Innovative K9 Academy

After struggling with some behavioral challenges and wanting the best for our Rottweiler (1 year old) Rowan, we found Innovative K9 Academy. From our very first conversations, we were impressed David and Joe’s communication, knowledge, and patience not just with Rowan, but with us as owners as well. Throughout the training process, Joe kept us updated with videos that were not only incredibly informative but also genuinely entertaining. We loved watching the relationship and trust he was building with Rowan, and it was clear how much he truly cares about the dogs he works with. The videos gave us confidence in the process and often left us laughing while learning something new. The transformation in Rowan has been amazing. We now have a confident, well-behaved dog, while still keeping the same goofy/doofus, lovable personality we adore. Joe helped bring out the best version of our dog without changing who he is. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommend Innovative K9 Academy to anyone looking for a trainer who genuinely cares about both the dog and the owner. Thank you, Joe, for helping Rowan and us succeed!

If you own a Basenji, you know exactly how independent and headstrong they can be. Before bringing our Basenji to Innovative K9, walking her was a chore. She was highly reactive, constantly tugged on the leash, and her stubbornness made it feel impossible to get through to her especially with other dogs around. Our trainer, Jake, was absolutely incredible to work with. He understood her unique breed and tailored his positive-reinforcement approach to work with her, rather than just trying to force compliance. While she is still a Basenji (meaning that signature stubbornness hasn't completely vanished), the transformation is night and day and getting better everyday. We've received the exact tools, techniques, and confidence we needed to succeed at home. Thanks to the Jake's guidance, we are consistently making progress every single day. If you are struggling with a reactive or stubborn pup, I cannot recommend Innovative K9 and Jake enough.

I can’t say enough about David and the gang. We have used their services for 10 years across 2 dogs as our little family has grown up. We wouldn’t have survived our dogs without their caring and compassionate support. They are the epitome of professionalism. Their work is so important - they give dogs and families the gift of spending a life together when it seems like it may not be possible. We consider them part of our extended family because they helped give us the family we wanted. We have 2 wonderful, big dogs that are trained so well we can take them anywhere. We love our dog family. Our most recent just walked up to us off the streets. He been taken to the shelter 3 times and adopted and returned twice. His manners were terrible, he was out of control. I wasn’t looking for a dog at the time but I said, “if we adopt this lost soul, first we go to David.” David, the kind and professional communicator he is, got him a place immediately. 3 weeks later we are no longer nervous, the dog is no longer nervous, and now we are a happy 2 dog house. These guys save dogs’ lives and repair families. They are Ruffswag angels.

If you have a reactive dog, take them to Joseph at Innovative K9 Academy! Our dog Annie was dealing with serious reactivity around smaller dogs and had even been kicked out of daycare. Joseph did an 18-day board and train with her and completely turned things around, and more importantly, he taught us to better understand her behavior. He formed an amazing connection with her, and we got back our same sweet girl, just incredibly well-mannered and controlled. Highly recommend!