Comfortable, private and personalized dog training in Leonard, Texas.
For people who love dogs like family.
Comfortable, private and personalized dog training in Leonard, Texas.
How APK9 Training Can Help You
Holistic, Balanced, Personalized and Science-Based Training
Hello Friend, I’m glad you’re here. Whether you're new to dog ownership or you've owned dogs your whole life, APK9 is here to support you and your dog with targeted training solutions, behavior modification and personalized training programs.
- Learn to understand and motivate your dog,
- Establish yourself in your role as “Leader”,
- Learn simple commands and hand signals,
- Teach your dog essential skills that develop character,
- Learn useful, real-world skills,
- Overcome barking, pulling, biting, chewing and running away,
- Teach your dog manners and house rules.
I offer Obedience Training for pets and working dogs, as well as Behavior Modification for dogs who are struggling with aggression, anxiety, self control or manners.
Training is for EVERYONE.
While people and dogs have been companions for thousands of years, we are still two completely different species, who speak different languages, have different needs, and behave in different ways for vastly different reasons.
That means that problems arise and are normal (even for experienced owners), canine behaviors can be confusing or even misleading, and everyone can benefit from training, not just new owners or dogs who need support.
Living with your dog should be satisfying, safe, comfortable and manageable, but that doesn't always happen automatically, and that is not your fault. You shouldn’t have to worry about being bitten, dragged down the street after a bicycle or another dog, or come home to an accident on your carpet. That's where training comes in.
I am here to answer your questions and provide any help I can- you don't have to book an appointment!
About My Training
I became a dog trainer to help people and dogs live better lives together. My unique training approach is based on 23 years of experience and scientific research, and has been expanded by working with and learning from canine professionals from across the country. I believe that dogs are family, training should support wellness, and that having a dog is a privilege and responsibility- that's why my training is individualized, relationship-based, science-backed, and takes on a holistic approach. I specialize in Behavioral Diagnostics, meaning before I train a dog, I want to understand why they do what they do. No two dogs are the same.
My Basic Obedience Program is based on the commands and skills I use with my dogs every day, and is designed to support and enhance your experience as a dog owner.
If you’d like to learn more about me, my training philosophies and values, or my experience, click below.
Training Courses
Obedience Training Courses
Puppy Basics
5 Lessons
For puppies up to 6 months old.
This course covers the basics of puppy behavior and needs, as well as potty training, kennel training, and puppy- level obedience.
This course prepares puppies for Basic Obedience Training.
Basic Obedience Training
8 Lessons
My Basic Obedience Program is based on the commands and skills I use with my dogs every day. Become your dog's leader as your dog learns essential skills and commands. This flexible course will
- Introduce you to the basic principles of canine behavior and learning,
- Teach you how to train your own dog,
- Improve your relationship and communication with your canine as you teach them several Basic Obedience Commands.
Learn 7 basic obedience commands: walk, heel, sit, down, stay, place, leave it.
Intermediate Obedience Training
8-10 Lessons
Build upon and advance the basic obedience skills! Learn intermediate commands such as back up and place, command your dog from a distance and practice off-leash skills while your dog improves their commitment, social skills and distraction tolerance.
Handlers will learn even more about canine behavior and wellness, and canines will be introduced to other dogs and will be exposed to more intense distractions and situations.
Advanced Obedience Training
Advanced skills and specialty training, including tracking, hunting, and agility, are available for established clients ONLY.
Behavior Modification
Expert training solutions for unhealthy and problematic behaviors
Training for Aggressive and Anxious Dogs
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need confidence, struggle with fear or separation anxiety, or have problems with reactivity or aggression based on fear. This program focuses on diagnosing the cause of a problematic behavior and helping your dog overcome fear and aggression.
Biting - Barking - Chewing
Overcoming Impulses and Reactivity
5-10 Sessions
For dogs who need better control over instincts and impulses, and struggle with reactivity based on excitement. This program focuses on skills development, exposure and desensitization.
