We are Certified Professional Dog Trainers, Fear Free Certified Professionals, and Family Dog Mediators, offering in-home, group, and real world training and behavior services for dogs in SE Connecticut! Rewards-based positive reinforcement training to better understand your dog and improve your teamwork. Leash walking, barking, reactivity, jumping, confidence building, we can help with it all! When humans know better, dogs DO better!
Brittni Hyzer CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM
Marissa Quarles CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, FFCP, FDM
Training & services
Training goals
Canine Good Citizen preparationProgram details
Crate trainingProgram details
House trainingProgram details
Leash trainingProgram details
Obedience trainingProgram details
Puppy trainingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Recall trainingProgram details
SocializationProgram details
Behavior support
BarkingProgram details
Fear and confidenceProgram details
How training happens
Group classesProgram details
Dog age
Adult dogsProgram details
Training level
Advanced trainingProgram details
This program consists of a 2hr introductory session with seven 1hr followup sessions, allowing you to establish and implement necessary management and enrichment strategies and make significant headway on your basic manners training plan under professional guidance and support. Followup sessions can be split into in-home and out-in-town practice to really challenge your dog's growing skillset!
Included in program: 9hours in-person instruction time, travel to your home, treats for rewards during session, written homework assignments for each session.
Sessions are scheduled at least 2 at a time, preferably 3+ at a time. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills taught at home: Focus on Handler, Name Recognition, Sit, Down, Stand, Recall Foundations, Polite Greetings, Wait for Bowl, Wait at Doors, Leash Foundations.
Skills practiced in public: Ignoring Distractions, Polite Leash Walking, Polite Greetings, No Potty Accidents in (Pet Friendly) Stores, Confidence Building, Off-Leash Recall.
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Class options
Drop-in classesProgram details
Support between sessions
Follow-up supportProgram details
Homework and practiceProgram details
Training approach
Positive reinforcementProgram details
Other listed services
View 15 additional details
2hr Intake SessionProgram details
During our intake session, we go over the basics of your dog's life, their training history and future goals. Health and daily routine information is discussed and any improvements suggested. Enrichment options, exercise guidelines, nutrition suggestions etc are discussed if necessary. I give an overview to learning theory and why my approach with positive reinforcement training works. We lay some groundwork on a few training games and equip you to practice them in preparation for further lessons. These basic skills are the foundation of communication between you and your dog, and play heavily into long term learning!
Credit card is stored on file and a non-refundable, non-transferable scheduling fee of $50 is charged to hold the session! Remainder of session fee, minus the scheduling fee, due at time of service. Any questions, please inquire! · Listed price: [object Object]
Know Better Academy - PuppyProgram details
Puppies under 6 months. Available only to established KBDB clients on Wednesday mornings at this time.
Drop off 8:30-9am.
Pick up 11:30-12pm.
Enroll your puppy for a morning full of structured play, settling practice, and one-on-one professional training! Your pup will be matched with appropriate play partners, including other puppies and fair and well-socialized adult dogs. Group play consists of no more than 5 puppies at a time and will be actively monitored to keep participants safe and having fun. Your pup will receive no less than 30 minutes in total of private lesson training with a certified trainer working on foundation manners skills, as well as reinforcing potty training, crate training, leash manners, and settling around other dogs throughout their Academy visit.
Drop off/pick up windows are firm. Please communicate to us via text if you are running late. A late fee of $1/minute past 12pm pickup will be charged if tardiness becomes habitual or is not communicated. Late pickup fees are applied at the discretion of KBDB Dog Training LLC. Pre-approved late pickup arrangements can *occasionally* be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Please pay close attention to arrival instructions. Potty your puppy outside before entering the facility. One puppy in the airlock entry at a time. We will collect puppy from you at the gate! · Listed price: [object Object]
Introductory ProgramProgram details
This program consists of a 2hr intake session with four 1hr followup sessions, all in-home or around the neighborhood, allowing you to establish and implement necessary management and enrichment strategies and make significant headway on your training plan under professional guidance and support.
Included in program: travel to your home, treats for rewards during sessions, printed homework assignments for each session.
