Teaching family dog obedience, great listening, and great manners is what we do!
There is no reason for any dog owner to put up with unwanted behaviors. Letting unwanted behaviors and even mild annoyances go unchecked leads to stress and resentment. That’s not why we get dogs! We get dogs because we want more enjoyment out of life and we want to share that enjoyment with our companion.
To give our dog the best life possible, they need to be education on how to listen to you and on the basic rules and boundaries of life. That way, they have great manners, no nuisance behaviors, and are enjoyable to be around.
In our Richmond-based training, we teach and train the dog’s owner so you can develop the right knowledge and skills.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Behavior modification is nothing if we don't shift the dog's mentality. If your dog doesn't listen how you want or tries to avoid doing the things you ask, this "opposing" mentality will only hurt your relationship in the long run. By providing the right stuff you can have your dog "want" to listen
House training
Leash trainingProgram details
Your arm workouts are best done at the gym and not on the walk. With the right technique, you can have your dog walking calmly at your side everywhere you go, even around distractions!
Obedience trainingProgram details
Not only do we teach obedience but we also teach the other components that lead to a long-term healthy lifestyle for both you and your dog. A healthy lifestyle means that you enjoy your dog and do NOT deal with conflict and frustration, including mild annoyances...and your dog respects you.
Puppy training
Behavior support
Aggression training
Fear and confidenceProgram details
Insecurity is the most common unbalanced mental state we deal with as dog trainer consultants. Insecurity can manifest into fearful behaviors such as avoidance, flight response, or even biting and fear-based aggression.
Reactivity training
Resource guardingProgram details
Resource guarding is a primal behavior often innate to the dog but can be dangerous unless taught otherwise. No pet dog should guard items, space, people, or food in the household whether it be from other humans, kids, or dogs. It just isn't safe to let this behavior go unchecked.
Separation anxietyProgram details
Separation anxiety is an unbalanced mental state. A few factors that contribute to this are unhealthy attachment, insecurity, lack of rules and boundaries, lack of structure and guidance, etc.
How training happens
Board and train
Group classesProgram details
Further mature your skills and knowledge by participating in group class. Group class is available to all dog owners who have been through private training with CJ. The real world is a challenging place. Get your practice for the real world by participating in group with CJ.
Owner coachingCustomer-reported
Private trainingProgram details
Dog owners need three things: knowledge, skills, and the accountability to build those skills. We coach dog owners to become their dogs best leader. You will learn how to advocate for your dog and also for the people around you. You need to become your dog's leader, teacher, mentor, trainer, coach.
We teach the dog's owner the knowledge. We build the owners skill. We provide the accountability to build that skill so you can live an enjoyable life with your dog for the next 10 to 15 years.
Dog age
Puppies
Training level
Advanced training
Support between sessions
Follow-up supportCustomer-reported
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogsProgram details
Most dogs are rescues/adopted from shelters-all coming to us with a list of behavior challenges. We train dog owners whether they spent thousands on dog at the breeder or adopted for free as a rescue. They all have the same canine brain and need certain items in their daily life to have confidence.
Additional services
Boarding
Dog walkingProgram details
Great walks are important because whenever you go anywhere with your dog, your dog needs to know how to be at your side and calm around distractions. We teach you how to have great, trouble-free walks starting in our very first session.
Other listed services
View 34 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
I know it's technically called dog training but we teach and coach people (the dog's owner). Dog owners need the knowledge, skills, and the accountability to build those skills so that you have self-sufficient long-term success with your dog for the next 10 to 15 years plus.
2 Week Boot CampProgram details
Due to the fact that we only want the highest level of result for our clients that lasts for the life of the dog, we no longer offer programs based on owner convenience. We offer programs that teach the dog's owner so much more. As a result, the boot camp has been phased out.
ConsultationsProgram details
When we meet for a consult at our training location in Hanover, we will dive into the deeper details of your situation, the deeper details of training. And once we meet you and your dog and have an assessment, we can speak more specifically to training, potential outcomes, and that sort of thing.
