How Training Works
Most clients begin with an initial consultation.
This allows us to understand your dog’s history, observe behavior, and recommend the training approach that will be most effective for your situation.
From there, we select the program that best supports your goals and your dog’s needs.
Training focuses not only on the dog’s behavior but also on helping owners understand how their dogs learn, communicate, and experience the world.
Every dog is different.
Every household is different.
Our programs are designed to meet dogs and owners where they are,
while building the skills, understanding, and communication needed for long-term success.
Whether you're working through behavior challenges, raising a young dog, or exploring enrichment like scent work,
we’ll create a clear path forward together.
Foundation Assessment
What We Offer
An in-person assessment of your dog’s behavior, environment, and daily routines.
We take a comprehensive, real-world look at what’s truly driving your dog’s behavior—then provide clear, actionable guidance you can begin implementing immediately, along with a tailored plan designed to move you forward with intention.
Small shifts in your approach can create significant, lasting changes in your dog.
What’s Included
A comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s behavior, environment, and routines
Clear, immediate action steps to begin improving behavior right away
A customized training plan aligned with your goals and lifestyle
Private Training
Looking for help with something specific? Our private services are designed to address individual goals without committing to a full program.
A Foundation Assessment is required to get started.
Available Focus Areas
Adoption Selection Guidance
Dog-to-Dog Introductions
Understanding your dog on a deeper level
Board & Train
This is not a shortcut—it’s a structured starting point designed to accelerate progress and set both you and your dog up for long-term success.
A structured, immersive training experience designed to create real change—quickly and effectively.
In this program, your dog lives and trains in a consistent, controlled environment where we focus on building strong foundational skills, improving behavior, and establishing clear communication.
We do the heavy lifting first—then coach you to maintain and build on that progress.
Program Options
10-Day Jump Start (Day Training or Board & Train)
3–4 Week Jump Start (Board & Train)
Mantrailing
Mantrailing taps into your dog’s natural ability to follow human scent—giving them a meaningful job while building confidence, focus, and partnership.
This isn’t just an activity—it’s a powerful outlet that allows your dog to use their nose in a structured, rewarding way.
Each session is designed to meet your team where you are, whether you’re brand new or progressing your skills.
Foundational scent work and trailing skills
Real-world scenarios and varied environments
Progressive challenges to build independence and confidence
Coaching for both dog and handler
Connection Walks
Duration: ~45 minutes
If your walks feel tense, rushed, or disconnected — this is where we reset.
Connection Walks are intentional, low-pressure sessions designed to strengthen communication, trust, and awareness between you and your dog. This isn’t about mileage, obedience drills, or tiring your dog out—it’s about slowing down and moving through the world together with more clarity and ease.
We focus on reading your dog’s body language, improving leash communication without force, and rebuilding natural engagement in real-life environments. You’ll learn how to support your dog in the moment while feeling calmer and more confident on your walks.
Each session is guided in real time, using movement, pauses, and shared direction to improve connection through awareness—not correction.
Walks take place at a location that best supports your dog’s needs, whether that’s a familiar route or a thoughtfully chosen new environment.
Think of this as a tune-up for your partnership—not a training session, and not a dog-walking service.
Workshops
Throughout the year, Good K9 Institute offers a variety of hands-on workshops designed to deepen your understanding of your dog while building practical skills you can use in everyday life.
Workshop topics may include dog behavior, mantrailing, detection work, and other specialty training experiences. Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to be engaging, educational, and supportive for both dogs and their handlers—whether you're looking to try something new or continue developing your training journey.
Workshops are offered on a rotating basis, so availability and topics will vary.
Please check back regularly for upcoming workshops. Pricing varies depending on the workshop type.
Professional Guidance—Wherever You Are
Our Online Coaching Program gives you direct access to professional training support, no matter where you’re located.
This is a structured, hands-on approach designed to guide you through the training process—so you can create real, lasting results with your dog at home.
Clients outside our local area
Owners who want professional guidance with flexibility
Dogs needing foundational training or behavior support
Motivated owners ready to be hands-on
To give you the knowledge, structure, and support to confidently train your dog—without needing in-person sessions.
Online Coaching
A well-trained dog doesn’t
happen by accident—
it happens with clarity, structure, and the right guidance.
Whether you're dealing with behavior issues or just want a solid foundation, we’ll help you build a dog you can actually enjoy living with.
Behavior & Training Assessment
The Behavior & Training Assessment form helps me get a complete picture of your dog so we can make the most of your training time together. Take your time—there are no right or wrong answers.