The K-9 Academy

5.0 Stars,303 Reviews
273 Riverbend Rd, Altavista, VA 24517

Service area: Serves Central Virginia including Lynchburg and surrounding areas, with clients from North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Recall
  • Jumping on People
  • Separation Anxiety

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Private Facility
  • Board and Train

Program Formats

  • Sessions Package
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Working
  • Herding
  • Sporting

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Balanced Training

Equipment: 

  • Pinch Collars
  • E-Collars

Private lessons consist of four 1-hour sessions progressing from on-leash to off-leash obedience, covering sit, down, stay, loose-leash walking, distance recall, and distance down. The 11-night Board & Train program includes the same skills plus the “place” command and socialization, with a 1.5-hour pick-up session for owners to learn how to continue training at home. All programs include lifetime support for graduates.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

On & Off-Leash Private Lessons: $1,600 for 4 one-hour sessions, includes training tools. 11-Night Premiere Board & Train: $3,000, includes tools and raised bed. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required within 48 hours of booking.

Policies

Private lessons require 48-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late arrivals forfeit missed time; absence beyond 15 minutes is treated as a cancellation. All owners in the household are encouraged to attend every session. Training tools must be brought to each session. No refunds beyond the non-refundable $200 deposit.

Testimonials

Our German Shepherd, Jagger, is very smart and protective. While he was always wonderful with people and children, he saw every other dog as a threat and became too aggressive to safely take in public. Walks were stressful, and we felt limited in what we could do as a family with him.

Ronnie completely changed that. From the start, he took the time to understand Jagger’s behavior and our concerns. He is knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly patient. What impressed us most is that he didn’t just train Jagger, he taught us how to be better, more confident handlers. He gave us step-by-step tools, listened to our questions, and shared practical tips to make sure we could maintain the progress after the program. Ronnie was also friendly, approachable, and always responsive whenever we needed guidance.

The results have been amazing. Jagger is still the loyal protector we love, but now he is calmer, happier, and gets to enjoy life right alongside us. He loves being able to go places with us, and we love the peace of mind that comes with knowing he’s safe and under control.

We are so grateful for Ronnie’s expertise and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who truly understands both dogs and their owners.
– Client

Ace went for a 2 week board and train. When I went to pick him up, he was much different. He listens so well now, enjoys walks daily without dragging me along and more. Great place if your dog needs training. Very clean and professional complex.
– Client

Our 6mo old lab puppy, Cider, graduated from The K9 Academy Board and Train on June 1st. While I cannot possibly cover every amazing aspect of the training she received, I will try. Cider is the smartest and sweetest girl, sneaky and quite stubborn. Despite our efforts, she was a jumper, out of control when visitors arrived, and on leash behavior was non existent. If she had gotten out of the yard or house, her safety was directly in jeopardy-as she had no recall response. To give her the best life, we needed to get her the right training… Since coming home, Cider is happier and more confident having established boundaries. She is no longer fighting to have control, but accepts commands and is able to relax knowing she does not have to be in charge. We have successfully been able to take her out in public, on leash and off, she has attended family functions and has been so well behaved and able to enjoy herself and not out of control and constantly called down, but rely on commands to reset her when needed, and she trusts us to ensure she is in her boundaries – her safe zones.
– Client

About the Trainer

The K-9 Academy is a family-owned dog training and boarding business based in Central Virginia, founded in June 2019 by Ronnie and Ashley Coleman. They offer private on- and off-leash training lessons and an 11-night Board & Train program designed to teach dogs obedience, recall, loose-leash walking, and behavior modification. Their training approach is balanced, using both positive reinforcement and corrections with tools like prong collars and e-collars. They emphasize empowering owners with the skills to maintain training at home and provide lifetime support to graduates. In addition to training, they offer professional dog grooming and boarding services in a clean, dedicated facility. Their team is certified and experienced, with Ronnie holding a Certified Dog Trainer designation from the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). They serve clients from Lynchburg, VA, and beyond, including parts of North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington DC.

The K-9 Academy focuses on helping dogs with reactivity, leash pulling, poor recall, jumping, and resource guarding, and they train dogs from 6 months old through adulthood. They encourage all household members to attend training sessions and provide structured, hands-on learning with follow-up support to ensure long-term success.

Accomplishments

Over 900 dogs trained since 2019; multiple local awards; Ronnie Coleman is a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT-IACP) with over 15 years of informal training experience and 6 years as a professional trainer.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must submit an Intake Form to begin the booking process, including availability and desired start date. Dogs must be at least 6 months old. Clients are encouraged to call Ronnie directly to discuss training before booking.

The K-9 Academy featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 16+ Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

7am-9pm

Certifications

  • IACP-CDT

Associations

  • IACP

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Pet groomer
  • Pet boarding service

Location

273 Riverbend Rd, Altavista, VA 24517

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