Day Program
Dog Fit
Dog Jump
Dog Training Camps
Dog Training Chesterfield
Dog Training Midlothian
Dog Training Powhatan
Dog Training Programs
Door DashingProgram details
The front door, or, "portal of excitement" is a common challenge for most dog owners. What if you taught your dog to go lay down on their dog bed while you were in and out getting the groceries from the car, paying the pizza guy, or letting your guests into your home and your dog stayed put?
Handler Course
Jump StartProgram details
Training isn't something to do right here right now and you're done.It's more about creating a sustainable lifestyle where you have the necessary components in place so your dog always listens and doesn't do the unwanted stuff.Our program serves as a jumpstart to the rest of your life with your dog.
Jump Start ProgramProgram details
Training isn't something to do right here right now and you're done.It's more about creating a sustainable lifestyle where you have the necessary components in place so your dog always listens and doesn't do the unwanted stuff.Our program serves as a jumpstart to the rest of your life with your dog.
K9 Dog TrainersProgram details
It doesn't matter the age, breed, or problem. While there are variances dog to dog and situation to situation, one thing that they do all have in common is that they all share the same canine brain. If you know how to serve first, what the k9 needs, you will have a much better time with breed spec
Leash ControlProgram details
With the right technique, you can have a loose leash with your dog walking calmly at your side. The only way to go more places and do more things successfully is to have a calm dog that knows not to react to distractions.
Leash Exercises
Leash Hike
Misbehaving DogProgram details
Whether it's safety related behaviors such as aggression or biting to simply just nuisance behaviors, there is no reason to let the frustration continue. There is a solution for just about everything dog-related and no need to let your suffering continue.
Nail Trimming
Off LeashProgram details
Most all dogs are off the leash most of the time. Off leash and under control with great listening are imperative to any owner looking to get the most out of their relationship with their dog. That means you need your dog to listen to your voice but you also need a way to follow through to ensure
OverExcitementProgram details
Excitement isn't bad but most unwanted behaviors are a product of excitement. While we like to see our dogs enjoying life, most owners don't like jumping, play mouthing, barking, pulling, lunging, and various other types of reactivity. There's a time for excitement and there is a time for calmness
Personal CoachingProgram details
Dog owners need three things: knowledge, skills, and the accountability to build those skills. We coach dog owners to become their dogs best leader. You will learn how to advocate for your dog and also for the people around you. You need to become your dog's leader, teacher, mentor, trainer, coach.
Pet Dogs
Potty TrainedProgram details
By the end of our first session you will know how to implement the right structure to have zero potty accidents. We need 100 percent reliability in this department. It is possible to never have another potty accident again with the right training protocols in place.
Public Access Training
Remote Collar Training
Sporting Dogs
Staying And Training
Too PlayfulProgram details
Dogs who are overly playful are often also excited. Excitement isn't bad but most unwanted behaviors are a product of excitement. While we like to see our dogs enjoying life, most owners don't like jumping, play mouthing, barking, pulling, lunging, and various other types of reactivity.
Training Your Dog
Video Training
Walk & Training
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5Absolutely killer experience! CJ is very straight and to the point, not to mention dog brain knowledgeable! We participated in the transform your dog in 49 days training and our Drizzt (8 mo old Shepherd/Rottie) is doing wonderfully! CJ helped us understand how a dog's brain actu…Read full reviewClose full review
Absolutely killer experience! CJ is very straight and to the point, not to mention dog brain knowledgeable! We participated in the transform your dog in 49 days training and our Drizzt (8 mo old Shepherd/Rottie) is doing wonderfully! CJ helped us understand how a dog's brain actually works and how to set boundaries so we can all have a happier, more relaxing lifestyle. We no longer have to worry about Drizzt dragging me down the road or jumping on people when they walk in my door. We will forever be thankful for the knowledge and support provided to us by CJ and highly, highly recommend his company for your dog/dog owner training needs. Happy New Year CJ and thank you so much for the great experience!
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David “DJ” Kaufman
5/5We came to training at Intelligent K9 with a dog we thought was untrainable. We had tried everything else and this was honestly our last effort before we got rid of her, things were that bad. I grew up with dogs and have had dogs my entire life, but this pup was beyond me. After …Read full reviewClose full review
We came to training at Intelligent K9 with a dog we thought was untrainable. We had tried everything else and this was honestly our last effort before we got rid of her, things were that bad. I grew up with dogs and have had dogs my entire life, but this pup was beyond me. After finishing the program with C.J., we have a fantastic dog that is part of the family just like we hoped.
