Resilient K9s

Effective and reliable dog training. Compassionate and trustworthy pet care.

Now accepting new clients within 20 minutes of Sanford, FL for sitting and walking and within 45 minutes of Sanford, FL for training.

Training

philosophy and methodology

In the age of the internet, it is simultaneously very easy and straight up impossible to find good training advice. Everyone seems to contradict each other and give drastically different advice which leaves owners confused and stuck in loops of ineffective communication which can lead to frustration and ultimately giving up on training. When you are struggling with your dog’s behavior, you don’t need advice from Instagram trainers who have never and will never lay eyes on your dog parroting the same buzzwords over and over or from people in your life that watched their dad alpha roll the family dog over a simple broken command back in the 70s. You need someone who truly understands the way dogs think and learn and will adapt their methods to how the dog right in front of them learns, not to their ego. That’s where Resilient K9s comes in.
The training method used at Resilient K9s is balanced and relationship-based. Balanced training incorporates reward-based methods and fair corrections to teach your dog what to do and what not to do. Rewards are used to motivate your dog and make the desired behavior valuable to them and corrections add a layer of accountability once the desired behavior has been taught to further increase the likelihood of your dog choosing the desired behavior over the undesirable one. All corrections will be the least intrusive necessary to create behavior change and are always timed appropriately so that they make sense to the dog and don’t lead to distress during the training process. You will learn how to optimize reward use and give appropriate corrections when needed to create a dog that is intrinsically motivated to follow your direction and is not reliant on bribery or fear of punishment. Relationship-based training is based on the principle that a relationship built on mutual trust and respect is the backbone of effective training, not unlike how it’s much more motivating to work for a manager that takes an interest in what motivates you rather than just barking orders at you. You will learn concepts such as structured play, reading dog body language, how to advocate for your dog, and building engagement which will result in a dog that trusts you to have their best interest at heart and chooses to look to you for direction.
As a behavior specialist, I believe in a comprehensive approach for addressing issues like reactivity and anxiety. Some trainers only address the symptoms of the issue without actually trying to change the dog’s mindset, which usually doesn’t stick long term. I examine the dog’s current lifestyle as well as their history to get to the root of their behaviors and address them from there. These may include recommending changes to their sleep schedule, exercise routine, or mental stimulation as well as adding more structure, exposure work, and more. No two behavioral dogs are alike, so their behavior modification plans shouldn’t be either.
If you’re ready to improve your life with your dog, look no further!

