Paw and Hand K9

We recently got our pittie Alma from one of Paw and Hands adoptable dogs and they have been absolutely amazing with helping us get her acclimated to our lifestyle and household and have always been available with any questions or concerns we have with her. They’ve been truly amazing and wonderful with her training and care. I have way too many words to explain my deep appreciation for this facility and will continue to recommend them to anyone I know.

Winston our 1.5-year-old Golden Retriever spent 7 weeks with Paw and Hand K9, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Kevin is truly a Winston whisperer. Before training, we were constantly repeating commands and feeling frustrated. Winston knew the basics, but has a lot of energy and a very strong-willed personality, which made training difficult at home. From the very beginning, it was clear that Kevin understood Winston and knew exactly how to work with him in a way that helped set him up for success. Throughout the process, we could tell how much they genuinely care about each dog—not just while they’re in training, but long term. The training was thorough, thoughtful, and tailored to Winston’s needs. When Winston came home, he has been more focused, responsive, and confident, and we finally felt like we had the tools to continue his training successfully. Leaving your dog for 7 weeks is a big decision, but we felt completely confident knowing Winston was in such capable and caring hands. We are incredibly grateful for the progress Winston has made and would highly recommend them to anyone considering boarding and training.

My Lucky is a very smart but anxious and nervous one-year-old dog, and as a first-time dog mom with our first dog as a family, I honestly had no idea what I was doing or where to start. Paw and Hand K9 helped us establish clear ground rules and, more importantly, taught us how to actually train Lucky in a way that builds his confidence, not just obedience. Merissa has been incredibly patient with me. As a first-time dog owner, I ask a lot of questions that are probably common sense to experienced dog families, yet she always takes the time to explain everything clearly and without judgment. That alone made a huge difference in my confidence as a dog mom. What really stood out to me is their level of care beyond the program itself. Even though they were planning to close for the Christmas week, Merissa still scheduled a follow-up session because she wanted to make sure we were successful continuing the training at home. That says a lot about how much they truly care about both the dogs and the families. The entire team is very knowledgeable, and I genuinely trust them with Lucky. Paw and Hand K9 will absolutely be our go-to place for future training and for boarding when we travel. I also love that they’ve built a small community through group dog outings and activities, something I know will be incredibly helpful for Lucky and for me. Most importantly, they don’t just do a board-and-train and then disappear. They stay involved and support you through the process, which I really appreciate. I’m very grateful we found them.

We just wrapped up Bear’s board and train with Paw & Hand K9, and I’m so grateful for the experience. From the beginning, the focus wasn’t just on obedience—it was on relationship, clarity, and helping Bear learn how to settle and exist calmly. The trainers truly took the time to understand him as an individual dog, not just a checklist of behaviors. One of the most valuable takeaways was how much less can actually be more. Slowing things down, fewer walks, more intentional rest, and clearer communication made a huge difference in Bear’s ability to regulate himself. Seeing that shift in him has been incredibly reassuring. The handoff back home felt thoughtful and supportive, not rushed. I left feeling more confident, more calm, and much clearer on how to continue building the relationship and structure Bear needs. If you’re looking for trainers who prioritize balance, clarity, and the dog–handler relationship, Paw & Hand K9 is absolutely worth it.