Training

At Vickery K9, training starts with understanding the dog in front of you. From there, we focus on building clear communication, steady skill development, and practical behaviors that support real life with your dog.

Instruction may be offered through private one on one coaching, group classes, board and train programs, and virtual coaching, allowing teams to choose the style and level of support that fits their needs. Training focus areas may include foundational life skills, enrichment and games, nosework and sport training, and behavior support.

Whether you are building confidence, exploring a new activity, refining performance skills, or working through more complex challenges, our training is designed to meet you and your dog where you are. Topics, locations, and session structures vary by offering, with specific details provided for each service.

Choosing the Right Training Approach

Not sure which option is the best fit? Each training format supports your goals in a slightly different way.

In private lessons and group classes, the focus is on teaching you how to train your dog. You’ll learn how to build skills, communicate clearly, and work through challenges, while your dog learns alongside you. As the handler, you are developing timing, observation skills, and the ability to problem solve and adjust training in real time. Because both you and your dog are learning together, there are multiple layers of learning happening at once, and progress depends on consistency, practice, and follow-through between sessions.

In a board and train program, your dog lives and trains with a professional, allowing skills to be installed more efficiently through consistent, structured work. Once those behaviors are established, transfer lessons focus on teaching you how to handle your dog, maintain the training, and continue building on those skills at home.

Both approaches are effective, and the right fit depends on your goals, timeline, and how involved you want to be in the training process. Virtual coaching is also available for those who prefer remote guidance or need support outside of the local area.

What We Offer

Basic Obedience & Manners

Do you wish your dog could settle politely at home and accompany you confidently out in the world? Basic Obedience & Manners focuses on building solid everyday behaviors and clear communication between you and your dog. We work on foundational skills like polite leash walking, attention, impulse control, and reliable cues that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Using science based methods and thoughtful, well structured training plans, we help dogs and handlers build confidence, understanding, and habits that last. As skills become reliable, training can expand into new environments to help dogs practice those behaviors in real world situations. For teams interested in formal milestones, training may also support preparation for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program, including CGC, Community Canine, and Urban titles.

These goals can be met through private one on one coaching, through a board and train program, or through virtual coaching sessions for teams who prefer remote support. No matter the path, the focus is always on understanding, consistency, and long term success.

Nosework

Nosework is a rewarding activity that taps into a dog’s primary sense, their sense of smell, allowing them to search, problem solve, and engage with the world in a way that is both natural and purposeful. Suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and experience levels, this work builds confidence, independence, problem solving skills, and a deeper working relationship between dog and handler.

At Vickery K9, Nosework training is designed to develop strong, thoughtful search skills through clear, structured foundations. Training begins with primary reinforcement, teaching dogs how to hunt with purpose, build confidence, and work independently before target odors are introduced. Handlers learn how odor behaves in different environments and how to support their dogs through intentional, effective handling.

As teams gain fluency in searching and communication, training progresses to odor and gradually incorporates more complex search challenges. This approach develops confident dogs, informed handlers, and capable teams with skills that translate across environments and contexts. Training is available through private one on-one-lessons, group classes, and virtual coaching options, allowing teams to build skills in a way that fits their goals and circumstances.

Whether you are brand new to nose work, building skills for sport and competition, or refining your approach as an experienced team, training is tailored to meet you where you are.