Annapolis, MDEnjoy your dog again.

Zak Kergel - Dog Trainer

Are you frustrated with your dog? Do you feel like you've tried everything to fix the behavior and it's just not working? Are you worried that this is going to be your life from now on? If so, you've come to the right place! I'm here to give you hope and the the skills you need to become your dog's leader and friend.

How I Became a Dog Trainer

Titus our Bullmastiff

I've always enjoyed dogs, and I thought I had a pretty good understanding of them...until we brought Titus home. The plan was to raise this sweet and dopey Bullmastiff into wonderful dog that everybody enjoyed. What I ended up with was a VERY reactive, 130-pound monster! What in the world has happened! But this apparent disaster was a blessing in disguise. Suddenly I found myself watching hours of videos and reading lots of articles on how best to deal with the frustrations I had been experiencing. Slowly but surely, Titus improved and so did my knowledge of both dog behavior and dog training. Once I started seeing the changes in Titus, this "lit the fuse" to invest more time in working with dogs. I took an internship to continue learning about dog behavior as well as how best to teach dog owners the skills they needed to be great dog owners. It was a great experience.
Now my goal is to spread the knowledge to other dog owners so they can enjoy their own K9 companions.

It's a Family Thing

My family and I are Christians. What does that mean for dog training? It means that Jesus is Lord, even over our dog training business. It means doing our best to help people and their dogs to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Family means a lot to us. I couldn't pursue my passion for dog training without my family behind me. They are everything to me. Family is also how we train dogs. Everybody helps. Whether it's feeding, walking, or just playing around with a dog, we do it together, so you can rest assured that when you bring your dog to us it is in good hands.

My Training Philosophy

I get asked all the time what my philosophy is when it comes to dog training. I call myself a "comprehensive" trainer. Below are some quick information bullets on what that means for you!

  • Using the right tool at the right time to achieve the desired goals. Dog training is not a "one size fits all" world.

  • Personalized training plans to each client and their dog's specific needs.

  • Training using the "whole dog concept". Things like diet and exercise are also considered in the plan to help you with your dog. There is so much more to training than treats!

Options and Pricing

Every scenario for dog training is different, so here are the basic dog training options we offer. I personally talk with each client before recommending a specific type of training.

Lesson Packages (One-on-one)

  • Single Lesson - $130

  • Three Lessons - $325

  • Six Lessons - $650

In-Home Packages

  • One Lesson - $200

  • Three Lessons - $550

  • Six Lessons - $1,000

Board & Train Options

  • Board & Train (Foundations) $2,000 - This two week option covers all the things a dog needs to know to become an enjoyable, polite dog. Basic commands (sit, down, stay, come) are covered as well as leash manners (heeling, not pulling, not biting the leash). For availability, please call or email us!

  • Board & Train (Behavioral) $2,000 - This two week program is for dogs requiring more advanced behavioral attention than one-on-one lessons can provide. Behaviors such as resource guarding, aggression, anxiety, and other behaviors are addressed in this program. For availability, please call or email us!

  • Board & Train (Off Leash) $2,500 - This two-week option is for owners who want to experience the freedom of having off leash time with their dog. The price of the board/train includes a remote collar and 3 private lessons following the two week stay to provide you with the tools you need to keep the progress going! For availability, please call or email us!

What People are Saying About KompK9

"I am delighted with my 3 year old rescue hound dog's obedient behavior when I walk her on the streets of Eastport. She did a Board & Train 2 week session with Zak and it has transformed our walks from lots of pulling, barking, and scary foot work into a controlled and easy walking experience!
Zak has a gentle approach applying a firm command and repetition to achieve success. I did not think I would ever be able to walk my dog with this kind of confidence and joy.
It is now a pleasure to walk her even with the normal street distractions.
Thank you Zak!"
- Gaye S."Zak is an extremely knowledgeable trainer in all facets of dog handling and health. He is patient and loving with the dogs while effectively teaching them the skills they need to be dependable and live a life off leash!! As he has done for so many, thanks to Zak my dog Layla is leash free and can go with me everywhere!! KompK9 also offers a unique "board and train "service. Zak is professional, organized and brings vast experience in his training methods. As good of a trainer as Zak is, he's even a more amazing human! I couldn't recommend him more highly!!"
- Robert F B."Before working with Zak, my puppy was a crazy, disobedient biter that seemed to think she was top dog, and I was sadly starting to think I wasn't fit to be her owner. Now, after 6 sessions, I feel like I have a brand new dog! she's obedient, well behaved, and I love having her as a part of my family! She also listens to me now wherever we are, even in crowded places with a lot of distractions like downtown Annapolis. Zak is also one of the sweetest and most patient people I have ever met; he is very personable and gives feedback in the most respectful way possible. l plan to recommend Zak to all of my friends who have dogs and are looking for a trainer."
- Annie N."Zak was phenomenal with our dog Rooney!! We have been working with him during classes as well as did board and train. Our pup was happy and healthy throughout her stay and is always so excited to see him now! Zak did a great job sending updates throughout her stay and our pup came back with so many new manners!"
- Rachel W.

Training Resources

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