Changing lives, one neutral dog at a time. Amani K9 are changing lives. Honestly, our Nyx (120# Cane Corso) had become a liability. We love her to pieces, but our sole focus was trying to manage her environment. Some of our "management" techniques included: cardboard blocking the slider so she wouldn't see and yell at the neighbors, or the squirrels; a heavy rope martingale harness to walk her to the car; blacked out the back windows of our car so she couldn't see out and yell at every pedestrian (and scratch at the windows); we could not walk her; she had to be completely sedated to be seen by a vet; we could only board her at a kennel an hour and a half away; she could not be introduced to visitors. Our goal was to keep everyone safe, but when we ended up at the E-vet with our Corgi (Lexi) we realized we were not up to the task and looked for help. Every interaction with Amani K9 has been professional, empathetic, direct and effective. From our first contact we felt supported and understood. We didn't know what to expect, but they were clear about what services they could provide and how to proceed. Our evaluation with Marianna and Synclair was so informative, it's clear they know and love what they do and want to help. We left that meeting feeling more hopeful about Nyx than we had been in years. We enrolled in the 8 week board and train, and not everyone in our household was completely on board. (8 weeks is too long, why can't we visit, when can we see her, when can we love on her) We were in it for the long haul though, and Marianna even volunteered to be the bad guy, because we were NOT managing Nyx, we were just delaying a potential catastrophe. The next lapse might be worse than just an E-vet visit and some stitches. Those 8 weeks flew by, and while we had 6 "sessions" to teach us how to communicate effectively with Nyx, it's a steep learning curve. Imagine learning a new language while also learning to tango and having to match words with movement AND remain grounded and neutral. It's a real strain on the brain, and we had some baggage we were carrying around. (How am I supposed to keep #105 (now) of determined muscle from going wherever she wants to go with this teeny tiny ribbon of a leash?) Marianna and Synclair are ultimate "hype girls" though, able to give constructive feedback while still pointing out all the right things that you're doing. At the end of those 8 weeks, Marianna brought Nyx home, walked me through all the important new processes we were going to incorporate, and then said the most helpful thing ever: "I'm not just walking out the door and you'll never see or hear from me again, I'm just an email away." After Nyxy's first day home, our local sceptic realized how relaxed and calm Nyx was, sleeping on her cot. It was inconceivable to him, based on the Nyx of before times, that she could be anything but miserable if she was held hostage in her "place". After Nyxy's second day, he asked when we would be getting a "place" cot for Lexi. It's work, it's constant and forever work, but the Nyx we have now is so much calmer and at peace than we ever could have imagined. In our attempt to "manage" Nyxy's environment, we had shrunk her world so much, it's a joy and relief to be able to expand Nyx's world for a change. Amani K9 changed our lives, and we will be forever grateful. read more

Amani K9 - Happy Nyx. - Pet Training Near Me

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Amani K-9 are legitimate trainers. We entered our 15 month old dogo argentino in the 8-week training program due to him previously being a adopted from the humane society and struggling with issues of anxiety, recall, tantrums, and self-regulations. After just four weeks when we went to parent train his temperament was so much different and he was able to work through his anxiety when it came to seeing other dogs, and outside distractions, follow commands consistently, and walk on a leash properly alongside us without pulling or just walking aimlessly. It has created a whole new level of respect in our relationship with our pup where he trusts us Amani K-9 are truly legitimate trainers. We enrolled our 15-month-old Dogo Argentino in their 8-week training program after adopting him from the Humane Society. He had been struggling with anxiety, recall, tantrums, and self-regulation. After just four weeks, during our parent training session, we noticed a remarkable difference in his temperament. He was able to manage his anxiety around other dogs and outside distractions, follow commands consistently, and walk calmly on a leash beside us--no more pulling or wandering aimlessly. This program has completely transformed our relationship with our pup. He now trusts us more deeply because not only did he learn how to regulate himself, but we also learned how to help him do so. He stays in place on his mat without following us around or begging for food--it's like having a completely different dog! We're so glad we chose Amani K-9. We feel more confident and connected in our relationship with our dog because we better understand him, and he knows exactly what we expect of him. read more

Amani K9 - Our dogo sitting calmly in place after a walk in the rain. (He never did this before training). - Pet Training Near Me

We are grateful for the patience, expertise, and care that Niquolette showed our 4-year old lab. She helped him work through his leash reactivity and anxiety, and also taught us. The dog we walk now is well behaved and emotionally regulated (no more whining, barking, or pulling on the leash when he sees another dog!!). We tried other trainers before Amani K9 and some progress would be made only for our dog to regress. We love that now he's home, we can still contact her for advice and feedback. It was the best decision we made. Thank you Niquolette and Amani K9! read more

