About Connected K9s, LLC

Who they are

Connected K9s, LLC is run by Cathy Rybarczyk, KPA-CTP, serving "dog lovers in St. Clair and Macomb counties." She states her credential emphatically: "I am proud to be not only a graduate, with distinction, of the Karen Pryor Academy, but also a KPA Certified Training Partner – the only one in our area." She is also a KPA Puppy Start Right Instructor and a graduate of the KPA Better Vet Visit program, a graduate of Dr. Susan Friedman's Living & Learning With Animals course, and a Family Paws Parent Educator. Continuing education listed includes the Aggression in Dogs Seminar with Michael Shikashio and The Aggression in Dogs Conference, plus webinars on Breaking Up Dog Fights, Danger at the Door, Dog to Cat Aggression and B.A.T.

Why she trains this way

Rybarczyk is unusually candid about her own history: "In his older years Beau underwent surgery for trachea damage (so many staples in his neck!), a result of years of traditional correction training with chain slip leads and prong collars. I thought I was doing the right thing, guided by trainers before I understood that there are no professional standards or requirements for dog trainers." A German Shepherd, Zeva, "began lunging, growling, and barking at other dogs and people while on leash" under traditional methods; the switch to clicker training followed. Her commitment now: "All my training utilizes only humane, positive-reinforcement, force-free methods."

Programs and prices

Four areas are covered: puppy training (classes, private training and Puppy Dayschool), basic manners dog training, behavior issues, and dogs with babies and children. Each private route starts with a 90-minute initial consultation at $175. Basic manners then runs either as a 6-week Private Coaching program at $540, or as a 3-week Basic Manners Day Training program at $1,260 including 9 training sessions, 3 transfer sessions and 2 follow-ups – "I'll do the training for you (you don't even have to be there), then transfer my results to you." A 6-week Creative Connections Basic Manners group class is $149, with one orientation session and five group sessions, for dogs 9 months or older. Behavior modification runs as an 8-week Private Coaching program at $720, using approaches including BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) and Jane Gerard's Circle Fencing for leash-reactive dogs, or as a do-it-for-you day training option.

Where she works

The published service area is St. Clair and Macomb counties, including Algonac, Armada, China Township, Clay Township, Clinton Township, Columbus, Cottrellville, East China, Fair Haven, Fraser, Grosse Pointe, Harrison Township, Kimball, Lenox Township, Macomb, Marine City, Marysville, Memphis, New Baltimore, New Haven, Ray Township, Richmond, Romeo, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair, St. Clair Shores, Utica and Washington.