FirstBarkJosh was fantastic to work with. He was able to see the positives in my leash reactive dog and give me actionable steps to work through it. Not only that, but he was able to take into consideration needs related to my disabilities and how to work with them in relation to managing my dog. I have no hesitation recommending Josh. He’s a top notch ethical dog trainer.
K9 Optima
Antioch, California
About K9 Optima
At K9Optima, we specialize in addressing extreme behavioral issues in dogs, including reactivity, forward aggression, resource guarding etc. Our science-based approach involves a comprehensive assessment of your dog to determine the best course of action, ensuring lasting behavior change. With nearly 4,000 cases handled, we are dedicated to meeting you and your dog to provide effective, humane solutions.
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
- Obedience training
- Socialization
Behavior support
- Aggression training
- Reactivity training
- Resource guarding
How training happens
- Board and train
- In-home training
- Online or virtual training
- Private training
Dog age
- Puppies Customer-reported
Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs
Additional services
- Boarding
Other listed services
View 23 additional details
- Behavior Canine
- Behavioral Challenges
- Complementary
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- Counter Conditioning
- Couples Therapy
- Customized Training
- Dog Assessments
- Dog Learn
- Dog Play
- Dog Trainer Program
- Dog Training Sessions
- Dog's Body
- Dog's Social
- Immersive Learning
- Person Sessions
- Personal Trainer
- Personalized Coaching
- Relationship Building
- Specialized Training
- Training Help
- Training Support
- Week Program
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Customer reviews
Google listing5
164 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Reactivity issues 39
- Reactive dog training 21
- Obedience training 11
- Board and train 8
- Dog assessment 5
- Rescue dog training 5
All 10 topics
- Virtual session 4
- Behavior assessment 3
- Helper dog 3
- Trigger identification 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
Wonderful in-home board & train experience for 3 pups. They got exposure to children (one of our goals), and Josh was able to work effectively on reactivity with them. Really lovely family, and the pups were very happy. Josh and his family were also very understanding about one of the pups marking pretty much everything in his home. Sorry about that! Would definitely use again.
I took custody of my colleague's dog after she bit a child and went to work immediately with K9 Optima. Josh was incredibly helpful in supporting me with re-directing Daisy's resource guarding and helping me understand how to get her a productive dopamine fix via flirt pole and other hunt/retrieve activities. She's a very enjoyable companion these days!
DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT believe the 1-star and/or poor reviews. Josh and his team are the best in the business.Just see for yourself in person or speak direct over the phone. Josh advocates for all dogs, he’s an expert in training and behavior and is willing to challenge those…Read full reviewClose full review
DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT believe the 1-star and/or poor reviews. Josh and his team are the best in the business.Just see for yourself in person or speak direct over the phone. Josh advocates for all dogs, he’s an expert in training and behavior and is willing to challenge those who claim experience when they have nothing more than a social media following. You can entrust your dog to Josh a be assured that he/she are in the best hands. Just watch his lives and you can see his expertise.
Josh at K9 Optima does nothing but good for the dog training community. Not only is he helping clients full time but he is aiding in the success of trainers all over the world and assisting in rescue as much as he possibly can! He radiates passion and uses a gentle approach for b…Read full reviewClose full review
Josh at K9 Optima does nothing but good for the dog training community. Not only is he helping clients full time but he is aiding in the success of trainers all over the world and assisting in rescue as much as he possibly can! He radiates passion and uses a gentle approach for both the dog and human. I highly recommend K9 Optima if you are an owner struggling with reactivity/aggression or a trainer of any skill level looking to learn and grow.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.