1. No results to show.
  1. No results to show.

Empire State K9 Services, LLC

Specific behaviors to address

Online now


Thumbtack Guarantee

If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more

If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more

About
My passion is helping dogs and their people build relationships rooted in trust, understanding, and respect. Through a unique combination of professional dog training, applied animal behavior, and specialized aggression rehabilitation, I help families overcome behavioral challenges and rediscover the joy of living with their dogs. I believe every dog deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of breed, age, or behavioral history. From basic obedience and puppy training to complex behavioral issues and severe aggression, I welcome the challenges that other trainers may turn away. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from working with families who feel they've exhausted every option. They've invested time, money, and hope into training programs, only to find themselves still struggling with the same behaviors. Some are even facing the heartbreaking possibility of giving up their beloved dog. That's where my work becomes more than dog training. I love taking on the difficult cases, identifying the root of the problem, and showing owners what's possible. Sometimes, meaningful changes can begin in just minutes. Seeing a family go from frustration and uncertainty to confidence and relief is what drives me every day. My goal isn't simply to teach a dog to sit or stay. It's to create lasting, real-world results that allow dogs and their owners to enjoy life together, whether they're relaxing at home, walking through a busy neighborhood, welcoming guests, or traveling. At Empire State K9 Services, we've created a one-stop destination for our clients' canine needs. In addition to our comprehensive training programs consisting of board-and-train and private training classes, we offer boarding, grooming, and daycare services exclusively for our established customer base. By maintaining relationships with the dogs we've trained, we can reinforce their progress, preserve consistency, and help owners protect the investment they've made in their dog's education. We're not just here to train your dog and send you on your way. We're here to support your success long after training is complete.
Overview

Hired 107 times

Serves Newtown, CT

Background checked

5 employees

47 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size

Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)

Small (16 - 25 lbs)

Medium (26 - 40 lbs)

Large (41 - 70 lbs)

Dog training type

Private lessons

Board and train

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Great 4.7

41 reviews

5

88%

4

5%

3

0%

2

0%

1

7%

Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.

Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
George B.

Dec 26, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

There is about 48 hours until trainer Rick from Empire K-9 picks up 17 week-old female Weimaraner named Charlie for one full week who is constantly trying to outwit me in every way she can, ever day, thwarting discipline and proper training. Problem is that Charlie is a super bright puppy. Charlie will be away from Manhattan to her temporary training residence in Stamford, Ct. Anita the manager is cool as I am a nervous dad. I fired a female trainer after 4 visits who was using a clicker and pumping Charlie with fattening tasty morsels. Empire K-9 utilizes behaiourism and gets into the dog's mind and not the stomach with senseless bribes that are not lasting and go nowhere. Anita promises to send me videos of Charlie in boot camp. Can't wait! , Stay tuned.

Details: 1 dog • 0 - 6 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private dog training lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Biting • Chewing • The dog trainer travels to me

Dog Training
pro avatar
Nikki N.

Nov 9, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

Rick is definitely the best dog trainer around! My husband and I rescued our dog Bear and realized pretty soon after he did not get along well with other dogs. We live in a very dog friendly complex, and going on walks with Bear was a chore. Every time we saw a dog, we had to turn around and go the opposite direction, or Bear would bark and lunge aggressively toward the other dog. For initial training, Bear stayed with Rick for about four days. I was stunned when I received a video from Rick of Bear with another dog, not paying the other dog any mind. We had three other classes with Rick, where we learned techniques on how handling him around other dogs, and other training tips. Our last class we were able to take Bear to Rick’s and just get him socialized to other dogs. Thanks to Rick, Bear is so well behaved and we can enjoy our walks and not worry about other dogs! Rick is truly a miracle worker!!! Thank you so much Rick!!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Aggressive behavior modification • At the pro’s location

Dog Training
pro avatar
Carol a.

Nov 21, 2016

Hired on Thumbtack

We had a very positive meeting. He has our dog Mellow and we know he'll help him to overcome his aggression. And retrain us as well!!!

Carol & Lisa Pitt
Dog Training
pro avatar
C. P.

Dec 30, 2016

Hired on Thumbtack

Rick worked with my Pomeranian on separation anxiety. He advised on medication and training techniques we would never have thought of, and was always accessible when I had questions.
Dog Training
pro avatar
Chris P.

Feb 4, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

Dasher is a 50lb., 1 yr 4month old coonhound. He was wild and untamed from the moment we picked him up at the shelter. From the moment Rick came to my house to pick Dasher up for his week long training, I started noticing the change in his attitude. Rick had total control over him from the moment he put him on the leash. It is incredible how different Dasher is after just a week with Rick. He doesn't even look at our cat in the house. He follows the commands Rick put in place and is able to lie on his dog bed without distraction. Before Rick trained Dasher, he would chew his beds, furniture and anything else he could get his mouth on, including your hands and fingers. He was so wild in the house that we had talks about bringing him back to the shelter several times within the 3 weeks we had him. He spent most of his day in the cage because of his crazy attitude. He has been home for 3 days now and the transformation is incredible. Never thought I would see this dog with the calm demeanor he has today. His walks also went from pulling and trying to chase other animals, to acting like they aren't even there as he walks on by. Thanks to Rick, Dasher will be a big part of our family for years instead of back at the shelter. I highly recommend Empire State K-9.

Details: 1 dog • 1 - 2 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private dog training lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Digging • Biting • I travel to the dog trainer • The dog trainer travels to me

Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check

Richard Sanders

  • Loading