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K9s Only

Training

Develop the respect that is needed for a healthy relationship while increasing your dog's confidence and understanding.

K9s Only offers discounts on packages for our additional services. Talk to our staff about specials!

Man training dog at K9s Only

Positive Dog Training Philosophy

The primary goal of K9s Only is to produce a companion animal that bonds with and respects its guardian and has the ability and desire to please. It is important to K9s Only, that through working with your family, you will be able to better understand canine behavior and how to effectively communicate with your dog. This is achieved by recognizing that your dog is a living creature with a brain and has the ability to make his own choices. Our trainers influence the dog’s behavior in a natural way, allowing him to make right and wrong decisions. It is only through making a wrong decision that your dog can learn and better understand what the expected behavior is.

Dogs sitting listening

Our first job is to educate your dog. Once your dog understands what a command means and makes a correct choice, they receive love and praise. When they make a wrong choice, they are guided to do what is expected of them. Our trainers work with both verbal commands and hand signals so that your dog can make a decision without relying on the leash to guide them. The leash is your backup tool… gently reminding your dog when they fail to make the right decision. It is through positive experiences, given when your dog does as asked, that they learn about good behavior.

Evaluations

Our evaluations are designed to evaluate your dog’s personality as well as his relationship with you. It is an opportunity for you to get to know the trainers at K9s Only, our philosophy, methods and techniques, and it gives our trainers the opportunity to understand your needs and goals for training. Our trainers will recommend a training program based on your individual needs and the needs of your dog. This consultation is vital as we begin to build not only a relationship with your dog, but a relationship with you. You will leave the evaluation with an understanding of our love and dedication to dogs and several options for completing your dog’s training.

Programs

K9s Only offers the following programs for you and your companion: Board & Train, Private Lessons, Group Classes, and Day Training. Develop a strong foundation for confidence, communication, patience and respect to guarantee a healthy relationship with your companion for the rest of their life.

Board and Train

Let K9s Only do the hard work. Board and Train, also known as "In-Kennel Training" or "Take-Over Training", is comprehensive training of your dog at our state-of-the-art facility for a period of three to four weeks. Our expert trainers will do the work for you, at our facility, addressing obedience, behavioral issues, house breaking and patience. At the end of the program, you will return to K9s Only and view a demonstration of all that your dog has learned. Our trainers will then work with you and your family, teaching you all of the commands and tools needed to have an obedient dog at home.

FOCUS:

  • Complete obedience

  • Socialization with other dogs, people, skate boards, and more

  • Housebreaking and crate training for puppies

  • Personal goals for your dog

  • Available for Basic or Advanced Obedience

  • 3 Free follow-up sessions provided upon completion of the 3 week program.

Day Training

Dog training is an essential part of raising a well mannered member of your family. At K9s Only, we provide Day Training which is a positive and fun approach to learning what will build a strong relationship and a confident dog

Private Lessons

In a private lesson, our trainers work with you and your dog teaching you the tools and commands to succeed in your training program. At completion, you will have a better understanding of dog behavior, how to guide your dog to make right choices and how to correct bad behavior. You will significantly improve your relationship with your dog and your dog’s respect for you will be evident. (Training at your home is available for an additional fee.)

  • Sessions generally last six weeks.

  • Daily homework done by you — at least 30 to 60 minutes each day.

  • Behavioral problem solving and personalized attention

  • Advanced obedience training also provided. Our trainers will work with more difficult distractions and teach you how to wean your dog off treats.

Group Classes

Group classes focus on obedience and socialization in a group setting. Once a week, our trainers work with a group of eager dogs and guardian’s, teaching the tools and commands needed to succeed in your training program. At completion, you will have a better understanding of dog behavior, how to guide your dog to make right choices and how to correct bad behavior. You will significantly improve your relationship with your dog and your dog’s respect for you will be evident. We do not recommend group classes for dogs with aggression towards other animals or people. If your dog has a specific behavioral problem, you should schedule a private evaluation.

  • Basic Obedience – Five week course

  • Intermediate and Advanced Obedience – Six week course

  • Group Classes occur at the same time and day of the week

  • Daily homework done by you — at least 30 to 60 minutes each day.

  • Graduation practical exam – 90% required to pass.

Skills and Behaviors Your Dog Can Learn in Our Programs

  • Puppy Manners

  • Behavior modification

  • Basic Obedience

  • Advance Obedience

  • Advance Obedience

  • Relationship Building

  • Leash Manners

  • Basic Commands

  • Dog Socialization

  • Human Socialization

Ages & Stages - What Pet Parents Should Know

Toddler Puppy

8 weeks – 4 months ( 1 – 3 Years Human )

Raising a young puppy should be a very fulfilling experience. At this stage puppy needs to be raised with love and patience. DO NOT SAY ” NO!!” often. understand anything “bad” your dog does at this stage is not on purpose.