training services

Personalized Sessions: Exactly what it sounds like. We discuss your dog and your training goals, and I design a personalized training plan to help you meet your goals. The number of training sessions I recommend will depend on the complexity of what you want to work on as well as your budget. Personalized sessions can cover anything from basic concepts like obedience, crate training, and potty training all the way up to more complex behavior issues like fear, anxiety, and reactivity. These sessions can take place in your home or at another location that will challenge your dog and help solidify learning. Note: Behavior issues that appear suddenly could indicate an underlying medical condition. In these cases, I will recommend a vet visit before beginning training sessions to rule out and treat anything that may be causing your dog pain or discomfort.
Doggygarten 6-week Obedience: A structured curriculum to help your dog master several important obedience commands. We meet once a week at your home for six weeks and teach new commands and polish old ones. After the program is complete, your dog will demonstrate better impulse control and obey commands without the promise of a reward every single time.
Guided socialization: We discuss your dog's specific level of socialization and their behavior in various environments, and I will have us meet at a location appropriate for your dog, such as a park, a pet-friendly store, or a busy sidewalk. You will learn to read your dog's body language and assess their comfort level with the environment and your dog will learn to behave calmly around people and other dogs. Perfect for puppies and dogs with mild fear, anxiety, or reactivity (personalized sessions are more appropriate for moderate to severe cases).
E-collar 4-week training package: E-collars can be a fantastic tool for many purposes, including creating precision in obedience and giving them off-leash freedom. In this program, you will receive a high-quality e-collar from a reputable company and learn best-practice e-collar training methods tailored to your goals. Note: Candidates for this training program must meet certain skill requirements before enrollment, including loose leash walking, proficient understanding of commands, handler engagement, and recall. An in-person evaluation will be mandatory for any clients who want to participate in this program to ensure that their dog has the foundational skills necessary to do e-collar work. This program is not designed for dogs without prior training or dogs in need of complex behavior modification.
Enrichment 101: You've probably heard that a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog. A dog that receives appropriate mental stimulation is less likely to exhibit behavior issues such as destructiveness, nuisance barking, and even reactivity and anxiety. Unfortunately, many things marketed as enrichment and mental stimulation are simply busywork and don't adequately fulfill your dog and people find themselves in an endless loop of lick mats, frozen kongs, snuffle mats, and behavior problems. This single session will assess your dog and what makes them tick and I will teach you how to implement activities that will work your dog's brain and satisfy their genetic drives. Perfect for owners of high energy dogs that need an appropriate outlet to do the things they were bred for.
NEW! Intro to Canine Conditioning: Dreading those horrible Florida summer walks? Or the random torrential downpours and severe weather that keep you and your dog shut in? Did you know that dogs can also do strength training? This single session will teach you age and body condition appropriate exercises that you can do with your dog at home without having to buy a bunch of expensive equipment so that your dog can get good exercise while staying cool and dry. Perfect for sporting or working dogs, dogs on a weight loss journey, dogs at risk of joint issues, and any owner who is simply looking for more ways to exercise their dog.

How it works

1. Request a consultation- If you are interested in booking training sessions, go to the booking page, select the training consultation request form, and fill it out and submit. I will contact you within one business day to set up either a virtual (free) or in-person ($1 per mile) consultation.
2. Consultation and booking- We will discuss your dog, the behavior you want to work on, and your goals. You can ask me any questions you may have and I will ask you detailed questions in order to better understand your dog. I will use this information to tailor a specific training plan for your dog and I will provide you with an estimate of how many sessions may be needed and the cost. We can book your first session during the consultation or if you need time to think it over or check your calendar, I will provide you with a way to contact me directly to book when you're ready.
3. Training sessions- I come to your home or we meet at a location discussed and agreed on ahead of time and walk you through the training methods I have created to help your dog. If you have booked multiple sessions, I will give you homework to do with your dog between sessions to ensure practice and progress happen.
4. Post-training support- Some trainers ghost you after your sessions, but that's not my vibe. If you complete a training program with me, you will be able to book one complimentary refresher session within six months of the date of your last session if you need it. You will also be able to contact me any time with questions or concerns for the rest of your dog's life. Also, if training equipment I supplied to you becomes unusable within a year of your program (or within two years for prong collars), you can contact me and I will replace it for you for free.

pricing

Personalized sessions, Doggygarten, and guided socialization are half off for foster dogs. You must provide documentation proving that the dog is a foster and officially owned by a registered shelter or rescue to be eligible for the discount. E-collar training is NOT available for foster dogs.

additional info

Training tools such as slip leads, martingales, prong collars, and e-collars will be provided free of charge for personalized training sessions if recommended. Please note that these items are ordered on demand and may not be available the first session depending on shipping timeframes, though every reasonable effort will be made to expedite this. You will be asked to provide your dog’s measurements for proper fitting of prong collars and martingales. Training treats can be provided upon request but if your dog has any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions, please provide your own.

Other services

Drop-in Visits

I come in and hang out with your pet(s) inside your home. Whether your pet needs food, a potty break, medications, a water refill, play time, or just a companion, you can trust that your pet will be taken care of and content when I leave.

PRICING

Walks

I leash up your dog and take them for a walk around your neighborhood so they can get their needed exercise and enrichment.

