Maggie is a 6y/o, 3rd time rescue adoption. She's a challenge. She's an Australian Shepherd mix. A yr ago we took her to a center in Myaka City. It helped, but she's not where we need to have her to be functional in a family setting. Since my husband passed, I and my physically challenged daughter are the primary caretakers. Ray whose facility is located in Plant City is a long distance for me. However, he's perfect for our needs. He's given us hope and positive results. It's obvious that Maggie is only a small part of the equation. It's a matter of us being trained to control her until it's instinctive for her. And that's started. We're meeting in high traffic challenging areas and spending hours with real-time scenarios and my becoming comfortable reacting instinctively to her needs. Ray is right there with me, making sure I know how to make her comfortable and releasing control to me. Our "viscious" dog is now becoming the same way outside with other dogs as she is inside with us; confident, relaxed. Ray says well be at this until she and we are comfortable with the process. We're meeting daily and integrating his work with her into our routine. At home we're spending the time to reinforce his training. Bringing forth any issues we still had the day before at home. His system is working. He guarantees his results, and works with you, until they're achieved. We spent thousands at the previous Euro Pro facility with little hope of adequate rehabilitation. Here it's been demonstrated that we will reach the anticipated goal before we're discharged. Finally! As of right now, I wouldn't go anywhere else fir Maggie's and our benefit. Ray is nurturing, kind and results driven. If he can achieve these results with a "hard core" older dog, imagine what he can do with training a younger dog to be perfect on their setting. I can't wait to measure and observe our improvement today. We'll be off on another stellar adventure in a couple of hours. I will continue to report on our progress and challenges until we reach our end goal of full rehabilitation. Right now, I see K9 Dept. as our strongest hope of success, unlike our previous minimally successful experience. Ray is our dedicated "dog whisperer". read more

Ray has relieved so much stress for my pup and I. Zion developed reactivity toward people and other dogs recently and it has really put a strain on our lives. I was struggling to find boarding options because of his behavioral issues and I came across Ray. I decided toward board and training after the consultation because I wanted to enjoy life with my pup again, instead of constantly being stressed and worried something might happen. Ray took his time and made sure to build a relationship with him based on trust and respect first and foremost, which I think has made all the difference, as Zion is often nervous around men. He began implementing training slowly and didn't rush Zion. He exposed Zion to EVERYTHING; taking him into public places, allowing him to experience new things, and even was able to get people to PET him without growling or being reactive. Ray sent me videos/picture almost everyday of Zion, which was so nice, as I've had other trainers/boarders wait days without video/photo updates. After the first couple of weeks, Ray encouraged me to participate in the trainings and I was able to go out with Zion (with Ray's guidance and direction) and walk around various stores. It was incredible to have Zion walk next to me, calm and relaxed and following commands without push back. I have tried other training programs and although they might have worked temporarily and on the surface level, nothing was as personal and successful as working with Ray. Not only have I seen so much improvement in just 3 weeks, but Ray has insured that if I have issues with Zion further down the line, I am able to bring Zion back and "tune" up my training in the future. I also have someone that I know I can board with, without fear or stress. Thank you! read more

I decided to get a new puppy and the Cane Corso breed called to me. Out of all the puppies he was the one I wanted because he was the leader of the pack and had the cutest face. Unfortunately, I found out very quickly that along with being the leader he also comes with traits such as being very stubborn and hard headed. I was so nervous about what the future held because I knew he would get bigger and could potentially become dangerous to others. I just so happened to be walking him and came across an owner with his great Dane and she was very well behaved and adorable. We started talking and I found out that Ray trained his dog and this led to me giving Ray a call the same day.Ray had us bring the whole family (everyone in my household) to come to his land and meet him and get a feel for what he does. Before the appointment he sent us various videos to look at to kind of gauge his skills. When we arrived, he didn't just spew nonsense and make promises, he couldn't keep. He gave us a tour and put together a mini test to gauge what we knew and how the family handled the puppy. We loved what he had to say and what he showed us and decided to continue with program. For what he offered I felt it was money well spent. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little skeptical because my puppy is a menace and does not like to listen, but after the training camp, you could see the changes in him. Don't get me wrong he still has a long way to go but Ray has been wonderful. Giving us exercises to perform and making sure we feel confident when we train him. I can't wait for what our future holds and to keep having ray in our corner cheering us on read more

