Kenai Peninsula Dog Training Programs

Our dog training programs on the Kenai Peninsula are designed to be as individual as the dogs we work with. At The Balanced Canine, we focus on structured, personalized training that supports real-world reliability and clear communication between dog and handler. By working in private and small-format training environments, we’re able to give each dog the attention they need while building programs around your goals, lifestyle, and your dog’s unique needs.

From improving loose leash walking on local trails to building reliable manners in busy public spaces around Soldotna, Kenai, and surrounding communities, our training focuses on skills that matter in everyday life. Programs are thoughtfully structured to help dogs learn how to navigate real environments with confidence, focus, and appropriate behavior.

Our training services throughout the greater Kenai Peninsula allow dogs and owners to enjoy the many dog-friendly opportunities our area offers—whether that’s calm behavior in town, reliable manners during outings, or confidence in new environments. Each program is built with intention, emphasizing foundational skills, consistency, and owner involvement to support long-term success.

With extensive experience across a wide range of training disciplines—including foundational obedience, group class instruction, performance sports, behavioral adjustment training, Service Dogs in Training (SDiT), Emotional Support Dog preparation, and hunt test training—The Balanced Canine brings a broad, well-rounded perspective to every program. This diverse background allows us to draw from multiple training avenues to create thoughtful, adaptable plans that meet the needs of both dog and handler, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Consultation

Required for all private training services

All private training with The Balanced Canine begins with a Training Consultation. This initial step allows us to gather detailed information about your dog, your current concerns, and your training goals so we can create a clear, realistic plan and recommend the most appropriate training path.

The consultation provides clarity and direction before training begins, ensuring that both the dog and owner are set up for success from the start.

Goal

The goal of the Training Consultation is to:

Understand your dog’s history, behavior, and current challenges
Identify patterns, contributing factors, and underlying issues
Clarify training goals and expectations
Create a structured, realistic training plan
Ensure clients are placed into the most appropriate training program

Book a Consultation

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

The Training Consultation is discussion-based and focused on listening, evaluation, and planning. Rather than offering generic advice, we take the time to understand the full picture — the dog, the household, and the goals — before making recommendations.

This approach allows us to:

Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions
Set clear, achievable expectations
Choose training methods appropriate for the dog and situation
Build a foundation for consistent, effective training moving forward

Clients may choose to add a 60-minute hands-on training session to the consultation to address immediate concerns and begin applying strategies right away.

This option allows owners to:

See techniques demonstrated in real time
Practice handling and timing with guidance
Gain immediate relief from pressing issues
Leave with practical tools in addition to a training plan

This hands-on component is optional and is designed to support dogs and owners who would benefit from immediate, practical application.

HOW IT WORKS

Starting with a consultation ensures training is intentional rather than reactive. By taking the time to assess, plan, and educate before beginning structured training, clients avoid misaligned programs and unrealistic expectations.

This process helps:

Reduce confusion and frustration
Create consistency from the very beginning
Improve long-term results by starting with clarity
Ensure owners understand how to support their dog throughout training

PRICING

Training Consultation (Required): $100
Training Consultation + Session (Optional): $225

A $50 credit will be applied toward any training package purchased at the time of the consultation.

Consultation fees are invoiced prior to the scheduled appointment and are non-refundable.

Puppy Head Start Program

Price $650

Bringing home a puppy is exciting — and overwhelming. The early weeks are one of the most critical periods in your dog’s development, shaping how they learn, adapt, and interact with the world.

Our Puppy Head Start program is designed specifically for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old, helping them build confidence, engagement, and foundational skills during this crucial learning window. This program sets the stage for a well-mannered, resilient, and confident adult dog.

Goal

The goal of Puppy Head Start is to help puppies begin learning how to:

Engage and focus on their handler
Respond to basic cues in a low-pressure environment
Develop confidence in new environments
Build positive associations with people, dogs, and novel situations
Learn foundational obedience skills appropriate for their age
Begin understanding structure, boundaries, and expectations

Book a Puppy Consultation

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Puppies learn best when training is fun, engaging, and rewarding. For this program, we use a lot of game-based training approaches to keep sessions light while still building meaningful skills.

Training focuses on:

Short, successful repetitions
Food, play, and engagement as primary reinforcers
Games that naturally teach focus, recalls, and body awareness
Confidence-building exercises without overwhelming the puppy

This approach helps puppies develop a strong love of learning while preventing frustration or burnout at an early age.