Required equipment
1. Harness or collar. If you use a prong collar, please ensure that it is properly fitted snug and high on your dog's neck. I will not use it otherwise. If your dog slips out of their harness or collar easily, let me know and I will provide a slip leash for safety.
2. Fixed-length leash. No retractable or bungee leashes. If you do not have one, please let me know and I can provide one for the booking
3. Poop bags (attachable dispenser not required)Recommended equipment
Treats or a favorite toy

PRICING

combo packages

Did you read through this section and think to yourself, "I need both a walk and a drop-in"? You can have it both ways, and you only have to make one booking!

PRICING

For all new clients, I require a meet and greet with you and all pets. Keep this in mind when booking and plan for that. I cannot accept bookings with less than 3 business days notice from new clients

meet the team

Noelle hagan, trainer and sitter

My name is Noelle Hagan and I am the owner and operator of Resilient K9s! My journey in learning about dogs began at 10 years old when I got my first dog, a sassy and aloof 9-month-old miniature dachshund named Allie. From that point, I was always in the library checking out books about dogs and everything that makes them unique and wonderful companions. I got my second dog at 15 years old, a loving and neurotic 6-year-old dachshund/terrier/herding dog mix named Buddy. In 2021, I joined Rover as a dog sitter and walker. I’ve worked with dogs from all different walks of life, from puppy to senior, low to high energy, special needs, and everything in between, and I am proud to have achieved a 5-star rating. In 2023 I earned my bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution from the University of South Florida, where I started building my knowledge of animal behavior and interactions. In that same year, I began my journey in learning about dog training. I started with force-free training and made the shift to a science-backed balanced training approach in 2024 when my current dog, Jack, entered the picture and made it clear he needed something more comprehensive than what the force-free toolbox could offer. Spending a lot of time training Jack and watching him learn and progress from a skittish former stray to a confident, do-it-all companion made me fall in love with dog training. With Buddy having suffered from severe anxiety and Jack having an anxiety-prone temperament, I took an interest in what drives canine anxiety and how to prevent and alleviate it using a comprehensive approach. I am currently close to completing my Level 1 Dog Trainer certification through the Method K9 Institute, a world leader in dog behavior training and education, and I intend to pursue my Level 2 certification as well as certification through the IACP and in Family Dog Mediation in the near future. I also volunteer with Seminole County Animal Services, taking the shelter dogs out of their kennels to get some much-needed exercise and enrichment and teaching them skills that make them more appealing to prospective adopters and set them up for success in their new homes. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your pet(s)!

• My Rover Profile

• See Me on the Method K9 Trainers Map (ZIP code 32771)

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Nextdoor

Jack, mascot

Jack is my charming and rambunctious 3-year-old American pit bull terrier and the dog who catalyzed this journey. I adopted him from Orange County Animal Services in October 2024 when he was about 17 months old. He was a sick and malnourished stray when he was impounded but despite all of that, he had endless love to give. I was drawn to the calm and curious way he approached when I came up to his kennel door and I fell in love with his vibrant and energetic personality when I had that first interaction with him in the play yard. Two days after that first interaction, I went to the shelter right when they opened and signed the paperwork. The first few months were rocky; he was super mouthy, got overexcited very easily, lacked confidence, had no training at all including house training, and was dealing with a resistant hookworm infection. But it quickly became clear that, along with the obvious nutrition and medical care, proper structure, guidance, and an owner who makes an effort to understand him was what he needed to truly thrive. Since adoption, he's gained 20 lbs, finally cleared his hookworm infection, and became a dog I am incredibly proud of and could not imagine life without. You can see Jack featured on my social media pages and he will likely make a cameo during your virtual training consult.

Book Now

Fill out one of the below forms to request a booking. I will contact you within one business day to set up your consultation or meet and greet or answer your questions. For new sitting and walking clients, I cannot accept bookings with less than 3 days notice.

• But first, check the calendar to ensure the dates/times you want are available

• Drop-in Visit Request Form
• Walk Request Form
• Combo Package Request Form
• Dog Training Request Form
• Have a question? Click here!

