Star K9 Agility and Training
Ranked #4 in Walnut Creek and #120 in California
Service area: Walnut Creek, CA
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Herding
- Sporting
- Terriers
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Star K9 Agility and Training offers weekly classes for all levels, focusing on fun and competition. Programs include Agility, Tricks, Obedience, and Behavior training. Agility classes range from Puppy Basics (5 months – 1 year, positive reinforcement, play-based) to Advanced Agility, covering introduction to obstacles, handling, distance work, and weave poles. Some advanced agility classes require prior completion and instructor approval.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Group classes for 4 classes are $180.00. Semi-private lessons are $55.00 per lesson for 45 minutes. Private lessons are $70.00 per lesson for 30 minutes. Drop-in classes are $50.00-$60.00 per class depending on skill level.
Testimonials
“Agility gives me another language in which to communicate with my dog Nola.It helps Nola build confidence and provides an outlet for her boundless energy.Agility with Michelle helps us focus on having fun as a team!”
– Claire
“MICHELLE ALWAYS PUTS THE HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND SAFETY OF THE DOG FIRST”
– LOREN BISHOP
“BOSCO COMPETES WITH SOME OF THE BEST DOGS IN THE WORLD THANKS TO MICHELLE!”
– LOREN
About the Trainer
Star K9 Agility and Training is a dog training business specializing in agility, obedience, recallers, and trick training. They offer a variety of classes for all levels, from puppies to advanced competition dogs, focusing on building a strong bond and clear communication between dog and handler. The training emphasizes positive reinforcement and play-based methods, ensuring a fun and safe experience for the dogs.
The team includes Michelle Butler, the Creator and Master Trainer, who has been teaching since 2010 and has achieved over 10 Agility Championships. Other trainers include Val Williams, Jan Sanchez, and Maddy Mathews, all with experience in competitive dog sports and various certifications.
Star K9 also provides training for Animal Actors and offers virtual agility trials. They aim to help dog owners do more with their dogs, addressing boredom which can lead to behavior problems.
Accomplishments
Michelle Butler is a Master Trainer with over 10 Agility Championships, certified for Animal Actors, and a Trick Trainer and Evaluator, recognized as Trainer of the Year – Trick Dog Instructor. Val Williams is a certified Trick Dog instructor and Animal Actor Evaluator, with her dog Kona achieving Trick Dog Champion Certification. Jan Sanchez is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and Evaluator, Animal Actor trainer and Evaluator, and trained in Susan Garrett’s Recallers program. Maddy Mathews is an AKC CGC Evaluator and Pet Tech First Aid & CPR Certified, competing in Agility, Scent Work, and Dock Diving.
How to Get Started!
To get started, clients can contact Star K9 by text or email to check availability. Michelle will ensure the dog can follow basic commands like sit, lie down, come, and stay before introducing them to agility obstacles such as tunnels, hurdles, tires, and weave poles.
Contact Information
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking