AmericanK9 Crownsville, Maryland

Absolute fantastic , Cassie was awesome! The videos of Archie, the details of his day and his progress explained daily, and the friendly kind, and sincere attention given to Archie and us was really way more than I expected. Absolute for any dog owner needing to help their pup!!! Thanks again

The training here is top notch! Trainers give lots of updates and are very responsive. You can tell they treat your pets like their own. We are very happy and would 10/10 recommend. Kerstin was amazing! We are so pleased.

Staff are friendly and helpful, and are always willing to work with your needs. Our situation is unique and they have been willing to walk alongside us to figure out the best next step.

I would recommend American K9 2wk intensive training to anyone who has a dog(s) that could use some structure, discipline, and training. We have 2yr old black lab litter rescues that are your typical Covid pups that were rough around the edges. They had developed your typical bored dog behaviors - digging, giving you what we called the “doggie finger” when you called and they were not ready to go in, counter surfing, jumping on folks in excitement and one had a couple tussles with her four legged friends at daycare. They spent 2wks with Stephanie and we could not be happier. Stephanie is great!! We received daily updates and have had several follow ups since the girls initial two weeks. Stephanie is realistic and sets appropriate expectations and delivers. Our girls learned the basics, sit, place, heel, down and leave it, good leash and walking manners, and remember what they learned. American K9 will tailor the training to what the dogs need as well as what the owners need. Stephanie was able to offer insight into our dogs personalities as well as environments they will do well in. They were trained separately the first week and together the second and we now have dogs that are enjoyable to walk and whenever we have questions we know Stephanie is a call away. This is another great Benefit with American K9 - they care that you and your dogs are successful and remain a resource long after the training has completed.

We just LOVE American K9, especially Craig! We got our pandemic puppy, Loki, about a year and a half ago and although we tried to train him he progressively got worse and worse - barking incessantly, chasing cars, and chewing up everything. I decided that Loki needed some intense training, so I visited several dog training facilities throughout MD and PA. As soon as I met Krys from American K9, I knew that this was the place for Loki. By far the nicest place and most confident trainers. Luckily we secured Craig and sent Loki off. Craig was extremely communicative - we received videos and pictures every day and we rest assured that Loki was safe and happy. His progress was quick and super impressive - we truly couldn't believe it! When Loki came home, his good behavior continued. And now we have the tools and training we need to maintain consistency. I highly recommend American K9 and Craig!

We decided our young great dane needed additional training after he frequently showed reactivity to other dogs when he was on a leash and also had trouble greeting people calmly. As you can imagine, this wasn't a good situation with a 140 pound dog. Craig and American K9 trained him in the 3 week board and train and we saw great improvement right off the bat. Craig stayed in daily contact with us and sent training videos frequently so we could learn alongside our boy. He taught us the skills and gave us the tools to be able to continue his training on our own after the 3 weeks of board and train. We were confident he was in good hands the whole time and we have continued to see great improvement in his behavior. You have to be willing to continue to put in the work after the training program, but hopefully anyone that owns a dog is willing to do that!

We brought our Great Pyrenees mix, Lilo for board and train. Before she went to training she was a very high energy, extremely reactive dog who was afraid of many things. Kerstin helped Lilo build her confidence up and worked on her impulse …

Board and Train at American K9 was a wonderful experience from drop off to pick up. I was struggling with walking my 8 month old German Shepherd puppy in addition to a slew of other issues. I met with Craig at drop off and he spent so much …

Craig was great! We got tons of video and pictures every day keeping us up-to-date on our dog’s progress! Our 9 month old, 80 pound dog is now a functioning member of the family!

We brought Stella, our Aussiedoodle, in for private puppy lessons (starting at 3 months) and then additional one on one lessons all with Craig, and we are SO happy we did! Stella has responded so well and we feel so much better prepared for dealing with puppy behaviors and how to set her up for success. Craig simultaneously trains Stella and us, which makes training her at home super easy! At 6 months, Stella has already mastered all her basic commands like a pro, and is improving everyday with manners and walking on a leash and more. Craig does a great job of explaining things from the dog's level so that we understand her better, and then does a fantastic job of helping us learn what to do for training new behaviors and skills, as well as always being ready to help us problem solve unwanted behaviors at home. He's been awesome at helping us choose what tools are the best fit for us and for Stella, and makes sure we know exactly how to use them. Stella has already become a big show off with her commands, and we are excited to keep working with Craig as she gets older to keep building her confidence, positive behaviors, and new skills, as well as making sure we know what to do to help encourage Stella to keep learning and mastering new things! We will definitely be back for more lessons with Craig!

We dropped off our Dutch shepherd with Craig for the board and train and WOW, what a fantastic experience. I am beyond thankful and thrilled with how far our pup has come with her training. Craig was so kind with Blitz and sent us instructional videos and pictures, which really helped with our pup being away from us. Craig is super responsive, kind, and beyond helpful. He even went so far as to bring out our other dog who was boarded and incorporated him in the training. He really didn’t have to do that, so kind of him. He even gave us a collar for Blitz and gave an instructional class on how to use all kinds of different training aids and collars. What I really appreciate is that Craig not only expertly trained our dog, but also trained us! Thank you so much Craig and team - so thankful and excited for our pup!

Craig is such a wonderful trainer! Lucy loved him (still does!) She was always a fantastic, loving lab. But now she is a joy to walk! She listens well to her commands, does not pull. She’ll stay where you ask. And, she does all these things but has not lost her upbeat, optimistic outlook. She is still a very happy dog, just well-trained now!

My recently adopted 5 year old pitbull did the three-week board and train with Tabrina. She went in very dog-reactive and needed to brush up on commands. Tabrina gave me daily updates, pictures, and video so I could see the progress. At the end of the three weeks my girl was sitting quietly in the same room as another dog without any reaction. She’s done extremely well since being home, which is great since my neighbor just got a puppy! I was referred to American K9 through a friend, and am completely pleased with the service, support, and responsiveness.

Not only is this company amazing but our trainer, Kerstin was excellent! We selected the 2 week board and train program. From our first meeting I knew that Zoey was in good, safe, hands. This entire experience was personable and trusting. You get daily videos and photos of your pup that not only show their progress but explain what is happening and most importantly shows you how happy your pup is! The facility is clean, organized, and personnel are very responsive, they explain everything in detail and are welcoming to questions. Kerstin treated Zoey like she was her pup, at no point did I feel that Zoey was just another dog for them. Wehn I arrived to pick up Zoey she was super excited to see me but as soon as Kerstin started explaining things to me Zoey knew it was time to work. I highly recommend this company and Kerstin as a trainer and looking forward to future sessions and continuing to grow and learn with our pup!

Top notch trainers, clean facility, private lessons with flexible scheduling, you really can't go wrong. Their training is guaranteed, and is worth every ????! We will likely be back for board and train in 6-12 months or so ????????

If you are looking for the best life for you and your dog, you should enroll them in the board and train program. I have two Australian Shepherds, and while they had basic obedience, I knew that if we had a better foundation, the three of us would be happier and have so much more freedom. I have participated in several obedience classes and even another board and train, but none of them have been impressive as American K9 or Natalie. My two dogs spent two weeks working with Natalie, and every day for two weeks, I got so much feedback on their training, including pictures and videos. She developed such a special relationship with me and my two dogs I was almost sad to take them home and end the program. She took an already solid relationship with my dogs and made it so much stronger. Natalie also worked in tandem with the other trainers and dogs at the training facility. She even took my dogs on a field trip with another trainer to Lowes. She exposed my dogs to many different situations, which I hadn't seen in a training program before. On the first walk we took when I got home, two people stopped to tell me how well-behaved my dogs were. Tonight, my 18-month-old went on a group walk with three other people and two other dogs and was completely calm and focused on the leash the entire time. All thanks to Natalie and AmericanK9. We have our follow-up training and two weeks, and I couldn't be more excited. I would highly recommend sending your dog here. Natalie, we love you so much, and you changed our lives for the better. Thank you.

I don’t normally leave reviews but American K9, especially Lead Trainer Craig and Owner Krys are among the best and professional people we’ve had the privilege to work with. Like most owners, we love our K9 (Ajax) like family. Craig is an amazing trainer who took time to answer all of our questions/concerns upon initial evaluation, at drop off, throughout the training course, and continues to communicate with us after completion. Although I spent 9 months training Ajax prior to his attendance, there is no comparison to a professional trainer. Craig sent us multiple pictures/videos daily of Ajax’s progression and even went above and beyond when I hinted about receiving more (because no amount of pics/videos were enough because we missed him so much). In the short amount of time spent at American K9, Ajax has gained the maturity, confidence, and obedience that we would have never imagined. Since his return, Ajax has been 100% reliable and definitely has the confidence and the obedience training base that are essential to continue his lifelong journey of training and conforming with us. We are surprisingly shocked and so ecstatic with the results. Thank you, CRAIG, Krys, & American K9 for being awesome and doing what you do for all the K9s!!!! You gave us a great Christmas present! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

I sent my 10 month old Pit/Lab mix here to the boarding camp for 2 weeks. He was trained by Kerstin and I am sooo pleased with the results. He is a pretty big and excited puppy and I had such a difficult time walking him. Since he got trained, I can walk him all around the neighborhood with no issues at all. Kerstin was always sending us pictures and videos of his progress which was really nice. I highly recommend this team at AmericanK9 and specifically Kerstin, she is awesome!!!

Our 10 month old Boxer was table surfing, jumping on people and plain out of control. Lucie our trainer did a 180 for our pup. He is such a fun dog now. Our family is so overjoyed with the progress and would highly recommend American K9’s board and train program.

The facility is amazing but most importantly, our trainer Craig was incredible. Multiple pics posted every day, as well as multiple videos so we’d know what our dog was up to and learn by osmosis all along the way. He’s responsive to questions and strongly encouraged us both by texts and in person. And our dog has been doing great even just a few days after training. So exciting! We can’t recommend American K9 enough.

Craig has done it again! I sent our 3rd pup on the 2 week board and train for some aggressive tendencies and a horrendous heal. I got back a well mannered pup who’s learning boundaries again. I look forward to the follow up classes where we introduce my 1 year old nephew to the mix to continue to practice Tucker’s stability. Can’t recommend AmericanK9 and Craig enough!

Trainer Cassie did an awesome job training my pomsky Willie. Before he went to her. He was jumping on people would not listen. Very high energy puppy.. He even had so much force for a dog his size when he jump. He could knock you down. He knock my 94 aunt down at the beach and broke a bone in her back. That when it was time to get some help. So contact Cassie for some help. So Willie went for the two week board and training with Cassie. Cassie taught him his basis command as well as other things. Everyday she would send videos and pictures showing me how he was doing in his training and letting me know how he was doing puppy wise. I thought that was great at least I could see Willie was doing good and I could see my puppy. Because I missed him a lot. She even got his convenience up to not be scared of things. That a plus. When I got Willie back I was really expressed. He listen and was not jumping. If he didn't I could give me the command off and he jumping is not allowed. My aunt saw him at Thanksgiving and thought I got a new dog. She was really impressed with his obedience. All my friends and family loves the new Willie. When Cassie brought Willie back she went over everything she taught him. If I had any questions or issues to just let her know. I would highly recommend Cassie to trainer your dog. She takes good care of them like their her own dog. I like they way she trained Willie so must. I going to get her to train my other two dogs. Jake which is a silver lab and Chloe a cavalier king Charles spaniel which was my mom's dog. That I got when she passed away. I also really like American K9 company because the trainer will come to see you a couple weeks after you had your puppy home and then three months and so forth to make sure your puppy is still doung good on his/her obedience. They also guarantee their work. Which is great.

Wow! Natalie and Craig feel like close friends after my 3 week board and train. I brought my two dogs to them when i was in desperate need and they did not disappoint. I received photos and videos daily along with personalized messages. From drop off to pick up everything was thorough and I never felt rushed. I couldn’t recommend this “A team” more…I’m so exited to be able to continue training with you guys and we can’t thank you enough for all your hard work.

I can’t speak highly enough of American K9. We left our ten-month German shepherd pup with Craig for three weeks to work on leash pulling and extreme reactivity to dogs. The results were unbelievable. My pup now walks right by my side and hardly reacts when we pass other dogs. Craig sent tons of pictures and videos each day to show us what they were working on and explain everything so we could learn too. I also got to see firsthand that my dog was treated with kindness and respect so I never felt uncomfortable leaving him there. When we went for our pick up, Craig spent a couple hours teaching us all the training techniques and answering our questions. We felt confident walking out of there that we have the tools to keep up with our dog’s training. American K9 has a real focus on teaching not just the dog, but the owner as well. They have three follow-up lessons so we can go back to tune up our training and ask more questions. This is a world-class dog training experience that I would recommend to anyone!

I was hesistant at first, but this place and especially our trainer Kerstin, did a great job with our dog! I think this whole process was harder on me than the dog. She was super supportive and consistently sent video updates on how our dog was doing. She answered every question we had regarding the training. This place as a whole is beyond words amazing. They definitely go above and beyond expectations. I was impressed by how much they accomplished in just only two weeks. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone!

I sent my 9 month old puppy to the overnight camp for 3 weeks. It was tough at first and we missed him so much but he came back changed for the better. He is eager to please and excited to do well and listen. Stephanie, his main trainer, loved him like I love him. Stephanie kept us updated at all times and was super quick to respond to any messages. Stephanie took time to answer all our questions at pick up. She delivered on her commitments AND I received a calm, happy dog well on his way to good manners! Wait! There is more! Stephanie continues to support us in our dog's training.

We brought Drogo to the 3 week board & train as he was having some aggression issues where we needed some professional help. We were a bit timid on being away from him for so long, especially knowing that we couldn’t visit. Drogo’s trainer, Craig, was above and beyond what we expected. We received photos and videos twice daily, and watching them bond and form a relationship was incredible. Craig provided SAFE protocols and procedures for Drogo that we can continue to practice, and also fine tuned his obedience. Craig has continued to keep in touch and we still have our follow up sessions to attend. We can’t thank Craig enough for giving our boy the ability to be safe in situations and giving us the ability to continue his teachings. We certainly plan to utilize Craig and American K9’s services in the future and would recommend them for behavioral and obedience training!

We were blessed to rehome a 7 month old golden doodle, Scout, earlier this year who brought a ton of joy and a few bad habits. We chose to send her for 3 weeks for Board and Train with American K9 and it was completely worth the investment. We received updates (with pictures and videos) daily from her trainer, Stephanie. What stood out the most was how clear it was that Scout was thriving and this resolved any concerns I had of her being away for so long. The pictures and videos demonstrated progress everyday of the things she learned. Bringing her home, she is still Scout--still joyful, busy, and a little mischievous but we all have new tools and skills to help her to utilize the good manners she learned. The biggest win for me is that she is now leash trained! I am now able to take her for long walks without fear of being unable to manage her size. We are very happy with American K9 and would recommend them (and trainer Stephanie)!

I think we are like a lot of others that obtained a Covid-19 puppy to brighten our lives but soon found the lack of social exposure set our dogs back a bit. Our trainer Cassie at American K9 did an excellent job with our one-year-old Mini-Aussie. She has much more confidence and lost a lot of her anxiety. The extended stay is tough but LOTS of pics and videos help! Much thanks for the foundation you have given us. We were able to see advancement every day and it was great seeing her daily interactions with a trainer. The process is geared toward training the pet and the Owners and is spot on. We love seeing her excitement when she completes a training session. We are looking forward to our first follow-up to show her off.

It's difficult to overstate the value provided by our trainer, Craig, and his colleagues at American K9. He was immaculately professional, reversed our dog's worst behaviors (excessive barking, pulling on the leash and general recall issues) and shared daily (sometimes hourly) progress updates. Reading other folks' reviews, it's clear that Craig's work is not unique just to our dog. Most importantly, American K9 arranges follow-up teaching sessions to ensure your new behaviors are not temporary. The facility is beautiful, the trainers are wonderful, and we are so pleased with the pup we brought home.