Dog Training Schools

The K9Edge

Life is short.

Play with your dog. 


The K9Edgeuses a combination of training techniques as every dog is different. Our training classes help handlers develop a relationship with their dogs and strengthen the bond between the handler and the dog. Most importantly, we train dogs and their HUMANS so that the program is successful.

Our training classes are at our facility in Danvers, MA; classes are small and space is limited. 




The K9Edge AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Group Class
Puppy socialization and training is the single most important step you can take to have a well-adjusted adult dog. In these classes and playgroups, puppies socialize with other dogs and other people, learn good manners and are introduced to obedience commands. 


Our puppy class is aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility) Puppy distinction. You will get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program. This is a six week class that meets weekly for 1 hour and requires homework. Class #6 is the S.T.A.R Puppy Certiication. One dog per handler.


Prerequisites:

  • At least 8 weeks old and no more than 6 months old.
  • At least second series of shots and a negative fecal.     
  • Seen by a vet and deemed healthy. Some puppies in class may not have received all of their vaccinations. If you are concerned about this, speak to your vet.


What to bring to class:

  • A hungry puppy, do not feed before class
  • A well-fitting collar
  • A normal leash (no flexi’s please!)
  • Enough soft, tasty treats to feed your pup every minute or so!



The K9Edge Basic Obedience/Canine Good Citizen Group Class
Our Basic Obedience class is aimed at earning the Canine Good Citizen certificate. Handlers and dogs learn basic obedience commands - sit, stay, recall, down, place, loose leash walking and focus amidst minor distractions. These are the foundation behaviors that make your dog a good and well-behaved family member. This is a six week class that meets weekly for 1 hour and requires homework.  The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test will be given during Class # 6. One dog per handler. 

Prerequisites:

  • At least 6 months old
  • The K9Edge Puppy Class or an evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations


What to bring to class:

  • A hungry dog, do not feed before class
  • A well-fitting collar
  • A normal leash (no flexi’s please!)
  • Soft, tasty treats



The K9Edge Advanced Obedience Class/AKC Community Canine Group Class
Our Advanced Obedience class is aimed at earning the AKC Community Title, the advanced level of the ACC's Canine Good Citizen Program. Community Canine builds on CGC by using distractions in the real world, not just the classroom setting. Handlers will improve their dog's basic commands - sit, stay, recall, down, place, loose leash walking and focus – with more distractions. The trainer will introduce new behaviors including “leave it”,  down at a distance with distractions, recall at a distance with distractions. This is a six week class that meets weekly for 1 hour and requires homework.  the AKC Community Caninge test will be given during class #6. One dog per handler. 


Prerequisites:

  • At least 6 months old
  • The K9Edge Obedience Class/CGC or an evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations


What to bring to class:

  • A hungry dog, do not feed before class
  • A well-fitting collar
  • A normal leash (no flexi’s please!)
  • Soft, tasty treats



​The K9Edge Puppy Play Groups

Puppy play groups are an important part of socialization for your puppy. Your  puppy will to learn how to have friendly interactions with other dogs. A play group helps to shape your puppy's behavior. Consider it a "Headstart" program for puppies before going on to the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program. The play group is supervised by our experienced trainers. Your puppy will be able to socialize with other puppies indoors even in bad weather. A tired puppy is a happy puppy.

Puppies are separated into two groups (puppies under 25 lbs. and puppies 25 lbs. and over) and the groups aer offered at different times so all puppies are set up for success. Class is limited to 10 puppies per group. No registration needed (a copy vaccination records/rabies cert/negative fecal results are required), but reservations are recommended to ensure your spot.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 10 weeks of age and up to 20 weeks of age
  • Must have at least two series of shots and a negative fecal test



The K9Edge Drop-In Obedience Group Class
This class is designed for handlers and dogs that may only need some guided assistance on one or two particular behaviors and who would like more work in the company of other dogs. The classes include basic obedience review, fun and games, and outdoors whenever possible. Each class is 45 minutes. Homework will help you reach your goals! One dog per handler. 

Prerequisites:

  • At least 6 months old
  • The K9Edge Obedience Class or an evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations
  • Space is limited; once evaluated, clients must call The K9Edge at least 24 hrs. prior to class to reserve your space.


What to bring to class:

  • A hungry dog, do not feed before class
  • A well-fitting collar
  • A normal leash (no flexi’s please!)
  • Soft, tasty treats



The K9Edge Private Training

One trainer, one handler, one dog working on the behavior(s) or issue(s) of the handler's choice. Private training is available at The K9Edge or at your home. Each training session is 1 hour. Homework will help you reach your goals. One dog per handler. 


​Prerequisites:

  • An evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations. 



Daycare and Train at The K9Edge

Your dog attends daycare at The K9Edge for up to 4 hours and our trainers work with your dog on obedience or specific behaviors that you choose. You will meet with your dog and the trainer to observe your dog’s progress and to get homework instruction on how to maintain the training. Your dog attends mulitiple training sessions. The length of each training seesion is determined by your dog's focus and attention span. When not training, your dog will be in daycare play areas. Homewok will help you reach your goal.

Prerequisites:

  • An evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations including Bordatella​​​



Board and Train at The K9Edge
Your dog boards at The K9Edge and our trainers work with your dog on obedience or specific behaviors that you choose. You will meet with your dog and the trainer to observe your dog’s progress and to get instruction on how to maintain the training. The length of stay is determined by the behaviors to be trained.

Prerequisites:

  • An evaluation by our trainer prior to registration. (Evaluations are free of charge.)
  • Up to date on all vaccinations including Bordatella



Conformation Skill Building at the K9Edge

This class focuses on the the skills the dog needs to show himself to his best advantage. Includes hand stacking, free stacking, shifting centre of gravity, giving attention and expression, gaiting, baiting, being comfortable with being examined. One dog and one handler.