The Fact That You're Here Means You Haven't Given Up. Neither Have We.
One trainer. One dog. One owner. Real situations. Real results.
RESULTS GUARANTEED
OR YOU DON'T PAY
Archie's owner used to cover his eyes when they passed a dog, now they are enjoying off leash hikes with zero reactivity
You love your dog. But somewhere between the lunging, the embarrassing moments with guests, and the exhaustion of managing every situation — it stopped feeling the way you imagined. You started dreading things you should be enjoying. Walks. Visitors. Even just leaving the house.
Private lessons with Damn Good Dog Training aren’t about teaching your dog to sit on command. They’re about changing the dynamic entirely — building real communication, real trust, and a dog who genuinely wants to work with you. We come to you, train in your home, on your street, around your real triggers. No sterile classroom. No temporary fixes.
You learn alongside your dog every step of the way — not so you can manage the behavior forever, but so you never have to again.
Ready to take control?
Here's What Our 'Damn Good Dog Owners' Say...
Stacy SpragueNovember 6, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After Remi, our frenchie, joined our family, we quickly knew we would need some professional assistance when it came to training. We have been sideline supporters of Shanell for years and knew of her love, commitment, and dedication to dogs. It was a “no brainer” that we would choose her to train our Remi. Shanell is so kind, thoughtful, and educated when it comes to her training. She trained Remi daily while loving on her like she was her own. Remi came back with an excellent understanding and foundation of basic commands that provide safety for her as well as a building block for us to grow on. I highly recommend Shanell and trust her with all of my dogs training needs. James DobsonSeptember 11, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". YEA RIGHT! Shanell is training 2 of our dogs and our 9 year old has the best recall she's ever had in her whole life. Prior to K918 our dogs couldn't be in the same room without hackles going up. 3 weeks in and they are laying on the couch next to each other with no issues. I have no doubt that if we take the foundation that has been laid for us, that things will be fully back to normal. Jamie DeBoerJuly 26, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shanell was absolutely amazing to work with! I did virtual training and was nervous I wouldn’t make much progress since it wasn’t in person. She was invested and cared about my progress/my dog just as much as I did. If you are willing to put in the work and time, you will see results. My dog has so much more confidence and listens well because it is communicated clearly what he needs to do. I would recommend Shanell to anyone! Dani RossMarch 15, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Y’all. I got a friend’s referral to call Shanell after my pup had eaten TWO pairs of eyeglasses, a flip flop, a pair of sandals, scissors ✂️ 😱 … basically anything I had touched, she wanted and destroyed. (High energy much?!) I made the choice to send Scrappy to have intensive training with Shanell - so bye bye pup for three weeks! I got periodic updates - not only texts but pictures and videos. She let me know how they were progressing and what skills she was mastering. This dog came home with so much more confidence! She’s not afraid of the leash, can walk and have manners on it, rides in the car, does basic commands, and we’re still working on more! We have had our first download - (read: train the mom to be a better pet parent for Scrappy!) and she walked ME through how to play and incorporate some of the training/lessons. Scrappy is still high energy, which we love, but now we’ve found a way to get her brain working and tired at the end of the day. I was literally at my wits end! This dog destroyed a room when she busted out of her crate one night (before the training), and now we’re using her play drive to wear her out in a healthy way. And another happy side effect - she’s even more lovable. Bethany DickieMarch 1, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We cannot thank Shanell enough! We had an awesome experience working with her. She was very adaptive to our dog’s personality and our specific goals. She gave us tools and techniques to have safe and fun experiences with our dog. Our dog loves the freedom and we love the trust we built! Thanks again! Will DudneyDecember 13, 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shanell did an excellent job, and we really enjoyed working with her. We have a 2-year-old goldendoodle, and we were needing some help with improving several behavioral concerns, including obedience, sensitivity with being groomed, and occasionally being a little aggressive to unfamiliar people/dogs, before we had our first baby. We had previously sent our dog to a different boarding training program, and