About K9University

K9University is Marlon Leon's training business, based at 119 Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. The site's own line for it is short – 'K9 University turns good boys and girls, into GREAT ones' – but the structure underneath is specific, and the great majority of the site is given over to what former clients say happened.

The programs

Residential training is the spine of the business, sold as four named lengths: a two-week Freshman program, a three-week Sophomore, a four-week Junior and a six-week Senior. Private training sessions are offered alongside them, and the site is honest that 'pricing for each program varies depending on a number of factors' and 'prices vary according to location' rather than publishing a rate card. What the dog works on is set individually: 'Each dog has their own curriculum based upon their behavioral modification needs while they are at training.' The published scope is 'full obedience, behavior modification, puppy classes, and group socialization'.

Who runs it

Marlon Leon introduces himself directly: 'Since the age of 18, I have been working in animal shelters and veterinary offices learning how to handle all types of dogs, even ones with aggressive and seemingly untrainable behavior.' He lists a dog obedience trainer credential from Penn Foster Career School. His stated method starts with the dog rather than the drill – understanding behavior and health together is 'the first step', and the bond that follows is what makes the learning stick.

What clients describe

The testimonials are unusually concrete about the caseload: an aggressive, barking small dog that 'thought she ruled the house'; an eight-month-old puppy sent for a residential stay; a four-week board and train for a nervous owner; a golden doodle whose owner was taught 'the proper tools to establish good behavior habits'; and a dog who also 'did agility training with him'. Several describe coming back years later for help introducing a new dog to the household. Dog walking and boarding are offered as well, with the site noting that its walkers are all experienced trainers and can fold some behavioral work into a session on request.