Val’s K-9 Services

Training programs include one-on-one private sessions, in-home training focused on foundational behaviors like potty and crate training, and weekly therapy dog preparation classes. Therapy dog training covers obedience, crowd interaction, sound distractions, medical equipment tolerance, and grooming. Life obedience training teaches everyday manners. All programs emphasize owner education and are designed to be continued beyond initial sessions. Board-n-Train is available for intensive training needs.

Pricing Summary

Private training and in-home training cost $100 per hour. Therapy dog training is $25 per hour. Life obedience training is $20 per hour. Board-n-Train services are available via contract. A 24-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule any session or board-and-train program.

Policies

A 24-hour advance notice is required to cancel or reschedule any private training session or Board-n-Train program.

Val’s K-9 Services is a dog training business run by a licensed Pet Partners therapy dog evaluator with over 13 years of experience raising and training puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The trainer specializes in positive, fear-free methods that focus on teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs. Services include private training, in-home training, therapy dog training, and life obedience training. The trainer has successfully trained and placed therapy dogs in El Dorado County schools and has been visiting hospitals, preschools, and senior homes with her own therapy dog, Ginger, for nearly four years. She also rescues and trains Labradoodles to become therapy dogs for educators. Training begins with foundational skills like potty training, crate training, and basic obedience, and extends to advanced therapy dog evaluations and behavior modification.

The trainer has apprenticed for two years with a seasoned local trainer and has started 15 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the past three years. She emphasizes owner education and tailors training to the home environment, helping families build calm, well-mannered companions. Her approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and avoids fear, submission, or intimidation.

Additional services include a comprehensive Board-n-Train program, downloadable forms for veterinary releases and training agreements, and free training videos for dog owners. She also supports families preparing for Pet Partners therapy dog evaluations with weekly skill-building sessions.

Val’s K-9 Services is committed to helping dogs of all ages and backgrounds, from puppies to senior dogs, and specializes in rescuing and retraining “Doodles” for therapeutic roles in schools.

Accomplishments

Val is a licensed Pet Partners therapy dog evaluator. She and her dog Ginger have been visiting Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento and other community locations for nearly four years. She has raised and started 15 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind over the past three years. She has trained and placed two Labradoodles as therapy dogs in El Dorado County schools.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact Val via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. They are encouraged to complete the online Dog Information & Training Form and Veterinary Instructions form before beginning training. Initial sessions are scheduled based on availability and location.