Sessions are scheduled at least 2 at a time, preferably 3+ at a time. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills taught can be similar but not limited to: Focus on handler, Name Recognition, Recall Foundations, Wait for Bowl, Wait at Doors, Leash Foundations, Focus Around Distractions, and more!
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Reactivity Foundations and EvaluationProgram details
This program consists of a 2hr intake session with two 1hr followup sessions, all in-home, allowing your trainer to evaluate your dog's history, their reactive behavior, and introduce some new training skills for clients to practice with their dogs in the home and yard in preparation for future in-public training if further steps are required.
Included in program: travel to your home, treats for rewards during session, printed homework assignments for each session.
Sessions are scheduled at least 2 at a time, preferably all 3 at a time. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills introduced can be similar but not limited to: Focus on handler, Name Recognition, Neutrality around Distractions, as well as introduction to creative management strategies, enrichment outlets, Reward Hierarchy, and body language instruction.
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Introductory Program for 2 DogsProgram details
This package consists of a 3hr intake session with four 1.5hr followup sessions, all in-home, allowing you to establish and implement necessary management and enrichment strategies and make significant headway on your training plan under professional guidance and support.
Included in program: travel to your home, treats for rewards during session, written homework assignments for each session.
Sessions are scheduled at least 2 at a time, preferably 3+ at a time. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills taught can be similar but not limited to: Focus on handler, Name Recognition, Recall Foundations, Wait for Bowl, Wait at Doors, Leash Foundations.
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In-Facility 4hr Private ProgramProgram details
This foundation skills program consists of 4 private 1hr training sessions with a certified trainer, all at our KBDB Groton Facility. First session is HUMANS ONLY! Bring a notebook to take notes and be prepared to learn some foundation homework to bring home to your dog to practice. Bring your dog for the remaining 4 sessions.
Clients are strongly encouraged to schedule at least 2 appointments at a time, preferably all up front. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills taught can be similar but not limited to: Focus on handler, Name Recognition, Recall Foundations, Wait for Bowl, Wait at Doors, Leash Foundations, Leave It, Focus Around Distractions, and more!
Facility Address: 266 Bridge Street Unit 12 Groton CT 06340
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In-Facility 6hr Private ProgramProgram details
This foundation skills program consists of 6 private 1hr training sessions with a certified trainer, all at our KBDB Groton Facility. First session is HUMANS ONLY! Bring a notebook to take notes and be prepared to learn some foundation homework to bring home to your dog to practice. Bring your dog for the remaining 5 sessions.
Clients are strongly encouraged to schedule at least 2 appointments at a time, preferably all up front. We need a well planned schedule to implement our training, and weekly or bi-weekly sessions work best for this.
Skills taught can be similar but not limited to: Focus on handler, Name Recognition, Recall Foundations, Wait for Bowl, Wait at Doors, Leash Foundations, Leave It, Focus Around Distractions, and more!
Facility Address: 266 Bridge Street Unit 12 Groton CT 06340
#privatetraining · Listed price: [object Object]
Puppy SocialProgram details
Puppy Off-Leash Social Hour! For puppies 6 months and under with at LEAST 2 rounds of Parvo/distemper vaccinations. Puppies over 16 weeks must show rabies certificate. Proof of all vaccinations required.
Monitored by professionals, we will be setting all attendees up for success, providing structured introductions, body language assessment, and appropriate moderation during free play. Puppies that are not enjoying their visit or showing aggression may be requested to leave at any point at moderators' discretion.
Come prepared to stick near your puppy and help referee their play and supervise. Advocate for your pup at all times and clean up after them!
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Weekly Drop-InProgram details
Drop-in style themed classes. Content varies weekly and may include: recall games, impulse control exercises, leash skills, tricks, problem solving, confidence building, competitive games for prizes, etc!
Drop-in classes are geared towards clients and dogs who have at least some experience with structured, rewards-based training in a group environment. Drop-in classes are not appropriate for dogs who are a safety risk to others, and KBDB recommends private training to make progress on aggression or reactivity struggles instead.
All classes and training at KBDB Dog Training LLC are rewards based and corrective training equipment such as slip leads, choke chains/collars, prong/pinch collars, or e-collars/shock collars are NOT permitted on the premises.
