About K-9 Academy Dog Training School

Two Decades of K-9 Training

K-9 Academy Dog Training School is owned by Tony Mercuri and has operated since 1999, giving it more than 25 years of experience in the field. Based at a facility in Waverly Township, the school positions Tony as an expert in canine behavior and offers a broad range of programs spanning pet and working-dog needs. Services include basic, advanced, and competitive obedience, problem solving and behavior modification, personal protection (home protection and self-defense), law enforcement work such as suspect apprehension and detection, and tracking for missing persons. Training is available through private classes, group classes, and board-and-train programs.

Training Philosophy

Tony frames his work as teaching rather than simply training, and tailors methods to each dog's individual temperament. He states that he does not believe in using food in pet dog obedience to bribe, coerce, lure, or reward, and holds the view that every dog should have a job. The school has been a back-to-back recipient of the local "Best of the Abingtons" dog training honor. For owners near Clarks Summit and the Abingtons wanting serious obedience or specialized protection and tracking work, K-9 Academy offers an experienced, facility-based option.