Our board and train programs are designed to be flexible, catering to the unique needs of each dog. We offer a Puppy Foundations program, which is a 2-week intensive course focusing on the essentials like potty training, crate training, and the beginnings of socialization. This program is perfect for new puppy owners who want to set a solid foundation for their dog's future behavior and training.

For older dogs, we provide more advanced training options that address obedience, behavior modification, and specific challenges the dog may be facing. These programs are tailored to the individual dog, ensuring that they receive the focused attention and training they need.

We typically recommend a 28-day minimum for older dogs. This longer duration allows for proper decompression, giving the dog time to adjust to the new environment, settle in, and fully engage with the training process. This period is crucial for building a strong foundation and ensuring lasting behavioral improvements.

At Pytka Performance K9, we use a balanced training method that is designed to be both effective and humane. Our approach is grounded in positive reinforcement, with 95% of our training relying on reward-based techniques. This means we focus on rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play, which helps to create a strong, positive association for the dog.

However, we recognize that every dog is different, and in some cases, additional tools may be necessary to achieve the best results. For this reason, we do use aversives like prong collars or e-collars when appropriate. These tools are not used as punishment but rather as a way to provide clear, consistent communication to the dog. When used correctly and under the guidance of a professional, prong collars and e-collars can be very effective in teaching a dog to focus, follow commands, and maintain good behavior even in distracting environments.

The concept of "proofing" behavior is an integral part of our training. Proofing involves teaching a dog to perform a behavior reliably in a variety of situations and environments. It ensures that the dog can maintain good behavior not just in a controlled setting, but also in real-world scenarios where distractions and challenges are present. This process is crucial for creating a well-rounded, obedient dog.

Our training methods are grounded in science and are used by top trainers nationwide. The combination of positive reinforcement and the careful, responsible use of aversive tools allows us to address a wide range of behavioral issues and help each dog reach its full potential.

We do not train dogs for protection or protection sports at Pytka Performance K9. However, we have a network of trainers who specialize in these areas and can provide these services if needed. Additionally, we offer temperament evaluations to assess a dog's aptitude for protection sports. This evaluation helps determine if your dog has the right temperament and drive for this type of work, ensuring you have the information needed to pursue the appropriate training path.

While our PPK9 Dutch Shepherds are active in the sport of IGP, we recognize that there are many highly skilled trainers in the Bay Area with titles in this sport. Our primary focus remains on pet dog training, where we aim to help dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships and ensure a well-behaved, balanced dog for everyday life.

We train all breeds of dog at all levels of training.

Yes, we do. Human and dog reactive dogs are welcome in our board and train programs as well as our private sessions. We are experienced in working with reactive dogs and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and thrive.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) serve different purposes and have distinct roles. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability, such as guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting those who are deaf, or assisting with mobility and medical tasks like seizure alerts. They undergo extensive, specialized training tailored to their handler's needs. Legally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals have access rights to all public places where their handler is permitted, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation. There is no formal certification or registration process for service animals; instead, they must be trained to perform tasks related to the handler’s disability.

In contrast, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health or emotional conditions, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. ESAs offer companionship and relief from symptoms rather than task-specific assistance. They do not have the same legal rights as service animals. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESAs are permitted in housing with no-pet policies, and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) previously allowed them on flights (though flight regulations for ESAs have become more restrictive). However, ESAs do not have access rights to public places like restaurants and stores. There is no formal certification or registration for ESAs; a licensed mental health professional must document the need for an ESA. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not covered under the ADA and have limited access rights beyond housing and transportation.

At Pytka Performance K9, we train service dogs to assist with various disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and migraine disorders. Service animals are task-trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate a documented disability, ensuring they effectively support their handler. Not every dog is suited for service work due to the demanding nature of the training. We start with a temperament test to assess if a dog has the right qualities for service work. If a dog shows promise, we provide advanced training tailored to their specific tasks. It’s important to note that there is no formal registration or certification process for service animals or ESAs. A licensed physician must determine a patient's need for a service animal or ESA. For more information on ESA requirements or understanding the roles and rights of service animals, consulting with appropriate professionals or organizations is recommended.