About Breakthrough K9 Training

Founded on practical, immersive training, real-world results, and decades of hands-on experience with dogs and behavior.

Meet the People Behind BTK9

Breakthrough K9 Training is a family-owned and operated dog training and behavior modification company led by Lenny and Stephanie Zannin. Their immersive Board & Train programs focus on reliable obedience under real-world distractions, behavior modification, and helping dogs become more confident and manageable in everyday life.

Lenny

Lenny grew up around working and hunting dogs and developed a natural understanding of canine behavior and leadership from an early age. A 23-year law enforcement veteran and Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), he brings calm, consistency, and confidence to even challenging behavior cases.

Stephanie

Stephanie’s experience spans dog rescue, pet care, and veterinary assistance, with particular experience working with dogs who are deaf, blind, disabled, or otherwise need a more individualized approach. Her focus has always been helping dogs live happier, more capable lives while giving owners practical tools they can use at home.

The BTK9 Approach

BTK9 uses practical, balanced training designed to create reliable behavior that carries over into everyday life. Operant conditioning provides the foundation, while training tools are introduced thoughtfully and used responsibly to support clear, consistent communication.


Because every dog is different, BTK9 maintains a low trainer-to-dog ratio so each dog receives focused, individualized attention. The goal is not simply short-term obedience, but lasting progress that helps dogs become more confident, manageable, and reliable in the real world.

Balanced, Practical Training

Operant conditioning forms the foundation of BTK9’s training approach, with tools such as prong collars and Mini Educator e-collars used responsibly and as appropriate.

Individualized Attention

A low trainer-to-dog ratio allows each dog to receive focused guidance based on temperament, behavior, and training needs.

Real-World Results

Training is designed to build behavior that holds up beyond the training environment, creating lasting progress for dogs and their owners.

The BTK9 Farm

Breakthrough K9 Training operates from a private 20-acre farm in Mechanicsville, VA, where dogs have room to train, exercise, relax, and build reliable behavior in a controlled environment.


The property is designed to support both intensive training and comfortable stays, with indoor and outdoor spaces that allow dogs to work through real-life distractions while remaining safe and well supervised.

  • 20-acre private farm in Mechanicsville, VA
  • Climate-controlled indoor kennels
  • Three lighted artificial-turf play yards
  • Shaded outdoor rest areas
  • Indoor “real home” training room
  • Staff on site daily from 7:00 AM–10:30 PM

Why Clients Travel to BTK9

BTK9 is based in Mechanicsville, VA and serves dog owners throughout the greater Richmond area, but many clients travel from farther away for immersive Board & Train programs.


Families come to BTK9 from across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, North Carolina, and West Virginia for focused training, behavior modification, and the opportunity to have their dog work in a structured environment designed specifically for intensive training.

Ready for a Breakthrough?

Whether you’re dealing with obedience issues, difficult behavior, or simply want a more reliable dog, tell us what’s going on. We’ll help you figure out the best next step.