Amani K9 - "Place" - Pet Training Near Me

I just got my boy Jake back from Amani K9. He is a different dog than 4 short weeks ago. Jake is a very anxious white German shepherd. We also have another WGSD at home as well. We got him as a puppy and shortly after my husband got really sick and training and socialization went by the wayside. Our older female and Jake became codependent on each other. That sometimes happens when you're dealing with life and death. Jake listened to my husband better than he listens to me. My husband passed away last February and Jake seemed to get even worse. He started barking, snarling, and growling at people and other dogs. He was awful on a leash, I couldn't take him anywhere. He was very misunderstood as he is just a very anxious dog but I was very afraid someone would push him to the edge or someone would hurt him because they are scared. He is also a flight risk dog and a master escape artist. I promised my husband I would keep the dogs together before he passed away but it was starting to look like that was not going to be a promise I could keep. He really is a sweet dog but really only we knew that. That's when I went searching for a trainer. A lot of trainers do not offer board and train and I knew that would be the only thing that could save my relationship with Jake. I had looked for trainers before then my mother in law actually found Amani K9. I had never heard of them before but I read through customer testimonials and a few of them hit me right in the gut. Yes! This is what we need! It took some time to get from our initial session to Jake's actual board and train but he was a 4 week case so it's understandable and so worth the wait. I was nervous to let my little buddy go for an entire month but I did get to train with him 3 times before he came home. The come home session is probably the most important of them all. Consistency is the most important thing in maintaining this new found communication and relationship. Marianna and Niquolette are amazing. Clear communicators, patient and kind. I feel like I have a family in Amani K9. They saved my relationship with Jake and are helping me form an even stronger one with my other dog. It is clear they do this because they are passionate about dogs but they are also passionate about people. They want you to succeed. They want to help. They understand set backs and are always positive and give gentle yet clear guidance and reminders. This whole experience was a roller coaster of emotions. Especially when I was able to take Jake out around strangers and have him be a perfect dog. I cried out of joy. I never thought in a million years he could do that. Jake will always be an anxious boy but now he knows to look to me for guidance. This was definitely just as educational for me as it was for Jake. They help you implement the tools you need to have a beautiful relationship with your dog. I put all my trust into Marianna and the crew. Best thing I ever did for my family. Thank you! read more

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The best decision we've made for our family was to send our dog, Louise, to Amani K9 for behavioral boot camp. Louise is a purebred Australian Cattle Dog. From the initial email contact, Marianna and her team were professional, knowledgeable and reassuring. Louise went for the 9-week behavior rehab program and while she was staying there, we met with them in a public place (a park, Home Depot, etc...) 1-2x a week to work on whatever she was learning. This helped us learn at a similar pace and helped us feel prepared to welcome her back home. We learned how to use tools properly and safely (like an e-collar) and how to communicate with our dog in a language we could both understand. In the year that Louise has been home, Amani-K9 has continued to provide support in their boarding options, shadow training sessions, and answering questions via email. We are forever grateful for the skills Marianna has taught Louise and us and would 1000% recommend. read more

Amani K9 - The training team snapped this gorgeous shot on one of their hikes! - Pet Training Near Me

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The entire experience of needing a trainer can be stressful. Your pup is not acting how you expect it to act causing stress and anxiety in the home. Once we met with Amani K9, we immediately felt a sense of peace and clam run over us knowing we had found the right trainers not only for our dogs but for us too. Before reaching out to Amani K9, we had two French Bulldogs who had issues of reactivity leading to in home fighting, poor recall and general obedience needs. We knew we needed to not just find any trainer but the right trainer who understood our issues and could put our concerns to rest. Immediately meeting the trainers at Amani K9, Marianna and Niquolette, we knew they were the ones who were going to help retrain our dogs to reset their poor habits and build the right habits for long term success. We took our dogs to an introductory session so they could analyze the behaviors our dogs displayed and they were quick to give us an analysis of what they saw. Their analysis read our minds and they immediately put us at peace expressing the confidence that they could help us. Following the introduction meeting, we signed up for the 8 week board and train program. While it was hard to be away from our dogs for so long, they, unlike any other training program in the area, set up required training sessions with the owners to not only show the progression of the dogs but also to train the owners on what they need to learn to be successful when the dogs come home. This allowed for us to feel comfortable with responsibilities before we brought our dogs home for good. The entire experience was incredibly positive and we would recommend Amani K9 to anyone searching for the right trainers. We did our research, learned about other programs and, like many of the other reviews you will read about Amani, they are by far the most experienced, prepared and knowledgeable when it comes to understand your dog and teaching the human. When we are away for vacations, we only trust Amani K9 to board and watch over our pups. read more

