About Next-Door K9 Solutions

Next-Door K9 Solutions is at 59 Waterford Business Center Way, Unit C in Belville, on the Brunswick County side of the river, and describes itself as "a locally, Veteran owned/operated, professional dog training company". Its own page says it is located in Wilmington and lists services in Wilmington, Leland, Carolina Beach, Jacksonville, New Bern, Sneads Ferry and the surrounding areas.

Programs

Board and train is the core product, "tailored to the individual dog", offered in two- and three-week versions, with the three-week adding public outings and socialization. On-leash training is a two-week stay "designed to give the owner the most control of their dog while on walks, in public venues, and at home". On- and off-leash training proofs obedience in public venues for complete control. Puppy training teaches "the basics of obedience while encouraging socialization, positive behavior, and potty training". A doggy day-care training program is published as a day version: "designed to mock our board and train program without your dog staying overnight with us". Private lessons are also available.

Behavior work

Reactivity training runs four weeks: "Reactivity can quickly escalate into aggression or higher forms of reactivity. We address this slowly through training and consistent communication." Aggression rehabilitation is separate, and the site is direct about it – "Aggression should be left to the professionals." Separation anxiety and fear cases are named too. The site also puts the owner's role in plain terms: "With behavior modification cases, whether aggression, reactivity, or simple things like jumping; the owner plays a huge role in continuing the extinction of these behaviors."

Method

"We are considered balanced trainers." The site explains the four quadrants of operant conditioning and names its tools openly: clickers for marking behavior, heeling sticks, prong collars and e-collars. It also answers the question owners actually ask – "Will this make my dog a robot? ABSOLUTELY…NOT!"

Care during a stay

Dogs go out multiple times a day for training, potty breaks, exercise, play and socialization; the facility is cleaned more than three times daily with a deep clean on Sundays; and the trainer stays in direct contact with the owner by call or text throughout the stay. Trainers are stated to have over 10 years of experience.