HOW IT WORKS

This program includes six (6) one-hour private sessions, designed to guide both puppy and owner through early training and social development.

The program includes:

Six (6) one-hour private training sessions
Foundational obedience skills including sit, down, stay, recall, leave it, and leash manners
Age-appropriate socialization exercises and guidance
Optional socialization field trips, held outside the home (parks, trails, public spaces), for clients who wish to practice skills in real-world environments
Detailed handouts, homework, and guidance to support continued progress at home

Field trips are optional and scheduled based on owner preference and puppy readiness.

Intro to Training Program

Price $650*

Not every dog comes with a clean training slate — and many owners aren’t sure where to start. Whether your dog has little, inconsistent, or unknown training experience, this program is designed to provide a clear, structured introduction to foundational obedience and everyday manners.

Intro to Training is an ideal starting point for dogs who need guidance, consistency, and a solid framework for learning. This program focuses on building communication, engagement, and reliability while helping handlers understand how to work effectively with their dog.

Book a Intro Consultation

Goal

The goal of Intro to Training is to help dogs:

Understand and respond to basic obedience cues
Develop consistency and clarity in their training
Learn polite household and public manners
Improve engagement and responsiveness to their handler
Begin generalizing skills outside the home
Build a strong foundation for continued training progress

For dogs requiring more frequent, structured work — or for owners seeking accelerated progress — Day Training is often the more effective option, offering trainer-led repetition paired with ongoing handler coaching, keeping owners actively involved.

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Intro to Training focuses on clear communication and structured learning. We use a balanced approach that combines motivation, rewards, guidance, and appropriate corrections when needed to ensure dogs understand both what to do and what not to do.

Sessions are designed to:

Build reliability through repetition and structure
Teach dogs how to work through mild distractions
Reinforce calm, thoughtful behavior rather than impulsive responses
Help handlers learn how and when to reward, redirect, or correct effectively

This approach allows dogs to progress efficiently while maintaining clarity and fairness throughout the learning process.

HOW IT WORKS

This program includes five (5) one-hour private training sessions, designed to establish reliable foundational skills and practical, real-world obedience.

The program includes:

Five (5) one-hour private training sessions
Foundational obedience skills including sit, down, stay, recall, leave it, loose leash walking, place, settle, and greeting manners
One optional field trip session, held outside the home (parks, trails, public spaces), to practice skills in real-world environments
Detailed handouts, homework, and structured guidance to support consistency between sessions

Field trips are optional and scheduled based on owner preference and dog readiness.

Scheduling

Sessions may be scheduled once or twice per week, depending on availability and client preference.

*Pricing

$650 — Sessions scheduled once per week
$975 — Sessions scheduled twice per week

Multiple Dogs

For households training more than one dog, the second dog is enrolled at 50% of the program cost. Session length is extended to accommodate multiple dogs. Multi-dog pricing applies regardless of whether sessions are scheduled once or twice per week.

Tailored Training Program

Price $150 per session

Package options available

Some dogs and handlers need more than a standard program. Whether you’re working toward a specific training goal, navigating unique challenges, or refining advanced skills, Tailored Training provides a fully customized approach built around your dog’s individual needs and your lifestyle.

This program is designed for clients who want focused, one-on-one instruction with flexibility in pacing, location, and objectives. Training plans are developed intentionally, rather than following a preset curriculum.

Goal

The goal of Tailored Training is to:

Address specific training goals or challenges
Create a customized plan based on the dog and handler
Build clarity and reliability in targeted skills
Support progress that may not fit within a standard program
Provide flexibility while maintaining structure and accountability

Book a Tailored Consultation

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Tailored Training allows us to draw from a wide range of training disciplines and methods to meet the needs of each individual dog. Sessions are planned intentionally, with clear criteria and progression, rather than relying on a fixed lesson structure.

This program may incorporate:

Motivational and reward-based learning
Structured guidance and fair boundaries
Environmental and situational training
Skill layering and proofing
Handler mechanics and timing

Because goals vary widely, this program emphasizes thoughtful planning, adaptability, and consistent follow-through.

HOW IT WORKS

Tailored Training is offered as private, one-on-one sessions scheduled once or twice per week, depending on the client’s goals and availability. Sessions may take place in-home or in public environments, as appropriate for the training objectives.

