We have had an amazing experience working with Jay and Heather Brittingham from K9 Solutions, LLC.
Molly was a rescue-pup who came into my life when she was 7 weeks old. I was hesitant to take on a “puppy” and concerned about being a good ‘parent’ with my husband deployed, a demanding day job requiring travel and my own military commitments with the Army National Guard. I knew the best course of action was training and providing Molly with love, structure and discipline to ensure we both could cope with the hustle and bustle of daily life and co-exist without stress in a calm environment.
I would not board Molly in a traditional kennel; she was best suited for in–home care during periods of routine travel with my job. After researching a number of boarding facilities and training centers, I knew that K9 Solutions, LLC was the right fit for Molly.
Molly started Private Training with K9 Solutions, LLC in our home. When I travel for work, she stays with one of the many skilled trainers from K9 Solutions. Molly was well trained during Continuing Education Classes; but, Molly had the most growth when she attended the 3-week Dog Training Camp with Jay and Heather Brittingham. The outstanding program enforces all basic manners in home and in public, teaches advanced skills like loose leash training, riding safely in the car and gentle/polite petting and de-escalating normal play behaviors that can get out of control. Molly has attended numerous field trips with Jay as well. This type of training is very important for Molly’s growth since it helps her develop resilience to transition into different environments with various unknown stressors.
Choosing Jay and Heather Brittingham for this portion of Molly’s training was not a random assignment. Molly had a training plan; these progressions included completing the 3 week training program, testing for and earning her American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and completing the Pet Therapy (PT) Course and passing the 3-day exam to earn her Pet Therapy Certification; the AKC CGC test is administered by Jay, he also teaches the PT course. Molly successfully completed the 3-week training program under the tutelage of Jay and Heather and passed the CGC exam. She currently attends weekly Continuing Education Classes and school for Pet Therapy.
Once Molly obtains this certification our goal is to focus our efforts to work as a PTSD Emotional Support Therapy Dog and meet with Veterans who return from deployment needing a visit from a special friend to help brighten their day, give them hope and to assist in a successful transition to back to civilian-life. We plan to visit Military hospitals and meet with some of our American heroes and play a positive role in their recovery.
We are so grateful for the guidance and support we have received from the Training Team at K9 Solutions; they have quickly become a part of our family. They are people who we trust will take care of and mentor our beloved family member. With the help of K9 Solutions, Molly not only is calm and well-mannered in our household, but she is a beautiful well-mannered member of society who will touch the hearts of many.