Welcome to K9 Behavior College, where dog development is a way of life. We are located in beautiful Atascadero CA, and have over 2o years experience helping dogs and their owners. We offer intensive Dog Rehabilitation and Dog Training programs for severe behavioral issues, and Fundamental Dog Training programs for building a solid foundation, such as with a new puppy or rescue dog. K9BC has a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 star rating on Google and a proven track record of success with challenging issues ranging from severe anxiety to aggression.
It's not just dog training, it's a lifestyle
Our training philosophy centers around honoring dogs for who they are. We focus on how your dog is thinking and feeling before beginning training, because we understand that the mental state of the dog ultimately determines their behavior. Many dogs can be well trained but still have anxiety, obsession, insecurity and other psychological issues that lead to unstable behaviors. We believe that our relationship with them affects whether or not they will look to us for direction, or respect our rules and boundaries. Our intention is never to simply "suppress behavior" but instead to form a stronger connection with our dogs. The ultimate goal is a calm, happy, balanced state-of-mind, and a mutually trusting and respectful relationship. Our programs and services cover the following:
- "Lisa did what two other trainers were unable to do within 5 minutes of coming to my house to evaluate my GSD, got her on leash. My poor rescue who we found dumped in the desert was stuck deep inside a shell and even after 18 months living with us we could not get her to move forward we could not leash her therefore she was stuck inside the house or in backyard, she was scared scared scared and froze every time we tried something new. Lisa got her unstuck and brought out the great dog I knew was in
David Quinn, - "Lisa is the absolute best! She took my rowdy, naughty, Great Dane puppy and turned her into the most perfect, balanced, and respectful creature ever. Not only is Lisa a miracle worker, but she has also become one of my favorite people. You will love having her in your home and be amazed at how she makes your dog into the very best dog it was created to be."
Serena Hair, - "I am truly so grateful for Lisa’s expertise, kindness and patience with helping to train my dog Henry. Before Henry went to training, I was so stressed out by Henry’s barking, pulling on the leash, stealing food and territorial behavior. Lisa took the time to train me in how to implement the structure that would lead to Henry’s success. Henry is doing so great after the training, and everyone who knew us before has been blown away by Henry’s progress."
Stacy Stern, - "Brutus is now able to go around other dogs, our child, family members, and friends. We have even been able to take him camping. We were so nervous and stressed but K9BC encouraged us and reminded us of everything they have taught us. Brutus did so well. I remember Michael and I both had tears of joy because we all survived and Brutus did better than we ever expected. We still have a ways to go with training and will always continue to work with K9BC as they have been a huge lifesaver to our family."
Kelly Lightfoot,
K9BC's Owner Lisa Porter has over 20 years professional dog training experience. She began working with Cesar Millan and the Training Cesar's Way team in 2014 as a Fundamental's Workshop trainer, and as a behaviorist and consulting producer on his Nat Geo TV show "Better Human Better Dog". Lisa founded K9 Behavior College in 2016, where she applies the experience gained through her work with Cesar to help and guide dog owners, and improve dog and owner relationships.
Lisa is also the co-founder of the Pawsitive Change Prison Program, a transformative 14-week initiative that pairs high-risk shelter dogs with incarcerated individuals in California state prisons to foster mutual rehabilitation. Along with Zach Skow, she created this program to reduce recidivism by equipping participants with professional vocational skills while saving at risk dogs from euthanasia. She established and lead dog training programs in 5 different CA mens prisons, and at the Bakersfield Juvenile Detention Center. Lisa served as the programs Head Trainer for 8 years, before moving to CA's central coast. She now works as a program mentor and consultant.
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Service Areas
K9 Behavior College is located in Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County and currently services all of CA. We offer in-home dog training all thru out the Central Coast, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Santa Maria, Templeton, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas. Travel fees may apply for training programs outside our local service area.