The training for Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage takes place at our facility in Randolph, New Jersey. Here, our dedicated team of experts work tirelessly to prepare each dog to meet the unique needs of domestic violence survivors. With specialized areas for obedience training, protection work, and behavioral development, the facility provides a safe, controlled environment where our dogs can thrive. To receive a dog, survivors are required to engage in our thoughtfully designed training program, ensuring they are fully prepared to build a confident and effective partnership with their canine companion.

 

Kelly’s K9s Master Trainer is a Cornell trained animal behaviorist, working alongside a team of trainers, and with decades of knowledge in Schutzhund – an assessment of intelligence, trainability, and work ethic in German Shepherds.

​

Our Training Academy offers structured obedience and protection training through the first two years of the dog’s life, beginning with socialization, manners, house rules, and fundamental obedience commands. Complex and off leash obedience training is incorporated as puppies grow and develop, as well as training on protecting the survivor in varied environments and situations.

​

The phases of training progressively incorporate the survivor as an essential part of the work. Eight weeks of on-site, twice weekly training is the first step of assessing the fit of the dog with the survivor, and the potential for the survivor to take ownership of the dog upon successful completion of this first phase. The second phase requires twice-monthly on-site training for the first year, followed by monthly on-site training in year two. While these are the most intensive parts of the training program, training never ends. It continues throughout the dog’s life with twice-annual on-site training and recertifications. This ongoing process supports continued learning and sustained skills in effective communication, handling, and commands.

​

Learn more about Our Dogs >

​

See our training video on Youtube >

​

Learn more about our training partner, Metro K9 Academy >