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Kindred K9 Philosophy
Our dogs are invaluable family members who deserve our very best. At Kindred K9 Academy, we build healthy relationships through clear communication that creates mutual trust and clarity. By focusing on impulse control, threshold work, and engagement through play, we move past the conflict of commands and into a true partnership.
Our goal is to develop calm and anxious free dogs that thrive in the real world.
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Investing in training does more than improve behavior; it increases your bond and your dog's quality of life. Whether you envision a relaxed brewery dog or a confident companion in a busy park, we help you open the world up for your dog. This commitment to training is an investment that is truly worth it for a lifetime of shared adventure.
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Andy | Founder and Lead Trainer
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Andy is a husband to an equally animal obsessed wife and a father to four children who share that same deep rooted love for all creatures. For the Gu family, loving dogs is not just a sentiment. It is the mission that defines their household. This lifelong passion is the driving force behind Kindred K9 Academy and the belief that every dog deserves a life that is full, interesting, and fully integrated into the family adventure.
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Specializing in high level obedience and complex behavior modification, Andy uses an approach grounded in the Training Without Conflict methodology developed by Ivan Balabanov. This system prioritizes clear communication and mutual respect over simple commands. By focusing on building a deep and trusting relationship first, Andy helps owners move past frustration and into a life of shared freedom from the living room to the local brewery patio.
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Community and rescue work are central to who Andy is. Alongside his wife, he remains deeply committed to dogs in need as a trainer for Animals Doing Good Rescue. He is dedicated to helping dogs in any way possible because of the immense joy and brightness they have brought to his own life. By focusing on the rehabilitation and training of foster dogs, he ensures they have the foundation they need to succeed in their forever homes. For Andy, it is about giving back to the animals that have given him so much, helping every dog become a balanced and beloved member of a family.
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What Clients Say
"Our dog previously lunged at other dogs on walks and wasn't able to settle if we took her out to restaurants. Andy really focused on building trust between our dog and whoever is on the other end of the leash. Since we have noticed significant improvement in taking our dog out in public. Andy also spent time educating us on all the tools available to set up both you and your dog for success and is a huge resource."
~ Rosie the doodle (Mom: Katrina)
