Frequently Asked Questions

What training style do you use?

We use Balanced Training, which is a technique where Trainers use both reward based techniques and aversive consequences. This style of training provides the dog with information that lets them know that their choices can result in either agreeable or disagreeable outcomes. Balanced Training naturally lends itself to the highest level of communication we can achieve with our dogs.

What kinds of dogs do you train?

From greyhounds to pugs, labradors to poodles, from aggressive to social - we understand how to curate training sessions that match each dog's personality and learning style. The only dogs we do not train are ones under 12lbs and senior dogs over 10 years old.

Do you have a facility?

Yes, we are located at 6016 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103, near downtown Cleveland in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

Do you provide boarding?

Yes, but boarding is exclusive to our training clients only. Our clients have the ability to board their dogs with us for $80 a night, which includes touch up training sessions during their stay. This is a great opportunity for our Boss K9 family to stay consistent with their dog's training.

Please note - We are not a dog daycare. If you are looking for your dog to be directly interacting with other dogs their entire stay, this is not the place for you! Our facility is extremely structured!

What type of guarantee can you provide?

The short answer is none. The long answer is there are many factors that play into what a dog's success looks like. One being how consistent clients are with their dogs during Private Lessons and after the Board and Train. Another factor is the natural temperament of your dog. We use an honest and straightforward approach when speaking to each client about what possible outcomes they can expect. The goal is to get each dog to the best possible place they can be, and that truly looks different for each dog.

Do you provide refunds?

No, all payments made to Boss K9 are non-refundable.

Do you have any payment plans available?

Yes, we understand that training is not cheap, and it is an investment in your dogs life. We are flexible with clients, and we help to create payment plans if necessary. Lots of our clients take advantage of Paypal Financing. Paypal Credit allows our clients to finance our training fee for six months interest free.

Has a dog ever not learned?

Some dogs are more intelligent than others. Some dogs are capable of learning faster than others. That being said, we have never had a dog come to our facility and not learn anything. We do occasionally need more time with a dog. When this happens we will recommend that your dog stay with us another week. The board and train weekly cost is $1,100. With regard to private lessons, we occasionally have a dog signed up for the Core Package and then realize, as we get to know them, that they are better suited for our Advanced Package. Similarly, it is possible that an Advanced Package client may be better suited for the Board and Train Program. All of these decisions are always discussed and explored with Owner consent - full transparency, integrity, and communication are the heart and soul of Boss K9.

What if my dog has a bite record?

It is our policy that if your dog has a bite record they must come in for a 4 Week Board and Train with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. We will not do a shorter board and train, nor will we do private lessons for a dog with a bite record. Why? Because we want to set up both you and your dog for success. We do not half way help people. If you are looking for a seemingly quick fix, we are not the trainer for you. Please note, we require all dogs with a bite record to come in on muzzle; we will schedule a muzzle fitting appointment and advise on conditioning accordingly.

Is there any prep we have to do prior to the Board and Train?

Yes! We require that you complete all of our paperwork and our in-depth Medical & Wellness Policy prior to arrival. We have every client get their dog familiar/comfortable with a crate. We have many tips and tricks to help you all get on the right path, which require your participation and commitment. If it has been determined that your dog must come in on muzzle, we will meet up with you after you complete the booking process to properly size the muzzle and teach you how to muzzle condition your dog. Every dog upon arrival is fully muzzle conditioned, so that they can wear it for as long as we need them to. Once they are fully comfortable with us the muzzle comes off. For some dogs that could be hours, for other it could be days. We move each dog along at their own pace.