About The K-9 Handler®
Ira Smith: training dogs since 1974
Meet your trainer: a USAF veteran dog handler who works directly with you and your dog, from the first evaluation through ongoing practice.
Credentials
- 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
Certified · Licensed · Insured
AKC programs
AKC S.T.A.R. PuppyApproved instructor
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)Approved evaluator
AKC Community Canine (CGCA)Evaluator
AKC Urban CGC (CGCU)Evaluator
Our specialty
Our specialty is behavior modifications, social manners and skills, and fundamental obedience training plus training and certification for ADA service dogs (IAADP) and national registration/certification of therapy dogs (ATD).
Dogs are trained in fundamental obedience to a maximum proficiency level. On- and off-leash commands can be taught including sit, stay, down, heel, recall, release, place, off, stop, turn work and many more, with both verbal and hand commands. We work the dogs and train owners to continue working obedience with their dog during the training period. We establish bonding, proficiency, respect and control.
Ira’s approach uses verbal guidance, coaxing and praise, without shock collars or food rewards. With 52 years of experience, he helps owners understand the commands and practice them consistently between sessions. Goals and progress depend on each dog’s needs.
The basics, explained
- Heel, Stop and Sit
- Your dog will learn to walk alongside you (no pulling) and will stop next to you when you stop. That is still the heel position. Eventually your dog learns to sit when coming to a stop. The command for sit is also taught separately.
- Down
- The down command teaches your dog respect and patience. It builds alertness and restricts anticipation. Down is probably the hardest for the dog to transition to and from.
- Stay and Come (Return)
- The stay command helps in many ways, keeping your dog from bolting, rushing for the dog bowl, jumping and other reinforcement uses. The recall command to come back will be synonymous with heel.
These are just basic commands. Dozens more complex commands are taught as the dog progresses.
Where it started: USAF dog handler, 1974
Ira’s training career began in the United States Air Force as a sentry dog handler in 1974 and a patrol detection dog handler in 1976. The verbal, praise-based system he uses today grew out of that military and police working-dog foundation, modified over five decades for family pets and public working dogs.
1974, Vietnam sentry dog Fritz
1976, Patrol Dog / Tracker - Sandy
1974, USAF Patrol Dog Handler certification
Service Dogs of Southern Nevada™
Ira also leads Service Dogs of Southern Nevada™ Inc., a Nevada 501(c)(3) non-profit that trains assistance dogs for veterans and first responders with ADA-recognized disabilities. It is a separate entity: servicedogsofsouthernnevada.org.
Progress depends on your dog’s temperament, background and needs, as well as consistent practice. Specific outcomes are not guaranteed. Severe fear, aggression or sudden behavior changes may need veterinary assessment and may fall outside the training program.
Testimonials
Owners on working with Ira
“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.”
“We bought a puppy! It was only exciting until we got home and realized how much work was involved. We contacted Ira and he was quick to respond, friendly, and came over promptly. We are only one lesson into our training and already see a marked improvement! Ira is so patient with us and our rambunctious puppy. I look forward to his continued guidance and skill turning our Tasmanian devil into a good canine citizen.”
“…thank you for the training you have provided Dodger thus far. This is the first time I’ve had hope since originally becoming frustrated with our situation.”
Work with Ira on your dog
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