Pulling - Chasing - Barking - Chewing
Recent Rescue Rehab
About 5 Sessions
A discounted program for recent adoptions who are struggling to adjust. This program focuses on addressing problematic behaviors, establishing bonding and creating a rehabilitatve environment to help your new friend adjust and overcome.
Thank you for rescuing.
There are no bad dogs, only dogs who need support.
About My Training
My name is Kawena, and I'll be your trainer.
An avid animal lover, I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. The connection was instant, and since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them.
I began professionally training dogs in 2022, and have experience with breed
An avid animal lover, I began my journey with dogs in 2001 at the age of 4 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. The connection was instant, and since then, I have dedicated nearly every day to learning about canines and improving my relationship with them.
I began professionally training dogs in 2022, and have experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs of all backgrounds, from pedigree imported working dogs to mixed-breed rescues. In addition to basic obedience, I have trained dogs for Medical Mobility Assistance, Search and Rescue, Object Retrieval, Livestock Guardianship, Hunting, and Indoor Support. I have experiece with severe aggression and anxiety. In 2024, I achieved major success as a trainer when my Search and Rescue Team certified Nationally in Tracking and Trailing.
I strongly believe in the importance of education and variety. My education is ongoing, and I am committed to constantly expanding my knowledge through attending annual comferences and seminars, current scientific research and varied training experiences.
Most importantly, my dogs are my family. If they choose, they may sit on my couch, and sleep in my bed. I am not my dogs 'owner': I am their Kahu.
I offer private, personalized dog training in Leonard, Texas and the surrounding cities, including Blue Ridge, Celeste, Wolfe City, Bonham, Bailey, Bells, Whitewright and Denison.
My Training Style
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the team, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills. I believe that training should support and enhance your canines well being, and your life together, and that as responsible trainers, we shou
Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the team, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills. I believe that training should support and enhance your canines well being, and your life together, and that as responsible trainers, we should want dogs to achieve their best, while having the wisdom to recognize and respect their limitations.
I developed my personal training approach based on intuition, decades of scientific research regarding Animal Behavior, Psychology, Genetics, Anatomy and Health, and 23 years of experience both working with dogs and working with other Canine Professionals from across the country.
My training style is
- Holistic, meaning that training considers and seeks to improve all aspects of canine health and wellness, including environment, routine, breed specific needs, behavioral causes, and skills development.
- Personalized, meaning that every dog is different, and so our approach to training techniques depends on factors such as your dogs breed, personality, ability, history and learning style.
- Science Based, meaning that I incorporate decades of research into my training techniques.
- Balanced, meaning I incorporate both positive and negative reinforcement into the natural learning process.
I offer private, at home, one-on-one training with you and your dog. Anyone you want to participate may, but because your dog's behavior and training is based on YOU, it is essential that you are the main component in your training.
My Training Values
My Training Values
My training methodology is built around 4 core values:
Individuality.
Every dog is different. That's why I consider your dogs breed, age, history and personality before deciding which training technique will most benefit them.
Leadership.
You are an enormous influence in your dog's life. While genetics, personality and experiences play a hu
My training methodology is built around 4 core values:
Individuality.
Every dog is different. That's why I consider your dogs breed, age, history and personality before deciding which training technique will most benefit them.
Leadership.
You are an enormous influence in your dog's life. While genetics, personality and experiences play a huge role in influencing your dog's behaviors, your behaviors also play a significant role in shaping your dog. That's why my training focuses on handler education, and teaching you how to communicate with and train your own dog.
Wellness.
Training should seek to support and improve the wellness of dogs and their people. My training prioritizes health, safety, skills development and manners, so you and your dog can cohabitate comfortably and enjoy life together to the fullest extent.
Respect.
I believe that having a dog is a privilege and a responsibility. As our dogs guardians, it is our responsibility to understand and to provide for their needs to the best of our abilities. I recognize and respect dogs as fellow living, intelligent and feeling creatures.
Come See Us At Work!