The program includes:

Private training sessions focused on individualized goals
A customized training plan created specifically for the dog and handler
Practical application in relevant environments
Detailed handouts and guidance to support continued progress

Pricing

$150 per individual session
$750 — Five (5) sessions scheduled once per week
$1,100 — Five (5) sessions scheduled twice per week

Multiple Dogs

Reactivity Re-Training Program

Price $150 per session or $850 per package

Living with a reactive dog can be stressful, isolating, and overwhelming. Whether your dog reacts to other dogs, people, movement, or environmental triggers, reactivity often impacts daily walks, public outings, and overall quality of life.

Our Reactivity Re-Training program is designed to help dogs and handlers develop clearer communication, improved emotional regulation, and more functional responses to triggering situations. This program focuses on building a foundation that supports long-term improvement rather than relying on suppression or avoidance alone.

Goal

The goal of Reactivity Re-Training is to help dogs:

Reduce reactive responses to identified triggers
Develop alternative, more appropriate behaviors
Improve emotional regulation and impulse control
Build neutrality rather than forced friendliness
Increase handler confidence and clarity
Create safer, more manageable real-world experiences

Book a Reactivity Consultation

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

When working with reactive dogs, our priority is clarity, safety, and emotional stability. This program focuses on teaching dogs how to process their environment more thoughtfully rather than simply reacting to it.

Training emphasizes:

Identifying and understanding individual triggers
Lowering overall arousal levels
Teaching clear alternative behaviors
Controlled exposure at a pace appropriate for the dog
Consistent, fair communication between dog and handler

This program is intentionally structured and paced to prevent flooding, confusion, or unnecessary pressure, allowing dogs to make progress while maintaining trust and confidence.

HOW IT WORKS

Reactivity Re-Training is structured as a five-week foundation program, providing the time and consistency needed to establish meaningful change.

The program includes:

Five (5) private training sessions focused on reactivity foundations
Identification of triggers and threshold management
Skill development for both dog and handler
Practical application in controlled environments
Detailed handouts, homework, and guidance to support progress between sessions

Follow-up sessions are available to continue skill development and real-world application once the foundation has been established.

This program is designed to provide the foundation and tools needed to begin meaningful change. Continued progress relies on the handler’s commitment to practicing and applying skills between sessions and beyond the program itself.

Reactivity training is not a quick fix, and results will vary based on consistency, environment, and follow-through.

Pricing

$850 — Five (5) week foundation program
$150 — Follow-up sessions, as needed

Public Access & SDiT Foundations Program

Price $125 per session

Public access training requires a higher level of consistency, clarity, and reliability than standard obedience work. Dogs working toward Service Dog in Training (SDiT) status must be able to remain calm, neutral, and focused across a wide variety of environments and distractions.

This program is designed to support Service Dogs in Training and dogs working toward advanced public manners by building reliable behavior in real-world settings. Training focuses on practical public access skills, handler communication, and task foundations appropriate for non-medical service work.

Goal

The goal of Public Access & SDiT Training is to help dogs:

Remain calm and neutral in public environments
Maintain focus and engagement around distractions
Demonstrate reliable public manners and impulse control
Develop travel preparedness, including comfort and appropriate behavior in vehicles, new locations, and unfamiliar environments
Proof obedience skills across a wide variety of settings and distraction levels
Perform appropriate non-medical task work as applicable
Navigate stores, public spaces, and community settings appropriately
Work confidently alongside their handler in real-world situations

Book a Consultation

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Public access and SDiT training require a higher level of precision, reliability, and adaptability than standard obedience work. Our approach emphasizes clear criteria, progressive proofing, and real-world application so dogs learn to perform consistently across environments—not just in familiar settings.

Training focuses on:

Building neutral, predictable behavior in public spaces
Systematically proofing obedience across increasing levels of distraction
Teaching dogs how to remain engaged and responsive while traveling to and working in new locations
Developing duration, focus, and impulse control under real-world pressure
Refining handler mechanics, timing, and clarity to support consistency

Once strong public access foundations are in place, appropriate non-medical task work may be layered in to support the handler’s needs. Training decisions are based on the dog’s readiness, stability, and reliability rather than a preset timeline.

HOW IT WORKS

Public Access & SDiT Training is offered as private, one-on-one sessions tailored to the dog’s experience level, goals, and working environment. Sessions may take place in public locations, during travel scenarios, at the training facility, or in other relevant real-world settings.

