Featured Dogs
We at United K9 Academy are proud of our work and the dogs we get the pleasure of working with! Here are some featured dogs and their stories!
Grizzly
We got Grizzly (AKA Grizz) with the intention of training him to be my husband's service dog. We were there the day he was born and held him every week until he was able to come home with us. The bond started growing from there. Grizz was so in tune to my husband's needs even as a young puppy.
Finding the Perfect Dog Trainer
Grizzly loved going to group dog training class and learning how to work. He knows as soon as his vest is on it's time to work. We trained for two years, maybe more, and the more Grizz learned, the more my husband became a little more social each time. He went from standing in the tree line during class to coming up and joining the class by the time we were done. I think he even began to enjoy going to group dog training class as well, lol.
The Dog Training
Grizzly loved going to group dog training class and learning how to work. He knows as soon as his vest is on it's time to work. We trained for two years, maybe more, and the more Grizz learned, the more my husband became a little more social each time. He went from standing in the tree line during class to coming up and joining the class by the time we were done. I think he even began to enjoy going to group dog training class as well, lol.
The Results of Dog Training
My husband was able to start going out to more public places with Grizz by his side. He made it through a high school graduation in an expo center with thousands of people with Grizz right there with him. Had he not had Grizz, he would have never gone to the expo center to begin with. I am so thankful that they have this bond and that together they were able to conquer some of the obstacles his PTSD presented.
Happy Days
These days, Grizzly is retired now, but they still have this amazing bond, and he still has the desire to work. We couldn't have gotten them where they are today without the help of Craig from United K9 Academy.
Zeustopherneous (Zeusy) Hoskins
Zeustopherneous (Zeusy) Hoskins was born in Davenport, IA in September 2012. On New Year’s Day, 2013, he was adopted by the Hoskins’ while visiting family back in the Quad Cities. Our friends had a litter of pit bull puppies, and Zeus was the last of the litter. From that moment on, he became our fur baby.
An Introduction to Zeusy
Zeusy is the youngest of six; two human siblings, 19 and 16; two cat siblings, 12 and nine; and one dog sibling, Hercules (Herky), 12. Herky is a 13-pound mixed terrier rescue, who from day one has been Zeusy’s Alpha big brother, and Zeusy’s (unfortunately) greatest role model.
When Zeusy first joined the Hoskins family he was a very sweet, but somewhat anxious, pup. At around 1 ½ years old, Zeus started to show protective aggressive tendencies. Due to quality of life coupled with the stigmatism surrounding the pit bull breed, we decided we needed to correct Zeusy’s behavior as soon as possible so he wouldn’t be an “issue” to society.
Finding United K9 Academy
Zeusy’s first encounter with dog training was not positive. Honestly, we think the experience he encountered early in life increased his issues with trust, social interaction, behavioral issues in public, and protectiveness of his family. The blessing from this experience is we found Craig, and he became Zeusy’s personal trainer from then on. When Craig built his own company, Zeusy was welcomed with open arms, regardless of his issues with public interaction and aggression.
The Benefits of Dog Training
Craig saw past the behavioral issues Zeusy demonstrated and encouraged him to grow and overcome obstacles. The fact that Craig had (has) Zeusy’s back is a tremendous encouragement. In the back of our minds, our greatest fear was (and still sometimes remains) Zeusy would hurt someone unintentionally and would be faced with consequences.
The Results of Dog Training
Now at the age of 9 ½, Zeusy has come far from his younger years. He is still protective and aggressive, but we have learned boundaries and stay within Zeus’ comfort zone. Zeusy may have a smaller circle and may never be the “dog at the dog park.”
Zeusy is unconditionally loyal. He LOVES his people fiercely. He is the most snuggly pup in the land. He enjoys sunbathing and chasing his kitty sisters (who do not claim to reciprocate the enjoyment but seem to provoke the situation). Zeusy has a big heart and is motivated by snacks (like his mom). His favorite thing is attention and will bask in it from anyone who gives it. He is our baby, (challenges and all), and we wouldn’t change it for the world. Zeusy has forever changed our lives.
CALL UNITED K9 ACADEMY TODAY
We wouldn’t trade our Zeusy for any other dog. Although we’ve faced challenges, they can be overcome with patience, dog training, and support. If you are struggling with a dog with behavioral issues, please do not give up. Contact United K9 Academy today!
Testimonials
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We took our 5 month old puppy, Oakley, to Craig with United K9 for a 2 week board and train in July and was very pleased with what he was able to accomplish with her. After picking her up, she had still maintained all the amazing puppy characteristics we all love, but was well behaved for her age, able to follow basic commands, walk with ease on the leash, stopped the jumping on our toddlers, and overall happier with understanding what we wanted from her. Craig then came out to our house 2 weeks later for a follow up lesson and gave us all the tools to feel confident in continuing Oakley's training and guidance with additional tasks such as releasing a ball after fetch and staying in the back "yard" when the gate is open. Thank you Craig and United K9 for all your help and for loving our dog. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Alisha Walker
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We had our Rocco for a three week board and train with Jonathan and his wife - and it’s the best thing we could have done. After extensive research and meeting with trainers we felt most comfortable with Jonathan and his wife, they were professional and knowledgeable and gave us peace of mind that our Rocco would be in great hands while we were overseas! We received videos, pics and updates on a regular basis and from that wild boy Rocco that we turned over to Jonathan we got a much more behaved and controlled dog back! He was seriously over excited about everything but became more disciplined, knows boundaries and we are very happy with the results. Jonathan is committed to continuously help out if need be and he is always reachable. We definitely made the right choice and would recommend them very highly. And with all of that came a very reasonable price package compared to others. Way to go - a trainer with heart! Thank you again!
Simone Maynard
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After years of being told there was no hope for my other dog aggressive Coco and I should put her down, I found an ad for United K9. It seemed like a sign so I sent a message and was greeted by trainer Tanja. Let me say she is my hero, our HERO!! The difference is night and day in just 4 private lessons!! We will start group classes soon. I have been able to walk Coco with and without Tanja and feel strong, confident and empowered. I owe everything to Tanja, her team and training. Thank you for believing in me and my girl, thank you for letting me have my dreams of walking her!!
Tamara Wilson
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