Keystone K9 offers working dog training in the Raleigh area and across the Triangle for high drive dogs that need real structure and a job to do. The program is led by founder Andrew Sheriff, a former United States Marine and law enforcement officer who trained at the Tarheel Canine School for Dog Trainers and trains his own working dogs in protection sport. If your dog has the drive and temperament for serious work, we can build the obedience, engagement, and control that work demands.
Every plan is built around your individual dog, its temperament, and your goals. Depending on the dog, working dog training can include:
Not sure which of these fits your dog? Our programs page gives the full picture, or tell us your goals and we will scope a plan.
Keystone K9 was founded in 2020 by Andrew Sheriff, a former United States Marine and law enforcement officer. After leaving law enforcement, Andrew attended the Tarheel Canine School for Dog Trainers, and his experience ranges from pet dogs to working dogs. In his own time he trains his working dogs and plans to compete in Protection Sport Association (PSA) events. That real handler background is what shapes how we approach drive, structure, and purpose with working dogs.
We use a balanced approach matched to each dog. That means positive reinforcement with praise, play, and reward, clear and consistent communication through verbal commands, hand signals, and body language, and appropriate corrections used sparingly and humanely. For working dogs, the focus is on developing drive and engagement while building the reliability that serious work requires. You can read more about our full method on the about page.
Tell us about your dog, its drive and background, and what you want to achieve. From there we will talk through the right path, whether that is private lessons or an immersive board and train. Ready to begin? Book a session and we will take it from there.
Working dog training is best for high drive dogs with the temperament and genetics for serious work. It depends far more on drive and temperament than on breed. If you are not sure whether your dog is a good candidate, reach out and we can talk it through.
PSA stands for Protection Sport Association, a competitive dog sport that tests obedience, agility, and protection work. Our founder trains his own dogs with PSA in mind, and that experience is part of the working dog program.
A balanced approach that develops drive and engagement with reward, builds reliability through clear and consistent cues, and uses corrections appropriately and sparingly, all tailored to the individual dog.
Tell us about your dog, its drive, and your goals, and we will take it from there. You can book a session to begin.
