We offer training for all working dogs. No working dog is too old, aggressive, or lazy to learn.

All breeds and skill levels welcome!!

Real-world obedience training

If you’re looking for training that implements real world distractions and scenarios you’re in the right place.

The K9 Encounter offers beginner, intermediate, advanced, and Elite obedience training. When you think you’re ready to advance to the next level you can join one of our training test days.

After passing each test you and your working dog are moved to the next level.

With this type of program we are able to build a working dog with bulletproof obedience.

During all levels of training you and your working dog will work on the following behaviors:

  • Loose lead walking

  • Heel

  • Sit

  • Down

  • Stay

  • Recall

  • Leave it

Additional offerings:

  • Potty Training

  • Crate Training

  • Behavior Modification

  • Nutrition

  • Urban Agility

  • K9 First-Aid

Beginner Obedience

Average progression is 2 - 4 months at Beginner level to progress to Intermediate/Advanced

Every path must start somewhere. In our basic obedience course, we will cover the following: sits, downs, leave it, heeling, loose lead walking, stays, recalls, and environmental stability.

All training will be on lead.

Test to Advance to Intermediate/Advanced Level - Distractions present during test

  • Recall on 20’ long line with no lead pressure

  • 5 Minutes constant heeling

  • 10 Minute Down/Stay

  • 5 Minute Sit/Stay

  • 10 Downs to Sit

  • 10 Downs

  • 10 Sits

    Minimal corrections allowed during test - Trainer Discretion

    Intermediate/Advanced Obedience

    Average progression is 24 - 36 months training at Intermediate/Advanced level to advance to Elite level

Building upon our basic obedience course, here we will focus on longer stays, adding distance to our sits and downs, out of sight commands, obedience on agility obstacles, incorporating distractions, and more advanced environmental work. This is also the start/foundational work for off-lead training.

Test to Advance to Elite Level - Intense Distractions present during test

  • Recall 100 yard - Off-Lead

  • 15 Minutes constant heeling - Off-Lead

  • 20 Minute Sit/Stay - Off-Lead

  • 1hr Down/Stay - Off-Lead

  • 10 Downs to Sit (Out of Sight) - Off-Lead

  • 10 Downs (Out of Sight) - Off-Lead

  • 10 Sits (Out of Sight) - Off-Lead

    **NO VERBAL OR PHYSICAL CORRECTIONS ALLOWED**

  • Dog must be able to climb, jump, and crawl on obstacles at The K9 Encounter Agility Field in Hilliard, FL. Or at an alternate location determined by the trainer.

  • Dog must be able to perform a 2 mile track (handler and dog will not see the track layout before running the track) aged at least 1hr.

  • Handler must attend one continuing education seminar approved by trainer or read one book about The K9 Encounter’s training style.

Elite Obedience

YOU MADE IT TO A LEVEL MOST WILL NEVER SEE!!

This is our most advanced level of obedience. Our primary objective at the Elite level is to have your working dog excelling in every environment. Long duration stays, advanced obedience in agility work, sophisticated distractions, and much more. Completely off leash training with the goal of no equipment on your dog.

  • You will be able to pass SAR certifications to become a certified Search And Rescue team

  • Your dog will excel at any obstacle course event in the country

  • You will have the option to work for The K9 Encounter, judge training test days, and join our team on all travel training destinations and events.

  • You will have discounts available on all TK9E training and products