About A Very Good K9

Balanced, relationship-based training

A Very Good K9 is a dog training business in Brooklyn run by husband-and-wife team Haley and Austin Avery, serving the Quiet Corner, including Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Thompson, Canterbury, Hampton, Plainfield and Moosup. Their balanced methodology aims to build trust and respect between owner and dog, with plans fitted to each family's lifestyle. Both compete in PSA (Protection Sports Association): Haley has earned PDC titles with two Belgian Malinois, and Austin holds a PSA2 title and is a certified PSA trial decoy.

Board and train

– 2 Week Foundational Program, $1,800: on-leash obedience, leash manners and calm behavior in real-world settings

– 4 Week Advanced Obedience Program, $3,300: off-leash reliability and impulse control, with an e-collar included

– 4 Week Adventure Board and Train, $4,500: advanced training while traveling and exploring, for socialization in new places

Each program includes progress updates and take-home lessons.

Lessons

One-on-one lessons are $100/hr ($150/hr in-home) and cover place, recall, sit and heel, introducing the e-collar for older dogs. Puppy lessons are $60/hr ($110/hr in-home) and cover socialization, crate training, potty training and puppy biting. Protection lessons led by Austin are $100/session, and a case-by-case Raise and Train program is offered for puppies. A Very Good K9 also provides wedding-day dog handling.

What to ask

Ask about Raise and Train pricing and wedding service quotes.