About Loudoun K9

What it is

Loudoun K9 trains from a dedicated facility in Purcellville, in western Loudoun County. The site is unusually clear that the owner is half the job: the strapline is "We don't just train dogs we train people , too."

Who runs it

The About page is written in the first person. The trainer says he has been "training dogs professionally for about 15 years" and has "worked with thousands of dogs", and describes himself as "a husband, father, and long time resident of Loudoun County". He writes openly about a service dog who helped him through depression, PTSD and severe anxiety attacks, and credits that experience with starting the business.

Who they work with

The front page states the problem set directly, in the owner's voice rather than the trainer's: you need puppy training; you are embarrassed to take your dog in public; your dog is aggressive or possessive; your dog does not listen; you cannot have guests over because of your dog. The outcomes it claims to have delivered are loose-leash walking, reduced aggressive behavior, calm with guests in the house, anxiety control, successful public outings and improved neutrality around triggers.

Board and Train

This is the flagship program and the best-documented part of the site. It runs four weeks, takes dogs from six months, and uses "variable reinforcement schedules" to teach obedience commands while difficulty and distraction are raised over the stay, "to allow for more environmental exposure, confidence, neutrality, and impulse control". Each dog gets a lead trainer, is walked several times a day and has play time in a fenced area. Owners can call or text at any point and receive picture and video updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Pick-up and drop-off are included, and the dog's return is followed by an intensive handover session teaching the owner how to maintain the work. Monthly maintenance subscriptions are available afterwards.

The facility

Described as a private setting in western Loudoun, 100 per cent dedicated to training: heated and air conditioned, large fans for white noise and circulation, raised beds, water buckets in every crate and boarding run, spot cleaning four times a day, and non-toxic cleaning products.

Other formats

Private training, virtual training and a puppy program covering potty training, crate training, leash walking and inappropriate chewing. The puppy program is positioned as a first step into the board-and-train or private subscription programs. An apprentice program is also advertised.

What to ask

Ask about prices and what the behavior modification program involves.