Empire State K9 Services, LLC

Zip code

Dog training type

Dog training package

Specific behaviors to address

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

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:

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

Nikki N.

Nov 9, 2020

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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

Carol a.

Nov 21, 2016

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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

C. P.

Dec 30, 2016

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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

Chris P.

Feb 4, 2019

•

Hired on Thumbtack

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

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our pricing structure is based on age, breed, size, risk level, & temperament of your dog. Your official quote will be provided at the end of the evaluation. We do offer payment plans and military discounts.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation with Rick, the trainer, to get to know you, your dog, and the challenges you're experiencing. We'll discuss your dog's behavior, training history, and your goals to determine the most effective training program for your needs. From there, we get the ball rolling! Depending on your dog's individual needs, we may recommend starting with our Board & Train program or beginning directly with private training classes.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Working with dogs has been a passion since my childhood. Out of my 8 siblings, dogs were always drawn to me and I to them. After college, I decided to pursue training full time as my career and have never looked back. Now 45 years later, I have an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.