About Dacruz K9’s Off-Leashed LLC

Board and train from a Shelton home

DaCruz K9s Off-Leashed is a Shelton dog training business run by owner and trainer David Cruz, who has been in the dog training industry since 2016, working in obedience, off-leash, family pet training and Police K9 work. The LLC was established in 2019, serves all of Connecticut, and runs its board and train programs out of a residential home in Shelton so dogs learn in a setting similar to their own home.

Programs and tools

Basic Puppy is for pups 8-16 weeks, Intermediate for 4 months and up, and Behavior Modification and Advanced/Off-Leash for 6 months and up, covering skills from sit, down, bed and crate training to advanced leash skills, attention commands and complete off-leash work. Behavior Modification addresses excessive barking, lunging and aggression. The programs use a Herm Sprenger pinch collar together with clicker training, and the off-leash program adds an E-Collar Technologies stimulation collar. The business describes its methods as positive reinforcement, and David regularly consults with local veterinarians on nutritional and medical advice.

What to ask

Ask about program length, pricing and the evaluation process for your dog.