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

We focus on the skills dogs need outside the training building. From loose leash walking and reliable recalls to staying calm around people, dogs, and distractions, our goal is a dog you can confidently take anywhere.

EXPERIENCED TRAINERS

Our trainers bring decades of experience working with family pets, sport dogs, and behavior cases. We've helped thousands of dogs and owners build stronger communication, better habits, and lasting results.

WE TRAIN YOU NOT JUST THE DOG

Great training doesn't end when your dog goes home. We teach you how to communicate clearly, reinforce good behavior, and confidently handle real world situations long after training is complete.

A TEAM THAT TRULY CARES

Your dog's success matters to us. From your first lesson to every visit afterward, our team is committed to providing honest guidance, individualized support, and a positive experience for both you and your dog.

What Our Pawrents Are Saying

EXCELLENT
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5.0.7
Based on 248 reviews
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Chelsea Perez profile picture
Chelsea Perez
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Patrick has been working with my 16 month old Doberman Omen since he was 8 months old in bitework and we have since started nosework here. Omen has gained so much confidence all around since working with Patrick. Omen has found his passion and I have found mine! Omen is still an all around pet dog(even got his CGC title here) and has gained a lot of clarity from working with Paddy. I also had an accident in June that required me to be hospitalized for days - I messaged Patrick the situation and was able to have all my dogs boarded immediately. I am so grateful to have this resource and for Gator and Patrick for all they’ve done with Omen! While Omen will always be a mammas boy, Patrick is a VERY close second to being his favorite person! The front desk is always so easy to talk to and the community here is outstanding!
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Dee Welsch profile picture
Dee Welsch
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Great staff and they take great care in our pet
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Julia Rodgers profile picture
Julia Rodgers
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We've been bringing our Malinois mix in for private lessons with Gator and have been thrilled! Our dog is very high energy and used to be really neurotic but since his time at MSK-9, he is more focused and obedient. Gator is very knowledgeable and has an apparent passion for dog training. He is also very friendly and has given us so many useful tools to use at home with our dog. An expert in this field and someone who loves what he does, I highly recommend Gator!
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Joe Wenzel profile picture
Joe Wenzel
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Gator was a huge help with Louie from the first time we met gator during consultation all the way through his training. Gator kept in contact with us to let us know how he was doing to when we picked up Louie and did his 3 private training classes it really has been incredible gator even had us bring our other puppies so we could work with both our pups together. we could not ask for a better trainer not only for Louie but he also helped train us so we could be better dog parents. Thank you to everyone at MSK9 we appreciate everyone that cared for and took care of Louie while he was at your facility. Definitely will be sending everyone we know your way. We truly can’t say enough good things about Gator!
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matt holmes profile picture
matt holmes
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There is no other place like Mountain State K9 --> I came here on a personal recommendation, and I've been passing that recommendation along ever since. Apollo, my ride or die, did a three-week board and train. Picking him up was night and day. The obedience he came home with changed how we live. I can take him to the park, trust him around people, and give him actual off-leash freedom instead of white-knuckling the leash. That foundation let us move into bite work, and we're a year into it now. The long-term goal is a PSA title and a full on personal protection dog. Apollo is obsessed with it. He gets to work, get his aggression out in the right place, and be the dog he actually is. Gator has been our trainer since day one and has become a great friend, not just the guy holding the sleeve. Everyone puts real time into Apollo like he's family, and he lights up when he sees them. Everybody here is the best, from the the front office to kennel techs to trainers. They genuinely love animals and they want you to enjoy the dog you have. I recommend this place to anybody who asks, and to a few people who didn't. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for sharing Apollo’s story! ❤️ Hearing how far he has come since his three-week Board & Train means the world to our entire team. One of the greatest rewards of what we do is seeing the relationship between a dog and their owner change when training gives them more freedom, confidence, and a better understanding of each other. Knowing that Apollo’s foundation has allowed you to enjoy adventures together, trust him in new environments, and give him the off-leash freedom you always wanted is exactly why we do what we do. And watching him find his place in bite work has been just as rewarding! Apollo clearly loves having a job, and it has been incredible to see his drive develop over the past year. We know that PSA and personal protection are big goals, and we're excited to continue being part of that journey. Gator has absolutely loved working with Apollo from day one, and we know that friendship goes both ways. Apollo lighting up when he walks through the doors is one of the best compliments our team could receive. Thank you for trusting Mountain State K9 with your ride or die, for continuing to put your trust in our team, and, most importantly, for sending that recommendation along to everyone you know (and apparently a few people who didn't ask 😂). We truly appreciate you and Apollo being part of the MSK9 family! THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! 🐾🧡
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Brent Yoder profile picture
Brent Yoder
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These guys are amazing. We took our 8 Month old German Shepard mix there for a board a train. We were having a hard time training her ourselves. The staff were amazing, the facility was clean and professional, and the trainers were fabulous to work with. The trainers took their time with us to explain everything and worked with us to build our skillset to set us up for success on our own for when classes were done. We have returned several times for additional skills classes and have already signed up for the agility class. I cannot say enough great things about them. Our dogs love them too they are always so excited to see them and its always a positive experience.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear how much of a difference your Board & Train experience made for both you and your German Shepherd mix. At 8 months old, there can be a lot to navigate, so we’re especially glad we could give you the tools and confidence to continue building on her training at home. Our goal has always been to train the dog AND teach the owner, so hearing that our trainers took the time to explain everything, work alongside you, and help build your skillset means so much to us. Your success after the program is just as important to us as the work we do while your dog is here. And we absolutely love that you’ve continued coming back for additional skills classes and are now taking on agility! Watching dogs and their owners continue learning and growing together is one of our favorite parts of what we do. Most importantly, we love hearing that your dogs are excited to see our team. That positive relationship and trust is something we work hard to build with every dog that walks through our doors. Thank you for continuing to trust Mountain State K9 and for making us part of your dogs’ journey. We’re so grateful to have you and your pups as part of the MSK9 family! 🐾🧡
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Julie Hanks profile picture
Julie Hanks
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My dog, who is typically nervous, gets so excited when she knows she's heading to "camp"!

