Kurtz K-9's Dog Training

Hi Cheryl! Great question. We’re what’s considered balanced trainers, which means we pull from a variety of training styles to find what works best for each individual dog — without ever using fear, intimidation, or dominating methods. Our goal is for training to be as positive and fun as possible, using things like treats, praise, and play to build trust, confidence, and reliability. That said, we also understand that not all dogs learn the same way. Some dogs may benefit from additional tools, such as training collars — but we are extremely selective about what brands and types we use, and we never put them on every dog. We don’t sell these tools, so if we ever recommend one, it’s because it can help the dog, not because of any profit motive. You’re involved in every step of your dog’s training. We’ll always talk through options with you beforehand, and you’ll see exactly how we work with your dog firsthand. Our approach is rooted in partnership, transparency, and customizing the training to what’s best for your dog — not what fits into a cookie-cutter method. As for agility — while we don’t have a full agility course on site, we can introduce your dog to confidence-building activities and agility-style foundations that are great for focus, energy, and enrichment. Let us know if you’d like to learn more — we’d love to help you and your dog get started!

Community answer · Kurtz K-9’s Dog Training · 2025-09-21

Hi Bill! Great question — we actually don’t offer in-home training, and here’s why: We’ve found that dogs make faster and more lasting progress when they’re removed from the environment where the problem behavior started. In-home issues like aggression at the door or toward the doorbell are often tied to territorial habits, overstimulation, or lack of impulse control — and those patterns are hard to change when the dog is still surrounded by the same triggers and routines. By training at our controlled facility, we can reset those habits, build impulse control, and teach your dog to listen and regulate themselves in a neutral, distraction-free space. Once that foundation is strong, we layer in real-life distractions (including door-related setups) to help the behavior transfer back to home — but without trying to correct the issue in the heat of the moment. It’s a safer, more effective, and more reliable way to create long-term change! Let us know if you’d like more details — we’d love to help.

Community answer · Kurtz K-9’s Dog Training · 2025-09-21