The Concept for K9 JYM began when I was somewhere into my third or fourth sports class with one of my two dogs, Niki or Tucker back in 2006.

I was taking these classes once a week with my dogs, but then during the week there was no good place in my home to practice and work on improving what I was learning in class. I kept thinking how great it would be, if there was somewhere I could buy time in an open space, with parking, good lighting, comfortable flooring, the necessary equipment for my particular sport, and even have the option of getting additional private instruction….. but it was just one of those ‘Wouldn’t that be neat’ kind of thoughts.

I eventually did have an opportunity to work privately with one of my instructors for an hour. Not only did I have a great time, but even my dog seemed to enjoy the focused attention, and the amount of productive training time. But when I asked when we could arrange to do it again in a few weeks, he was sorry to say the area we were using was not going to be available again. And that’s when I started talking about my idea to my husband and close friends.

As an electrician, some of my work is done in commercial buildings with big open spaces. I said to Roy, Can we find a big open space and turn it into the K9 JYM in my vision?

Not only for me, but as a business for other people who love working with their dogs or want to get more involved with all the cool dog sports available today: From Agility to Doga, or from Flyball to Freestyle, or maybe Rally-O. Whatever energy level we care to pursue with our best friends, from real high energy or just relaxing and being in the moment. Its all good for our dogs, for us humans, and the incredible bond we make as a team…..And so this canine coach appeared with the vision of a gym for dogs and their humans.

I always had a dog in my life, but when I got turned on to clicker training, and other positive reinforcement training methods, it changed everything about the relationship I have with my dogs. It helped me become a more understanding handler. Gone were the days of feeling frustrated and at a loss for getting my dogs to understand what I ask of them. As a foster mom, lots of dogs on their journey to a forever home find their way into mine. During these stopovers, improving how the dog feels towards their caretaker begins tapping the positive energy we all have access to. Its quite rewarding to see how quickly dogs who come from some less than desirable conditions are able to regain trust, confidence, and respect for the humans they ultimately depend on.

My vision is that K9  JYM will attract and support the trainers, clubs, competitors, individuals, and rescue groups who share in positive reinforcement techniques regardless of the specialty they train for, and find this place unique, as well as exciting to work in with their students, friends, and of course their best friends and team mate; their DOGs.