Owner's reply
Thank you for trusting us with Stella. We always love having her here and can’t wait to see her for her next day at camp! 🐾
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Jessica Souza profile picture
Jessica Souza
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We had an amazing experience with the academy staff and Dylan for our golden retriever puppy. He did a three week onboarding training and it was an amazing investment. We could barely leave the puppy unattended or have walks with him without him pulling or trying to jump on other people. There’s definitely homework that needs to be done on our side, but with the tools Dylan gave us, it made the process 10x easier and more enjoyable. We were also very happy with his stay there during the training, and will definitely consider daycare for him in the future.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear what a difference your puppy’s three-week Board & Train made for both of you. Puppies can be a handful, and we love hearing that you now have the tools and confidence to make walks and everyday life more enjoyable! Dylan will be so happy to hear your kind words. He puts a lot of emphasis on making sure owners understand the “why” behind the training and feel confident continuing the work at home. And you’re absolutely right, the homework is where the magic happens! 😉 The training we provide is the foundation, but the consistency you put in at home is what turns those skills into lasting habits. We’re also so glad your pup enjoyed his stay with us! We’d love to have him back for daycare and continue watching him grow. Thank you for trusting Mountain State K9 with your puppy, we’re so happy to have you both as part of the MSK9 family! 🐾🧡

How It Works

1

Initial Consultation

Schedule a free consultation where we assess your dog’s behavior, temperament, and training needs to build a personalized plan.

2

Customized Training Plan

We design a tailored training program based on your goals, whether it’s obedience, behavior correction, or advanced skills.

3

Training & Progress

Your dog begins their training journey with our certified trainers. We provide regular updates and progress reports throughout.

4

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.

Start your dogs journey

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