I love dogs because they are SO amazing!

Since 2018, I have helped over 700 families with their four-legged children. Dogs can progress in remarkable ways if we, as their humans, can figure out how to teach them. Is your dog fearful? I can help you with that. Is your dog reactive to other dogs or people? I can help you with that. Is your dog hyper and unmanagable? I can help you with that. Are you interested in having your dog earn the Canine Good Citizen certificate or work towards becoming a therapy dog? We can do that, too. Are you about to bring home a baby and/or have toddlers in the house? Let me make sure your dog is ready for all the changes. From teaching standard obedience cues to helping dogs with temperament issues, I want to help you train your dog so your dog can be a wonderful member of the family. Through positive training methods, I will help you connect to your furry companion.

I grew up on a farm in Western Kansas and have always loved dogs. After careers as a professional singer, voice teacher, and clergy, I decided it was time to train dogs and their humans. The catalyst for me to do this was when I was volunteering at the PAWS Animal Shelter in Pueblo, Colorado and saw the difference I could make in the life of a dog. I did my certification training through Animal Behavior College and am a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I am also a licensed educator for Family Paws, specializing in helping families train their dogs for new human arrivals through pre-school age https://www.familypaws.com/. Locally, I am a member of the Human Animal Bond and the Leavenworth County Humane Society. My fur babies are rescue dog Claire (Heeler/Aussie mix, age 10) and Blake from LCHS, Inc. (Herding mix, age 9). I lost my yellow lab, Angel, age 13 and Buddy, black lab mix, age 16 (see In Memory). We have added Sully to our family. He is a little over a year old and is a Chihuahua mix.

Buddy, Angel, and Claire

working on Training Cues

This is Sullivan “Sully”—named for the blue monster in Monsters Inc.

Working on the

stay and focus cues

Sadie Millison 1.jpg — This is the beautiful princess, Miss Sadie.

Private in-home sessions (one hour) are available for obedience cues, problem behaviors, and temperament issues. The owner can choose to be coached in training his or her own dog or the trainer will train the dog for the owner at the owner’s home. Packages of 3 or more sessions include discounts.

1 session: $75 Pay as you go: $75 each 2 sessions: $150 3 sessions for $210 4 sessions for $260 5 sessions for $310 6 sessions for $360 More available upon request

includes a phone consultation prior to the start of sessions.
sessions will be scheduled according to trainer and owner calendars.
mileage: if the trainer is traveling over 20 miles from her home address, mileage cost is $2 per mile above 20 miles each trip.

Call 913-702-7284 or submit email on contact page to register

**Here is private client, Rottweiler pup, Jaida. She’s a snuggler, just the way I like them!**

**And this handsome guy is Rambo after a hard day.**

**Puppy class! Atlas, Faith, Penny, Bentley, and Fox.**

All classes require a $30 non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. The deposit will not be returned or put towards another class if you need to cancel.

January 2025 Classes Puppy—ages 10 weeks through 5 months Puppy Classes cover basic obedience cues at an introductory level, puppy playtime and socialization, and the AKC STAR Puppy. Cost is $130 for the 6-week session.

Tues evenings: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, and 11 Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Tractor Supply Co., Lansing

Beginner (6 mths+) Please read policies on the following page pertaining to expectations for adult dogs. The Beginning class covers the standard obedience cues for good manners and self-control. The cost for the classes is $130 for the 6-week session.

Tues evenings: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, and 11 Time: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Location: Tractor Supply Co., Lansing

Sat. mornings: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, and 15 Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Khaki Hound, Leavenworth

If your dog is fearful or dog/people reactive, group classes are not for your dog. Private lessons are the best option.

CAll 913-702-7284 or submit email on contact page TO REGISTER

HAB visit to a local elementary school. Here’s Blake, working hard.