This program may include:

Proofing foundational obedience skills across a wide variety of environments
Structured public access outings to stores, public spaces, and community settings
Travel preparedness training, including vehicle manners, transitions between locations, and working confidently in unfamiliar environments
Reinforcement of neutrality, focus, and impulse control around distractions
Task foundations and functional task work excluding medical alert or detection-based tasks
Handler coaching to ensure skills transfer reliably outside of training sessions

Progression is intentional and individualized, with skills layered as the dog demonstrates readiness and consistency. This program is often combined with other training services to support long-term reliability and success.

Day Training Program

5-Week Intensive Training Options

Starting at $1575

Day Training

Some dogs need more consistency and repetition than weekly private sessions can provide — but not every owner wants their dog away from home in a traditional Board & Train program.

Our Day Training Programs offer an intensive alternative to Board & Train by providing frequent, trainer-led training sessions each week, paired with intentional handler coaching, while allowing dogs to remain in their home environment.

Goal

The Goal of Day Training Is To:

Build and reinforce strong foundational obedience through consistent, trainer-led repetition
Improve reliability and clarity by practicing skills under structured criteria
Proof behaviors across environments and distractions in a deliberate, progressive way
Develop calm, thoughtful behavior through neutral, structured work
Provide an intensive training option comparable to Board & Train without removing the dog from the home
Ensure long-term success by actively teaching handlers how to maintain and apply skills between sessions

Book a Consultation

Day Training is often a better long-term option than traditional Board & Train programs because owners remain actively involved throughout the process. Skills are intentionally transferred to the handler each week, reducing the common issue of dogs performing well with the trainer but struggling once they return home.

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Day Training combines trainer-led repetition with intentional handler education. Dogs attend multiple structured training sessions per week working one-on-one with the trainer, allowing skills to be introduced, reinforced, and proofed efficiently — without removing them from their normal home routine.

In addition to trainer-led sessions, each program includes one required handler coaching session per week, ensuring skills are clearly transferred to the owner and can be maintained consistently between sessions and after the program ends.

This program emphasizes:

Clear criteria and consistent expectations
Repetition without overwhelming the dog
Skill layering over time rather than rushed progress
Neutral, structured work instead of play-based daycare
Direct handler coaching to support long-term success at home

This is not a daycare or free-play program. Dogs are not rotated through group activities or left to “burn energy.” All sessions are purposeful, structured, and goal-driven, with a clear focus on reliability and skill retention.

HOW IT WORKS

Day Training is structured as a five-week program with multiple training sessions per week, designed to provide consistency, repetition, and structured skill development without overnight boarding.

Dogs are dropped off at the facility 2–4 days per week to work one-on-one with the trainer. These drop-off sessions are trainer-led and focused on repetition, clarity, impulse control, and proofing skills through structured practice.

In addition to drop-off training, each program includes a weekly one-on-one private session with the owner. These sessions are dedicated to teaching handling skills, timing, leash mechanics, and reinforcement strategies, ensuring owners understand how to maintain and apply training between sessions and after the program ends.

This structure provides many of the benefits of a Board & Train program while keeping dogs in their home environment and owners actively involved throughout the process.

Day Training is designed to build a strong foundation through repetition and structure. While this program offers an intensive alternative to traditional Board & Train, owner participation remains a critical component.

Long-term success depends on consistent follow-through, practice, and application of skills outside of trainer-led sessions. This program supports owner involvement — it does not replace it.

Home-Based Day Training Option

For clients with demanding schedules, select Day Training sessions may be completed in the client’s home on a limited basis. This option allows the trainer to “pop in” during the workday to complete trainer-led sessions while owners are at work, providing consistency and progress without disrupting daily routines.

Home-based sessions follow the same structure and expectations as facility-based Day Training. Dogs continue to receive trainer-led, one-on-one training, while weekly handler coaching sessions remain scheduled at the facility to ensure clear instruction, proper handling, and skill transfer.

This option is offered for convenience and accessibility and does not replace owner involvement or required handler coaching sessions.

Location & Mileage Policy

Home-based Day Training sessions are available within the Kenai, Soldotna, and Nikiski areas at no additional charge.

For locations outside these areas, a mileage fee applies for distances exceeding 10 miles from city limits, calculated at $0.75 per mile, round trip.

Mileage fees and scheduling availability are discussed during the Training Consultation.

