FirstBarkGroot has learned so many good boy skills with week long board and train. He had extensive dog socializing while learning all the basics. The 6 extra sessions on Tuesday for training practice and play time are a great value and helping to maintain manners. This has been perfect for our mastiff puppy, we cant wait to keep coming here through his teenage years.
Mind of a K9
Ashland, Virginia
About Mind of a K9
Mind of a K9 is a professional dog training business in Ashland, VA, serving dog owners throughout the Richmond area. We help puppies, adult dogs, and families build better communication, stronger obedience, and calmer everyday behavior. Training options include puppy and obedience classes, private lessons, day training, and board-and-train programs for leash skills, behavior modification, and more structured training needs. With decades of hands-on experience and a practical foundation in dog psychology, Mind of a K9 helps owners better understand their dogs and achieve lasting real-world results.
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
Program details
Behavior modification training helps address challenges such as reactivity, fearfulness, impulse control, leash issues, guarding tendencies, and other behavior concerns. Training focuses on improving communication, building better habits, and helping dogs respond more calmly in everyday situations.
- Canine Good Citizen preparation
Program details
Training classes focused on the 10 essential skills established by the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. CGC training helps dogs practice polite behavior, basic obedience, and good manners around people, other dogs, and everyday situations.
- Obedience training
Program details
- Puppy training
Program details
Puppy training helps young dogs build a strong foundation for obedience, manners, socialization, and communication. Training can address common puppy challenges such as basic commands, leash skills, house manners, confidence building, and appropriate behavior around people and other dogs.
- Socialization
Program details
Behavior support
- Fear and confidence
Program details
- Reactivity training
Program details
How training happens
- Board and train
Program details
Board & Train is a structured program for dogs who need a solid training foundation. Dogs stay in our trainers’ homes, are integrated into daily home life, practice obedience and manners, receive socialization, and go on public outings to reinforce training in real-world settings.
- Day training
Program details
A structured training day that gives your dog time out of the house while working on basic commands, manners, and behavioral goals. Dogs spend the day with our trainers, receive hands-on training, and may also participate in supervised playtime and socialization when appropriate.
- Group classes
Program details
Weekly group dog training classes designed to teach basic commands and improve obedience around real-world distractions. Classes meet for one hour per week for six weeks and include Puppy, Beginner, and Intermediate levels.
- Private training
Program details
Personalized, hour-long dog training sessions in your home with one of our trainers. Private lessons are ideal for new puppies, adult dogs who need better manners, and owners who want 1-on-1 guidance. New clients are encouraged to start with at least one private lesson before using other services.
Dog age
- Adult dogs
Program details
- Puppies
Program details
Training approach
- E-collar training
Program details
E-collar training is offered as part of a structured private training or day training program. This service helps owners learn how to use e-collar communication appropriately as part of a broader training plan focused on obedience, consistency, and real-world reliability.
Other listed services
View 2 additional details
- Supervised Playgroups for Current Clients
Program details
Supervised playgroups give current client dogs an opportunity for appropriate play and socialization with other dogs. Trainers monitor the group to help ensure safe, appropriate interaction. Playgroups are only available for dogs who have completed at least one lesson with Mind of a K9.
- Dog training
Program details
Professional dog training in Ashland, VA for puppies, adult dogs, and owners who want better obedience, communication, and everyday behavior. Training options include private lessons, group classes, day training, and board-and-train programs.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Customer reviews
Google listing5
15 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- board and train 3
- dog care 3
- kind trainers 3
- behavior correction 2
- dog training 2
- leash pulling 2
All 7 topics
- team 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
We adopted a 2 year old dog and were really struggling with his behavior and lack of training. The introduction into our home and to our other dog was very challenging making us question our decision. We reached out to Kalli and she helped us immediately with her board and trai…Read full reviewClose full review
We adopted a 2 year old dog and were really struggling with his behavior and lack of training. The introduction into our home and to our other dog was very challenging making us question our decision. We reached out to Kalli and she helped us immediately with her board and train program. She kept our dog for 1 week and when he came home she gave us clear guidance on how to continue the training. He was so much better right away. We could not believe the difference. We were very impressed with Kalli’s knowledge. She made all the difference! Highly recommend! Thank you Kalli!
Mind of a K9 is your key partner to a well-trained and happy pet! We have worked with Kalli and team for years and have had only the best experience with boarding (many times) and training. We don’t trust anyone with our pets but trust them implicitly! They worked with us whe…Read full reviewClose full review
Mind of a K9 is your key partner to a well-trained and happy pet! We have worked with Kalli and team for years and have had only the best experience with boarding (many times) and training. We don’t trust anyone with our pets but trust them implicitly! They worked with us when we integrated a new pup with our aging dog. Our pup is now 6 and had presented with sporadic and unpredictable resource guarding issues since he joined our family during Covid lockdown. Kalli tailored solutions to our needs and we now have a very well behaved pup in almost every scenario. She trained us well which is the key. They are professionals who love what they do and they excel at it! Highly recommend! Cindy C
Kalli is awesome we rescued a stray from the Bahamas Theodore a few months ago that came with a lot of issues from food guarding to fighting with our other dog, pulling etc. We did the board and train also currently in group classes. It literally is like we have a new dog. You ha…Read full reviewClose full review
Kalli is awesome we rescued a stray from the Bahamas Theodore a few months ago that came with a lot of issues from food guarding to fighting with our other dog, pulling etc. We did the board and train also currently in group classes. It literally is like we have a new dog. You have to put in work at home as well but Kalli will guide you and give you home work towards creating a well mannered fur baby! Her facility is clean and welcoming for all. We highly recommend Mind of a K9 Thank you Kalli❤️!
This team is amazing! Our giant puppy, Tokio, went through beginners, beyond beginners and e-collar training. She learned a lot and really improved our dynamics at home. We also learned a lot about our pup behavior as this team is highly educated on dog behavior and training. Mo…Read full reviewClose full review
This team is amazing! Our giant puppy, Tokio, went through beginners, beyond beginners and e-collar training. She learned a lot and really improved our dynamics at home. We also learned a lot about our pup behavior as this team is highly educated on dog behavior and training. More impressive was to see other dogs in class, small and giant breeds, super hyper or shy, gain confidence and control during the training! Highly recommended!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.