Breakthrough Results in Dog Training

Board & Train Programs in Richmond, VA

Immersive Training. Real-World Results. Breakthrough K9 Training.

Breakthrough K9 Training specializes exclusively in immersive board & train programs designed to create real-world reliability.

Through structured 2, 3, 4, and 5 week programs, we help dogs develop consistent obedience, calm behavior, and confidence — whether they need foundational training or support with more complex behavior challenges.

Many of the dogs we train arrive with reactivity, anxiety, or aggression — and leave with calm, reliable behavior.

Every Dog Is Different. Tell Us about yours and we`ll recommend the right training approach.

Tell us about your dog

The BTK9 Approach

Structured Training Method

Operant conditioning techniques form the backbone of our training. Dogs learn through clear, consistent feedback that builds reliable responses to commands and expectations.

Focused, Consistent Practice

A low trainer-to-dog ratio allows for individualized attention throughout the day. Multiple short training sessions, structured walks, and routine reinforce learning without overwhelming the dog.

Real-World Exposure & Socialization

Dogs practice their skills in real environments — interacting with our balanced pack, experiencing new settings, and learning to stay calm and responsive around everyday distractions.

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Real-World Reliability

BTK9 training is designed to create consistent behavior in everyday life — at home, in public, and around real-world distractions.

Structured Obedience

Reliable sit, down, stay, recall, and place commands form the foundation. Your dog learns to respond calmly and consistently — not just in training sessions, but in everyday situations.

Controlled Behavior & Socialization

Impulse control, leash manners, and structured socialization prepare your dog for real environments. Exposure to people, dogs, and distractions is deliberate and supervised — building calm confidence instead of overstimulation.

Confident Living

Through repetition, clear communication, and balanced training, your dog learns how to exist confidently within your home and community — without anxiety, overreaction, or unpredictability.

Behavioral Modification Expertise

We address both common and severe behavioral challenges to help your dog live confidently and happily. We also work with special-needs dogs requiring structured, customized training approaches.

Reactivity & Fear-Based Behavior

Over-arousal, anxiety, environmental triggers

Resource & Boundary Issues

Guarding, threshold problems, impulse control failures

Severe Aggression (on a case-by-case basis)

Dog-on-dog and dog-on-human aggression

Real Results from Dog Owners

Real feedback from dog owners who have trained with BTK9.

    
 
 
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   Ashleigh Johnson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephanie and Lenny are amazing. Sent our adopted beagle who was extremely nervous and more than likely had very little socialization prior to us as a retired hunting dog to them for some confidence and recall training after a few incidents of him getting loose and it being quite the fiasco to get him caught. Sent him for the 3 week training and ended up staying 4 to give him just that little extra! It was more than worth it! We are a little over a month post pick up and he is nearly off leash all the time. I didn't ever think I would see this day but it has made his life, and ours, so much more enjoyable!!
  
 
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   Roberitonium __ (Roberitonium) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The folks at Breakthrough K9 are fantastic in what they do. What you get from them is not just boarding or training, but an amount of freedom and quality of life for your pet that is phenomenal. They care for the pets and boost their confidence. Highly recommend them for training and boarding. You will not regret it.
  
 
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   kelley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is an amazing place for your pup! They have put so much thought into their boarding facility!  It’s safe, extremely clean, staff loves your pup!  They can see your pup at all times, heat and AC closed in play areas with artificial turf. Staff are there early and late so your pup has someone all the time. Your pup will get lots of exercise! Lastly the owners are super kind people and love your pup just as much as you do. Thanks for loving Tobi
  
 
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   Katherine Sloan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We got our chocolate lab trained at breakthrough K9 two years ago. Lenny and Stephanie are incredible. She completely transformed and calmed down while still having all her personality intact. Now we take her for bonding whenever we are leaving town and can’t bring her along. We know she’s safe in their hands, and she loves being there.
  
 
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   Will 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Breakthrough K9 did an amazing job with our English lab Ghost. We did the two week off leash training when he was a puppy and I’ve been using them for boarding services for the last four years. We came away with a well-behaved dog. He was no longer afraid of jumping in and out of cars and responds well to voice commands.  Lenny and Team are great and we have peace of mind when boarding Ghoat as we know he’s getting good instruction, exercise, and a healthy environment.
  
 
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   Martin DeAnda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Breakthrough K9 has been such a game-changer for us and our dog, Milos. He spent the summer of 2024 training with their team, and even a year later we’re still seeing the benefits. The difference in his behavior and confidence has been huge. What I really appreciate is that they didn’t just train Milos, they taught us how to work with him. We still have our good and bad days (what dog owner doesn’t?), but now we actually have tools and strategies that make a real difference. It’s taken so much stress out of everyday life. Another big plus: when we travel, we never worry about leaving Milos with them for boarding. We know he’s in good hands with people who understand him and continue reinforcing what he learned. Those tune-up sessions have helped keep him on track and we see it every day. Milos has honestly become the best dog we could’ve hoped for, and a huge part of that is thanks to the crew at Breakthrough K9. They’ve earned every bit of this recommendation.
  
 
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   Sam Johnson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Always happy to see my dog when she’s back for boarding
  
 
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   Abby Larmore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are truly so thankful for Breakthrough. Their team has changed our lives for the better and provided our rescue dog a wonderful life with less reactivity, more confidence, all the love in the world, and just the joy to be himself knowing safe boundaries. We rescued our dog as a 2-year old outside Washington DC. We looked at so many training facilities and none stood out quite like Breakthrough. Their facility, their team, and their mission ensure every pup and their parents know they are in good hands. We feel extremely safe and secure anytime our pup is with them. Our dog did a 4-week board train for his reactivity with other dogs and basic obedience. We regularly send our dog back for boarding when we go on trips and it is an added bonus he gets training refreshers.
  
 
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   Donna Murphey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Breakthrough K9 Training was the best decision I made for my dog, Rebel. He went through their 3-week board-and-train program as a 16-week-old puppy, and he came home with solid skills — place, leash manners, off-leash obedience, and just overall great behaviors. Now, more than 2½ years later, his training is still rock-solid. We recently brought home a kitten, and Rebel has been incredibly gentle, calm, and responsive — listening to all of his commands even with the excitement of a new little friend. That is 100% thanks to the amazing foundation that Lenny and the team built. I highly recommend Breakthrough K9 Training to anyone who wants a well-mannered, confident dog for life!

Our Facility

Your dog Trains on a beautifull 20-acres farm designed for comfort and effective learning.

Fully climate-controlled kennel ensures your dog stays comfortable in any weather.

Three lighted, artificial turf play yards with shaded areas provide safe and engaging exercise.

Indoor training room designed like an in-home living space creates a familiar environment for your dog.

Staff on-site daily from 7:00am to 10:30pm to provide attentive care and supervision.

Discover Our Premium Dog Training Programs

2-Week Board & Train – $2,475

Best for dogs that need foundational obedience and improved manners.

3-Week Board & Train – $3,075

Most popular program for dogs needing strong obedience and behavior tuning.

4-Week Board & Train – $3,775

Ideal for dogs with reactivity, anxiety, or stubborn behavior patterns.

5-Week Board & Train – $4,575

Designed for severe behavior issues or aggressive dogs requiring deeper work.

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Tell us about your dog