META K9 Academy

Serves Laguna Niguel, CA

35244

Hired 62 times

4 employees

4 years in business

$70

5.0

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

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Credentials

Background Check

Nicholas Leitner
Completed on 4/28/2024

Introduction

🐾 Transform Your Dog's Behavior with META K9 Dog Training Today! 🎉 We Guarantee Results! 🎉 🐕 Expert Trainers: Our professionals have a deep understanding of dog behavior and know how to bring out the best in your furry friend. 🎯 Personalized Approach: No two dogs are the same, which is why our training is tailored to meet your dog's unique needs and personality. ⏰ Quick Results: Witness remarkable progress in just a few sessions. We get to the root of behavioral issues and deliver fast, effective solutions. 🏠 In-Home Convenience: Our trainers come to you. We train our canine students around their neighborhood and then progress to field trips for distraction work. This way, your dog gets ready for life in the big city! 😇 Behavior Reshaping: Tackle common issues like excessive barking, jumping, reactivity, and leash pulling, making outings enjoyable for all. 💪 Confidence & Socialization: Boost your dog's self-assurance and help them interact confidently with other dogs and people.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We offer single sessions as well as weekly packages. Behavior modification requires two weeks or more unless exception is made by trainer. If your dog is struggling, but your budget is tight, give us a call and we will see how we can help you.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Our typical process for working with a new client involves first identifying what the dog needs. We pride ourselves on honestly and integrity, never pushing for more training than a dog requires to achieve client goals. In dealing with behavior mod cases, we will collect data through handling and observation to form a hypothesis as to why a dog is showing aggressive behavior displays. Lastly, we address the behavior through guidance, patience, and clear communication. A big part of training is educating people on how a dog thinks and operates, thus creating stronger pack bonds between human and dog.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Trainers are only hired based on having previous experience working for other companies. They are also required to have references for proof of work.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

We are dog people to our core. We live to provide assistance to the average dog owner who is struggling to balance life and raising a dog. Everyone that works for METAK9 got their start either working in shelters or as a trainer for another business. Nick Leitner started as a Kennel Tech, before getting promoted to a trainer with a popular dog training franchise. He then set out to start his own business with a focus on offering a more personal "mom n' pop" style of operation. A business where your hired professional felt more like a friendly neighbor you could call anytime for help.

What types of customers have you worked with?

We specialize in behavior modification for reactive dogs as well as general obedience for all breeds of any age. The most important aspect of our job is teaching dog owners how to better connect with their animals to remedy inappropriate behavior.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

A recent project we are fond of would have to include Duffy the Maltipoo. At METAK9 we love a good challenge and Duffy brought that in spades. He had a unique intersectionality of issues ranging from genetic predispositions to being territorial, under socialized, not house broken, and very confident with his bite. We give big discounts after four weeks of training if we aren't able to make major improvements or at least changes we're satisfied with. Often times with tough dogs our goal is to get the dog on the right track with short-term change and then teach the client how to obtain long-term change. We are proud to say that Duffy can now wear a leash without a fight, we massively increased his mood and bite inhibition and taught him a very strong foundation of functional obedience.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

The best advice we can give is to look for a trainer that is a free thinker and willing to listen to you. They must be able to take advice as well as give it. Too often dog trainers are caught up in the politics of our field. They are attached to ideals that may or may not line up with client goals. When we work with a new client our mission is simple, what will work best for you and your dog. Too many trainers want to blame the owners, but the fact is some dogs are just tough, and people need help.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

A big thing to think about is if you are willing to keep up with the post training homework. There is a perception that once a trainer works with a dog it will be "programed" and good to go. This is the problem with a lot of today's training. Clients are not always told or taught how to teach the dog to perform for them in the same manner they do for their trainer. After graduation, if the training is not maintained, the dog will slowly regress back into hold behavior patterns. The passing of the torch, for lack of a better phrase, is the most important part of training. A client should be ready and able to work with their dog after training for at least 15 minutes a day.