Kevin's K-9 Academy, LLC

Serves Kannapolis, NC

35244

Hired 78 times

1 employee

9 years in business

$125

5.0

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

Next Service

Hours

Sun 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tues 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thurs 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Kevin Shaffer
Completed on 12/22/2024

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.

Q&A

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).

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My name is Kevin Shaffer & owner of Kevin's K-9 Academy. Prior to pet care and training, I was a successful business to business sales representative for over 25 years but wanted something more meaningful and fulfilling. I started with volunteering at a local Humane Society and quickly realized my passion for animals was something that really drives me. I have always been a dog owner and dog lover and over time I came to realize that a career in dog care and training would be a great opportunity to help both people and animals. I am a Certified Canine Training Specialist & graduate from Charlotte, NC based "The Dog Knowledge".

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with clients with general obedience training, problem behaviors, , confidence/socialization, off-leash training, aggression, and fearful/skittish behaviors.

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

The 12 week service dog program I worked with "Trusty" , a recent certified service dog, was extremely rewarding to see him to go a decorated war veteran and how he would be helping him moving forward. It was a little emotional to let him go but the end result made it all worthwhile.

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

I would suggest picking a balanced trainer that cares about truly helping people and dogs and can teach a dog both "yes" and "no". In order to have a successful relationship & training program, you need to develop trust, understanding and communication between a person and their dog. A positive reinforcement ONLY trainer cannot fix or correct unwanted or undesirable behaviors you are trying to solve.

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

What have they tried in the past that has worked somewhat? What has not worked in the past or what have they tried to resolve the problem? Do they have the time & commitment to follow through after the training program as it takes consistency and follow through to maintain the positive behaviors after the training has ended. What is their main goal(s) in initiating such a program and what do they want the final result to look like?