This is one of the most important stages of your puppies development. It serves as the foundation of socialization and character development. During the toddler stage puppies are learning by interacting first-hand with everything around them. Their curiosity is very natural, but unfortunately can lead to very dangerous or destructive behaviors like choking or destroying things. At this stage, puppy proofing the house is a must. The most common issues at this stage are, Potty training, teething and biting, and barking and cringing. If you have questions about raising a puppy, contact one of our trainers on the K9s Only Team.

Child Puppy

4 Months – 7 Months ( 3 – 12 Years Human )

This is the best stage to start training your dog. At this stage, child puppies tend to become more energetic, curious, and playful. They are going through their second drastic growth spurt, which means a lot of napping. The baby teeth are falling out and will be replaced with a brand new set of strong adult teeth. Healthy chewing practices should be implemented to ensure your dogs teeth grow strong and healthy. It’s very important at this stage to give our puppies the opportunity to develop hobbies and habits so that they can entertain themselves on their own. Consult with your trainer what appropriate habits are.

Pre-Teen Dog

7 Months – 9 Months ( 12 – 15 Years Human )

This is your doggy’s transitional stage from childhood to adolescence. At this age, dogs begin to develop their independence. Hopefully by this time your obedience training is complete. They start testing boundaries and become more curious of how they can control the world around them. This transition can happen abruptly or gradually, depending on the personality of the dog. Having the right foundation of obedience can help your dog have more understanding and respect for you. It is at this age when barking and growling, and acting boldly can start. Your dog will need guidance on how to conduct themselves socially, like meeting family members, strangers, and other dogs. Bad manners like barking, jumping, pulling. mouthing, and lack of patience become very prominent at this stage.

Teenager Dog

9 Months – 18 Months ( 15 – 19 Years Human )

*Very high percentage of dogs going to the shelter are at this stage in their life. If we do our job right during the first 3 stages we can ensure that Los Angeles can be one step closer to being a no kill city.

After the pre-teen transitional period, your dog is determined with a new direction at life. At this stage, dogs go through a “strengthening stage”. They want to strengthen their bodies, mouths, and wills. This is a natural part of development to prepare your dog for adulthood. During the teenage stage, the dog’s place in the family is being determined. If a dog at this stage has too much freedom, a dog’s natural instinct to become a protector and portray leadership will develop. It is very important that we focus on maintaining certain levels of manners and obedience. If proper chewing habits have not been developed by this age, your dog will seek to chew things that are challenging to them, like wood, hard plastics, and metals. If your dog is showing behavior similar to the ones listed above, call a trainer immediately to get a consultation. This can be one of the most challenging times to raise a dog

Young Adult Dog

18 Months – 3 Years ( 19 – 25 Years Human )

By the young adult stage a dog has developed their own “COMMON SENSE”. The last 18 months of experiences guide the way they make decisions. During this stage dogs will become more selective of who they like, and don’t like. That decision can be towards people and other animals. Dogs who lack socialization tend to show signs of irrational aggression at this stage. A dog’s insecurities at this stage can now become their fears as they become more selective in nature.

Adult Dog

3 years – Up ( 25 Years Human – Up )

An adult dog is now mature. The way your dog thinks is now solidified. By this age you will get a good sense for your dogs true personality. If by this age your dog has not shown any concerning behavioral issues, it is safe to say the likelihood of them developing is very slim, but not impossible.

K9s Only Pet Points Rewards

Loyalty Deserves To Be Rewarded. Loyal pets—and loyal pet parents—are entitled to all the appreciation in the world. And we’re delighted to reward your repeated visits to us with a program that recognizes your support. Every dollar you spend earns a reward point. And every 250 points you collect earns a $5 credit on your next stay. Entry into the rewards program is automatic. 

Client Reviews & Testimonials

I have nothing but great things to say about K9's Only. Its readily apparent that the team genuinely cares about each dog and will go out of their way to make them feel comfortable. My pup had some behavioral issues. Instead of telling me that my dog was no longer welcome, they devised a training regimen to tackle his issues. For that I am very grateful! I know I can always rely on K9's Only to take care of my pup as if he were family!

A.S.

I adopted a dog, Hank who is deaf. He also had separation and social anxiety as well as starting to become aggressive with people. K9 Only specifically Cynthia was refered to me from a mutual friend. After 4 weeks of training/boarding Hank is a new dog! It has been a week so I am still working through the new commands. I have put Hank around people and left him alone and he has done wonderfully! I am so pleased with the results. Cynthia and her assistant Alisha treated Hank as if he were their dog...I beleive this because Hank seemed to adore them both when visiting. Would recommend K9 Only and Cynthia to anyone. Great staff!

Lalita P.

LOVE this place. The staff has such a great energy & take such good care of my Pap puppy. This is a place that truly loves doggies, and they also have a great training staff as well.

Frankie M.