Holland K9 Services

Many trainers charge per session or for a package of training sessions. The problem with this model is that clients never know how much they will actually pay for training to meet their goals. This is a flawed strategy because there is no motivation for the trainer to actually meet the client's goals. Instead, it is in the trainers best interest to not meet the client's goals and as a result keep charging for more sessions. A better model is to charge based on meeting the client's goals for a flat fee regardless of how long it takes. That is why at Holland K9 Services we charge using this model. We will meet with the client, get a better understanding of their goals and write a contract with measurable goals clearly outlined. We will charge a flat fee based on those goals. Our pricing starts at $750.00 for advanced off leash obedience and unlimited sessions. For aggression and severe behavioral issues our pricing is $1,500.00 this fee also includes unlimited session and free follow-ups.

When we are contacted by a client we will begin with a phone consultation. During that consultation we get a general idea of what the client is trying to accomplish with their pet and answer any questions that the client may have. We make a valid effort to make sure that we are a good fit with the client. It is critical to set expectations during this initial contact about general pricing and what realistic goals can be accomplished through training. If the client wants to proceed with training we will either setup an in-person consultation to meet the dog and owner or create a contract and send it to the client. It isn't always necessary to meet with a client before starting training. For instance, if a client wants to begin training with a puppy that has typical behaviors, we can email a contract and schedule the training with the client. With more severe issues such as aggression or separation anxiety, we typically schedule an in-person consultation to make sure we feel confident that the behavior can be addressed through training. There is no universal method of training that will work with every dog in every situation. That is why at Holland K9 Services we build a comprehensive and tailored program for each of our dogs. This is a different approach than most training companies that only have one training program and if it doesn’t work with a particular dog than there is nothing they can do. All of our training is rooted in established animal behavior science. Not a gut feeling or some other non-qualified strategy. While a cookie cuter approach may work some of the time with some of the dogs , it will never build a dog that is consistent in every situation, every time regardless of the distraction.

I am a certified service dog trainer. I also have over 15 years experience working with a wide variety of breeds in competition level obedience, service dog training, and behavior modification. Before being a dog trainer, I was a corporate training manager with years of experience designing curriculums and delivering educational materials to adult learners. This experience has proven to be very beneficial when working with my clients.

In 2007, while on a trip to a big box store to get cat liter I met Freddie Belle. A 4 month old lab/pit mix up for adoption. Freddie jumped into John’s wheelchair and they became inseparable. John began to practice what he learned with Freddie. She was a awesome student. Soon everyone around began take notice. John began to dispatch advice to others and soon people began to hire him to help with obedience and problem behaviors. After graduating with both Political Science an Criminal Justice degrees, John opened his first dog training company, Dogmatic Training. His office was a small space located in a mixed used development that he quickly outgrew. In 2011, along with a partner he opened K9 Hangout Charlotte, a full service boarding, daycare and training facility, that after many years and several changes became whats now Holland K9 Services.

I've trained trained 100's of dogs and owners over the years.From Veterans battling with past trauma, to College students dealing with Anxiety attacks and depression. I have also successfully house trained countless puppies and rehabilitated many dogs with a wide variety of behavioral issues including aggression, separation anxiety and fearful behaviors. While we often work with dogs that have issues, we also have worked with many dogs in obedience from leash pulling to jumping and everything in between. We pride ourselves in teaching all dogs we work with in advanced off leash obedience at a near competition level.

There have been so many clients and dogs over the years, it is difficult to think of just one. I am probably most proud to have placed many service dogs in public service. I am also very proud of the work I have done with aggressive dogs over the years. That being said, if I had to chose just one project that I worked on it would have to be a service dog I trained for client with a psychological disorder. The dog now goes everywhere with her owner and the owner has seen not only a marked improvement in her own quality of life, but a decrease in symptoms related to her disability. The dog has sprung into action many times both in private and in public setting saving the owner's life. If I could choose another example that I am proud of if it would be the numerous dogs I have saved from either being rehomed or euthanized due to behaviors ranging from aggression to separation anxiety.

Choose the best trainer, not the cheapest. Hiring a quality trainer will help to strengthen the relationship between owner and dog. think of training as an investment in your dog. When hiring a trainer, look for someone who will put expectations in a contract. Stay away from packages that limit sessions and always ask about training methods. I always suggest that clients choose a trainer that has facility to work from. Not only does having a facility give the trainer an option if working in the home isn't a distraction free environment, it gives the client recourse if the trainer isn't providing services as expected. Because many trainers work from their car, if things go poorly it is very easy for a unscrupulous trainer to take a client's money and never be seen again. If a trainer has a commercial space, it will be much easier for a client to seek a remedy from the trainer. My last bit of advice is to never pay a trainer in cash or write a check to an individual. If the trainer doesn't have a business name filled with the state, stay away!

There are so many considerations to take into account when hiring a dog trainer. The owner should always ask the potential trainer what methods of training he or she uses. The trainer should be able to explain what methods they use and why they use them. They should know the science of classical and operant conditioning. Owners should also ask about the format of training whether it is a group setting or private sessions. While group classes are cheaper, they will never be as good as private sessions. Group classes tend to be more socialization for dogs than actual training. Clients should know their recourse if the training doesn't work and if they will get a refund if the training fails. Every trainer has failed to meet their client's goals, even myself.