About American K-9 Country

Training and dog sports in Amherst

American K9 Country (AK9C) is a family owned pet care facility and show event center at 336 Route 101 in Amherst, open 365 days a year. It was founded in March of 2003 by Celeste Meade Maurer and is owned by Celeste, her daughter Amber, and Dottie and Robert Proulx. The indoor facility is over 32,000 square feet on more than 32 acres, offering training, canine sport events, grooming, boarding, canine rehab and daycare.

Classes

Classes include basic pet manners, competition obedience, agility, breed handling and rally, alongside fitness and pool work, Fast C.A.T. and dock diving. The curriculum accommodates dogs of any age, breed or size, and the training team describes its methods as positive and motivating, with problem solving techniques that are fast, effective and fun. Prepayment is required for all classes.

The trainers

Celeste has been training dogs and competing nationally for over 30 years, with titles in conformation, sheep herding and tracking, and teaches an "Attitude is Everything" style with Aerobic Handling Techniques. Amber McCune, a Five-Time World Team member in dog agility, teaches classes and travels to show and teach the sport. Bob and Dottie Proulx have been in the competitive dog world for over 30 years.

What to ask

Ask about the weekly class schedule and current pricing.