K9-1 Specialized Dog Training LLC

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Introduction: K9-1 has been a leader in the industry since 1998. We offer a school for dog trainers, consulting for difficult cases, and advanced training in home or at our 130,000 square foot training facility (the largest in the country). We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are an educational resource for many government and private dog training industries across the world. The owner of the company Michael D'Abruzzo has 20+ years experience training and developing solutions for behavior problems and advanced training. He has a degree in Veterinary Science with an emphasis in psychology, training, and scientific methodology. Mike graduated from some of the top dog training schools in the world and is an instructor for many seminars and events for dog trainers as an expert in all traditional and modern training techniques. Mike is an avid dog lover and passionate about helping people. I love working with difficult cases, especially the ones that have been turned away from other services. There are no bad dogs, only misunderstood ones. My favorite thing about the job is watching the relationship between a dog and family start to flourish.

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26 years in business

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Exceptional 5.0

5 reviews

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Judy B.

Jun 16, 2016

About 9 years ago I aquired an adult pit bull that happily lived outdoors with endless amounts of freedom that I now needed to integrate into my home! The first week I could barely hold onto him and walk him outside on my own without fear of him getting away from me or having an altercation. He was a very strong unneutered male that was 9 years old and never needed to follow rules or walk much on a leash. So upset and knowing I needed help, I reached out to Mike D'Abruzzo from K9-1 Specialized Dog Training. After speaking to Mike I definitely felt as though he was the right trainer for my situation and so I decided to move forward with his training. The best decision I ever made for Butkis and myself! Training actually became such an enjoyable bonding time between myself and my dog! I was finally able to walk him on a leash around other dogs, animals and people without him even caring if they were there! I was able to happily live with him inside and was even able to take him on trips to the park and in public without fear of him dragging me down the street! I was able to give him a good rest of his life without compromising how I lived mine. I couldn't have been more pleased with the progress I was able to make and was so happy with the results, that when I aquired my second pit bull Prelude, I knew I would start off training her right away and of course again with Mike. I took her to Mikes group classes which was just as great an experience. It was nice to be around other owners doing the same training with their dogs. I was very pleased that the training in the private lessons and in the group classes were the same and there were no differences in how the training was done. The technique, the results, and the philosophy were all the same. That brings me to my third aquired dog, a large 90lb male german shepard Orfeo. With him I decided to do both private lessons and group classes. Orfeo is a difficult dog in many ways. I know for sure that if i had not used Mikes training with Orfeo I would have ran into problems. This dog is not a dog that you can force to do anything he does not want to do, and he is also a dog that you can not just use treats to get him to do what you need him to do either. He is stubborn, and extremely strong willed. He requires a very delicate balance and knowledge that Mike was able to teach to me. If it were not for the knowledge and training that I recieved from Mike, I would never have been able to handle these 3 tough breed dogs. Mike has been an excellent teacher and trainer full of professionalism and patience. After training with him I have always had full confidence to take any one of my dogs out into any situation knowing I would be able to have full calm control of them. I would definitely recommend Mike to anyone looking for a trainer.

Danny O.

Jun 16, 2016

Mike from K9-1 is an amazing trainer!! His knowledge of dogs and their behavior, combined with his methods of training, made for an outstanding experience! Mike teaches YOU how to train your dog and if you follow his instruction and put in the time in between lessons, it is an incredibly effective bonding experience between you and your dog. Unlike other trainers who seem to always be "watching the clock", Mike comes to each lesson with a "lesson plan" and stays as long as it takes to complete it! You can really tell that he loves what he does and isn't some guy who took an online course and is out to make a quick buck! I couldn't be any happier with the results that our dog has achieved with Mike's training and I already have, and will continue to recommend him to anyone looking for a professional dog trainer!!

Brett O.

Jun 16, 2016

Very knowledgeable and provided great help in training my dog. I would highly recommend Mike's services if you are looking for a better relationship with your dog.

Karen S.

Jun 16, 2016

Went to K9-1 for help with my German Shepherd - he needed obedience training and help with behavior/aggression issues. Mike's experience and knowledge of dog behavior is extensive, and his training method reflects the fact that he truly cares for the dogs welfare. What I like best about his method is that by using only gentle techniques and always treating your dog with respect and kindness you can teach him what behavior is expected of him. The results are AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend K9-1 for obedience training and any kind of behavior issues including aggression, it has been a completely positive and educational experience.

Adrian T.

Jun 18, 2016

K9-1 is a professional and caring dog training service. Mike D'Abruzzo takes his job seriously and has the patience required to train all types of dogs from a household pet to a police patrol dog. He loves dogs and will do all he can to train them. Before calling K9-1 my dog was dangerous and undisciplined. Mike turned my dog into a manageable and loving animal while still helping me understand limitations and dog behavior to continue his training at home. I live in Brooklyn and would recommend K9-1 even if you dont live near. Its that good.

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Michael D'abruzzo

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have help for any type of budget. No one should be without help for their dog. Our options from lowest to highest price are as follows: Free puppy classes at our facility Online help on our private forums $7/month "Obedience Club" at our facility $100/month (about $7/hour) Private training in home $100/hour + travel (packages available) Advanced training: service dog, tracking, protection, etc similar pricing
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start with a brief phone interview. Sometimes dog owners just need some quick advice. If further help is needed I set up a formal consultation where we map out a full training plan that makes sense to the dog owner. Then, we start executing the plan. Training is a lot of easy steps done in the right order. I make it easy by giving step by step technical plans and also have online resources such as videos and private forums the clients can use for extra help. Depending on the needs of the client I do housecalls to NYC, have a large training facility where I hold group classes, or do more intensive training where I do the majority of the work for the client.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in Veterinary Science with college level courses specifically in dog training, psychology, and scientific methodology. I have also completed professional trainer courses at Tom Rose School of Dog Training and Global K9. I am considered an expert in the field and run my own certification programs for dog trainers and handlers of working dogs through my company K9-1 Specialized Dog Training LLC.