Professional Dog Training For All Breeds
Welcome to Train K-9 Academy™
Professional Dog Trainer, Melody, has been drawn to animals for as long as she can remember. At 16, she began working in an animal hospital, and that early hands-on experience shaped not only her understanding of animal care but also the reverence she feels for the human-animal connection. She then spent nearly a decade in veterinary pharmaceutical sales, deepening her clinical knowledge and gaining insight into the broader animal health industry, but it was through training her own dogs that she found her passion. That journey became especially profound while working with her beloved Doberman, Sasha, who came into her life after a family tragedy. Sasha's intelligence, sensitivity, and spirit deepened her fascination with canine behavior and also facilitated her healing from that tragedy.
Melody's training philosophy has been shaped by mentorship under some of the most respected trainers in the field, as well as her own continuous study. She approaches training as both a science and an art, a practice grounded in compassion, curiosity, and respect. She's endlessly intrigued by how dogs learn, how they communicate, and how we as humans can better honor the responsibility and gift of their companionship. She believes dogs are more than pets, they are mirrors, teachers, and partners in our emotional lives.
Her work is centered on helping dogs and their families better understand each other so they can thrive together. Whether it’s through foundational obedience, behavior modification, or simply creating more harmony at home, she sees each training relationship as a sacred opportunity to build trust, reduce stress, and strengthen the bond between species
At Train-K9, we provide professional dog training in Redlands, CA and surrounding areas —including Yucaipa, Highland, Calimesa, Beaumont, Riverside, Moreno Valley and southern California. As a boutique training company, we specialize in highly individualized programs such as lodge and trains, day training, in home training, and group obedience classes. By working with only a small number of dogs at a time, we ensure every dog receives the personalized attention they deserve in a comfortable, low-stress environment. Our training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement techniques that help your dog become a well-mannered, confident, and integrated member of your family. In addition to in-person services, we also offer convenient virtual training options
ABOUT US
OUR SERVICES
(YOU MAY SIGN UP ONLINE FOR GROUP CLASSES. PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE OTHER SERVICES)
GROUP CLASSES
Join one of our beginner or advanced group classes for a fun, affordable, informative, hands on experience. Learn "sit", "come", "stay", "down", "come," "heel," "leave it," and leash manners. In our advanced classes, we increase the distractions by conducting classes in new environments, increasing the challenge for your dog, while reinforcing the behavior your dog already knows, and introducing new commands for some additional fun!
BEGINNER BEHAVIOR
(OBEDIENCE)
Teach your dog essential commands and behaviors with our basic obedience training. Everything from "sit," "stay," "come," "leave it," "off," how to properly meet and greet strangers, leash manners, and proper socialization, we'll help your dog develop good habits and listening skills that will be the foundation for a well integrated member of your family for years to come. These are individual sessions at your home or public setting depending on training goals and suitable for dogs over 6 months
ADVANCED BEHAVIOR (OBEDIENCE)
If your dog has conquered basic obedience, we can move into advanced obedience where they'll learn prolonged "sit" and "stay," how to focus and listen among larger crowds, and in areas of high distraction. Advanced training can also include off leash work, guarding positions (standing in front of you, or between your legs) and other advanced commands. These are individual sessions at your home or public setting depending on training goals and is suitable for dogs over 6 months of age
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
Canine Good Citizen is certification criteria developed by the AKC that shows your dog is a "good citizen" and member of their community by exhibiting skills and manners. Once tested, you can proudly show off your certificate. Skills include, greeting strangers, calmly being handled and groomed, coming when called, supervised separation, walking through crowds and more. We can assist in training these skills during private sessions or in some of our group classes when offered. If your dog already has all the skills required to pass the CGC test, we can simply administer the test and facilitate you getting your certificate once passed. Learn more about CGC training here
PUPPY WELCOMING
Bringing home a little can be stressful. The "puppy blues" is real. Our puppy welcoming consult will allow you to get off on the right foot by learning about potty training, manners, puppy proofing your home and creating a roadmap for success. This is suitable for dogs under 6 months of age.
SERVICE DOG TRAINING
Service dogs are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with a disability, and are protected under American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not all dogs are cut out for service dog work. We can help evaluate your dog for service work and work towards this designation if applicable.
Training goals include the specific task work for your disability, prolonged sit, down, stay, and heel, ability to walk calmly through a variety of environments (stores, fairs, outdoor events etc.), ability to recover from loud noises, come when called from a distance, restaurant manners, handler control of the dog at all times, even when the leash is dropped, waiting at curbs, doors, and when entering and exiting a vehicle until permitted to move forward and more.
Training for service dogs can take place in a variety of settings, including in your home, in public, and through our Board and Train services.
Learn more about service dogs here
LODGE AND TRAINS
Lodge and Trains are an immersive training experience , where you dog will live with us for a period of time to work on your particular training goals. Lodge and Trains are great for people looking to jump start their training goals or may have limited to time, know how, or patience. Although you'll need to reinforce what your dog learns during their board and train experience when they go back home, the immersive experience helps expedite the training.
Since we only take on a small number of board trains at once, your dog will be housed in a comfortable, stress free environment and will have time for structured play, rest , exercise (walks, runs, hikes), 3-4 training sessions per day, training outings, and snuggle time.
Lodge and Trains work well if you're just getting started with your training journey, if you're going on vacation and want your dog to have some training while they're lodging with us and for "tune ups" from past training. We offer 10 day, and 2-6 week options.
VIRTUAL TRAINING
Not in Southern California? No problem! Through our virtual consultations we can discuss your challenges and goals and assist you through live lessons as you work with your dog. We can cover any of the topics mentioned above during your virtual visits
MEET SOME HAPPY DOGS
