Ancillary K9 Dog Training

Dion is awesome and I’d highly recommend his services. We were originally unsure if we wanted to do professional dog training due to cost, but after reading reviews on Dion we decided to give it a try and it’s worth every penny. Within the first lesson Dion got our dog to stop pulling on the leash and has taught us a handful of commands and skills to make our day to day life with our dog much easier. Training has also improved our relationship with our dog since we know how to handle any unwanted behavior. We used to get nervous to take the dog to public areas before know we can do so with confidence. It helps when we get compliments on his behavior, too! Dion and his office are very personable and flexible.

We recently finished our training with Dion at Ancillary K9, and the growth has been incredible. We adopted our Pitbull, from a shelter. She had an altercation with another dog and was showing reactivity with other dogs that we didn’t know how to manage. That’s when I started to research different trainers/facility, either leave your dog at a facility for a couple weeks and have a “perfect” dog or learn how to manage this problem and be able to keep control of your dog. I guess that was a no brainer that’s when I found Ancillary K9 and reached out to Dion. Dion’s approach is thoughtful, structured, and realistic. He uses great metaphors that help you understand his methods and have a better understanding between you and your dog. One thing I kept in my mind when starting this is never compare your dog to his, cause they’ve mastered the craft while we are still on training wheels. But it did set the bar of where I would like to see my own dog at. Throughout the training, with the correct equipment and tools we were able to give her the proper guidance and structure. Currently she is great on the heel and being able to run with her by my side is amazing. Which is a night and day difference between being dragged around. The tools and knowledge we gained from Dion will stick with me for life. Highly recommend Ancillary K9 for anyone who’s serious about building a better relationship with their dog.

I can’t say enough about Dion and Ancillary K9 training. My husband and I decided to rescue a 12 week old puppy from a local rescue in the New Year. In the brief moments of meet and greet at the shelter the little guy was friendly, curious, super playful and seemed like the perfect fit for our family. It wasn’t long before we discovered he was also really smart, and really stubborn. He was nipping constantly, at us humans and our cats, wouldn’t let my husband near him, we couldn’t get a leash and collar on him and he would eat ANYTHING he saw out in the yard. We were concerned we had made a big mistake and thought we might have to return him to the shelter, which felt terrible to me. We decided to consult with a trainer before making any final decisions, and that is when we found Dion and Ancillary K9. After discussing the issues we were having with our little guy, Dion quickly got to the root of the problem and we got to work straight away. Within minutes he had a collar and leash on and within the next hour began walking calmly to heel. It’s been a few months now, and 5 sessions with Dion and we are so happy we decided to work with him. Dion has given us the tools we needed to succeed as pet parents. We get so many compliments on how well behaved he is for his age, and we are so proud of the progress he has made. Thank you Dion!

Dion has been incredible through this whole experience! I really appreciate that he dives into the "why behind the what" as I like to say. This really helps me understand as a dog owner what I need to do to help my dog succeed and the expectations I need to hold her to. When I first got her, she was aggressive, pulling at the leash, and barking at everything. I never realized how much stress and caution I was holding when we went on walks and I would dread them. However, after a few sessions with Dion, our walks have become one of the best parts of my day. I also really appreciate how together Dion is and how he presents his business. You get a welcome folder that lists the gear you need, along with resources and tips. He actively keeps track of what you and your dog have learned so far and I LOVE the flexibility of scheduling he provides! It's so convenient and easy. Thank you so much Dion for the skills you have provided us with and we will be recommending you always! UPDATE JUNE 2025: I’ve been meaning to do this for a bit now because the other day I was going to walk my dog and started thinking about how great all the items Dion originally recommended are still working great! The collar, leash, and ecollar he recommended initially I still use daily and they have no sign of wear or tear. Thank you again Dion for not only providing us with a strong foundation but also supporting quality gear that’s so worth the investment. Still recommending you always!

When I first started training my dog, I felt like we had reached a limit. As my wife and I prepared for the arrival of our baby, I knew I needed my dog to be more well-behaved, especially around a newborn. I began researching various trainers, and even looked into places that offered boarding programs where my dog could be trained for 4 to 6 weeks and returned fully trained. I spent hours reading reviews, looking at different options, and carefully considering the costs. There are dog trainers everywhere, but finding the right one for us seemed daunting. That’s when I came across Dion at Ancillary K9. I carefully reviewed every page of their website, looking into the programs, philosophies, and fees. I’ll admit, the price was a hard pill to swallow—it was nearly the same value of my dog. But after a lot of thought and reflection, I made the decision to move forward. I scheduled a consultation with Dion, and from the very start, I was impressed by his keen observation and thoughtful approach. He took the time to assess my dog’s behavior and understand the specific challenges we were facing. When we had our first session, I was cautiously optimistic but also a little skeptical. I thought to myself, “Is this really all we’re learning today?” However, even after just one session, I could already see changes in my dog’s behavior and his understanding of basic commands. It was enough to convince me that we were on the right track. So, I committed fully to the process—purchased the recommended equipment, read the book Dion suggested, and began diligently practicing the techniques he taught us. As the weeks went by, and the sessions accumulated, the transformation in my dog was undeniable. What started as small shifts in his behavior evolved into significant, lasting changes. Dion’s methods—building on each previous lesson—helped us shape the well-behaved, responsive dog I had always hoped for. I began to notice how much more confident my dog was, how eager he was to follow commands, and how calm and in-control he became in various situations. I decided to put my dog’s progress to the test during an annual camping trip, which always attracts around 50 people and several other dogs. It was the perfect opportunity to see how well he could handle distractions. As we interacted with friends, family, and other pets, I received countless compliments about how well-behaved my dog was—how calm and controlled he seemed amidst all the chaos. People were genuinely blown away, and I couldn’t help but feel proud to say, “Yes, he’s my dog!” The trip also gave me a chance to test out some of the more challenging aspects of training, particularly when it came to handling distractions. Dion’s training had prepared us both for these moments. My dog was responsive, calm, and focused—even with all the new sights, sounds, and smells around him. Thanks to Dion and Ancillary K9, my dog is no longer just well-behaved—he’s a joy to have in any environment. The investment I made was truly worth it. Dion’s personalized approach and dedication to his craft have made all the difference. I now have a dog that I’m not only proud of, but one I can trust to behave in any situation, whether we’re at home, out in public, or on an adventure. I can confidently say that the training was an investment in the future of our family, and I’m incredibly grateful for the progress we’ve made. If you’re looking for a dog trainer who truly understands both the practical and emotional side of training, Dion at Ancillary K9 is the right choice. I couldn’t be happier with the results.