Starkey K9

Starkey K9 offers two core programs: Board & Train and Private Sessions. The Board & Train program is an intensive, 2–4 week residential training where dogs live with Garrett, receive daily structure, and are trained using a balanced method. It includes an e-collar and appropriate training collar. After completion, owners attend 2–3 private follow-up sessions to learn how to maintain the training. Private Sessions are in-home, one-on-one lessons tailored to the dog’s behavior, owner’s goals, and real-world distractions. These sessions focus on building communication, consistency, and long-term habits through hands-on coaching.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Board & Train includes all equipment, daily structure, and 2–3 post-training private sessions. Private sessions are personalized and conducted in the client’s environment. Clients are encouraged to contact directly for detailed pricing and package options.

Policies

Board & Train requires owners to bring only food; all equipment and care are provided. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated, but clients are expected to commit to the full program and follow-up sessions for optimal results.

Starkey K9 is a dog training business run by Garrett Starkey, who helps dog owners build calm, confident, and reliable companions ready for any environment—from hikes and road trips to public outings. Garrett offers two main services: Board & Train and Private Sessions. In Board & Train, he takes up to two dogs at a time for an intensive, family-style program where dogs receive daily structure, personalized training, and live as part of his household. Each program includes a fully conditioned e-collar and appropriate training collar, with food being the only item owners need to provide. After training, owners receive 2–3 private follow-up sessions to ensure they can maintain progress. Private Sessions are conducted in the owner’s home or real-world environment, focusing on personalized behavior goals, building communication, and teaching owners the “why” and “how” behind their dog’s actions. Garrett uses a balanced training method, combining positive reinforcement with fair, consistent consequences to achieve reliability in distracting environments. He specializes in high-energy, independent, or stubborn dogs, including large and working breeds, and emphasizes trust, freedom, and long-term results over quick fixes.

Garrett’s background includes a decade of experience coaching elite athletes as a pole vault coach and co-owner of Arizona Pole Vault Academy. His passion for dog training began when he adopted Maza, a primitive breed with high independence, which led him to study under Devon Zander at Triumph Dog Training. He is highly respected by peers in the industry and has trained service dogs, working dogs, and challenging behavioral cases with measurable success.

Garrett’s approach is tailored to each dog’s individual needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all methods. He focuses on creating a bond where the dog chooses to listen, not just obey, and helps owners become confident handlers through hands-on learning and environmental exposure. His clients report dramatic improvements in recall, leash walking, reactivity, and overall confidence in their dogs.

Accomplishments

Garrett Starkey co-owns Arizona Pole Vault Academy and has coached elite athletes for nearly a decade. He trained under Devon Zander at Triumph Dog Training and has earned the trust of other professional dog trainers, who refer their own dogs to him. He has successfully trained service dogs and high-energy, stubborn breeds like Boerboels and primitive breeds, achieving off-leash reliability and behavioral transformation.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Garrett directly via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. Board & Train has limited availability (only two dogs at a time), so early inquiry is recommended. Private sessions are scheduled based on availability and location. An initial consultation is not offered for free; clients are encouraged to reach out to begin the process.