Puppy training
Start Your Puppy Off
On The Right Paw
The habits your puppy learns today can shape their behavior for years to come. Our training programs help create confident, well-mannered dogs and informed owners.
- Trusted by dog owners across Northern Colorado Since 2014
common puppy challenges
Every Puppy is different.
these challenges are common
Pulling On Leash
Walks should be enjoyable, not a constant battle. We teach dogs how to walk calmly and stay engaged with their handler, even in distracting environments
Jumping On People
Excitement is normal, but jumping can quickly become a problem. We help dogs develop calmer greetings and better manners around family, friends, and visitors.
Excessive Barking
Whether it's at the door, in the yard, or around distractions, we work to reduce unwanted barking while improving focus and impulse control.
Poor Recall
A reliable recall creates more freedom and confidence for both dogs and owners. We teach dogs to respond when called, even when distractions are present.
Reactivity Toward Dogs Or People
Reactive behavior can make everyday outings stressful. We help dogs build calmer responses and better decision making around triggers.
WHY CHOOSE MSK9
FOR Training
For more than 15 years, MSK9 has helped dogs and owners build confidence, improve communication, and create reliable behavior that lasts beyond the training field.
TRAINING FOR REAL LIFE
EXPERIENCED TRAINERS
WE TRAIN YOU NOT JUST THE DOG
A TEAM THAT TRULY CARES
What Our Pawrents Are Saying
EXCELLENT Based on 232 reviews Posted on Google matthew goschTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The whole board and train experience was great! Gator, our trainer, was the best! Always positive with us and our Maggie! Always communicates great with us and explains things in a way where we felt confident bringing her home and continuing her training. Toured the kennel before we took her, everything was very clean and I felt good about leaving Maggie there. It was hard being away from her, but we felt very good about the fact that Gator and the entire staff was very attentive with her, she was very well taken care of! We look forward to the group lessons and enrolling her in more specialized classes. Highly recommend!Posted on Google Cari PettyjohnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have loved Mountain States for the last 5 years! They have taken such good care of our girl! Thank you so much Mountain States K9 team! We will miss you!????Posted on Google Anne WenaasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were incredibly happy with the excellent job Dylan, our dog trainer, did with our 7 month old yellow lab. Before our dog even attended, Dylan reached out to us to better understand our specific concerns and asked pointed questions to make sure we were on the same page. It was very clear that Mountain States K9 Academy and Dylan genuinely cared about both the dog as well as their owners. After 2 weeks of training, the results exceeded our expectations. Our dog is more obedient and it is a pleasure to go on walks now that she isn’t pulling. Upon picking our up lab after her stay, Dylan took the time and went over all the information with us, and “trained” us on how to continue and reaffirm the lessons she had learned. A great experience and we highly recommend Dylan.Posted on Google Jessica KressinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We could not be more pleased with our experience with Mountain State! Our dog, Finn, loves his time there, and they take such good care of him. I always look forward to reading his cute little report cards. They even re-stuffed and sewed up one of his ripped up toys! We are so happy to have found this place - highly recommend!
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for the kind words! We absolutely love having Finn with us—he’s such a joy. Our team has a lot of fun putting together those report cards, so it means a lot to hear you enjoy them. And of course, we’re always happy to give a favorite toy a little TLC when needed ???? We truly appreciate your trust and recommendation, and we look forward to many more visits with Finn!Posted on Google Eric CothrenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is very knowledgeable great working with all types of dogs
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! We take a lot of pride in working with dogs of all types and helping each one succeed. We truly appreciate your support!Posted on Google Wendy RichTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience and results. Our dog learned to calm down and listen! She is a work in progress but we are thrilled so far!
Owner's reply
Thank you! Results like this come from consistency and commitment, and it shows. Your dog is making great progress, and we’re excited to see how far you both go. We appreciate you being part of MSK9!
How It Works
Initial Consultation
Schedule a free consultation where we assess your dog's behavior, temperament, and training needs to build a personalized plan.
Customized Training Plan
We design a tailored training program based on your goals, whether it's obedience, behavior correction, or advanced skills.
