About Trained Wright K9

Trained Wright K9 is a board and train facility on Lee Highway in Abingdon, describing its approach as "A practical, balanced, relationship-focused approach to dog training for a strong foundation." Hours are given as by appointment.

What they train

Four programs are published. Inboard Obedience Training is the flagship: "In our 2-week program we cover all basic on leash obedience. Following this we offer a 3-week program covering off leash obedience." The services page adds that "We will board your dog for 2-3 weeks while building a solid foundation of positive behaviors on leash first, followed by off leash beahviors", with owners involved so they can "carry through this training past the boarding phase". Private Dog Training Lessons are "One on one training for you and your dog", suited to owners "who has the opportunity and ability to train their dogs at home several times a day". Behavior Modification Training "addresses aberrant behaviors in your dog" – "We evaluate your dog and then plan a road map for success." Personal Protection Dog Training "We use the animals' natural drives to teach guarding abilities and proper biting mechanics", paired with "correctly structured obedience".

How they work

The site is explicit that programs are fitted to the dog: it says the trainers read the dogs effectively and recognize "that dogs have individual personalities just like we do! We train each dog as such, no cookie cutter methods are used." On method it says only that "Our training process uses proven methods that are a positive experience for the dogs", and frames the outcome as removing problem behaviors and adding desired ones.

Who runs it

Two trainers are named. "Owner and founder, Mike Wright took his first grip from a working dog in 1985 and was instantly hooked! With over 30 years of experience in working dogs and training, Mike earned his certificate as a Certified Master Trainer from Tarheel School of Canines and holds certifications in basic and advandced obedience, behavior modification and Police K-9 apprehension, tracking and scent work." The second is "Associate trainer, Isaac Wright", who "brings over 5 years of professional trainer and decoy work as a certified HRD Police K-9 decoy, and is also the youngest Level III Honors decoy in the Working Dogs of America Association". These are the business's own claims and have not been checked against a registry here.

Also on offer

The business sells dogs as well as training – the site carries sections for dogs for sale, puppies and upcoming litters, young green dogs, protection sport dogs and stud dogs, plus a club page. Ask about program prices when you call.