9, personal protection, service work, and dog sports.

The business is owned by Maureen Cucinella, a 2x Certified Professional Dog Trainer with over a decade of experience. She applies innovative and versatile training techniques, constantly evolving her methods to meet the unique needs of every dog she works with. Spirited K9 aims to help dogs manage their impulses and become active thinkers, fostering a deeper connection with their owners.

Accomplishments

Maureen Cucinella, the owner of Spirited K9, is a 2x Certified Professional Dog Trainer with over a decade of experience, having started her journey in 2011. She attended the Tom Rose School in 2014 and graduated from Ivan Balabanov’s “Training Without Conflict” program in 2024.

Maureen has competed in AKC Obedience and IGP, titling dogs in both disciplines. She is also a freestyle flying disc competitor, having competed in the Skyhoundz World Championship in 2023 and earned the title of 2022 Regional Toss and Fetch Champion with her Australian Cattle Dog, Monster. Her personal dogs have achieved various titles: Reagan (German Shepherd) has BH, AD, IGP2, KKL, SG2 Show score; Griffin (German Shepherd) has BH, TR1, CGC, CD, CDX, TDI Registered Therapy Dog; and Smith (German Shepherd) has BH, IGP1. Her late German Shepherd, Celia, earned BH and TDCH. The training center is licensed and inspected by the GDA.

How to Get Started!

To begin training with Spirited K9, clients are instructed to create an account on their booking site. This involves entering an email and password, then providing information about their dog(s), including uploading vaccination records. Clients must select a training program and desired dates/times, noting that board and train programs require booking at least 14, 21, or 28 consecutive days.

After submitting the information, Spirited K9 will contact the client within 1-3 business days to confirm details, answer questions, and arrange payment. A deposit of $850 is required to reserve a spot. Free consultations are available for Rehabilitation and Custom Performance Packages to assess specific needs and develop a tailored plan. Free tours of the facility are also offered by appointment.