About

A black puppy with pointy ears lies on the grass, looking alert. The dog has a black and red collar and leash, surrounded by a lush green park setting with trees in the background.

Passionate Experts. Tailored Training.

Building Stronger Bonds, One Dog at a Time

At K-9 Nation, we’re partners in helping you and your pet thrive. Founded by Robert and based in Salem, OR, K-9 Nation is committed to providing personalized, compassionate training. Our programs cater to dogs of all ages and temperaments, focusing on building trust and fostering good behavior through positive reinforcement.  

Our trainers bring years of experience to every session. Mariah’s passion lies in helping dogs unlock their full potential and ensure they lead richer lives alongside their families. Whether it’s learning basic obedience or addressing behavior challenges, we tailor each program to suit your dog’s unique needs.  

As we continue to grow, we’re excited to expand our offerings, including new group classes held at local stores and our newly opened doggy daycare!

TEAM MEMBERS

Meet the Team Behind Every Tail Wag

A man in a red t-shirt holding a gray and white French Bulldog puppy stands in a fenced outdoor area. He has a camera attached to his backward-facing cap. In the background, three dogs are visible behind a fence, with trees surrounding the area.

Robert

Founder

Robert launched K-9 Nation to help families enjoy better relationships with their pets. His leadership drives the friendly, results-oriented culture that defines K-9 Nation. 

A person with long dark hair smiles and gives a thumbs-up. They wear a red shirt tied at the waist, jeans, and a black belt bag. They stand in front of a brick wall.

Mariah

Trainer

Mariah is an AKC-certified trainer who finds joy in helping dogs explore new possibilities. Whether hiking off-leash or mastering new tricks, she believes in expanding each dog’s world through training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Training duration depends on your dog’s age, breed, temperament, and goals. On average, noticeable progress can be achieved in about 3-4 weeks of consistent sessions.

We use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior while building your pet’s confidence. Our goal is to make training fun and rewarding for both pets and owners​. 

Yes. Our behavior modification programs help manage aggression by identifying root causes and creating tailored solutions that foster positive behavior​.

Please bring along your dog’s favorite toys, bed, and preferred food to help them feel comfortable and at ease during their time with us. We’ll take care of everything else they need for a smooth and productive stay.  

Puppy training focuses on foundational obedience and socialization, while dog training may include more advanced behaviors or behavior modification. We offer services for dogs of all ages to meet their specific needs. 

Yes, we provide in-home training for personalized attention, as well as group classes held at convenient locations like local stores.  

Yes, excessive barking is a common issue we address through behavior modification. Our trainers develop personalized plans to discourage barking and encourage more appropriate behavior​. 

Signing up is easy! Click the “Talk to a Trainer” button on our website and one of our trainers will reach out to help you choose the perfect program for your dog.