Day Training – Foundations

3 sessions/week | 5 weeks | 15 sessions total

Weekly Structure:
• 2 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 1 handler coaching session

Program Includes:
• 10 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 5 handler coaching sessions

$105 per session
Program Total: $1,575

Day Training – Progressive

4 sessions/week | 5 weeks | 20 sessions total

Weekly Structure:
• 3 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 1 handler coaching session

Program Includes:
• 15 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 5 handler coaching sessions

$100 per session
Program Total: $2,000

Day Training – Intensive

5 sessions/week | 5 weeks | 25 sessions total

Weekly Structure:
• 4 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 1 handler coaching session

Program Includes:
• 20 trainer-led drop-off sessions
• 5 handler coaching sessions

$95 per session
Program Total: $2,375

Stay & Train Program - Immersive Training for Select Cases

Price $3,200

Extremely Limited Availability

Goal

Some dogs benefit from a fully immersive training environment with consistent structure throughout the day. The Stay & Train program is a limited-availability option designed for select situations where Day Training is not appropriate or when owners need additional short-term support.

During this program, dogs live with the trainer for a brief period of time, allowing foundational skills to be introduced, reinforced, and practiced consistently within daily routines. This immersive approach can help jumpstart training, with follow-up sessions provided once the dog returns home to support the transition back to owner-led handling.

The Goal of Stay & Train Is To:

Establish foundational obedience and daily structure through immersive, trainer-led handling
Improve clarity and consistency by practicing skills within real-life routines
Address common obedience and behavior challenges in a controlled, structured environment
Jumpstart training progress for dogs who benefit from short-term, intensive consistency
Prepare dogs to transition back into the home, with follow-up support to guide owners post-program

Book a Consultation

Stay & Train can be an effective way to jumpstart training through short-term immersion; however, long-term success depends heavily on continued owner involvement after the program ends. Once dogs return home, consistency, follow-up sessions, and regular practice are critical to maintaining progress.

Without ongoing handler education and reinforcement, skills learned during a Stay & Train program may diminish over time. For this reason, follow-up training and continued practice are strongly recommended to support lasting results.

OUR APPROACH FOR THIS PROGRAM

Stay & Train provides a live-in training experience focused on structure, consistency, and clear communication. Dogs are integrated into the trainer’s household environment and worked through multiple short, purposeful training sessions each day, allowing skills to be reinforced consistently without mental or physical overload.

Training is woven into daily routines, giving dogs appropriate household exposure and guidance on real-life manners such as settling, transitions, boundaries, and calm behavior in a home environment. This approach allows skills to be practiced naturally alongside structured training sessions, supporting both obedience and everyday life skills.

Training emphasizes:

Teaching skills first, then layering accountability
Clear expectations and follow-through
Repetition through short, focused sessions rather than long or overwhelming work
Calm, structured training instead of constant stimulation
Developing household manners and life skills alongside formal obedience
Preparing dogs to transition successfully back to their home and handler

While this program is immersive, owner education and follow-up support are essential to ensure training carries over once the dog returns home. Continued training and consistency after the program are critical for maintaining progress long-term.

HOW IT WORKS

Stay & Train is structured as a two-week immersive training program, followed by guided transition sessions designed to support long-term success once the dog returns home.

The program includes:

Two (2) in-home private sessions prior to the stay
These sessions introduce training concepts, establish expectations, and prepare both dog and owner for the immersive portion of the program.
Two (2) weeks of live-in training with the instructor
Dogs are worked through multiple short, purposeful training sessions each day and integrated into a structured household environment to reinforce obedience, manners, and daily life skills.
Public outings, as appropriate
Select outings are used to proof behaviors in real-world environments once foundational skills are established.
Three (3) follow-up private sessions after the stay
These sessions focus on transferring skills back to the owner, reinforcing handling techniques, and ensuring consistency once the dog is home.
Detailed handouts and guidance
Owners receive clear instruction and resources to support continued training and long-term maintenance.

This structure allows dogs to receive consistent daily training while ensuring owners are equipped to maintain and build upon the progress made during the stay.

Stay & Train is designed to jumpstart training — not replace owner involvement. While dogs receive intensive, immersive training during the stay, long-term success depends on consistent follow-through once the dog returns home.

This program establishes a foundation; continued practice, reinforcement, and owner participation are necessary to maintain results.

Pricing & Availability

Cost: $3,200
Availability is intentionally limited to ensure individualized attention, appropriate care, and quality training.