Best decision ever! I debated dog training for about a year and, if I’m being honest, I tried other options that just never worked. I found Walker K-9 through a friend, and it has truly been the best thing for my dogs! My dogs needed help for different reasons (nuisance barking, jumping, being uncontrollable on a leash, reactivity etc) and Chad and Kelly took them on and gave them back new and improved! I loved that they kept in touch, sent videos, and kept me updated every step of the way. My favorite part, though, was the time they took to make sure I felt comfortable taking over where they left off. The in-home training when the dogs came home was amazing. They made sure they gave me all the tools and knowledge necessary to set us up for success. I truly feel like I have an open door to reach out to them anytime with questions if I need help. I can actually enjoy my dogs now! I think they even like having the structure, and I can finally take them out for walks and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling stressed the entire time. The commitment and investment is a lot, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you’ve been on the fence about doing something like this, take this as your sign and DO IT! Thank you so much, Walker K-9! We are furrever grateful! 🐾💚 🐾🩷
FDLE Certified Canine Instructor
Professional dog training in North Port & Southwest Florida
Dog Training Built on Honest Advice, Not High-Pressure Sales
Board-and-train obedience from a 22-year law enforcement officer who has spent 16 years training police K-9s. We serve North Port, Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Rotunda, South Gulf Cove and Englewood.
Who trains your dog
Your dog is trained by a working police K-9 instructor
That is not a marketing line. Chad Walker trains police K-9s for his agency and family dogs here — the same work, held to the same standard.
- 22 years in law enforcement
- 16+ years training police K-9s
- FDLE Certified Canine Instructor
- Lead K-9 trainer for his agency’s unit
- 8+ years training pet dogs
- 3+ years coaching trainers for American Standard Canine
How we work
Every dog is different. Every family is different.
Before recommending a program, we take the time to understand your goals and tell you what we genuinely believe is the best solution—even if it isn't our most expensive option.
The most effective form of dog training is one that is tailored to your dog's unique personality and your individual goals. Training goes far beyond simply offering treats—it requires structure, consistency, and clear communication. Our role is to guide both you and your dog through this process, ensuring you build a strong foundation for lasting success.
Because every dog and household is different, we take the time to carefully assess your dog's behavior, your lifestyle, and your training objectives. From there, we design a customized training plan that leads to a well-mannered, confident companion you'll enjoy for years to come.
We're here to help dogs and their owners understand each other. By combining balanced training with owner education, we create lasting obedience and stronger bonds.
Programs
Two board-and-train programs, plus boarding for graduates
Both programs are a full-time stay with us, and both finish the same way: we bring your dog home and hand the training over to you in person.
4-Week On-Leash Program
Our 4-week on-leash program builds a strong obedience foundation for your dog.
E-collar sold separately from the program.
6-Week Off-Leash Program
Our 6-week off-leash program takes obedience to the next level, giving you reliable control and freedom with your dog anywhere you go.
Boarding for Past Clients
We proudly offer boarding exclusively for dogs who have previously completed training with us. This ensures your pup enjoys a safe, familiar, and structured environment while you’re away.
What our clients say
Owners who got their dog back different
5 stars from 96 Google reviews, in our clients' own words.
Walker K9 Training is the best! We have an 80 pound pitbull jumper and an hour of training with Chad has changed me and my dog so much! Highly recommend!
Chad is wonderful! Walker K-9 is family first and we love that. He has trained 3 of our babies. A mastiff who had dog aggression an Aussie for standard training and a toy poodle who liked to dart out the door including the car door and not coming when called. Chad has made all our life’s much better with his training. He had his work cut out for him with Milford the poodle!
The dogs
Graduates of our programs
Real dogs from real Southwest Florida families, doing the work.
Common questions
Questions we get asked most
How much is board and train dog training in North Port?
We don’t publish prices, because the right program depends on the dog. Call, text or email and we’ll talk through what your dog needs — the consultation is free and you’ll get a straight quote.
How long until my dog is reliable off leash?
Off-leash reliability is what the 6-week program is built for. It starts from the on-leash foundation — sit, down, stay, place and heel — and adds a recall that holds off leash, with e-collar support.
Both programs are a full-time stay with us rather than a weekly class, so six weeks means six weeks of daily work.
What is the difference between the 4-week and 6-week programs?
The 4-week on-leash program builds the obedience foundation: sit, down, stay, place, heel, and a recall proofed with the e-collar, all on leash.
The 6-week off-leash program starts from that foundation and adds reliable off-leash control. It also includes all the equipment your dog needs, e-collar included; on the 4-week program the e-collar is sold separately.
Both finish the same way — we bring your dog home and hand the training over to you in person.
Does my dog stay with you during training?
Yes. Both programs are board-and-train: your dog stays with us for the full four or six weeks and works every day.
At the end we bring your dog home and go through the training with you in person, so you know how to keep it going.
Where we work
Serving North Port and Southwest Florida
Located in Southwest Florida, City of North Port in Sarasota County
Tell us about your dog
The consultation is free, and we'll tell you honestly what we think your dog needs — even if that isn't our most expensive program.