Leaders in K-9 Training
When you sign up and attend our personalized classes, you get:
- Support from our expert trainer in-person and over the phone.
- Small groups and one-on-one training service.
- Most importantly, a newly well-rounded member of your family who you will show off to friends and family every chance you get!
About the Trainer
Meet NEPA Local, Tony Mercuri
Welcome to K-9 Academy, where we do more than just train—we teach. Under the expert guidance of Tony Mercuri, a renowned figure in canine behavior since 1999, we dive deep into the psyche of your canine companions. Tony, a local to the Abingtons area, started his illustrious career as a police dog decoy, mastering the nuances of dog behavior and training. His profound understanding of why dogs exhibit certain behaviors enables him to tackle the root cause of any issue rather than just the symptoms.
Tony opened his business in 1999 to support his family and care for his young son. Several decades, dozens of dogs, and another son later, Tony continues to deliver the same level of service he puts into his own pets to ensure that your family can experience the same joy of a well-trained dog as our family has!
Tony's philosophy is simple yet unique: he believes in engaging a dog's mind, urging them to think and solve problems, rather than relying on rote conditioned responses. This approach is akin to education; just as children learn fundamental skills before advancing, so must our dogs. Every lesson is a building block to a more complex skill, and just like humans, each dog learns differently. The individuality of each dog is at the forefront of Tony’s methods—training is customized to suit the personality and needs of each, whether dominant, submissive, fearful, or carefree.
At K-9 Academy, we hold the standard of service dog training as our benchmark. This high standard ensures a dog is always attuned to its handler. Our training is about clear communication—using markers for learning without dependence on treats or food bribes. Tony believes that like their ancestors in the wild, every dog needs a job, a purpose that prevents behavior issues such as separation anxiety and destructiveness. The job we assign them? To listen and respond to their handlers, embedding obedience as a natural aspect of their daily lives, without the expectation of a treat in return.
With Tony's approach, you'll find a path to a well-balanced relationship with your dog, where understanding and mutual respect pave the way for a harmonious life together. Join us at K-9 Academy to embark on a transformative journey that will not only make your dog smarter but also deepen the bond you share.
Tony's philosophy is simple yet unique: he believes in engaging a dog's mind, urging them to think and solve problems, rather than relying on rote conditioned responses. This approach is akin to education; just as children learn fundamental skills before advancing, so must our dogs. Every lesson is a building block to a more complex skill, and just like humans, each dog learns differently. The individuality of each dog is at the forefront of Tony’s methods—training is customized to suit the personality and needs of each, whether dominant, submissive, fearful, or carefree.
At K-9 Academy, we hold the standard of service dog training as our benchmark. This high standard ensures a dog is always attuned to its handler. Our training is about clear communication—using markers for learning without dependence on treats or food bribes. Tony believes that like their ancestors in the wild, every dog needs a job, a purpose that prevents behavior issues such as separation anxiety and destructiveness. The job we assign them? To listen and respond to their handlers, embedding obedience as a natural aspect of their daily lives, without the expectation of a treat in return.
With Tony's approach, you'll find a path to a well-balanced relationship with your dog, where understanding and mutual respect pave the way for a harmonious life together. Join us at K-9 Academy to embark on a transformative journey that will not only make your dog smarter but also deepen the bond you share.