while this is definitely a good option for other people and their pups, we found the in-person sessions extremely helpful in practicing and implementing the training ourselves and getting real-time feedback. Shanell was very professional, timely, great with communication, and fun to work with. We saw a ton of improvement in our dog’s behavior and have been totally comfortable with him being around our newborn. Would highly recommend Shanell! Callie DeereDecember 12, 2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shanell was wonderful! We have a belgian malinois/german shepherd mix and we did in home training. She truly took the time to assess and understand what our dog needed, was nothing but helpful the entire time, and was always there if we had any questions in-between our sessions. Her way of training builds a great relationship between you and your dog while having structured training at the same time! Highly recommend and she is so easy to get along with as well! sorcha hardingDecember 16, 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I reached out to Shanell after finding her on instagram and seeing dogs she had previously worked with. I am not based close by so I initially reached out to see if she had a recommendation of someone near me who has a similar training style to her as I loved what I saw. Shanell suggested the virtual option, which initially I was a little skeptical of, worried that it would be too much for me. It has been the best thing ever! Shanell is so knowledgable and I’ve learnt so much. The video platform she uses is very easy to use, and Shanell is very prompt with her responses to any questions and providing feedback. Through the videos we send, she sees how our pup responds in different scenarios and tweaks her advice so it’s tailored to us! Shanell helped us get into a great routine with our high energy Vizsla puppy, and introduced us to the world of structured play which has been a game changer for our pup. Our initial sessions with Shanell were so helpful that we are continuing to work with her and are well on our way to off leash freedom with bullet proof recall! I would highly recommend working with K918 dog training. We are very glad we do!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
MAYBE YOUR DOG IS...
- Pulling On leashYou’re tired of getting yanked around, and your arm deserves a break.
- Jumping On PeopleGuests can’t walk through the door without being tackled. It’s embarrassing, and no one likes muddy paw prints on their clothes.
- Ignoring CommandsYou know they understand, but they act like they don’t hear you—especially when it matters most.
- Not Coming When CalledOff-leash time turns into a chase scene. You call, they look at you… and run the other way.
- Reactivity & AggressionGrowling, lunging, snapping—whether it’s at other dogs or people, it’s stressful and unpredictable.
- Nonstop HyperactivityZoomies, barking, jumping—your dog is constantly in overdrive, and nothing seems to settle them down.
- Destroying All Your StuffChewed-up furniture, shredded pillows, and holes in the yard. It’s like living with a furry wrecking ball.
You’re not failing. Your dog isn’t broken.
Most trainers chase obedience in controlled spaces with food bribes. We go deeper. Shanell uses play — your dog’s natural drive — to create real communication, real confidence, and real change.
This isn’t about compliance. It’s about building a team that actually trusts each other.
"I can finally take him out on hikes with me how I’ve always wanted and he seems much more happy too! I trust my dog’s life, wellbeing and happiness in her care."
"I can finally take him out on hikes with me how I’ve always wanted and he seems much more happy too! I trust my dog’s life, wellbeing and happiness in her care."
MAYBE YOUR DOG IS...
- Pulling On leashYou’re tired of getting yanked around, and your arm deserves a break.
- Jumping On PeopleGuests can’t walk through the door without being tackled. It’s embarrassing, and no one likes muddy paw prints on their clothes.
- Ignoring CommandsYou know they understand, but they act like they don’t hear you—especially when it matters most.
- Not Coming When CalledOff-leash time turns into a chase scene. You call, they look at you… and run the other way.
- Reactivity & AggressionGrowling, lunging, snapping—whether it’s at other dogs or people, it’s stressful and unpredictable.
- Nonstop HyperactivityZoomies, barking, jumping—your dog is constantly in overdrive, and nothing seems to settle them down.
- Destroying All Your StuffChewed-up furniture, shredded pillows, and holes in the yard. It’s like living with a furry wrecking ball.
IN-HOME PROGRAMS
FOR THE CURIOUS
QUICK
START
SINGLE SESSION, 1-2 HOURS IN LENGTH
Not sure if training will actually work for your dog? This single session will show you.
Perfect for:
We assess your dog, address one immediate issue, and give you a clear picture of what's possible. No pressure. No commitment. Just proof.