General

What areas do you serve?: I offer sitting and walking within 20 minutes of Sanford, FL, which includes most of Seminole County and parts of north Orange and south Volusia counties. I offer training within 45 minutes of Sanford, FL, which includes all of Seminole county, much of Orange and Volusia counties, and east Lake county. If you're not sure if you fall within my service radius, fill out the question form on the booking page of this website and specify your city and zip code. I can take sitting and walking clients up to 30 minutes from Sanford and training clients up to an hour from Sanford but this will incur a $10 travel fee.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?: For sitting and walking, if you cancel within 3 days of the booking date, you will receive a half refund. Same day cancellations will not be refunded. Training sessions can be rescheduled any time at no additional cost. If you cancel with no intent to reschedule, you will receive a half refund if it's the day of and a full refund if it's not.
Do you require proof of vaccination?: I require proof of rabies vaccination for all bookings for safety and liability purposes. Acceptable forms of proof include vet records or a rabies vaccine certificate signed by a vet. Other core vaccines are strongly recommended but not required.
Do you have breed or species restrictions?: All breeds of domestic dogs and cats as well as regular pet rodents, reptiles, birds, rabbits, and fish are welcome. I do not accept wolf hybrids or any wild canine and feline species, primates, venomous snakes, birds of prey, and very large reptiles for any service or reason, no exceptions.
What payment methods do you accept?: I primarily accept payments through Stripe. When you book with me, I will send you a link to complete your payment. Repeat drop-in and walk clients may also pay via Venmo, Zelle, or with cash or check.

Training

What times of day do you offer training?: I offer training between 10am-7pm on Monday-Saturday and 9am-3pm on Sundays.
My dog has a bite history. Are you able to work with that?: Not all bite histories are created equal, so if your dog has one, I will look into your dog’s overall behavior profile and the circumstances leading up to the bite(s). If it’s beyond my scope, I will refer you to more specialized resources. If your dog is an active bite risk, please have them muzzle conditioned prior to starting training sessions.
Do you offer virtual training sessions?: Depending on the situation, I can offer virtual training sessions or a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. My recommendation will be based on the issue you are seeking help for.
How many sessions will my dog need?: For personalized sessions, this will vary widely based on your dog and goals. I will provide a rough estimate during the consultation which is subject to change. If you are doing Doggygarten, that will be six sessions at one session per week. Guided socialization, Enrichment 101, and Intro to Canine Conditioning are typically one session but multiple can be booked if you would like. E-collar training is automatically four sessions, and if you want more training after that you will need to book and pay for personalized sessions.
Can multiple people in the household attend training sessions?: Not only can they attend, but I strongly recommend it. Everyone who lives with the dog is involved in their training one way or another, so for best results, every member of the household should be present.
Do you use prong collars and e-collars on all dogs?: No. The training tool I select for your dog will depend on your dog's specific temperament and your training goals. E-collars will only be available to clients who book the 4-week e-collar training package.
Do you provide homework and follow-up support?: Yes. After each training session, I will write up and send a report of what we worked on during your session and what to practice before the next one, and you will be able to contact me with any questions or concerns. Once you are finished with training sessions, you get one complimentary refresher session within six months if you need it, and you get lifetime support so you can contact me with any questions or concerns free of charge for the rest of your dog's life.
What is Doggygarten?: Doggygarten is a 6-week curriculum designed to help your dog master several different obedience commands. It will consist of one session per week that will last roughly one hour each where you will learn to teach your dog commands using food lures, leash pressure, and verbal cues, and then how to fade rewards so your dog will reliably perform these commands without the promise of a reward every single time. When your dog completes the program, you will receive a certificate.
What commands will my dog learn in Doggygarten?: Your dog will learn to respond to their name, sit, stay, recall (come), heel, paw, leave it, drop it, down, stand, off, and place.
Is Doggygarten for puppies only?: Nope! Any dog in any stage of life can go through Doggygarten. Puppies under six months of age will follow a slightly different curriculum from the adolescent and adult one.
Is Doggygarten a group class?: No, Doggygarten consists of one-on-one sessions in your home.
What does a guided socialization session look like?: During the consult, if you are interested in a guided socialization session or I decide it would be right for you, I will ask you some questions about your dog and how they do in certain settings. I will use this information to decide the best type of environment to have the session. On the day of the session, I will meet you at the location we discussed, and I will help you teach your dog how to be engaged with you and neutral around other people or dogs (whichever we decided to work on). The session will last roughly one hour.
What does an Enrichment 101 session look like?: During the consultation, if you expressed interest in an Enrichment 101 session or if I decide it would be right for you, I will ask you some questions about your dog's interests and tendencies as well as consider your dog's breed if you know it. On the day of the session, I will bring different activities to do with your dog and assess their interest level in each one. Once I get a good idea of what really lights a fire in your dog, I will show you different enrichment activities that your dog would enjoy based on that and teach you how to implement them.
Do you provide training tools for clients?: If any training tool was discussed in your consult or during a session, it will be provided for you free of charge. Tools I may recommend include slip leads, martingales, Herm Sprenger prong collars (with safety clip), Mini Educator e-collars, tab leashes, and long lines. A treat pouch will be provided for your session if you do not have one, but it is recommended to get your own because I will need to keep mine. Training treats can also be provided upon request.

