About Shark & Paws K9

Who they are

Shark & Paws K9 is the practice of Paula Sharkey, who describes herself on the site as the founder of SPK9 and a K9 development strategist. It is explicitly a one-person business – the site says as a one-woman show she wants every dog to have her undivided attention – and it is aimed at a narrow group of owners: those living with dogs that other people misunderstand or avoid.

Who it is for

The home page is unusually direct about its audience. It addresses owners walking their dog at midnight to avoid neighbors, managing constant stress and feeling they have tried everything, and its position is that the dog is not broken and the owner is not failing – that the behavior is a symptom of unmet biological needs, stress or overwhelm. The stated approach follows from that: the site says it does not separate behavior from biology, and looks at stress, trauma, environment and nutrition together.

The diagnostic

The central service is an intensive behavioral diagnostic, a three-hour deep-dive assessment. The site lists what it includes: observation of the dog in more than one environment, a functional analysis to identify triggers and patterns, and strategies rooted in behavioral science. It also promises hard truths and clear goals, and says it will not offer surface-level obedience but will work to uncover root causes. The assessment is $250, credited toward a structured recovery plan if the owner continues.

A business in transition

The site announces a change worth knowing before calling: Shark & Paws is sharpening its focus onto canine wellness, behavior support and community care, and is no longer accepting new clients for drop-in visits, daycare or basic boarding. Existing clients are told nothing changes for them. Its 2026 service structure is organized into standard drop-in care, a behavioral training add-on, specialty services, and package deals combining training and care.

Other notes

The site asks for a message to be left rather than a missed call, and offers a discount to active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders and rescues.