$200
FOR THE BASICS
THE
ESSENTIALS
3 PRIVATE LESSONS
This program covers the fundamentals of using play to teach your dog—no treats required.
What's Included:
- Eliminate leash pulling and enjoy your walks again
- Reliable obedience - teaching heel, sit & a release cue
- Put an end to barking, jumping, nipping, and chewing
$525
FOR BIGGER CHALLENGES
BEHAVIOR & BEYOND
6 PRIVATE LESSONS
For the dog who has more going on beneath the surface. Reactivity, anxiety, hyperarousal — this program goes deeper, addressing the emotional state driving the behavior so the change actually sticks. This is where lives genuinely change.?
What's Included:
- Ignore Distractions: Enjoy a dog who can follow commands even with distractions around.
- Boosted Confidence: Watch your dog grow more self-assured, handling new situations with ease and reducing anxiety.
- Eliminate Reactivity on Walks: Enjoy walks without worrying about sudden barking, lunging or snapping.
- Ongoing Support: 1-2 follow-up sessions within six months to ensure continued progress and address any new challenges.
$1250
*FOR SERIOUS OWNERS ONLY*
TOTAL
PACKAGE
10 PRIVATE LESSONS
For the owner who wants everything. Off-leash reliability, advanced obedience, real-world confidence — and the lifetime support to back it up. If you're serious about giving your dog the life they're capable of, this is it.
What's Included:
- Total Off-Leash Confidence: Experience the the joy of having a dog that can safely and reliably be off-leash, giving you more freedom during adventures.
- Advanced Obedience: Enjoy a dog that responds reliably, even in challenging situations, enhancing your confidence during outings.
- Real-World Training: Benefit from training in everyday environments, ensuring your dog is prepared for real-life situations like parks and breweries
- All necessary training equipment ($270 value)
- Lifetime Support: Receive unlimited lifetime support and refresher sessions whenever needed, giving you peace of mind and ongoing guidance.
$1995
FINANCING AVAILABLE
WE ACCEPT THE ALL PET CARD
A simple, affordable way to get what your pet needs. No down payment or annual fee.
- No interest if paid in full within 6 months
- No down payment or annual fee
- Fast and easy prequalification with no impact to your credit score
WHAT THE FAQ?
YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.
Dogs must be at least 7 months old to enroll in our programs.
But there’s no such thing as “too old” for training!
We’ve worked with dogs of all ages—even 9-year-olds—and they’ve made incredible progress.
Whether your dog is a stubborn adolescent or a grown adult with years of bad habits, they can still learn, improve, and become the well-behaved companion you’ve always wanted.
(We no longer offer puppy training, but have someone to happily refer you to who specializes in puppies if that is what you are looking for.)
At most, we meet once a week, but the schedule is flexible!
Lessons can be spread out to fit your busy life or to give you more time to practice between sessions.
Our goal is to set both you and your dog up for success—without overwhelming you.
It’s ideal but not required. If multiple family members handle the dog, it’s best for everyone to be involved in at least some of the training.
Kids are also more than welcome to get involved! (unless dealing with behavioral problems)
For mild cases, yes. But if your dog has serious aggression or reactivity, a Board & Train Behavior Modification program is often the better option for safety and long-term success.
Yes! We stand by our training and your dog’s success.
If we feel we cannot achieve the results you’re looking for, we will either continue working for free until we do or provide a refund.
Our goal is real, lasting results—and we’re fully committed to making that happen.
Our methods are designed to be transparent and customized. We utilize a balanced approach which involves a variety of factors including: reinforcement, consequences, emotions and environment.
Simply put, we reinforce behaviors we want to see more of, and stop behaviors we want to see less of. This system of training has proven to be the most effective way for any dog to learn.
When it comes to dog training, it is important to remember that one size does not fit all. We use a variety of tools to assist with training and motivating dogs, from toys, play, food, and praise, to flat collars, remote training collars and pinch collars. The tools used will depend on what each dog responds best to as well as the goals you wish to accomplish!
Rest assured that we will never undertake any training approach without your full approval. For instance, if we believe an electric collar might be beneficial, we will have a detailed conversation with you beforehand to ensure your comfort and consent.
