Method K9, LLC

Not that long ago we found ourselves contemplating an impossible choice. Thinking our choice was to give up our family dog (a 2-yo mixed breed 65lb sweet girl named Betsy Ross) because she may be a risk and potentially harm others. Or isolate us and Betsy to ensure that never happens. Thankfully, there proved to be an alternative. Our vet referred us to Method K9. A dog training organization internationally recognized and specializing in dog behavioral issues. Initially we dismissed it because their program costs were not in our budget. And we rationalized that things were not so bad and maybe would improve over time. Unfortunately, within the next four months of us considering this option Betsy’s defense drive and fear-aggression were only increasing. It was at this point we looked at our future and how much we wanted our life to include enjoying Betsy and not fearing an aggressive outburst. We made the commitment and enrolled Betsy in Method K9’s 8-wk Board and Train program. We are so glad we did. Weeks later we have our Betsy back. And with all that she has learned she is sweeter than ever and so much more. Our day-to-day experience with her has been transformed: she demonstrates good “manners,” I can trim her nails, she rides peacefully lying down in the car, does not charge the door when the doorbell rings, and has given up dominating the couch or bed. Of most importance, we have learned how to circumvent or manage her fear-inducing triggers or situations. She clearly knows she can make choices and move away from things that frighten her rather than get aggressive in defense. We are confident we can take her anywhere, and have guests relax in our home. Method K9 is everything the other reviews rave about and more. Stephanie and her crew take their time to recognize the unique characteristics and needs of each individual dog in their charge and adapt their guidance accordingly. They love what they do, and it shows. Their expertise is undeniable, their approach dependable and consistent, and yet it is their wisdom to modify as needed and compassion to always care that sets them apart. While Stephanie and her crew may seem like the “wizards” behind the curtain creating magical changes in your dog, the secret sauce lies with the owners. I know that all their excellent work will come unraveled if we fail to consistently do our part to reinforce all that Betsy has learned. Towards that end, long after the tuition has been paid, our commitment continues. During the exceptionally freezing weather we recently took Betsy for a walk in the mall, as did multiple other pet owners. As we were leaving, I commented that Betsy had been the most well-behaved dog out of the bunch.

I can't say enough about my experience at the "Train the Trainer" shadow program. It truly changed me for the better. I had to push myself to make the commitment, both financially and mentally to attend this program. I was, and still am, pretty new to the dog training world and I was suffering from a large amount of imposter syndrome. I was doubting myself on so many levels. Method K9 and this program changed all that for me. Stephanie, Hope, Karrie, and Julius create such an amazing environment to learn in. One filled with kindness, respect, TONS of knowledge and fun. Stephanie was open, honest and thorough in her teaching style. She made the concepts relatable and explained things in a way that made them easy to comprehend. She also made it a priority to make time to answer all our questions, ensuring we all had an understanding of what she was teaching. My goal was to gain more confidence by learning more about dogs and about training, which I did, but I also left the program with more knowledge about myself and how influential and important it is in life to have the right state of mind, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of our dogs as well. There was also a part of the program that went over the business side of things, which being a new business owner, I found very valuable. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone considering signing up. They also do a 2.0 train the trainer program and I plan to attend that one as well :) Thank you Stephanie and the whole crew at Method K9.

We brought our German Shepherd, Griz, to Method K9 one year ago (December 2022). I waited a year to do this review, so I could monitor and note the effectiveness over time, and I can wholeheartedly state that sending him to Method K9 was the best decision we ever made. We've had Griz since eight weeks of age. However, having never had a German Shepherd, we thought we could tackle the growing changes that evolved during his first two and a half years (we were labrador people—very different breed). Our GS is high anxiety with fear aggression, a strong prey drive, and symptoms and incidents were worsening. He completed an eight week board and train with Hope as his trainer, and she did a fantastic job giving him the "reset" he needed. Her various techniques taught him to be calm and tolerant. She also taught us by breaking down how to establish protocols in our home and in public, what it looks like, methods we must use, and most importantly, why this is so critical for our GS's mental well being. These guys know their stuff! They leave no stone unturned when it comes to understanding your dog's make up, and they set you up with the necessary tools based on this. Tools that I continue to use a year later.

MethodK9 is the real deal. They’re responsible, organized, detail-oriented, and most importantly, an incredibly kind group of folks. Oh, and they’re REALLY great at their jobs. We were so privileged to be able to send our dog, Biso, to their 8-week board and train program. This was a big investment for us, not to mention the effort to get our dog from the east coast to Idaho, but it has been worth all of that and more. Biso went to MethodK9 with lots of training and a strong obedience background, but his anxiety and fear overcame any of that when people entered our property and the space around it, making him skittish and reactive in those moments. We wanted to get Biso and ourselves the help and training to coach him through those situations with confidence and safety. We got that and so much more. With Stephanie’s help, we understand Biso much better. He’s got a stronger foundation than ever before and we have new awareness and tools to maintain that foundation and build on it in our space. For example, Biso used to bark, growl, stalk, and guard our entryway when the doorbell would ring or new people entered our home. Now he remains calm and follows our lead. It’s so cool to see. It’s impossible to list everything we learned from MethodK9 and their incredible library of resources (which is an absolute requirement to get everything out of the board and train program), but if I had to pick one, it’s that everything starts with advocacy and how that shapes your relationship to your dog and therefore your dog’s behavior. Stephanie explains everything so clearly and intuitively, using great metaphors and examples to illustrate key concepts. With advocacy, she gives you all the steps and activities to (re)build that relationship with your pup. Of course, the job of training doesn’t end when you get home, but the neat part is implementing it with Stephanie’s tips and guidance is fun and natural. It doesn’t feel like work. If you’re on the fence, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you go for it. Your dog and you as a dog owner will be transformed for the better after working with MethodK9. We’re endlessly grateful to Stephanie, Hope, Karrie, Julius, and the whole team who worked with us and Biso. And we’re thrilled to have them on our team for the rest of Biso’s lifetime.

We had the pleasure of attending the Train the Trainer seminar & have had clients use their Board & Train, Training classes…let me just say yes! Stephanie & her crew have the knowledge, facility, and experience for your needs. Whether you’re a trainer or looking to have your dog trained, they’re fantastic! From how she communicates with you and the homework you have to do, it’s just wonderful. It’s really exciting all the work that they do for our dog community and the knowledge they share. You won’t be disappointed for what you’ll be able to learn or accomplish.