-Advanced Levels-

Intermediate Class: This class will take what the dogs and owners have learned at the beginning level and intensify the learning with added duration, distance and distractions. Other higher level cues will also be taught. Dogs should have completed a beginning level class prior to taking the intermediate class whether with Rhonda or elsewhere. The following cues should already be known at a beginning level: Focus, Touch, Sit, Release, Good Leash Walking, Wait with movement, Wait with food, Stay, Come, Down, and Leave It. Cost: $130 for 6-week session. Dates: Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, and 10 Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Location: Tractor Supply Co., Lansing

-American Kennel Club- AKC’s Trick Dog Novice is an introductory class for beginning tricks and agility. Dogs need to be dog-friendly as there will be times of being off-leash. Completion of a beginner level class is required. The dogs also need to be able to refrain from wanting to play with the other dogs. Cost is $130 for 6-week session. Dates: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, and 15 Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m. Location: First UMC, Leavenworth

Intermediate Class: Onyx, Sadie, Pepper, Luna, Luca, and Tate.

Policies

Private in-home Sessions

Payment for the entire lesson package is due by the first session with cash, check, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. Mileage, if applicable, will be added to the fee and payable at the first session. No refunds. You may reschedule sessions if needed with 24-hour notice unless it is an emergency. No shows will not be rescheduled. Owners need to show proof of current vaccinations.

Group Classes

A $30 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for group classes. The deposit will not be refunded or applied to another class if you cancel. The remainder of the payment is due by the first class of the session with cash, check, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. No refunds.

Puppies will need to have had at least 2 series of vaccinations of distemper/parvo before they can attend class and be 10 weeks to 5 months old at the start of class (check with your vet if you have questions). Rabies is not given until 4 months, so your puppy can be in puppy class without it. Bordetella (kennel cough) is also required. Bring a copy of the shot records for the trainer to keep to the first class.

Adult Dogs will need to be vaccinated for rabies, distemper/parvo, and Bordetella (kennel cough). E-mail or bring a copy of the shot records for the trainer to keep to the first class.

Expectations: adult dogs need to have experience around dogs other than their pack. They need to be comfortable around other dogs and people. If your dog barks and lunges towards dogs or people while on leash, you should plan on taking private lessons first in order to learn how to manage your dog in a group setting. If your dog has not been around other dogs or been in a store environment, an assessment may be needed before class starts.

Dog Aggression: Dogs who are offensively aggressive towards other dogs or humans will not be allowed in a class setting. Owners should plan to take private lessons.

Females in heat could be disruptive to the class. It would be a good idea to wait until she is out of season before participating in a class setting. Private lessons are highly recommended in lieu of a group class.

DOGS WITHOUT PROOF OF VACCINATIONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS.

78675600-seamless-pattern-from-realistic-pink-and-blue-pacifiers-baby-bottles-foot-.jpg

Babies and Toddlers and Dogs, Oh My!

Family Paws: Creating Dog Aware ™ Generations

Dogs & Storks ® Preparing families with dogs for life with baby

With this program, I will train you to equip your dog with the skills he or she needs to navigate having a new little human in the house. This training includes everything from getting the dog used to baby equipment to knowing where to stay when you are feeding the baby.

dogs & toddlers ® preparing families with dogs for life with toddlers

When babies become mobile, training for your dog needs to be adapted. We can work on ways to make sure your child cannot suddenly grab your dog to teaching your child how to safely interact with your dog.

**My husband, Dave, my new son, Taylor, me, and our dog, Holly in 1999.**

pricing

Virtual sessions are available as well as in-person.

1 one-hour consultation fee: $75 2 one-hour sessions for $150 3 one-hour sessions for $210 4 one-hour sessions for $260 5 one-hour sessions for $310 6 one-hour sessions for $360 7 one-hour sessions for $400 8 one-hour sessions for $440 Pay as you go: $75 for each one hour session

https://www.familypaws.com/

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Rhonda's Training Philosophy

Psalm 36:6 reads, "God cares for humans and animals alike." It is my mission to care for dogs of all shapes and sizes and their people. Dogs naturally love us and are wired to learn. What a great combination! As a parent myself, I find that good dog training is really more about the idea of good parenting. We need to teach our dogs with love and patience while giving appropriate consequences as needed. Through positive training methods using rewards to reinforce good behavior, I will help humans train their dogs to be well-behaved members of their families and a joy to be around.