Tax included in price!
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AKC Novice Tricks ClassProgram details
This AKC novice tricks class will prepare students to complete their TKN title. All following tricks will be taught over the course of class according to AKC definitions of each trick:
Get Your Leash/Brush/Toy
Speak
Crawl
Fetch it and Give
Balance Beam
Find it
Shake
High Five
Hold 3 Seconds
Kiss
TKN requires ten tricks to be performed for the evaluator a minimum of one successful repetition. If the dog has a CGC on record, the dog only needs to perform 5 additional tricks. TKN allows using food or toys to lure the dog into position unless otherwise stated. Tricks used for this title are not allowed to be repeated in subsequent titles, however more advanced forms of these tricks may be performed for future tiles (ie hold vs hold while walking).
This class runs for 4 weeks, no class 9/27. Graduation and evaluation will be on 10/4.
Bring plenty of motivators for your dog! Treats, toys that don't squeak, enthusiasm, etc. We will be building these skills using positive reinforcement techniques including luring, shaping, and capturing. Dogs may only attend wearing a comfortable flat or martingale collar or *secure* comfortable harness and no longer than 6 foot leash. No prong, slip, choke, or e-collars are permitted in this class.
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Family Dog Manners BProgram details
Introductory level class for positive reinforcement based training and teaching. For dogs and puppies older than 8 months with no previous structured training.
*This class is designed for NON-reactive dogs. If your dog barks continuously, growls, lunges or in general cannot tolerate dogs or people within 15 feet of them, please select a private lesson instead!* A woof here or there is fine, but no sustained reactivity!
This is a 7 week class for learning our basic family dog skills such as sit, down, come, wait, and leash walking, as well as practicing polite greetings and learning management practices to prevent undesired behavior. Week 1 is HUMANS ONLY! No dogs! Come for a lecture + Q&A hour where the humans can jumpstart their learning without wrangling the dogs!
This class is Fear Free and rewards-based, meaning no choke chains, no prong collars, no E-collars, no slip leashes. Please bring your dog for weeks 2-7 on a comfortable collar or harness and a standard 6 foot leash. NO retractable leashes!
Bring 1+ cups of pinky nail sized soft treats (you can use a freeze dried dog food like Dr. Marty's to replace pup's meal if you'd like)! Bring something your dog REALLY likes as they are likely to be distracted in the challenging space!
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Advanced MannersProgram details
For dogs older than 8 months who have had at LEAST one private lesson to evaluate or have previously completed a group class with KBDB or another approved training organization.
This class will introduce and practice all necessary test items for the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation. This is a 6 week class for challenging our dogs' manners skills such as sit, down, recall, wait, and leash walking, as well as practicing polite greetings and general skills we need in public. We will be using games and mock real life situations to challenge our dogs' skills in multiple ways! CGC Test at the end of class is optional but encouraged to try!
This class is Fear Free and positive reinforcement based, meaning no choke chains, no prong collars, no E-collars, no slip leashes. Please bring your dog on a comfortable collar or secure harness and a standard 6 foot leash. NO retractable leashes!
Bring 1-2 cups of pinky nail sized soft or chewy treats, nothing too crumbly! Bring something your dog REALLY likes as they are likely to be distracted in the challenging space. Skip dinner or only give a half portion if you think pup needs more motivation!
This class will meet at the KBDB Facility, 266 Bridge Street Unit 12 Groton CT 06340.
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Junior Puppy BProgram details
For puppies 4-8 months old!
This is a 6 week class designed for socialization and positive exposure, as well at introduction to basic manners skills such as sit, come, wait, leash walking, leave it etc. This class will fulfill AKC S. T. A. R. Puppy requirements if interested in the title!
Where appropriate, we will also introduce some play time between well-matched puppies and discuss what healthy play looks like, how to advocate for our dogs to keep our dogs enjoying play, and when and how to stop play that's getting out of hand.
This class is Fear Free and rewards-based, meaning no choke chains, no prong collars, no E-collars. Please bring your puppy on a comfortable collar or harness and a standard 6 foot leash. NO retractable leashes!
