Service Dog Training

Service Dog Training in Palos Verdes, California

Honest, real-world training for working service dogs

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Palos Verdes K9

trained right.
trusted for life.

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A real service dog starts with real training

Here is the truth most websites will not tell you: there is no official certification that makes a dog a service dog. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service dog is simply a dog that has been individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability.

The online registries selling certificates and vests do not make a dog legitimate.

What makes a service dog legitimate is real training and real accountability. We train your dog to actually perform the work you need, and we guide you through the pieces that hold up in the real world.

The four pieces of a legitimate service dog

When you travel, get questioned at an airport, or need your dog with you in public, these four things are what stand up.

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1. A dog trained to do the work

The dog has to actually perform a task that assists you. This is the heart of our training, built around your specific needs.

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2. Your doctor's recommendation

Documentation from your physician that you benefit from a service dog. You obtain this from your doctor.

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3. AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate

Proof of solid public manners from an AKC-Approved Evaluator. Mike now gives this test in house.

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4. Advanced Dog Handler certificate

When your dog finishes our program, Palos Verdes K9 issues its own advanced handler certificate documenting the training completed.

Together, these put you as close to a recognized, legitimate service dog as the law allows. Ask us about the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation we now offer in house.

What our service dog training covers

Temperament and suitability evaluation

An honest look at whether your dog is a strong candidate.

Foundation obedience and impulse control

The reliable base every working dog is built on.

Public access manners

Calm, focused, unobtrusive behavior in stores, restaurants, and crowds.

Task-specific training

Skills trained to your needs, from retrieval to bracing to alerting.

Distraction-proofing

Reliability around noise, people, and other dogs, not just at home.

Handler coaching

We train you too, so the partnership holds up for the long run.

Straight answers, no shortcuts

Some people need a service dog for a genuine disability. Others simply want a well-trained dog they can take more places. Either way, we give you an honest evaluation, tell you what is realistic, and build a plan to get there. We will never sell you a fake certificate or promise something the law does not support.

Service Dog Training Pricing

Every service dog program is built around the handler and the specific tasks involved, so pricing is customized after an initial evaluation. Contact us to schedule that evaluation and get a personalized quote.

Request an Evaluation

5-Star pet owner experiences

    
 
 
         
   Jackson Brunner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We would gove this 100 stars if we could. From beginning to end our experience was nothing but incredible. We have finally found someone who is not only incredible at what they do, but cares just as much as we do about our pup. We were kept up to date every step of Henry’s boarding journey which put our mind at ease. They went above and beyond. We will definitely be sending our pup back whenever we need boarding.
  
 
        
   Joyce Rista 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My golden retriever puppy stayed with Mike for his in home boarding. The entire process was so easy and seamless. We went on vacation for an extended period of time and wanted her to feel like she was part of a family, which Mike and his family definitely did! He kept us updated daily with photos and progress, and she came back a different dog. Before we boarded her she was pulling and reactive to every dog that walked by, because she wanted to play. When we picked her up and took her home, she was walking on a loose leash and attentive during our entire walk, so we know he spent so much time with her. During our training sessions he was very thorough and explained the why (even to our young kids) to everything he was teaching which helps an owner being successful in training when he’s not around. Our pup will definitely stay with Mike again, and we will use him for future training sessions as we progress with our young pup! Thanks again Mike!
  
 
        
   Vanessa Lanza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have found the best of the best, and for that we are entirely grateful! Mike’s training style is exceptional and easy to integrate into daily life. He is an expert trainer for working breeds, which is why we’ve had such great success with our cattle-staffy mix and pit mix rescues. Mike will curate a custom strategy that fits your household dynamic and goals. He has a way of breaking down the principals of each correction in a way that just clicks. Our pups simply adored their time working with him—as did we! We feel so secure knowing that Mike advocates for each and every dog he works with, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. He really shifted our perspective around reactivity and how to properly manage certain situations that previously felt stressful or overwhelming. Discovering Palos Verdes K9 has genuinely changed our lives!
  
 
        
   Richie Petruziello 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike has been working with our dog Sophie for about a year and we keep getting compliments on how well-behaved she is. SoFi is a Australian cattle and Staffordshire terrier mix. Mike has a subtle touch that dogs just love and he educates so well that he makes training dogs easy. Mike clearly explains every situation that your dog may get into very clearly and he uses practical interactions that are easy to follow. He truly has the magic touch, flexible with your schedule, and travels to you. I highly recommend using his service.
  
 
        
   Traci Critton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike is the best! Honey Boy is my wonderful but very energetic and strong golden retriever. As he hit adolescence he was getting difficult for me to walk. He started being reactive to other dogs and was constantly breaking free and chasing peacocks. Mike has given me so much confidence and I can now walk Honey Boy without being fearful. Mike is not only uber knowledgeable about dogs, he is easy going, kind and friendly. I look forward to our sessions. He listens to what you want help with and really focuses on your needs. I greatly value Mike and I am so thankful for his help! I cannot recommend him highly enough!
  
 
        
   G Gammell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike helped me control, walk and enjoy my two shepherd mix dogs.  They did not like other dogs, or people walking dogs.  They are now ok with experiencing dogs at the park, and around the neighborhood.  I am so happy Mike helped them and me.
  
 
        
   Dan Lau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Mike he helped our family get the best dog ever!! We couldn’t imagine our house without Zokko, the biggest and most handsome German Shepard you have ever seen. Mike is a master trainer and can help find a dog that suits your family needs. He helped us find Zokko from a breeder in Germany. Once Zokko came here, Mike kept him for several months fine tuning all the training and protection work. Once Zokko was ready to integrate into our home with our 2 elementary aged daughters, Mike gave us our dog. He continued to come over weekly to train Zokko and help with the protection work and commands. Our Zokko is ready to keep us safe and will surely deter any potential intruder. And on the flip side he gets lots of hugs from our daughter’s friends, and enjoys every moment. But most importantly he is our newest family member. We love him!!
Thank you Mike for everything!! Oh and to top it off, his wife is a fabulous Veterinarian down the road. VIP treatment all the way!!!
  
 
        
   Ommid Ferdows 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing results with Mike—professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Easy, effective training and a genuinely great guy. Highly recommend!
  
 
        
   Me 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went through two other trainers with my rescue dog before PVK9; wish I would've contacted Mike first!! I would have saved THOUSANDS!
I hesitated at first, assuming anyone training "working breeds" would have a militant approach. WRONG! He's got a "southbay surfer vibes" approach, yet all the knowledge and experience for elite working class dogs. Plus, he is humble in his confidence! Doesn't overpromise. Isn't fixated on a "system" he created; but rather pulls out the tools for the dog that's in front of him. He works with you; in the environments you live in! AND, my dog LOVES him! Mike makes corrections fun! A little more than halfway through our program and we've made progress I am proud of and that others can recognize.
If you want truly specialized dog training with results, this is your guy!
  
 
        
   Restaurant Rescue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ok, Zilla is a LOT of dog.  I raised him from a puppy and he’s even a bit of a handful for me some times.  But ‘Magic Mike’ is able to handle him like he’s a 10lb puppy.  PVK9 is the only place I board my dog.  They pick him up, drop him off and take excellent care of him.  If you love your dog like I do, this is the only place you want your dog to stay while you’re away.  Worth every penny, A+, 5 Stars, Two thumbs up!