I know this topic has been beated to death, and I have looked back using the search but I was wondering of some of you out there can give me a little more insight to my questions.

First, I'm going to their trainer's school in a couple of months. I know some people on this board have had some not-so-good encounters with graduates of NK9. What are the reasons behind the negative recommendations to the school?

Second, I would love to attend either Tom Rose or Triple Crown but I can't take the time off of work to attend a school for a few months. I'm a full time police officer in a busy city just outside of Boston and it was hard enough getting the 3 weeks off to attend NK9. With that being said, does anyone know of any good trainers up in the eastern Massachusetts area that would accept an apprentice?

I'm basically looking into training more for a hobby and not so much as a full time business. Will I get some of the necessary experience from NK9 to start training in basic and advanced obedience?

Any help from you proven and successful trainers would be greatly appreciated!

I have sent you a pm. And for the rest don't go

I won't be shy about this - their training is a total waste of time and money.

I used to live in Ohio for many years, and I ran across *plenty* of their "graduates" - they, to a man, sucked badly.

Some of the members of my AKC OB clubs in Ohio attended their course and actually came back *worse*, I'm not kidding ( they did however now think that they were God's gift to dog training and that made for many unsafe and basically sad situations, over and over again )


Please, the Tom Rose School or Triple Crown are really the only truly professional dog training schools out their - bite the bullet if you must, but go to them only.

A good apprenticeship until a skilled handler would be another way to approach this, and by far a better choice than National K9.

I, so sadly but true, am a certified master traner from there and could not agree more with you Will!!! I wish I had some place like this web site back then. After admiting this I am watching to see my stars go away.

I visited NK9 a few years ago, I was looking at dog school since I intend on training sometimes in the future (as a job). Aside from the cost, I didnt make a move because I honestly feel like dog training is a feild where experience is far better and definitly more interesting than book learning.
But is it really that bad (NK9)? I still had some intention of going if only to pad my resume, since I already have my own way of training...

I'm curious --- do you (Daniel and Mary) go to seminars?

I dont, though hang it all, I would if I could...

I am about to go to TRS. Soon as the loan goes through... hopfuly this july I will be headed down there. I to looked at NK9 because they were in the same state as I am. Then I found Tom Rose school and I am not looking back. MY plan is to take is professional traniers course and stay for the masters. My dream is to open my own kennel.

I have yet to take any seminars, although I really plan on it this upcoming fall through winter. I work full time in law enforcement, and its pretty tough to get the time off to take a class never mind a weekend or week long seminar. My goal is to take in about 2-3 seminars a year though in the future

You know, I find it very interesting that you all bash N K9. Their philosophy on training is the same as Ed Frawley's so what is your problem??? There will always be both good and bad trainers, it does not matter what school they went to. Good training comes with experience, a open mind and an arsenal of training tools. Not all methods work on all dogs. Different personalities, different temperments, different training methods. So if you did not attend the school yourself you should keep your negative comments to yourself! This is the most close minded member dog forum I have ever been on. You people think your way is the only way. Open your eyes!