Southwest Florida K9 Services

Had such an amazing experience today! I was so nervous coming into the class as it was my first time with my Lab and I came out feeling more confident and comfortable than ever. Our trainer Chris was professional and so knowledgeable. Less than 2 hours and my dog was able to do commands as taught and be comfortable with dogs walking around her without her barking and lunging at other dogs. Staff there was awesome. Looking forward to the next few weeks of our journey.

Love this place so much. Since coming here my dog Penny has improved on her obedience and socialization so much in just a short time. The owners and trainers are so knowledgeable and have techniques that work fast! I have seen them helping so many owners and there aggressive or unruly dogs. It’s just a great place to train, hang out, and fun day to spend with your dog. The cost is so reasonable compared to most places around. We love it here and wouldn’t go anywhere else. I’m very excited to call this place home for Penny and I.

My husband and I completed 7 weeks of puppy training; mostly with Trainer Chris. Trainer Dee instructed the class the week following Hurricane Ian. From approximately the middle of class to the end during week 7, we worked with Rusty.

Chris is patient, knowledgable, skilled, and knows how to provide constructive feedback. His teaching style encourages growth in both canine and human. Rusty, the owner, is much different.

Rusty’s delivery is rude, demeaning, and overly negative. He defers to name-calling and insults in an effort to demand change in the human’s behavior. Rusty presents as an aggressive and argumentative person with little to no regard for the people who choose to seek services from his business. He claims to care about the dogs, but the way he treated us suggests otherwise.

Rusty attributes his approach to giving (what he calls) brutally honest feedback, to his career in law-enforcement. I know several men and women in law enforcement and am married to a retired lieutenant. All of them are able to convey their thoughts and suggestions without resorting to disrespect or unnecessarily abrasive language.

This unfortunate experience will not deter us from pursuing other training and testing options for our puppy. We have reached out to several reputable and professional trainers who responded quickly. We’re looking forward to getting back on track and making continued progress.

I cant say enough good things about the trainers here. They are all very knowledgeable and want you and your dog to succeed. Even in a group class you still feel like you get individual attention. Rusty, Dee, Suzanne, and Chris are always happy to answer questions and help you with any issues you may be having. A final point is that they are very affordable being you only pay per class and are not held to specific regimen. I feel with them around there is no excuse to say you cant afford a trainer.

Love the energy in that place. Great environment to bond with your dog and learn training techniques. Amazing how fast dogs learn when you begin understanding their behavior. Rusty and his team are awesome

The trainers overall seem so busy belittling and demeaning the people being trained that it made it very stressful for both myself and my dog. I did appreciate the outdoor environment to do training & the flexibility for either Saturday or Sunday morning training. I believe the training to be good in essence but the delivery leaves a lot to be desired. I once heard the owner (Rusty) commenting on how many people only come once. I understand.
I went 5 times and had very little interaction with Rusty but on my last visit he greeted me with "I see you have doing most things wrong". I believe it is important for a dog to be trained and that is why I was there. I mentioned that I take my dog to a dog park looking for other dogs to socialize my dog with. His remark was "well that is stupid".
I am now looking for a dog training programs for my very excitable min pin.

My pit/lab mix Max, is not socialabe at all. The trainers were very relaxed with him on his 1st visit. Max seemed to adjust very well with them. I really feel like there is hope for Max that he will be able to eventually socialize with people and other dogs eventually. Great job guys!

My dog, Echo, is a walking testimony of the incredible work that Dee & Rusty put into the dogs they train. We are thrilled with the improvement we have seen in our very reactive dog. Their approach WORKS! We have attended classes for a little over a month & we feel like we own a different dog now. I can’t put into words how happy we have been with their work. Truly amazing! On top of being the best in the business for dog training (with so much experience), they are great people who actually CARE about your dog. If you are considering attending a class, here is your sign!

So excited to be a part of this program. My pup Maverick has come a long way. Plan to continue beyond Star Puppy training.

My fearful & dog reactive 15 month old BMC Britt was stressing me out so bad. After very little progress with 8 (expensive) lessons with another trainer, I didn't know what to do.if I could go back in time I would go with SWFL K9 from the start. I had heard about Dee & Rusty's stellar reputation. Their unique group class setting is a great fit for what my dog needs. We have had 2 classes so far and I have already seen progress with Britt. She gets better every day, especially when you do the "homework" they give you. Training is never an overnight fix, so we celebrate baby steps. They explain things from the dog's POV and teach us owners to be more aware of how our behavior impacts our dog. We are so lucky to have these trainers in our area! I look forward to coming back each week and working towards my goal of a happy, relaxed, and confident dog.

I highly recommend this place for dog training. They have worked miracles with my dog and I. They address each dogs issue individually and teach you what to do to help correct any problems you are having with your dog. Rusty and his trainers are the best! I can't thank them enough for what they have done for me and my dog.

I’ve been taking my dog here since she was about 13 weeks. She’s now 6mo & has improved so much coming here! Her behavior/temperament, bond & trust with me are amazing. I know there’s still a long way for her to go but all the trainers here will help! The owner & trainers are awesome people who truly care about your dog.

Just went for first lesson. We have a hyper reactive Aussie. They have helped us already. Going back next week!

Highly recommend this trainer. We have realized almost instant results, in the overall behaviors of our Luna girl. Thanks so much Rusty, and the entire staff. We'll be glad to continue her training with you folks. See you soon!

Best skills training for dogs around! Titles and certification courses are the best. Very happy with results! Great trainers- dogs are like new ones and listen like never before! Highly recommended!

These are the most amazing people and truly want what is best for the dogs. They have completely helped to turn around my German Shepard and I even began taking my lab. My Shepard is completely different around people now including children and I look forward to bringing him out in public. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone and everyone that desires a well behaved and friendly pet.

Place overcharged us. They kept a Shitzu in a cage. They said it bites. Owner was not there to explain the extra day they charged. Lady just said pay.

These trainers and owners are the bees knees. I absolutely love attending. He's tuckered out after training.