About The Tenacious K9

One-on-one balanced training in Salem

The Tenacious K9 is a local, woman-owned training business in Salem, established in 2019. Owner and trainer Emily Ralls says she has been training professionally for 10 years, holds bachelor's degrees in psychology from Western Oregon University and in animal health and behavior from Unity Environmental University, and is certified through AKC to evaluate CGC tests and trick titles. All sessions are one-on-one, with a primary focus on behavior modification, and she works with every breed and age, from Yorkies to Mastiffs.

Methods and prices

Emily uses a balanced methodology combining positive reinforcement and correction, teaching behaviors through luring and shaping first and starting as soft as possible. Tools may include treats, toys, long lines, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars and muzzles. Services cover basic obedience, advanced obedience, behavior modification for reactivity, resource guarding, fear and multi-dog households, plus AKC evaluations. Single 90-minute sessions are $100, obedience packages start at $260 for four sessions, behavior modification starts at $300, and AKC evaluations are $20. The primary service area is Salem/Keizer city limits, with in-home training available.

What owners say

Dawn Alisa S. wrote: "Buddy is reactive to other dogs and the progress he's made with Emily is incredible."