My foster puppies from LCHS. What love!

Rhonda York

2523 South 23rd Street
Leavenworth, KS, 66048
United States

Contact Us

Hi! Thanks for your interest. Leave me your info, and I'll get back to you. You can also call me at 913-702-7284.

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**Final Beginner Class. Look at the smiles!**

Claire: our rescue dog on her first day at our home. — **Claire: our rescue dog on her first day at our home**.

**Family who took private sessions with their Lab/Bernese mix, Luna.**

**Week old foster puppy. My heart is full!**

**One of my foster pups right before she went to her forever home. I miss them!**

Blake+and+me+cuddling.jpg — Me and Blake. Dog therapy.

Rhonda, you were awesome. Thanks for teaching us the right way! Pete, Fall, 2024

We loved your training so very very much! Kathy, Summer, 2024

Thanks for your amazing help and support with our fur babies! We appreciate you. Lauren, Spring, 2024

Thank you for being so caring, patient, and helpful leading the puppy class. You've helped build a strong foundation for Maggie and me to work with. Cheryl, Winter, 2023

Thank you so much for coming and spending time helping us brainstorm ideas for Charlie. We have already tried a small short walk to the mailbox and back and see tiny improvements each time. We’re hopeful with these extra tools we can work towards progress. Thank you so much! Foxworth Family, Fall, 2023

Feel free to use your post of us as an example of what training can do when used with medications. I honestly didn't have much hope of being able to keep both dogs when we reached out to you, and look at them now! They're actually developing a friendship which is beyond my hopes! Smith Family, Spring, 2023

Thanks for everything, Rhonda. You've given us so much help and I'm sure that as we continue to work with her, she will improve. I especially can say that I feel more confident and empowered when I'm with Sunny. Many, many thanks!! Solger Family, Winter, 2022

Thank you for being a part of Luna’s training and thank you for being so special to us! We appreciate everything you did. Perez Family, Summer, 2022

Thank you Rhonda! Your patience and knowledge is incredible. We learned a lot from you and plan to take more classes. Weier Family, Summer 2022

Our family had the pleasure of working with Rhonda when she helped us with some basic, but much needed, training skills with our recently adopted two-year-old Golden Retriever. Rhonda was helpful, knowledgeable and very flexible with our schedules. We would not hesitate recommending Rhonda to anyone needing training for their dog. Perry Family, Spring 2022

I thank you for your dedication for the dog training that you showed my babies. I was so surprised that the infamous stubborn Great Pyrenees can learn some tricks. I can handle Marie to walk with her. Your training helped Marie and me tremendously. Derigne Family, Fall 2021

Rhonda has been fantastic with helping me get my dog, Lilly ready to be a therapy dog. She takes her time when explaining things, cares about the dogs and also cares about her clients. I will continue to take my girl to her as long as we can. Burnett Family, Spring 2021

The dog training was the best thing I did for Molly and our family. We are continuing with training from the class. The warmer weather is allowing us to go walking on the leash more. Molly is doing well. Her anxiety in the car is less. She continues to do better with other people. Thanks for all your help. Wingo Family, Spring 2021

We are so grateful to have been paired up with Rhonda! If you are looking for training for your dog…we can’t recommend her enough! We still have practice and learning to do with Tucker but he is doing SO much better from when we started!! Baker Family, Winter, 2021

Thank you so much for all your help and fantastic tips. We will keep on working to be good dogs. Bremser Family, Fall, 2020

Rhonda came highly recommended and it is easy to see why! Her methods of instruction are simple yet effective. Whether in a group setting or private class, I really appreciated her ability to help me connect and grow with my puppy. I would highly recommend her training to anyone that wants to begin training for the first time or even continue obedience training. Johnson Family, Summer, 2020

Thank you Rhonda for all of your help with us! We’ve learned a lot in the short time with you. You definitely have a special gift! We appreciate you! May God continue to bless you. Wagstaff Family, Spring, 2020

