A VERY GOOD K9
​Balanced, Relationship-Based Training
At A Very Good K9, we strive to provide a balanced training methodology to build a relationship of trust and respect between you and your dog. Browse our site to learn more about us or contact us to schedule a consultation.
WHO WE ARE
Dog training isn’t just about your dog. In fact, the most integral part of the training process is you. That’s why we work with you to make sure your training plan fits your lifestyle and is tailored to what you need. With practical and flexible programs, we strive to do what’s best for you + your dog.
HALEY AVERY
From a young age, I’ve always dreamed of working with animals. I’ve cared for a variety of pets, from dogs to lizards, horses, and hamsters, but my passion for dogs has remained a constant. Turning my love for dog training into a career has been one of the rewarding experiences of my life. Helping improve the lives of dogs and their owners is truly fulfilling.
My partner Austin and I own 7 wonderful dogs: Thor (Belgian Malinois), Finn (Malinois Mix), Una (Belgian Malinois), Zephyr (Belgian Malinois), Sprout (Chihuahua Mix), Khan (Dutch Shepherd), and Bunny (German Shepherd).
I compete in PSA (Protection Sports Association) with my two Belgian Malinois, Zephyr and Una. Una and I achieved our PDC in the fall of 2023 and Zephyr and I earned ours in the fall of 2024. We’re currently working towards our PSA1 titles.
Besides dog sports, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and traveling! I also hold a Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences from the University of Southern Maine.
AUSTIN AVERY
My name is Austin, and I'm passionate about dogs (who would have guessed?). For the past seven years, I’ve been learning and training with them, starting with our first dog, Rex. We faced challenges like leash pulling and jumping on people, which led us to seek guidance from trainers, read books, and watch countless training videos. Now, I share my life with seven dogs alongside my partner, Haley: Thor, Finn, Una, Zephyr, Sprout, Khan, and Bunny.
Thor and I compete in PSA (Protection Sport Association), where we've earned a PSA2 title and are currently training for a PSA3. I also compete with younger dog, Khan, as we are working towards our PDC (Protection Dog Certificate). I'm also a Certified PSA Trial Decoy, which I thoroughly enjoy!
In my free time, I love skiing, rock climbing, traveling, and hiking—anything that gets me outdoors. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from the University of Southern Maine.
Where do we service?
We are located in Brooklyn, CT! Other service areas include:
Quiet Corner Area (Full Service)
Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Thompson, Canterbury, Hampton, Plainfield, and Moosup
Surrounding Towns to the Area
(No Pick Up/Drop Off Service Available)
Dudley, Webster, MA, Griswold, Windham, Willimantic, Pascog & Foster, RI
Southern Maine (Limited Services, Inquire Personally)
Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough, Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Windham, Gorham, Westbrook, Buxton, South Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland
SERVICE LIST
BOARD + TRAIN PROGRAMS
2 Week Foundational Program
$1,800
Our 2-Week On-Leash Board & Train Program lays the foundation for obedience and good behavior. Your dog will stay with us and receive daily, personalized training to master commands like sit, stay, heel, and come while building focus and calmness in real-world environments.
Highlights:
Leash Manners: Polite walking and no more pulling.
Calm Behavior: Teaching your dog to stay focused in any setting.
Real-Life Exposure: Practicing good manners in everyday scenarios.
You’ll receive regular updates, a tailored training plan, and multiple take-home lessons to ensure lasting success. Perfect for dogs needing structure, confidence, and better habits!
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4 Week Advanced Obedience Program
$3,300
4 Week Adventure Board and Train
$4,500
Our 4-Week Adventure Board & Train Program combines advanced training with unforgettable experiences. Your dog will travel, explore, and train alongside us as we embark on adventures to different states, providing the ultimate opportunity for socialization and learning.
Highlights:
Advanced Training in New Environments: Your dog will practice obedience and impulse control in real-world settings, gaining confidence and reliability.
Socialization Opportunities: Exposure to new places, people, and situations helps your dog develop well-rounded social skills.
Adventure-Focused Learning: Training is seamlessly integrated into exciting outdoor activities creating a fun and rewarding experience for your dog.
You’ll receive progress updates, a high-quality e-collar, and multiple take-home lessons to ensure ongoing success. This program is ideal for adventerous pups and owners looking for expert training paired with enriching exploration!
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Our 4-Week Advanced Obedience Program is perfect for owners seeking reliable off-leash control and communication with their dog. Building on basic skills, this program teaches advanced obedience using modern tools like e-collars from E-Collar Technologies, included in the program.
Highlights:
Off-Leash Reliability: Master commands like heel, stay, and come, even with distractions.
Real-World Training: Practice obedience in parks, trails, and public spaces.
Impulse Control: Develop focus around distractions like wildlife or other dogs.
You’ll receive progress updates, a high-quality e-collar, and multiple take-home lessons to ensure ongoing success. Perfect for adventurous dogs and their owners!
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HANDS-ON TRAINING
One-On-One Lessons
From $100/hr
(In-Home $150/hr)
These lessons are designed for dogs and their humans who need some extra support to reach the level of obedience that unlocks greater freedom & safety. We focus on essential commands like place, recall, sit, and heel; much like the foundational puppy program. However, for older dogs, we incorporate more advanced obedience techniques and introduce tools like the E-Collar, for an enhanced training experience.
Available for Dogs 6 Months & Older.
Puppy Lessons
From $60/hr
(In-Home $110/hr)
Got a new puppy and not sure where to begin? We’re here to help! Our puppy training lessons focus on the essentials; including food luring techniques, socialization, and tackling puppy behaviors such as crate training, potty training & puppy biting. We will also begin to teach basic, yet, key commands like recall, sit, down, heel, and place. We’ll guide you through the process to set a strong foundation for your pup’s training!
Available for Puppies 6 Months & Younger.
We also offer a Raise and Train Program for puppies. These are case-by-case and customizable. Price is determined on the duration of program or based on the goals you’d wish us to achieve!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Trekking Services
1 Hour- $40
2 Hours- $60
3 Hours- $80
Available Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Trekking services offer local hikes, where your dog can thrive in a safe pack setting, enjoying plenty of exercise and fresh air. Our service includes convenient pick-up and drop-off, so your dog can enjoy the adventure without you having to worry about transportation.
Mountain Trek
From $100/hr
Available ONLY Tuesdays!
A Very Good K9 & Co. takes your pups on exciting adventures in the mountains of Connecticut and surrounding states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island).
Our service includes convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Approximate Departure - 8AM Approximate Return - 3PM (Will take no less than 3 HRS)
Trail Running
From $55/hr
Available Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Trail running picks up the pace with your pups, allowing them to interact and socialize while getting a heavier workout on the trails. It's a fun way for your dog to burn off energy, stay fit, and enjoy the great outdoors.
This service is offered Spring thru Fall!
