HCC K-9 Dog Training

My husband and I purchased a 2.5 lb Maltipoo puppy -not only as the newest member of our family- but as an emotional support animal for the Connecticut Department of Correction to support the behavioral health needs of our correctional professionals (approximately 6000 staff- in mental health, trauma, PTSD/PTSI, anxiety, and substance use/addiction, etc.). We engaged in several individual private lessons and then participated in an advanced skills group training class with several dogs significantly larger and older than her. Although due to her youth and size we were nervous about the group with the larger dogs- he assured us that she was prepared and ready to take on this next advanced level and keep her training moving forward. HCC K-9 works with all ages, breeds, sizes, etc. to meet your personal home/family and/or professional K9 service needs of your animal. Brian the owner and lead trainer, and his assistant, Rachael are excellent. They meet your animal where they are at and listen to your concerns and reasons for behavioral management. They guide, support and walk through this process and help the owners learns how to best support your dogs learning at home and throughout this process (it’s a training and learning venture for both owners and their dogs). We personally vetted numerous in-person other trainers and facilities and felt that HCC K-9 and Brian was by far the leader in this industry. They treat all dogs with respect and dignity. They are structured, firm, but fair. They have compassion and want your dog to succeed and will help you make that happen if you both put the work in. They require your involvement and ‘homework’ to ensure your dog is successful in their program. We wanted Kenzie to become an AKC Good Citizen Certified dog. They have a strong passion for this work and will not simply appease owners if your animal requires additional attention. However, they are honest, loyal to their craft as their impressive reputation speaks for itself. For example, they will not ‘pass dogs’ that are not ready in their understanding and skills to fulfill the necessary skill instruction. However, they will continue to provide education and support to ensure your dog will be successful if you and your fur baby do the work. As much as we wanted her to be able to be ‘off the leash’, and although her training would now support this, they professionally recommend due to her size and safety to refrain from doing so. This is not the response any trainer looking to inflate their wallet would say with integrity. It is without any reservations that we both highly recommend his services. Attached are a few pictures of Kenzie for reference, including her at work at the DOC (astonishingly well behaved due to her training with HCC K-9). This was the best selection and choice have made!! Our puppy is amazing but now is a ‘different dog’ in the best possible way. If you are looking for the best training for your money with trainers (including a first responder owner)- do not look elsewhere. They are simply the best and the real deal! -Dianne & Michel

Marty and I are back with another review, and this one deserves attention. Our first experience with HCC K9 was through private lessons, which truly set the foundation for everything that followed. Stepping into a group class with more than ten dogs felt overwhelming at first. Walking in on day one, it honestly seemed impossible. Marty was a little stressed, but because of the private lessons, we already had the tools to manage it, and that made all the difference. It quickly became clear that Marty needed a little extra support compared to some of the other dogs, and HCC K9 did not miss a beat. They were ready, adaptable, and completely in tune with what he needed, all while giving every dog in the room the attention they deserved. This was a six-week class, and the transformation speaks for itself. By week three, Marty was fully engaged, jumping right in with the other dogs and completely stress-free. What stood out the most was not just the training, but what we learned as a team. We learned how to stay connected and focused on each other, even in a room full of distractions. Now, Marty confidently sits, lays down, places, breaks, leaves it, and walks alongside other dogs without any signs of stress or aggression. The growth in his confidence is incredible and something I truly did not expect in such a short time. The best part is that Marty actually looks forward to class every Sunday. That says everything. If you are thinking about socializing your dog in a safe, structured environment while building real obedience and confidence, HCC K9 is the place to go. And for anyone wondering if their dog is too old, think again. Marty is about two years old and fit right in. This is more than training. This is real results and real confidence you can see every single day.

First training session (of many to come) w my extremely aggressive 4 yr old male German Shepherd was exactly what I'm looking for. Brian is a dog trainer who gets doesn't waste any time. Isn't like the many trainers out there who rely solely on positive reinforcement. To get negative behavior to change into positive behavior, there has to be consequences that prevent the negative behavior from repeating (+ of course, always rewarding the good). Brian knows what he's doing & it showed in my dog within the first session. Looking forward to continuing working with our newfound trainer & putting into practice everything we were taught & will learn!

We took our recently rescued dog, Benny, an 8 yo small mix, to Brian for a private training session after receiving a glowing endorsement from our veterinarian office. We were overwhelmingly pleased! He is extremely knowledgeable and presents information in a very logical and easy to understand manner. After a one hour training, we walked out with a clear understanding of how we can make Benny a well behaved member of our family. We highly recommend Brian and HCC K- Dog Training.