Rhonda, just want to thank you again for helping me understand dogs better and how to make his and our lives a bit smoother. Aitchison Family, Spring, 2020

Rhonda is not only an amazing dog trainer, she is an all-around spectacular person! We attended her puppy classes. Our dog is deaf and she read up on helpful tips for us! She also came and assisted us with a very big problem behavior we were experiencing. As a military family it is hard to come into an area not knowing anyone or who to turn to. We recommend Rhonda 100%. Junn Family, Spring, 2019

We loved working with Rhonda! She really got to know our pup and helped us work through any issues - and she helped us train a 4-month-old puppy to ring a bell to go to the bathroom. Saved our sleep (and our carpets!) Hutchison Family, Fall and Spring, 2018-2019

Rhonda is very knowledgeable and attentive. She was a pleasure to work with and our dog loved her. With the tools she gave us, we were able to better understand our dog and have had great success applying our new skills. She tailored our training to fit our family and our dog. We recommend Rhonda to any dog owner -- whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs your whole life -- we can all learn something new from Rhonda. Robertson Family, Feb, 2019

Rhonda was a great help to us with our new 70 lb Black Lab/Bernese Mountain Dog mix. As a volunteer at the Leavenworth Humane Society she was there when we first adopted Luna. Rhonda came to our home that same day and helped us with a few basic commands and training routines. Over the next several weeks Rhonda helped us train Luna so we could do things like walk on the leash without pulling, coming when called, and staying put. If it wasn't for Rhonda, we may have returned Luna within a few weeks of adopting her. Luna is now a loving and integral part of our family. Kelley Family, Sept, 2018

In Memory

Angel

Angel York, aka Sissy, Sis, Missy, and/or Miss, our yellow lab, died on Monday, August 1, 2022 at the age of 13 years. She was born in Castle Rock, CO on March 15, 2009. When we picked her up, her human brother, Taylor, was 10 years old. He held her while we drove back to Pueblo West, CO. He started crying when he thought how lonely she would be without her parents and siblings. I told him she would be okay because she was going into a new family. He named her Angel because she was very light-colored and looked like an angel when she was sleeping on his lap. She lived her first 8 years in Pueblo West, CO and 1 year in Laurel, NE where her mom learned to be a dog trainer. She helped her mom by being a great practice dog. Upon moving to Leavenworth, KS in 2018, she was her mom’s trainer dog, a Human Animal Bond therapy dog, and earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate, all when she was 9 years old and older. She retired from training in 2020 and from HAB in 2021. Psalm 36:6 reads, “God cares for humans and animals alike.” Animals are part of God’s amazing creation and throughout scripture, He promises to take care of them. When Christ said, “I am making everything new!” in Revelation 21:5, He is making a new and better place for our dogs, too.

buddy

Buddy York, nicknamed Buddy Love (The Nutty Professor), our black lab mix, died on Monday, November 21, 2022 at the age of 16 years. He was born in Quinter, KS on October 13, 2006. The Yorks had found out about him while they were visiting family in WaKeeney, KS. On their way back to Pueblo West, CO, they stopped to meet him. He got off the couch he was on, stretched, and came over to greet them. That’s all it took. Buddy went home with his new family. His human brother, Taylor, was 7 at the time and enjoyed the Air Bud movies. He started calling the puppy his buddy, and the name stuck. He lived his first 11 years in Pueblo West, CO, 1 year in Laurel, NE, and 4 years in Leavenworth, KS. He was a great dog and playmate. He enjoyed his walks, but enjoyed eating above all else. His sister, Angel preceded him in death. He leaves behind his human family and dog siblings Claire and Blake. We have our hope and belief that we will see our pets again as God has made a place for them. The flood story in Genesis tells us that God not only saved some humans but that He saved animals as well. And after the flood waters receded God made a covenant with all of creation. Genesis 9:12-13, 16 reads, “And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Buddy has crossed his rainbow bridge.

The Pack

Buddy, Angel, Blake, Claire