The Modern K9

The Modern K9 offers comprehensive training through various programs. Their Board & Train program provides a solid foundation of commands with realistic exercises, including 3 formal training sessions, one treadmill session, 5+ hours of supervised playtime daily, field trips, and go-home lessons. This program is available both in their facility and, on a limited basis, in a trainer’s home.

Specialty Classes include Rally, a team sport navigating a course of skills, and Nosework, which teaches dogs to locate specific odors. Foundation Classes, though currently paused until Fall 2026, include Puppy Obedience focusing on socialization, basic obedience, and manners for young dogs, and Adult Obedience for strengthening the bond and teaching focus, manners, and leash skills. A Second Level Obedience class builds consistency with skills, adding distractions and duration.

Their Puppy Raising program is a unique in-home service where pups live with a trainer’s family, focusing on house behaviors like potty and crate training, name recognition, relaxation, and formal training sessions. This program includes transitional training for owners and lifetime support. Daycare services are structured to promote learning and appropriate behavior, with supervised playtime and optional enrichment sessions that include training, treadmill, food puzzles, sniff walks, or conditioning exercises.

Pricing Summary

In-facility boarding ranges from $50-$70 per night, with a $10 off per night for a second dog. In-home boarding, currently not accepting new dogs, is $70-$100 per night with no second dog discount.
Board & Train programs are priced at $800 for 10 days, $1,500 for 20 days, and $2,100 for 30 days in-facility. In-home Board & Train, available on a limited basis, costs $1,250 for 10 days, $2,300 for 20 days, and $3,000 for 30 days. Payment plans are offered through Affirm and Klarna for Board & Train and daycare packages.
Daycare rates are $38/day, $42/day with enrichment, and $55/day for deluxe. Packages for 10, 20, or 1 month are available, offering discounts per day.
Specialty classes like Rally are $100 for 6 weeks. Foundation classes (Puppy, Adult, Second Level Obedience) are $120 for 6 weeks, but currently have no future planned classes until fall 2026.
Grooming services vary by dog size and service type: Bath, Brush & Nails ($65-$90), Tidy Up ($70-$95), Full Groom ($80-$110), and Doodles ($90-$120). Individual or add-on services like nail trims ($15) and ear cleaning ($10) are also available. Prices are estimates and subject to change, with an additional $20/hour for dogs taking longer than 2 hours.

Policies

For grooming appointments, a 48-hour notice is required for cancellations; otherwise, a $20 deposit will not be refunded. Clients arriving more than 10 minutes late for a grooming appointment will be asked to reschedule and will forfeit their deposit.
For boarding, weekend drop-off or pick-up is not available, although weekend boarding is accepted. For in-home boarding, drop-off is 6:30-9:00 a.m. and pick-up is 3:30-6:00 p.m.
For daycare, if Rochester Public schools are canceled due to weather, day-of cancellations will receive a full refund to the client’s account.
All dogs must be current on vaccinations (Distemper, Rabies, Bordetella) before appointments are made for any service. Intact males and females are accepted, but notification is required if a female is in heat, and it’s preferred they not come to daycare/boarding during that time.

The Modern K9 offers a range of services including dog daycare, boarding, training, and grooming. They are committed to providing high-level care and attention, with experienced staff trained in dog behavior. Their philosophy emphasizes a balanced training approach, adapting techniques to each dog’s unique personality, goals, and needs, using both positive reinforcement and tools like prong and electronic collars for clear communication.

They aim to help owners achieve their goals and enjoy life’s adventures with their canine companions. The facility provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to train, play, and socialize.

Accomplishments

Morgan Dondlinger, the owner, has been professionally caring for and training dogs since 2015, having started her own business, The Modern K9, in 2021. Maddie joined the team in Fall 2022, assisting and teaching classes, and became a full-time trainer and groomer in Spring 2023. Ren, another groomer and daycare attendant, is an alumni of Rio dog grooming school & salon and will have completed her first official year of dog grooming by May 2024.

How to Get Started!

To get started with boarding, daycare, or classes, clients can register online through the provided booking link. For Board & Train or Puppy Raising programs, clients are advised to contact The Modern K9 directly to register or inquire about availability. Grooming appointments require clients to call or email to schedule, as walk-ins are not accepted.

The Modern K9 does not require a meet & greet, as they believe short sessions don’t allow them to adequately assess a dog. Instead, they prefer dogs to experience a full day of daycare to determine program fit. Owners are welcome to visit the facility or meet staff between 3:30-6:00 PM Monday-Friday, but dogs should be left at home. If an owner desires a meet & greet with their dog, they can schedule a 30-minute private lesson.