Method K9, LLC

Completing the Method K9 Institute's training program and becoming a Level 4 Master Certified Trainer has been life-changing for both my business and my family. After earning my Level 1 certification, I returned home and immediately launched my own business, Puppy Prep Dog Training. While my path may not be everyone's, completing Level 1 gave me the knowledge and confidence to get started, and knowing I was already enrolled in the complete Method K9 certification program gave me the reassurance that I would continue building my skills over the following year. I chose Method K9 because I wanted to learn from the best behavioral trainers I could find, and Stephanie and Hope exceeded every expectation. The program goes far beyond basic obedience. I gained an in-depth understanding of dog psychology and learned how to confidently rehabilitate fearful, anxious, aggressive, reactive, and resource-guarding dogs, while also addressing real-world challenges such as grooming and veterinary handling. The business training was just as valuable as the dog training. Julius and Karrie provided practical guidance on marketing, social media, client contracts, scheduling, pricing, and business systems. They equipped me with the tools to build a successful dog training business, and the continued access to their digital library and ongoing support has been invaluable. One of my favorite parts of the program is the incredible community they've built. Through the monthly Pull-Up Sessions and online forums, I can connect with other like-minded trainers, ask questions, share experiences, and continue learning long after certification. That level of mentorship and ongoing support is rare, and it has become an invaluable resource when working through challenging behavioral cases and canine rehabilitation. Because of my Method K9 certification, I have the knowledge and confidence to take on more complex cases, which has helped grow my business and increase my revenue. Becoming a Level 4 Master Certified Trainer has also added tremendous credibility to Puppy Prep Dog Training. Clients have greater confidence in choosing my services, and I appreciate that they can also find my business through the Method K9 Institute's trainer directory. Most importantly, owning my own business has given me the freedom to spend more time with my family while doing work I'm truly passionate about. I can't recommend Method K9 Institute enough to anyone who is serious about becoming a professional dog trainer or taking their skills, confidence, and business to the next level. The combination of hands-on training, behavioral science, business education, marketing, and ongoing mentorship truly sets Method K9 apart. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to elevate an established business, their certification programs provide everything needed to learn, grow, and succeed.

More recently I attended the trainer the owner program. At this time my yellow was one year and two months. I cannot say enough positive praise. Their approach gives the owner knowledge and tools to build a relationship with your dog that fosters safe, satisfied, happy, and healthy dogs! Training does not get better tham Method K9. I took my 6 month yellow lab puppy to the foundation class. I have had lab or lab mix rescues my entire adult life. I have participated in over a dozen training classes. Method K9 has been by far the best training. The team are experts in the psychology of the dog. The staff genuinely love animals and want the dog and handler to have a joyful and safe, respectful and loving, calm and healthy relationship. The team are incredibly knowledgeable to observe, read, know, and respond accordingly. For any mild behavior issues to no issues to major aggression, the Method K9 team are your peoole. I cannot think of a better team to recommend for yourself and your dog.

I came across METHOD K9 and Stephanie Vichinsky on Facebook while I was deep down the rabbit hole of dog training, trying to help my personal dog, Gunner, with his reactivity and aggression toward his housemate. Stephanie’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of dog behavior immediately resonated with me. What really stood out was that she explained the why behind the behavior, not just the correction itself, and I was hooked from there. I chose METHOD K9 for my certification because the training was honest, practical, and focused on truly understanding dogs and their behavior. The certification went far beyond just handling dogs — it also covered the business side of dog training, kenneling, and boarding. Learning how to implement standard operating procedures, improve communication with clients, and better manage scheduling helped me build a more professional and organized business. Since completing the certification, I’ve gained more confidence not only in working with dogs but also in presenting myself as a professional in the industry. The knowledge and structure I learned through METHOD K9 helped establish more legitimacy in my business, which built greater trust with clients and ultimately helped increase both sales and revenue. One of the biggest benefits has been the freedom this career has given me. Because I now have a better understanding of both dog training and business operations, I’ve been able to create a schedule that allows me to spend more time enjoying life with friends and family while still growing a successful business. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned through METHOD K9 and would highly recommend the program to anyone serious about understanding dogs and building a successful career in the industry.

I cannot recommend the dog trainer certification course enough. I’m a young trainer who’s gotten my hands on a fair amount of dogs and have my own recovering behavioral rescue dog at home and I’ve been following Method K9 for a while because I love the no nonsense approach and how knowledgeable Stephanie is about dog behavior and that she doesn’t participate in the ideology wars. I was still initially skeptical about a 100% online self paced course but it’s very detailed and you get to watch and learn from others’ mistakes in real time. I have yet to watch a video in this course where I didn’t at least once pause it and be like “wow, this changes absolutely everything”. And that’s just in the level 1 course, so I am super excited to see what I will learn in the level 2 course and beyond.