About K9 Buddies

K9 Buddies was founded by a Master Trainer of working dogs, along with some colleagues, to answer the increased need for trained Therapy Dog teams and to promote other programs, which benefit both human and canine. These include, but are not limited to, "cell dog" programs and public education regarding the interaction between the domestic dog and humans. With over 40 years experience training working dogs such as police dogs, detection dogs, SAR dogs, service dogs, and countless family dogs, the folks at K9 Buddies are well qualified to evaluate, train, and certify therapy dog teams.

Domestic dogs are born with a strong bond to humans and a keen instinct to work with us. We channel that drive and give both humans and dogs an opportunity to work together, for the betterment of both. The majority of behavior problems are initiated when dogs are not allowed to follow their basic instinct to work with, and socialize with, humans.

Unlike their cousins, the wolf, the domestic dog has had their genes manipulated by humans to make them devoted to, and dependent on, people. When we provide them with an outlet to pursue this natural drive, everyone wins.

ALL dogs need a job! It provides both mental and physical challenge and increases the bond between dog and handler. An "employed" dog will present far fewer behavior problems than one that is bored out of his mind.

Our standards are higher for therapy dog certification than other certifying agencies but more reasonable, realistic, and pragmatic. Our evaluation and training program was designed by an actual working dog trainer with over 40 years experience and based on the knowledge that it is the handler who will determine the outcome of a visit, not the dog. Providing the dog has a suitable temperament for therapy work and is properly trained, it is the handler who will insure that each visit is a fun and safe experience for everyone involved.

We believe that a good therapy dog and handler do not have to perform to confirmation standards, nor perform parlor tricks. A love for meeting and being with people, as well as consistent and unhesitatant response to basic obedience commands, is what matters regarding the dog, while common sense and attention to detail is what matters most in the handler. A good handler has the ability to "read" their dog as well as their dog can read them. If a dog can perform some entertaining behaviors during a visit, so much the better, but it's not mandatory. What is mandatory, however, is a competent, observant handler who is in quiet, confident control of any situation and considers carefully how any given situation will affect their dog.

We now operate in 5 states and have at least one evaluator in each one. All our evaluators have years of practical field experience and are people who not only love dogs but want to help people as well. No one at K9 Buddies is in it for the money. We are an all volunteer, non profit organization. We don't coerce people to sign up for months of expensive and, in most cases, unnecessary training. We're just looking for some good dogs (of which there are many) who love meeting people and some good handlers who have some common sense and a desire to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

In a nutshell, we strive to take a very good idea and make it even better by being more realistic about what constitutes a good therapy dog and/or handler and by making the process more cost effective for the volunteers. The end result is a program that provides a safe, effective, and fun environment for everyone.

We are also dedicated to the promotion and establishment of cell dog programs. We will provide trainers and staff to work with the inmates within these programs as well as provide crates and food for the dogs.

We strive to educate the public on matters such as child/dog safety and responsible dog ownership and provide speakers for presentations on these subjects. We abhor puppy mills and will seize every opportunity to make people aware of these hideous operations.