Comprehensive Training · All breeds · Since 1974
Gentle Dog Training in Henderson & Las Vegas
Calmer walks. Better manners. A stronger bond. Learn alongside your dog with personal instruction from Ira Smith, using verbal praise and no shock collars.
$199 for the 2–3 hour evaluation & first lesson.
Included in every package. Compare packages →
- Training dogs since 1974
- Veteran-owned, USAF dog handler
- No shock collars, no treat bribes
- Certified · Licensed · Insured
- AKC evaluator & instructor
- All breeds, all ages
Results You Can Live With©
Professional dog training & behavior modification
Pulling on the leash, jumping on guests or struggling with a new puppy? Start with the behaviors that matter most in your daily life. Ira works with you and your dog at home, then helps you practice in everyday settings.
You learn the same commands and handling skills as your dog, so you can keep practicing between sessions. Ira’s approach uses verbal guidance, coaxing and praise, without shock collars or food rewards.
At the first visit, Ira assesses your dog, starts the first lesson and discusses a training plan suited to your goals.
Personal instruction. Verbal praise. No shock collars.
Training Services
Obedience, behavior, puppies and working dogs
Start with obedience, puppy training or behavior support. Ira can also help you explore socialization, group classes, and service or therapy dog training.
Obedience Training
Help with loose-leash walking, recall and everyday manners. Personal instruction for you and your dog, at home and in public.
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Puppy Training
Start your puppy right with personal instruction in communication, socialization, manners and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. Gentle, praise-based training that builds a foundation for life.
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Behavior Modification
Jumping, pulling, growling at guests, chewing and bolting: behavior problems addressed by speaking the dog’s language and teaching you to communicate with your dog. Honest assessment, no shock collars.
Learn more →Service dog certification
Three phases, a Public Access Certification Test, and the truth about “registries.”
How It Works
From first call to a trained dog
- 1
Call or send the form
Tell Ira about your dog: age, breed, what’s going well and what isn’t. You’ll get straight answers, not a sales pitch.
- 2
Evaluation & first lesson
A 2–3 hour service call at your home ($199, included in every package). Training starts on the spot, and you have a plan to practice at home.
- 3
Personal sessions + Saturday groups
One-on-one instruction for you and your dog, in your home and in public with seasonal group gatherings included in Fundamentals and Advanced, or available as an add-on to Basics.
- 4
Practice toward your goals
AKC Canine Good Citizen titles, therapy dog registration or service dog certification as goals and a system you keep using for every dog you’ll ever have.
Transparent Rates
Choose the support that fits your dog
Every package includes the initial evaluation and first lesson. Ask Ira which program fits your dog. Prices are subject to change; travel and fuel surcharges may apply.
Fall Special 20% off any Package
Basics: Fundamental Instruction
Regular package price
$899
6 sessions
Group gatherings optional: 8 for $189.
Request an EvaluationPuppy–Adult Fundamentals
Regular package price
$1,799
10 sessions + 15 group gatherings
Group gatherings included, October–April.
Request an EvaluationAdvanced Obedience Skills
Regular package price
$2,499
15 sessions + Full-season group gatherings
Group gatherings included, October–April.
Request an EvaluationInitial Service Call: Evaluation & Training, 2–3 hours · $199 · included in all packages.
Hourly rate without package $200. All prices subject to change.
Talk with your trainer
Not sure where to start?
Tell Ira what you’d like to change. He’ll discuss your dog’s needs, answer your questions and help you choose the next step.
Call (702) 882-3694Training by appointment in Henderson and across the Las Vegas valley.
Testimonials
What owners say
“Ira was terrific with our 8 year old Shih Tzu. I wanted a refresher course and he provided what she needed and also provided a good refresher for me plus new things I needed to know. He can be gentle yet firm with an older dog like mine but yet adapt to any other dog’s specific situation. I definitely will refer people I come in contact with that need a dog trainer to The K-9 Handler!”
“Thank you so much for your training for Michael McGee my Pug companion. He has gone from a perfect pet to a close to perfect Service Dog. Just a few more commands until his certification. I searched high and low to find a trainer qualified to train a Service Dog. Ira Smith has trained Michael and also this human (yes, owners also get trained to the correct way to work the dog and acquire the skills necessary). I am proud to take Michael everywhere I go. His behavior is awesome and Ira has capitalized on Michael’s willingness to please in a profound way. If you are looking for a fabulous and certified trainer look no further. You found him.”
Gallery of Stars
Real dogs, real sessions
About the Trainer
Ira Smith: training dogs since 1974
Ira served as a USAF sentry dog handler in 1974 and a patrol detection dog handler in 1976. He is an AKC evaluator and instructor, an Alliance of Therapy Dogs national tester, and a provider member of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. He brings 52+ years of dog-training experience to every session, and you work directly with him.
- CFI · AGI, FAA Certified Flight Instructor / Advanced Ground Instructor
- Safety Representative, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- BA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- Evaluator / Instructor, American Kennel Club (AKC), Canine Good Citizen evaluator, S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor
- National Tester / Observer, Alliance of Therapy Dogs®
- Provider Member, International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
- CPDT · CMDH · CDDH · CEDD, United States Air Force dog-handler certifications
Areas We Serve
Comprehensive Training across the Las Vegas valley
Based in Henderson, with comprehensive training across Green Valley, Anthem, Inspirada, Lake Las Vegas, Boulder City, Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas and the southwest valley.
Questions owners ask first
Do you use shock collars, e-collars or treats?
No. This is not shock-collar training or “treat training.” The K-9 Handler® uses gentle but strict verbal discipline, coaxing and verbal praise rewards, a military/police-style method modified for pets and public working dogs, refined by Ira Smith since 1974. There is no equipment to buy.
Where does training happen?
Ira comes to you for the initial 2–3 hour evaluation and training visit. Later practice can include walks and public settings. Group attendance depends on the package and your dog’s readiness.
How much does dog training cost?
The initial evaluation and training service call (2–3 hours) is $199 and is included in every package. Basics is $899 for 6 sessions; Puppy–Adult Fundamentals is $1,799 for 10 sessions plus 15 group gatherings; Advanced Obedience Skills is $2,499 for 15 sessions plus a full season of group gatherings. Hourly training without a package is $200. Prices are subject to change.
What is the difference between training a dog and instruction?
Instruction includes you in the learning process. Ira teaches you the commands and handling skills used with your dog, so you can practice consistently at home and between sessions.
What areas do you serve?
Henderson is home, including Green Valley, Anthem, Inspirada and Lake Las Vegas, plus Boulder City, Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas and the southwest valley. Travel and fuel surcharges may apply on service calls outside Henderson and are confirmed when you book.
Ready for calmer walks and better manners?
Tell Ira what you’d like to change. The in-home evaluation and first lesson take 2–3 hours and cost $199, included in every package.
Questions? Email Ira