I adopted Samwise during quarantine, not long after that he started reacting to other dogs. I contacted the rescue and they gave me Amani's number. I didn't listen the first time they recommended a board and train because I thought I could do it myself with their help of day school. Sadly I was very wrong. Eventually Sam bit me and also attacked another dog after he slipped his leash. One 2,000 dollar vet bill later, I finally was ready to give Sam to them for a 4 week behavior board and train. While Sam was gone I read the recommended book and got ready to commit myself to the process when Sam got home. While Sam was gone I got to follow his progress with online updates and in person training sessions to learn how to work with Sam and his new commands. Now Sam has built trust that I won't let other dogs attack him and he's less reactive to other dogs. Adding structure into his life has helped him so much, and it's helped me too. I can't thank the team at Amani K9 enough for their help and continued guidance. They truly changed Sam's life for the better. Now Sam gets to roam freely, hike, and play while I have peace of mind. read more

We are so grateful for Amani! Since adopting our rescue, Teddy, he has struggled with severe separation anxiety and prey drive. We weren't able to leave him alone for longer than 20 minutes without him becoming panicked and destructive. After he got to the point of self injury and his escapes became increasingly expensive we knew we needed a more sustainable solution. From the very first assessment Niquolette walked us through ways we could better communicate with our dog. She was able to explain the rationale behind each method they employ and was realistic with what we could expect and the work we would need to put in to help Ted succeed. We learned how to be consistent at home with all he had learned while in training and had hours and hours of support from Niquolette. Our dog is more confident, he has impulse control, he fits in to our life now that we can leave him alone safely, we know how to advocate for him, we know how to keep working with him and he brings so much more joy to our lives than ever before. We are astounded by his progress daily. We wish we had found Amani sooner, they are incredible at what they do! read more

Amani K9 - Pet Training Near Me

Benson, my 2-year-old GSD went to Amani K9 due to having reactivity in public, as well as for a lack of basic obedience. He was with the trainers for 4 weeks where I received many updates on how he was doing. I especially loved the fact that Amani K9 took time to answer any and all questions that I had. Near the end of Benson's board/train program, they made sure that I understood how to use the tools that I had to ensure the success of both Benson and me. It has been roughly a little over a week since I have had Benson back and the change is insane. I am able to have Benson be in a room of people without needing to worry he is going to bark his head off. I actually have a bond with my dog now that he has a calmer state of mind. While he may still try to test me, I shall stay consistent as I was taught to with his training and I know we will achieve many great things together. So if you are considering finding a trainer for your dog, look no further, Amani K9 has your back. Thank you so much to all the trainers involved Love, Synclair, and Benson read more

Amani K9 - Pet Training Near Me

My 5 year old mixed black lab, Jake, just returned home from his 3 week Board and Train session at Amani-K9, and I have to say we are thrilled with the results and the entire experience. Jake had been a starving street pup in Puerto Rico when he was taken in by a local rescue and sent to a rescue organization in Virginia. At the adoption event where I found him, he was so fearful of everything that the volunteer was outside the PetSmart with him on the sidewalk. He was too afraid to go into the store. He was terrified of stairs, automatic doors, elevators, going from carpet to tile floors, and he was awful on the leash. Over time and with more socialization, he overcame a lot of his fears, but he still was afraid of anything new and walking him on a leash, especially around other dogs, was miserable, so I had pretty much given up. My sister had found Marianna after she adopted her dog, Odie, who we soon discovered was unpredictable, reactive, and had bitten us three times. Amani-K9 was his last chance. After his 4 week Board and Train at Amani-K9, Odie returned home confident, at ease, respectful of the rules, and an affectionate and sweet boy. So when Marianna met my Jake and told me that what he needed most was a structured environment and consistency to build his self-confidence, I knew he would flourish with her training. And he has! He's a pleasure to walk now, calmly staying at my side, ignoring other dogs and skateboarding kids. It's a pleasure to walk him now. There's no more chaos in the house when someone rings the doorbell because both Jake and Odie stay in place. Jake's been home for less than a week and has tested me a few times, but with Marianna's patience, knowledge, and guidance, I've been able to provide structure and consistency, and we've both become more self-confident. My experience with Marianna, Nicolette, Nick and Amani-K9 is one of the best investments I've ever made, and I would recommend them without hesitation. Martha Shapiro read more