C.J. Is fantastic to work with, and this program works if you put in the effort. Our Shepherd mix went from being aggressive, territorial, and impossible to walk to being an off-leash capable, loving member of the family.
I cannot recommend this program enough. Thanks for everything C.J.!!!
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Kelley Wood
5/5Hi, I’m Kelley and 2 years ago I adopted a 1-year-old deaf Dalmatian named Tsarina. She had been surrendered to a shelter because her high energy level was too much for her family. She came to me gorgeous but wild, having no boundaries, jumping, puppy biting, and racing around th…Read full reviewClose full review
Hi, I’m Kelley and 2 years ago I adopted a 1-year-old deaf Dalmatian named Tsarina. She had been surrendered to a shelter because her high energy level was too much for her family. She came to me gorgeous but wild, having no boundaries, jumping, puppy biting, and racing around the house like a bull in a china shop.
Determined to transform her into a wonderful companion I watched videos, did treat training, used a variety of “no pull” collars and harnesses, and purchased an e-collar to “call her" and direct her focus to my hand signals. We formed a close emotional bond, and I made progress, but after a year I became increasingly frustrated that my efforts were only taking me so far. Tsarina’s willpower and physical strength took over when in highly stimulating environments. On our walks she still pulled, was reactive to other dogs, and in the house, I still longed for a calmer energy. She was not yet the go anywhere with me sidekick that I’d dreamed of.
Finally, I entertained getting some professional help and set up a consultation with CJ of Intelligent K-9 Dog Training. CJ was totally familiar with the struggles I described and reflected back to me the truth of my situation, that I was exhausted putting out all the effort while Tsarina had none of the responsibility and that I needed our relationship to be more FUN!
We began our training journey and CJ was an excellent teacher. He was approachable, enthusiastic, and supportive, making our training sessions a real pleasure. His training techniques were understandable, logical, humane, and yielded the exact results that he said they would. Once I understood how to implement the techniques, I could apply them to any goal I had, with Tsarina participating and taking some responsibility in our partnership. Positive change became easy and predictable.
Having completed the 49-day program I am still enjoying program benefits. I have attended group outings and CJ checks in, reminding me that he is a lifetime resource for us. I am really amazed and feel fortunate to have chosen the right person to help me. If you are considering professional dog training, stop waiting. There is too much relief and fun to be had.
Our lives at home with Tsarina have been transformed. Our household energy level is pleasant, our walks are comfortable and easy, and I can just love and enjoy her. Beyond that, I am THAT girl - the one taking her dog to cafés and wineries and festivals, to family gatherings, and having off leash fun. Tsarina and I have exactly what I dreamed of when I got her. I can take her anywhere with me and she lays quietly at my feet, gazing up at me with love and I’m thinking “Right back at you, sweetie girl.”
Thank you so much CJ – Intelligent K9 Dog Training!!!
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Tracy Lagud
5/5I consider myself to be fairly dog savvy, but when I rescued a reactive 90 lb, 1 yr old Rottweiler, I knew I needed some help. After meeting several trainers and looking at their videos, I scheduled a one on one with CJ and made the decision to work with him. His knowledge wi…Read full reviewClose full review
I consider myself to be fairly dog savvy, but when I rescued a reactive 90 lb, 1 yr old Rottweiler, I knew I needed some help. After meeting several trainers and looking at their videos, I scheduled a one on one with CJ and made the decision to work with him. His knowledge with the breed and confidence in his ability to make me, the owner, feel confident as well, was key. He asked me what my goals were and explained to me how we would work to achieve them. One of the best things about his program is the fact that even after you have completed your training course, you are not forgotten. He has groups that meet for walks so you can continue to work on what you've learned. He makes himself available if you have questions when you're alone with your dog and aren't quite sure about things. Definitely can't go wrong. No matter the size of your dog or problem, CJ will help you and your dog be successful.
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Rebekah Johnson
5/5
Incredible insights, training, and practical advice! Highly highly recommend!
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