I had the pleasure of working with Reza, a talented and dedicated dog trainer, and I cannot express how grateful I am for his exceptional services. From the very beginning, Reza displayed a deep understanding and passion for his work. He took the time to listen to my specific needs and requirements, ensuring that the training program was tailored to both my Yorkie's capabilities and my own expectations. His knowledge and expertise in dog behavior and training techniques were evident, and it truly made a difference in our training sessions Reza's patience and positive reinforcement techniques were instrumental in shaping my Yorkie into a well-behaved service dog. He employed a variety of training methods, always adapting them to suit my dog's individual needs and abilities. His calm demeanor and ability to communicate effectively with dogs are truly remarkable Reza's professionalism and reliability were outstanding. He was always punctual, well-prepared for our sessions, and he consistently went above and beyond to ensure that I was comfortable with the training process. His genuine care for my dog's well-being and my satisfaction as a client was evident throughout our entire journey. I recommend Reza to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy dog trainer. He is a true professional, passionate about his craft, and dedicated to the success and happiness of both dogs and their owners. If you're looking for someone who will go the extra mile to train your dog to be a service dog, Reza is the person to call! I'm forever grateful for his invaluable assistance! read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ray and the incredible job he did with Jimmi. Jimmi spent approximately two weeks with Ray, and my goal was to have a confident, well-mannered service dog who could go anywhere with me, accompany me in my everyday life, and eventually be able to fly with me. I've only had Jimmi home for a few days, but I'm already amazed at the difference. We've been out to multiple places together, and I've learned so much about my dog and how to communicate with him. Honestly, I never really knew who Jimmi was or what he was capable of before working with Ray. Ray is truly a dog whisperer. What I love most is that he didn't just train Jimmi -- he taught me. The extra time, knowledge, and guidance Ray gave me, especially during our windshield time, has been invaluable. I now have a much better understanding of Jimmi and how to continue reinforcing everything he learned. Now it's up to us to continue with the daily habits, consistency, and positive reinforcement so these lessons become part of our everyday life. I will continue working with Ray periodically through his board-and-train program for refresher training to keep Jimmi sharp and continue building on the foundation Ray has given us. I highly recommend Ray to anyone looking for someone who genuinely understands dogs and knows how to bring out their best. Thank you, Ray, for helping me discover the amazing dog I already had. read more

Ray of K9 Department LLC is an exceptional professional whose expertise in canine training is evident from the very first interaction. His depth of knowledge, disciplined methodology, and unwavering dedication to the craft set him apart in a field where true mastery is rare. As the trainer for my Presa Canarios within my kennel program, Ray has consistently delivered outstanding results across obedience, protection work, show‑dog conditioning, and a wide range of specialized training. His methods are precise, effective, and rooted in a deep understanding of canine behavior. It is clear he operates with a level of intuition and connection to dogs that few trainers possess. Ray exemplifies professionalism -- reliable, respectful, responsible, and remarkably affordable for the caliber of service he provides. His boarding services are equally impressive, offering a safe, structured, and well‑managed environment that gives owners complete confidence. In the dog world, building the right relationships is invaluable, and Ray is one of the best connections any owner, breeder, or kennel operator can make. Beyond his technical skill, he is an outstanding human being whose integrity and passion elevate every aspect of his work. I recommend Ray and K9 Department LLC without reservation. His impact on my kennel and my dogs has been exceptional. read more

6 months ago I adopted a 100 pound 2 year old Cane Corso. He had lived his life in a backyard and was not fed on a regular basis. Animal Control has him for 2 months putting weight on him before he was able to be put up for adoption. Even when I got him at 100 pounds you could still see his ribs. 6 months later and 25 pounds heavier he became a burden to take for walks. Went after every dog, squirrel and bicyclist. Thank goodness I found Ray at K-9 Department training. Literally one week with Ray and Drago is a completely different dog. Took him to dog park and calm. Week two went to crowded flea market and Tampa Convention Center / Riverwalk and Drago did amazing. Walked him thru an outdoor restaurant and he didn't attempt to smell anyone seated or pay attention to their dogs. I was also surprised how well he did going up and down the escalator. Not only does Ray reprogram your fur baby to go from bad behavior to great behavior, he involves the owner on the training. I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED K9 Department. I promise, you WILL see results quickly. Drago has 2 weeks more of training and I'm excited to see the final results. This was a no brainer in making Drago happier which benefits our family for years to come. Jacqui read more

