Custom K9 Dog Training

Custom K9 Dog Training is a veteran-owned business in Bourbonnais, IL, led by U.S. Navy veteran Mark Harwood with 25 years of experience. They provide in-home and on-site dog training for family dogs, behavior cases, and working K9s. The company serves Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Bradley, and Manteno, focusing on real-world behavior changes within the client's actual home environment.

Training packages start at $600 for a 5-session package, which includes one-hour in-home or on-site sessions. Behavior modification and advanced working K9 programs are quoted after an initial evaluation rather than having a fixed upfront price. The pricing is driven by the specific behaviors involved, the dog's history, and the owner's ability to maintain structure between sessions.

The business specializes in four distinct programs: general in-home obedience, family dog manners, behavior modification for reactivity and aggression, and advanced working K9 or PSA sport training. They handle high-drive breeds like Malinois and Shepherds, offering a unique blend of family patience and working-dog precision. Each program is customized to the individual dog's temperament, drive, and specific job requirements.

Clients can book training directly through the website or by calling/texting the business phone at (815) 549-6428. The process involves an initial evaluation to recommend the right plan, followed by structured in-home or on-site sessions. Owner Mark Harwood encourages direct contact for quicker responses rather than relying on email forms.

The business operates in Bourbonnais, IL, and across Kankakee County, including Bradley and Manteno. They deliver training in the client's home or on-site where the problematic behaviors actually occur, such as at the front door or in the neighborhood. This location strategy ensures the training is relevant to the dog's daily life and environment.

Owner Mark Harwood brings 25 years of experience and a U.S. Navy veteran background to the training methodology. The team focuses on building calm, reliable family companions or high-performance working dogs through clear communication and owner handling. They emphasize that a good family dog is built, not born, through consistent in-home practice.

The business targets family dogs needing manners, behavior cases requiring safety-first plans, and working K9s for protection or PSA sports. They explicitly state they do not offer group classes, preferring one-on-one attention tailored to the dog's specific needs. This approach suits owners who want precision training in their own environment without shortcuts.

The training process begins with an evaluation to assess the dog's temperament, drive, and specific issues. It then moves to structured in-home sessions that teach obedience, manners, and owner handling in the real world. The goal is to build reliability under distraction and control, ensuring the dog can handle real-life situations like squirrels or kids at the park.

The business states that off-leash training is earned through reliable recall and obedience under distraction, not just wished for. They also offer a pricing FAQ on their website that outlines the 2026 rates and explains how owner consistency affects the overall cost. These resources help visitors understand the value and structure of the training before committing.

The business emphasizes that they train both family dogs and working K9s, a combination they claim is rare among trainers. They handle high-drive breeds daily and focus on channeling drive with purpose rather than just control. This dual expertise allows them to apply working-dog structure to family pets and family patience to working dogs.

The business operates without group classes, focusing entirely on in-home and on-site sessions. They teach the whole household how to handle the dog, including kids, to ensure consistency outside of training hours. This holistic approach aims to replace chaos with calm in the dog's actual daily life.

The business provides a detailed pricing guide on their website that breaks down costs for starter packages versus custom evaluations. They also offer a contact form and direct phone/text options for inquiries. Visitors can find specific program details and pricing FAQs directly on their site to make informed decisions.

The business serves the Kankakee County area, including specific towns like Bourbonnais, Bradley, and Manteno. They tailor their training to the local environment, addressing issues like door manners and neighborhood leash pulling. Their localized focus ensures the training is practical for the specific streets and homes of the clients.

You can reach Custom K9 Dog Training by phone at 8155496428.

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