Bring at least 1 cup of pinky-nail sized soft treats (you can use a freeze dried dog food like Dr. Marty's to replace pup's breakfast if you'd like)! Food is a great motivator! Make sure to bring something your puppy REALLY likes!
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Junior Puppy CProgram details
For puppies up to 6months old at the start of class!
This is a 6 week class designed for socialization and positive exposure, as well at introduction to basic manners skills such as sit, come, wait, leash walking, leave it etc. This class will fulfill AKC S. T. A. R. Puppy requirements if interested in the title!
Where appropriate, we will also introduce some play time between well-matched puppies and discuss what healthy play looks like, how to advocate for our dogs to keep our dogs enjoying play, and when and how to stop play that's getting out of hand.
This class is Fear Free and rewards-based, meaning no choke chains, no prong collars, no E-collars. Please bring your puppy on a comfortable collar or harness and a standard 6 foot leash. NO retractable leashes!
Bring at least 1 cup of pinky-nail sized soft treats (you can use a freeze dried dog food like Dr. Marty's if you'd like)! Food is a great motivator! Make sure to bring something your puppy REALLY likes!
#groupclass · Listed price: [object Object]
Know Better Academy PackageProgram details
Package of four Know Better Academy visits.
*CURRENT APPROVED CLIENTS ONLY* · Listed price: [object Object]
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Business-stated qualifications
Qualifications stated by the business, not independently verified.
5/5It was a great experience for me and my puppy! Britt did an excellent job of paring up compatible older puppies for playtime! She took the time to assess each puppy to know their play style and comfort level with other puppies! She also passed on valuable information and advise t…Read full reviewClose full review
It was a great experience for me and my puppy! Britt did an excellent job of paring up compatible older puppies for playtime! She took the time to assess each puppy to know their play style and comfort level with other puppies! She also passed on valuable information and advise to the puppy parents (owners) to help with future interactions with other dogs! One of the best dog trainers in the area in my opinion! I would recommend her for all your puppy/dog problems or to just brush up on training skills for both you and your furry friend!
M
Megan Ellis
5/5Brittni is a fantastic dog (and perhaps more importantly, human) trainer! I really appreciate how she breaks down every behavior and comes up with creative games to build towards what the owner is looking for. She also helps break down the science of dog behavior and operant cond…Read full reviewClose full review
Brittni is a fantastic dog (and perhaps more importantly, human) trainer! I really appreciate how she breaks down every behavior and comes up with creative games to build towards what the owner is looking for. She also helps break down the science of dog behavior and operant conditioning, which helps me as a handler reframe my expectations and better understand my dogs’s needs.
I love that she holds group classes, as the exposure to other people and dogs is a skill in and of itself, and I can learn a lot from watching classmates too.
Whether you have a new puppy or a want to work on your dog’s behavior, or even just try something new, I recommend KDBD!
H
Harris & Associates
5/5We can't recommend Brittni highly enough! Before working with her, Mocha had very poor recall, especially around water, and once she was swimming, she simply wouldn't come when called. Walks were equally challenging; it felt more like our Rottweiler was walking us.
What truly se…Read full reviewClose full review
We can't recommend Brittni highly enough! Before working with her, Mocha had very poor recall, especially around water, and once she was swimming, she simply wouldn't come when called. Walks were equally challenging; it felt more like our Rottweiler was walking us.
What truly sets Brittni apart is her ability to train not only the dog but also the owners. We had very little training experience, yet she patiently taught us how to communicate with Mocha in a way that was clear, practical, and easy to apply. The improvement in Mocha's recall, leash manners, and overall responsiveness has been incredible.
Brittni is incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to answer questions, no matter how big or small. She never makes you feel intimidated and genuinely wants both you and your dog to succeed. We are so grateful for everything she has done for Mocha and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional dog trainer.
J
John Skopek
5/5
Brittni is passionate about teaching the dogs to do better and the humans to know better. She helped me understand the dog language better.
L
LeAndra Douds
5/5
We loved working with Brittni! We attended private puppy sessions and the puppy group dates. With the private puppy sessions, we were really able to learn our dog's specific behaviors and what to do with a new puppy! The puppy group dates were AMAZING for socialization and taught us so much about our dog! Highly recommend Know Better Do Better!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.