Business Details
5 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training Services in Pueblo West, CO
At K-9 Psychologist, we bring nearly three decades of specialized expertise to dog training and behavioral consulting. Founded by Certified Master Trainer Val DeSantis, our approach combines deep understanding of canine psychology with personalized training methodologies tailored to each dog's unique learning style. With certifications from the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and the American Red Cross in canine first aid, we employ multiple proven techniques to address everything from basic obedience to complex behavioral issues.Our mission is to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners through science-based training that establishes clear leadership and mutual respect. Whether working with puppies, older dogs, or special needs cases, we emphasize customized solutions that create lasting harmony in the human-canine relationship. Our comprehensive services include operant conditioning, socialization programs, and specialized training for service animals, all delivered through in-home sessions that prioritize practical, real-world results.
Services
Puppy Training Programs
Behavioral Modification
Service Dog Training
Socialization Programs
Operant Conditioning
Special Needs Training
Poison Proofing
Aggression Management
Separation Anxiety Solutions
Canine First Aid Certification
Details
- Year established: 2021
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of proven experience in dog training and behavioral consulting
- Our trainer is certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- We utilize multiple training methodologies to match each dog's unique learning style
- Specialized programs for service dog certification and special needs training
- Personalized in-home training sessions that address real-world behavioral challenges
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club
- American Red Cross
- Schutzhund USA
Services
Puppy Training Programs
Our Right from the Start program trains puppies aged 12-16 weeks in housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. We teach age-appropriate discipline and establish pack leadership through positive reinforcement techniques. This foundational training creates lifelong behavioral patterns that ensure a well-adjusted adult dog.
Behavioral Modification
Specialized programs address hyperactivity, anxiety, aggression, and destructive behaviors. We analyze each dog's specific behavioral patterns to implement customized training solutions that modify unwanted behaviors through science-based techniques. Our approach focuses on understanding the root causes of problematic behaviors rather than just treating symptoms.
Service Dog Training
We train service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities through the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification program. Our training develops specialized skills for mobility assistance, medical alert functions, and task-specific behaviors. We follow a structured curriculum that prepares dogs for real-world service environments.
Socialization Programs
Our socialization programs teach dogs appropriate interactions with other animals and humans. Through controlled exposure and positive reinforcement, we develop confidence and proper social behaviors. This training prevents future behavioral issues and creates well-adjusted pets that thrive in various environments.
Operant Conditioning
We employ operant conditioning techniques using clicker training and marker systems. This science-based method creates clear communication between dogs and owners through positive reinforcement. Our approach builds reliable obedience and strengthens the human-canine bond through consistent, reward-based learning.
People
Val DeSantis
Certified Master Trainer
With nearly 30 years of experience, Val is a Certified Master Trainer and Behavioral Consultant. He graduated from Anthony Jerone's School of Dog Training and holds certifications from the American Kennel Club and American Red Cross. His expertise spans all dog behaviors and training methodologies.
Questions
When should I start training my new puppy?
We recommend starting our 'Right from the Start' program as soon as you bring your puppy home. This critical period between 12-16 weeks establishes foundational behaviors and pack leadership.
Can older dogs still be trained?
Yes, older dogs can learn new behaviors. Our specialized programs modify existing habits through age-appropriate training techniques that address both behavioral patterns and physical limitations.
How do you handle dogs that 'forgot' training?
We implement refresher courses that reinforce pack leadership and re-establish command recognition through consistent, positive reinforcement techniques.
What about service dog training?
We train service dogs through the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification program, focusing on specialized skills for mobility assistance and medical alert functions.
How do you address separation anxiety?
Our behavioral modification programs use gradual desensitization techniques combined with environmental enrichment to reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors when owners are away.
What training methods do you use?
We employ multiple science-based methods including operant conditioning, clicker training, and positive reinforcement to create customized solutions that match each dog's learning style.
Videos
