Mind of a K9 is a professional dog training business in Ashland, VA, serving dog owners throughout the Richmond area. We help puppies, adult dogs, and families build better communication, stronger obedience, and calmer everyday behavior. Training options include puppy and obedience classes, private lessons, day training, and board-and-train programs for leash skills, behavior modification, and more structured training needs. With decades of hands-on experience and a practical foundation in dog psychology, Mind of a K9 helps owners better understand their dogs and achieve lasting real-world results.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Behavior modification training helps address challenges such as reactivity, fearfulness, impulse control, leash issues, guarding tendencies, and other behavior concerns. Training focuses on improving communication, building better habits, and helping dogs respond more calmly in everyday situations.
Canine Good Citizen preparationProgram details
Training classes focused on the 10 essential skills established by the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. CGC training helps dogs practice polite behavior, basic obedience, and good manners around people, other dogs, and everyday situations.
Obedience trainingProgram details
Puppy trainingProgram details
Puppy training helps young dogs build a strong foundation for obedience, manners, socialization, and communication. Training can address common puppy challenges such as basic commands, leash skills, house manners, confidence building, and appropriate behavior around people and other dogs.
SocializationProgram details
Behavior support
Fear and confidenceProgram details
Reactivity trainingProgram details
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Board & Train is a structured program for dogs who need a solid training foundation. Dogs stay in our trainers’ homes, are integrated into daily home life, practice obedience and manners, receive socialization, and go on public outings to reinforce training in real-world settings.
Day trainingProgram details
A structured training day that gives your dog time out of the house while working on basic commands, manners, and behavioral goals. Dogs spend the day with our trainers, receive hands-on training, and may also participate in supervised playtime and socialization when appropriate.
Group classesProgram details
Weekly group dog training classes designed to teach basic commands and improve obedience around real-world distractions. Classes meet for one hour per week for six weeks and include Puppy, Beginner, and Intermediate levels.
Private trainingProgram details
Personalized, hour-long dog training sessions in your home with one of our trainers. Private lessons are ideal for new puppies, adult dogs who need better manners, and owners who want 1-on-1 guidance. New clients are encouraged to start with at least one private lesson before using other services.
Dog age
Adult dogsProgram details
PuppiesProgram details
Training approach
E-collar trainingProgram details
E-collar training is offered as part of a structured private training or day training program. This service helps owners learn how to use e-collar communication appropriately as part of a broader training plan focused on obedience, consistency, and real-world reliability.
Other listed services
View 2 additional details
Supervised Playgroups for Current ClientsProgram details
Supervised playgroups give current client dogs an opportunity for appropriate play and socialization with other dogs. Trainers monitor the group to help ensure safe, appropriate interaction. Playgroups are only available for dogs who have completed at least one lesson with Mind of a K9.
Dog trainingProgram details
Professional dog training in Ashland, VA for puppies, adult dogs, and owners who want better obedience, communication, and everyday behavior. Training options include private lessons, group classes, day training, and board-and-train programs.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5We did a week long board and train for an e-collar with our 8 month Miniature Australian Sheppard. Our goal was to decrease barking and learn basic commands. We were blown away with the progress in just one week!! He came home so well behaved and we are able to continue with w…Read full reviewClose full review
We did a week long board and train for an e-collar with our 8 month Miniature Australian Sheppard. Our goal was to decrease barking and learn basic commands. We were blown away with the progress in just one week!! He came home so well behaved and we are able to continue with what Kalli taught us at drop off. It has made such a positive difference in our house with two young kids. I highly recommend Mind of a K9 for all kinds of training needs.
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Leslie Brooks
5/5
Excellent and professional training classes!! We are very happy with the lessons and the ability to take what is taught home. Highly recommend!
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Nancy Schwartz
5/5Working with MIND OF A K9 is truly amazing. Kalli’s extensive knowledge, understanding, and delivery is quite simply astounding. With Lauren’s passion, kindness, and willingness, going over and beyond for the full benefit of the dogs she trains is the norm. I have been fortunate …Read full reviewClose full review
Working with MIND OF A K9 is truly amazing. Kalli’s extensive knowledge, understanding, and delivery is quite simply astounding. With Lauren’s passion, kindness, and willingness, going over and beyond for the full benefit of the dogs she trains is the norm. I have been fortunate to have my pups with both of these trainers, and how they train is magical . . . and the way they break it down for the owners, it is not only fun, it makes so much sense.
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Joan Shepherd
5/5
WOW. Having problems with you dog - OR just need an attitude adjustment ?? Then you NEED Kalli and Lauren at Mind of a K9. They totally understands how to approach issues and also how to work with the humans to get the best behavior from their pets. They respond quickly when you have needs, and followup is wonderful. Don't hesitate - meet Kalli and Lauren and discuss your needs.
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Jacqueline Barbour
5/5This place truly made me understand what was best to take care of my dog. He is so much happier since they are im our lives. He loves going for play dates, training days, etc. I am able to reach any of this group easily and they truly care about the well being of our dog in our h…Read full reviewClose full review
This place truly made me understand what was best to take care of my dog. He is so much happier since they are im our lives. He loves going for play dates, training days, etc. I am able to reach any of this group easily and they truly care about the well being of our dog in our home and with others. All around fantastic group. Kalli even helped us find him when we could not keep our rescue. Truly the best around!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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