Training & Progress
Your dog begins their training journey with our certified trainers. We provide regular updates and progress reports throughout.
Graduation & Support
Your dog graduates with new skills and confidence. We provide a handler session and ongoing support to ensure lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our training programs.
It’s never too early, or too late, to start training. Puppies can begin learning appropriate behaviors and building confidence as soon as they’ve received the necessary vaccinations. Older dogs are absolutely capable of learning new skills as well. While younger dogs often learn more quickly because they haven’t developed years of unwanted habits, adult and senior dogs can still make tremendous progress with consistent training.
No. Dogs enrolled in our training programs do not participate in group daycare or free play with other dogs.
Our priority is helping your dog learn, and we want to preserve their physical and mental energy for productive training sessions. Free play can leave dogs tired, overstimulated, or distracted, making it more difficult for them to focus and retain what they’re learning.
Instead, your dog will receive structured training sessions, individual exercise, potty breaks, enrichment, and plenty of time to rest and process what they’ve learned. This balanced routine helps maximize progress and sets your dog up for long-term success.
Dogs are creatures of habit. If old behaviors begin to return, it’s usually because old routines have returned as well. That’s why owner follow-through is so important. We’ll provide you with the tools and guidance needed to get your dog back on track, and we’re always here to support you after training.
Aggression is a complex behavior, and no ethical trainer can guarantee that it can be completely “fixed.” However, we can help your dog learn more appropriate behaviors, improve impulse control, and teach them how to navigate situations safely and successfully.
Not every dog needs, or wants, to interact with other dogs or unfamiliar people. Just like people, some dogs are simply more comfortable keeping their distance. Our goal is not to force social interactions but to teach your dog to remain calm, responsive, and under control, even when triggers are present.
With experience working with thousands of dogs displaying aggressive or reactive behaviors, we’ve found that obedience, clear communication, and reliable handler control are far more valuable than encouraging nose-to-nose greetings. We focus on building your dog’s confidence, teaching them how to make better choices, and giving you the skills to safely manage them in everyday life.
Success doesn’t always mean your dog becomes everyone’s best friend; it means they can safely coexist with the world around them while remaining under your control.
Separation anxiety is a complex emotional condition, and there is no quick or guaranteed “fix.” However, we can help your dog develop healthier coping skills, build confidence, and learn to remain calmer when left alone.
Every dog is different, and progress depends on the severity of the anxiety, your dog’s temperament, and your consistency once they return home. Through structured training, confidence-building exercises, clear routines, and owner education, many dogs learn to better manage their stress and become more independent over time.
Our goal is to improve your dog’s quality of life by reducing anxiety, teaching them appropriate behaviors, and giving you the tools to continue their progress at home. Lasting success comes from consistency, patience, and ongoing reinforcement.
Not necessarily. Our goal is not to turn every dog into a “dog park dog.” Instead, we teach dogs how to remain calm, confident, and under control around other dogs without feeling the need to interact with them.
For dogs that are fearful or anxious, forcing social interactions can actually increase stress and, in some cases, make fearful behaviors worse. A well-socialized dog isn’t one that wants to greet every dog they see; it’s one that can safely and calmly exist around other dogs without reacting.
Through training, we help your dog build confidence, improve obedience, and learn to focus on you instead of the dogs around them. Many dogs become much more comfortable walking through parks, visiting pet-friendly stores, or passing other dogs on a trail. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll enjoy or benefit from off-leash play at a dog park.
Our priority is helping your dog succeed in everyday life, not forcing interactions that may make them uncomfortable.
Of course! Training isn’t about taking the fun out of your dog, it’s about creating more opportunities for them to enjoy life safely. A well-trained dog gets to go more places, experience more adventures, and enjoy greater freedom because they understand what’s expected of them.
Absolutely! Training doesn’t change who your dog is, it simply gives them better manners, clearer communication, and more self-control. They’ll still be the goofy, affectionate, energetic, or playful dog you love. Our goal is to build confidence and strengthen your relationship, not suppress your dog’s personality.