sitting and walking

What times of day do you offer sitting and walking?: I offer sitting and walking between 8am and 11pm. Specific times are first come first serve; if the spot you want is already booked I will get you in for the closest available time.
I don’t need a sitter/walker right now but would like to keep you in mind for the future. Am I able to schedule a meet and greet without having an upcoming booking?: Absolutely! I am all for being proactive in establishing a relationship with a sitter/walker and would love to meet you and your pet(s) even if you don’t need me just yet.
Can you administer medications?: Yes, I am able to administer oral, topical, and injected medications. I am also experienced with dogs that are stubborn with pills.
My pet is nervous/fearful of new people. Are you able to handle that?: Yes, I am experienced in dealing with fearful dogs and cats! I build their trust by completely ignoring them, no petting, no talking, and no eye contact. This removes pressure so they feel safer to come scope me out, and I continue to ignore them while they do this. I also toss treats away from me instead of hand feeding. Once they’re beginning to show trust in me, I start to introduce small amounts of engagement and continually reassess their comfort level with it. Keep in mind that I may not be able to meet all of their needs during the initial bookings while they're still getting used to me but I will give it my best effort.
What's your policy for meeting pets before a booking?: I require a meet and greet in person before the first booking so that your pet can become familiar with me. In certain extenuating circumstances I may be able to offer a virtual meet and greet.
What happens if my pet has an emergency during the booking?: I will request your pet's vet information beforehand but in the event of an emergency, I am going to immediately take them to the nearest emergency veterinarian and contact you.
Do you allow client dogs to interact with other dogs?: No, I do not allow client dogs to interact with any dog or other animal outside of their household.
Will you provide photos and updates during the bookings?: Yes! I use an app called The Pack by Zoetis which can track walks, training, play, and more and you can keep records of your pet’s health conditions and medications and is 100% free to download and use. Use of this app for bookings with me is completely optional. If you are interested in using it, I’d be more than happy to help you set up a account and invite caregivers, but if not, I will simply text you with photos and updates.
Are you able to help with training during sitting and walking bookings?: Absolutely, if there is any training you're working on with your dog that you would like me to help out with, I am more than happy to do so.
I use a prong collar and would like you to use it. How do I know if it's fitted correctly?: Prong collars should be fitted high on the neck, as close to the dog’s jaw and base of the skull as possible, and all prongs should be making contact with the skin without digging excessively when the collar is in the neutral position. If you are not sure, I am more than happy to check and adjust the fit for you during the meet and greet.
I use an e-collar. Will you be able to use it?: If your e-collar is from a reputable brand (eg E-Collar Technologies, Dogtra, or Garmin), then yes I am more than happy to use it.