PUPPY START-UP
SUCCESS PROGRAM
Our Puppy Start-Up Success Program is designed to guide your puppy through the two most influential stages of development - early puppyhood and adolescence - helping prevent common behavioral issues before they become lifelong habits.
Rather than waiting until unwanted behaviors develop, we focus on building the skills, confidence, and communication your puppy needs from the very beginning.
This unique two-phase program is ideal for owners who want to invest in their puppy from the very beginning. The program provides structured training during puppyhood, followed by a return stay during adolescence to reinforce those foundations as your dog matures.
By providing professional guidance during both puppyhood and adolescence, we help create a confident, well-socialized, and dependable companion with the skills to thrive for years to come.
To help generalize their training, your puppy will accompany us on daily real-world outings to pet-friendly stores, parks, downtown areas, beaches, lakes, hiking trails, and other public environments. These experiences teach your puppy that the same expectations apply wherever life takes them while helping them develop confidence in new situations.
PHASE ONE
3 - 4 Week Foundation Board & Train
OBEDIENCE
Your puppy will begin learning the essential life skills needed to become a confident, well-mannered companion. Every training plan is customized to your puppy’s age, temperament, and individual pace while emphasizing positive learning experiences and clear communication.
During this phase your puppy will learn Obedience Basics:
Sit, Down, Place, Off, Loose Leash Walking & Heel, Foundations for A Reliable Recall.
SOCIALIZATION
Training extends far beyond obedience. Throughout their stay, your puppy will receive daily opportunities to explore new environments, build confidence, and develop appropriate responses to the world around them. Carefully managed socialization focuses on creating positive experiences—not simply interaction—while teaching neutrality, curiosity, and resilience.
When appropriate, your puppy will receive structured exposure to:
Other dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, pigs, livestock, and a variety of people, sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and everyday environmental distractions.
PHASE TWO
2 - 4 Week Adolescent Board & Train
Return at 10 to 12 Months of Age
Many owners are surprised to discover that adolescence - not puppyhood - is often the most challenging stage of a dog’s development. As hormones, confidence, and independence increase, even well-trained puppies can begin testing boundaries, becoming more distracted, or temporarily “forgetting” previously learned behaviors.
Rather than allowing these setbacks to become permanent habits, your dog returns for an intensive refresher designed to strengthen the foundation established during Phase One while guiding them successfully through this important stage of development.
By revisiting training during adolescence, we’re able to address developmental changes before they become long-term behavioral challenges, helping your dog mature into a confident, reliable adult companion.
During Phase Two we focus on:
Reinforcing and advancing previously learned behaviors
Improving reliability around real-world distractions
Strengthening recall, leash manners, and engagement
Building greater impulse control and emotional regulation
Continuing confidence development through new experiences
Refining household manners and everyday companion skills
Advanced proofing in a variety of public environments
OUR PROCESS
How It Works
1.
Take a look at our program options to see all the great things we can accomplish together.
2.
Fill out our Training Application and tell us tell us what you and your dog need help with.
We'd love to hear about what's going on!
3.
Book your Intro Lesson. We'll give you details about our programs and tips to get started working with your dog, so you can choose the option that fits you best.
What to Expect for Your Intro Lesson
To begin with we'll review your dog's history including medical and behavioral history, temperament, social aptitude, and your training goals. Then we'll work with you both, give you some action steps right away, including how to live with your dog to set you both up for future success.
Finally, we'll help you determine your path forward, based on everything we've done so far, then get you on the schedule and get to work!
STILL NOT SURE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
We're located in Creston, CA on 625 private acres. We proudly serve the Central Coast and surrounding areas. We work with clients throughout the San Luis Obispo County and beyond, including Santa Barbara, Ventura, Monterey, and Bakersfield for select services. Even out of state!
What is the getting started process like?
All our programs begin with a free training application. Once submitted, we'll review it and schedule a brief phone call or an in person Introductory Lesson where we'll assess your dog and give you some actionable steps to help set you and your dog up for future success. If we believe you're a good fit, we'll recommend the program best suited to your needs.
How much does training cost?
Every dog is different, so pricing isn't a one size fits all. Our programs are customized based on your dog's behavior, your goals, and the level of training needed.
How long are Board & Train Programs?
Every Board & Train Program is customized to the individual dog. Most programs range from 3-10 weeks, but the length of time ultimately depends on your dog's behavior, learning pace, and training needs. We never rush the process just to meet a pre-set timeline.
What training methods do you use?
Our philosophy is to train the dog in front of us. We use positive reinforcement and build confidence while incorporating all four quadrants of operant conditioning when appropriate. Every training plan is based on the individual dog and family situation, training tools and methods are chosen carefully to make training a good experience for everyone. We will recommend what we believe will best benefit the dog and is subject to owner approval. The guiding principal is what will achieve the owner's training goals safely and ethically.
What makes K9 805 qualified?
With almost 10 years of professional, we've worked with everything from puppies to severe behavioral cases. Our background includes animal welfare, shelter behavior, Board & Train programs, working dogs, and competitive dog sports. we are AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators and continue pursuing ongoing education because learning never stops.
Why choose K9 805?
At K9 805 we intentionally keep our numbers low so every dog receives the individualized attention, hands on training, and exceptional care they deserve. We believe quality should never be compromised, which is why your dog will never be treated like just another kennel number. We also pride ourselves on transparency and open communication. We want you to feel informed, supported and confident every step of your dog's training journey.
THE TRANSFORMATION STARTS HERE
Your dog needs you to take the first step. Don't settle for less than you both deserve!
A lifetime of fulfillment, companionship and adventures together starts with one simple step.
Book a no obligation FREE consultation to learn more about what we can offer you.
SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT
Looking for expert dog training, boarding, or Behavior Modification programs? Contact K9 805 today!
Fill out the form or call us to speak with a dog Behavior Expert.
ADDRESS
Santa Barbara to Paso Robles, CA
EMAIL
[email protected]
PHONE
(805) 266-0784
HOURS
Monday - Saturday
By Appointment Only
SOCIAL MEDIA
YOUTUBE
DOG TRAINER
K9 805 is Santa Maria CA's trusted dog training and boarding provider, offering science-based methods, expert trainers, and real-world experience. With over 10 years of success, we help dogs achieve obedience, confidence, and long-term behavior improvements.
SERVICES
Board & Train
1:1 Private Lessons
Obedience Training
Puppy Training
Behavior Modification
Dog Pack Adventures
Foster & Rescue Program
ACK Classes & Testing
Entrenador que habla español
NAVIGATION
About Us
Services
Reviews
Gallery
Blog
CONTACT US
Phone
(805) 266-0784
Location
Santa Barbara to Paso Robles, CA
Hours
Monday-Saturday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
By Appointment Only
Copyright © 2026 | All Rights Reserved