K9one LLC @ Stonehill Kennel

Our experience at K9One was life changing. We have a White German Shepherd dog named Sherry that was just over a year old when we sent her for the 6 week training at Stonehill Kennel. Sherry was a mellow and sweet dog when we got her as a puppy but over time she grew very reactive towards people, dogs, cars, and everything else that she perceived as a threat to her family. We were at wits end when we discovered K9One. From the moment we stepped into their property and met Chris, the fog started to clear. Within a few minutes, he diagnosed the situation, and told us how their training program would not only help us but also help Sherry. We took the leap of faith and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made. In 6 weeks, Sherry was transformed and so were we. Sherry learned the 5 basic commands and became a confident and calmer dog who was no longer reactive. We learned about dog psychology and what we needed to do for Sherry to thrive as part of our family. We were now able to take her out of the house without worry and have her run in the woods off leash - something that she thoroughly enjoys. Her recall is strong, she walks in heel position on command, stays in sit and down until set free. People who visit us are amazed at how well behaved Sherry is, and some of our friends who are terrified of dogs feel comfortable around her. All in all, this has been a transformative experience for us and we cannot recommend K9One enough to others.

In February 2025, I brought my one year old female GSD to Stonehill kennel for boarding and training, having undergone heart surgery a few weeks earlier, the Doctor's orders were, six weeks of mandatory recovery. The six week boarding and obedience training program at Stonehill gave me that time. At Stonehill, Coda learned all the basics ... Come, Down, Heel and Sit ... in addition to those she learned Climb (onto the scale at the vet), Place (remain on her bed when visitors arrive or when I'm cooking), Easy, used when walking loose leashed (not to pull or lag behind). And Free! by far the favorite, (her release word from the last command). After the basics, classroom training is reinforced in real life situations, ours was field trips to Lowe's. Heeling at the automatic doors and again, prior to entering the store. Heeling through the aisles, not becoming distracted by people or other dogs. The down/stay when the owner is shopping, asking for assistance, or is at the register. Today Coda comes to the bank, the hardware store, barber shop and grocery store with me. I've brought her to meetings. She hikes trails and on daily walks, doesn't lunge ahead, distracted by smells or the neighbor's outdoor cat. At Stonehill, Cassidy was our primary teacher and trainer, I watched her work with Coda on weekly videos that she sent and could witness first hand the transformation that was taking place under Cassidy's guidance. The last three weeks of training included once a week class with me and Coda. We trained together, with me as the handler, I learned the commands and a lot about canine behavior and motivation. I was probably harder to train than the dog, but I now use those commands confidently, Coda knows them and responds correctly. She's been back at home now for two months, I continue to practice and reinforce her training, and my own. The care and training she received at Stonehill was exceptional and that education has proven itself daily. Today we went for our wellness checkup at the veterinary, the staff was impressed, she stayed down when asked, climbed onto the exam table and behaved throughout. But really, I could never have imagined her along side me at the village's Memorial Day Parade, heeled, in her red service vest marching down Main Street. Unperturbed by the planes and helicopters buzzing overhead, the people clapping or the dogs straining at their lead wanting to play ... when they barked, Coda just soldiered on. At the cemetery with all the Vets in formation, she stayed in her Down throughout. And at the ceremony's end she remained there and listened, the piper piped Amazing Grace and the buglers sounded Taps, she only broke her down when the shots were fired at the rifle salute. I can't say enough about the skills of the folks, at Stonehill and K9one, they understand how much our dogs mean to us. They know how to bring out the best in the dog, allowing us, as owners to have a deeper and more meaningful relationship with our pet. To Chris, CJ, Sarah, (everyone!) you are all great, Thank you. And to Cassidy, you're simply the best, your skill, dedication, love and talent has brought out the Good Dog in, 'Lady' Coda. As we have a few classes remaining, I return every few weeks for follow up's at Stonehill. Cassidy and CJ have been guiding me on how to keep Coda jogging at heel as I cycle the bike path. My daughter as part of Coda's family, will be joining in for a few sessions as well.