About Dog Trainer Crystal, Shelton Wa USA

Hi, I am Crystal, the owner of Excelon K9 Shelton WA USA. Excelon K9 is my in-person training program that I created back in 2008.  My long-term dog and handler training programs have been available to my South Puget Sound Washington community historically and present day.

Part of my foundation includes my successful working dog genetics, breeding and puppy raising program: German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and hybrids that are suitable for training police k9, family protection, service, wellness and therapy dogs.  The handler training continues forging ahead.  2024 I closed my dog breeding program and have opened dogtrainercrystal.com to begin creating my online dog handler training program. 

In my own dog training journey over the last 24 years and building, I have gained my license, professional member of IACP Canine Professionals and steadily built my clientele.  Along the way I mastered obedience, socialization, fitness, protection, off leash training, nutrition and everyday life trained dog lifestyle.  With my experience I created 4 long term dog and handler training programs that are voluntarily trained by my community dog owners.

 I look forward to sharing my guidance with you online and continue to help my SPS community in their dog training journey.

Where am I located?

Excelon K9 clients train with me at my house. My private fitness and dog training studio are located at my home outside of Shelton.  My family and I live on 5 beautiful, wooded acres.  My dog & handler training studio includes an outdoor training field, indoor dog gym, private kennels, fenced dog yards and cabin-office.  Our residence is just 20 steps from my training studio! We also have large blooming seasonal gardens which we enjoy in the summer.   I have been working with my clients from home since my start up in 2008.   I independently work with my clients weekly, biweekly and bimonthly.  By reservation only.  I do not offer drop-in service.

What do I do?

In addition to my private handler and dog training program.  I work alongside a handful of local SPS Washington trainers and breeders.   Networking helps me achieve my Holistic training and guidance approach with my active clients.  I collaborate with the director of WDO Raising Heros Program Lesli Barrett and Ed Marshall the training advisor of Excelon Practical Protection Dog & Handler Training Program.  

How I can help you:

I can help you train your dog from start to finish.  All ages.  All breeds including mixed breeds and hybrids.  You don’t need any dog or puppy training experience.  I will teach you.  I do not require an evaluation of your dog.  I train all breeds and temperaments obedience, socialization and fitness.  I believe all dogs benefit from any in person hands on training you are willing to provide your dog.

With over 2 decades of experience raising newborn pups to maturity in purpose driven training programs.  Working with all stages of biological dog development.  I have developed a Holistic approach to dog and handler training. The nature of training a dog requires a skilled handler and is long term commitment.  When you choose to train with me you will learn about your dog’s unique layers.   As well as the many variables that go into training a dog and why success or failure may occur.   I focus on your social role as your dog’s handler, leader and trainer.  

Each of my posted 4 Dog and Handler training programs are complete, specifically designed to meet the needs of the trained dog lifestyle.  Each dog and handler training program has detailed training profiles and target training exercises that I teach you.  You and I will begin your training journey at foundation training level which is where everyone starts with a dog for the first time.  You can build up to level 3 which is the highest skill level possible.

I coach each of my clients in person utilizing private, semi-private and small group sessions.  You must pick your training plan.  My plans on my website are accurate number of sessions and timeline required to achieve a training level or personal goal you may have with your dog. You can expect to handle your dog with your gained hands-on skills in any situation.   Ongoing training in all environments where you expect your dog to obey: parks, public places, your workplace, my home and your home. 

Why was DTC created?  

DTC online dog and handler training is intended to complement my in-person training. I am often booked out a year in advance for in person training.  I work with a handful of people over a long period of time.  Likewise, I work with clients that live a great distance from me because I specialize in training naturally protective dogs that require unique training structure.  As well as work with many disabled handlers that cannot regularly attend in person sessions.   No matter what program we are training in we must meet up to train our dog in person (dogs don’t learn online!). The “training schedule challenge amongst us people” is ongoing today. 

While most of our active in-person training is scheduled for 2 – 4 weeks apart and will continue this way.   Long gaps in training together are challenging.  I believe that offering my online course will help bridge the gap that exists.  When you choose to become a member of my online community or course you can continue to learn even when we can’t meet up in person.