Kevin's K-9 Academy, LLC

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Introduction: Hello! This is Kevin Shaffer, owner of Kevin's K-9 Academy, LLC. I'm a Certified Canine Training Specialist that loves helping dogs and owners speak the same language in efforts to not only live but thrive harmoniously together. Prior to dog training, I was a successful sales representative but over the years I began to seek a more meaningful and fulfilling career. This journey started with me volunteering at a local Humane Society and quickly resulted in the realization that my passion is being an advocate for dogs. I have always been a dog owner (I have 3 rescues myself- Chloe, Bailey and Brady) so a career in dog training was the perfect fit. I am a relationship based balanced trainer/behaviorist and a graduate of the Charlotte, N.C based The Dog Knowledge. My primary goal is to ensure that I set both you and your dog up for success so my approach is always customized to your specific need(s). This will include step-by-step instruction for obedience that will leverage motivating techniques such as food, verbal praise, gentle touch, toys, etc. as well as variable reinforcement and wean methods. Various approaches are also used for problem/unwanted behaviors in efforts to address resource guarding, jumping, bolting out the door, etc. such that your dog and/or a family members remain safe. I remain dedicated to you and your dog only during our time together and I keep you fully informed with daily communication that includes video journals outlining your dog and the techniques they are learning which will serve as a valuable resource for you to maintain consistency for long-term success. Depending on your specific need(s), I offer day camps, board & trains and private lessons. I look forward to the opportunity to help you and your dog speak the same language as nothing is more satisfying to me than hearing back from satisfied clients how their relationship is more fulfilled.

Overview

Hired 70 times

Background checked

1 employee

8 years in business

Payment methods

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

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2020

2019

2018

Featured Projects

45 photos

Specialties

Dog training type

Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

71 reviews

97%

Read reviews that mention:

Lisa L.

Dec 21, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

Kevin is the best, providing excellent training. I was very concerned with my new shelter dog. Within hours he provided live videos as well as and owner training, I now feel I have the tools to have a happy future with Hazel. Prior to trying, Kevin called to discuss issues and has checked in to see how we’re doing. I love knowing he’s a phone call away!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Bahia B.

Dec 10, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Kevin was great. Not only do I see a huge difference in my dog but he taught me a lot of tips and gave really good advice. I don’t know how he does it but Kevin is a great trainer!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Barking • Destructive behavior • Crate training • Biting • House training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Jason J.

Sep 23, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

We reached out to Kevin to help us with our 4 year pit bull and he spent one on one time with her in real life situations and has provided us with videos and instructions we can reference back to while continuing her training! Lucy loved Kevin at first site which made us more comfortable with him taking our baby girl with him for the day! We would definitely recommend Kevin's K9 Academy to anyone who needs help with their dogs or puppies!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Jane D.

Jul 22, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

I chose Kevin because of his great reviews. Turns out the reviews don’t do him justice. He helped with my year old Jack Russell who I practically had quit walking because of his behavior. I could not walk him around other Dogs and sometimes people. He was pulling, barking, chasing cars, etc. I did the 5 day training camp with Kevin. He would send me step by step videos along with explaining everything he was doing. I had the videos to review later for my own training. I asked a million questions... which he answered them all. After said and done along with Kevin’s guidance I now take Oakley almost everywhere. Today we walked 3 miles. Jetton park, and Birkdale. He also visits Lowe’s now because they are dog friendly. He passes dogs and actually continues to walk without barking, etc. I do however have to work with him, with corrections and tons of praise. I think most people don’t realize that most dogs behavior starts with the way we owners treat them. Oakley thought he was in charge.. not me. It turns out I think he respects me more now and realizes I did it for his safety and we can have fun together. So a great thanks to Kevin for all he did for Oakley and myself.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Anthony G.

Nov 22, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

We did a 4 day camp for Sammy our 11 month Golden Retriever whose energy level was really high and had no real structure even though we had previously used other trainers. Kevin really thought through our family structure (Kids 6, 2, and another on the way) and put a plan together that worked for us. He worked on our specific goals and needs, training both the dog and us both in and outside the home. We got detailed videos of how to continue training and correct the behavior if it were to happen again. We went from potentially having to rehome our dog to having tools to execute a plan on the foundation Kevin laid out for us. It’s hard to find people that are knowledgeable, professional, friendly, honest and hard working like Kevin is.

Details: 0 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Chewing • At the pro’s location

Dog Training

Credentials

Background Check

Kevin Shaffer

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We would cater the program and pricing to meet the need(s) of the client.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically speak with them over the phone so I can determine what the issue is and whether I am the best fit to help meet their need(s) of their dog. If initially I determine that I could help, I would then email them a consultation form to fill out so I can learn a little more about the client, dog and main goals they want to accomplish. I would collect this information and we would meet and chat in person . Then we would decide on the best method(s) and training program to accomplish the goal(s).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Certified Canine Training Specialist graduating from an intensive program at The Dog Knowledge in Charlotte NC. I have extensively trained service dogs within this program that were placed with war veterans' for obedience and special needs. "Trusty" is one of the dogs pictured in a profile picture (Golden Retriever).