We kept reading that Aussies are one of the smartest breeds of dogs, but we were convinced that was a lie because we could not get our Molly (a one and a half year old miniature Australian Shepherd) to obey any commands! That changed when we decided to have her trained by Reza at K9 Department. She was with him for three weeks and came back a different dog! She's not perfect but we can now take her out for walks and inside stores without she going all crazy on us. She now knows all the basic commands and taking her out is now a relaxing and pleasant experience, while before it was taxing and extremely frustrating. Reza has an amazing rapport with dogs.: when he first walked into our house and met Molly for the first time, she of course went wild (as she did with any visitor), but he commanded her PLACE and to our amazement she quieted down and went to lay down on her cushion! We had never even taught her where her place was, so we were just standing there with our jaws on the floor! We highly recommend Reza if you're looking for a dog trainer, even (especially) if you think your dog is untrainable! read more

Ray is an excellent trainer- he takes time to get to know not only your dog but also you - the owner- as the dog and the owner need to work as a team. Ray's training techniques are very effective - he was able to transform my slightly crazy Golden Retriever into obedient, focused, professional Service Dog after board and train program. My dog stayed at Ray's place " board and train" and then three of us trained together. Ray spent lots of time teaching me how to work with my Service Dog making sure that I know how to handle my dog correctly. We went to stores, mall, cafes, parks - we challenged my dogs - and me- and he passed with no issues. Now back in NYC, is still amazing and people compliment us very often- you can see that my dog is a real Service Dog. Ray keeps in touch with us as we have a plan to add more tasks to my dog's Service Dog routine. Ray is proud of his work and seeks excellence and he will make sure that your dog is just the best. My Golden became golden thanks to Ray. read more

We have known Ray for the past 5.5 years prior to him starting K9 Department training facility and the one quality we have always been the most impressed with is his dedication to the owners as well as the dog he is working with. Ray has a deep understanding that you and your dog are a team and working together is as important as training your dog. You will get both at K9 Department. Bella is a Great Dane and while on the smaller side, we realized that she would need to be trained correctly but with kindness and compassion. She was then, and continues to be, a very sensitive and caring part of the family. Ray's firm, consistent, and calm demeanor with Bella was the perfect mix of training and care. It's no wonder that however long its been between visits from Ray, Bella is truly excited and overjoyed to see him. To us, that's the true testament of the training you'll receive at K9 Department. read more

I have the UTMOST Respect & Confidence in Ray @ K9 Department. He accepted our Mal & returned him having made Huge Strides in his training. Ray took time before we dropped "Z" off to discuss our needs. He additionally took time during "Z's" training to send a couple short videos of the dogs progress. Ray also called me a few times to discuss the progress and we have Really built a friendship along this journey. We have used K9 Department multiple times since finding them. Will Absolutely Recommend. 5 Stars!!! We drive almost 4 hours each way to use them. THAT is how much we believe in K9 Department! Ray has proven to be a Talented Trainer that cares as much about the animal as we do. Such a Rare find!! EPS - Naples, FL. read more

My two 14 month old Westie were totally out of control. Chewing furniture, peeing inside, constantly barking. Walking them was a nightmare. Tugging and barking the whole time. They just wouldn't listen. My husband and I were at our wits end. Finally out of desperation we called Ray at K9 Department. What a difference he made. His training methods are fantastic. The dogs went to live with him for a few weeks and what a difference! They are a joy to have now. Little angels. Ray also worked with me, teaching me how to control them and teaching me all the commands and techniques. We walked them through the mall and other public places. My dogs made a complete turn around and we are all happier for it. read more

I was in the market for a service dog but didn't know what type of dog would fit my needs. Also I was worried about getting scammed for mediocre training. I asked a friend of mine who trained his dog because she was so well behaved. That is how I was introduced to the K9 Department. Day one the trainer was very goal oriented, proactive, and efficient. He knee the perfect dog for me and was able to get me direct access with a credible breeder. From that day forward he was consistent with his communication. He would send me progress videos and updates with training. This is a man that is really passionate about what he does, and really cares about the dogs well being. read more

I am wheelchair bound and decided I needed a service dog to help and protect me. I acquired Bruce from Ray Khatibi. He is a Cane Corso with the perfect temperament. Ray had worked with Bruce from a young age so so he already had basic obedience. We needed to customize Bruce's training to learn how to work with wheel chairs and my mobility issues. Ray taught both of us how to work with each other for my specific needs. I am very happy with Ray and would recommend him for anyone who needs to teach a dog anything. Ray breeds Cane Corsos and German shepherds so I am telling all my friends that if they want a great service dog, go to Ray read more

I don't normally write reviews on things. But after working with K9 department LLC, I was completely amazed. My name is Jacquelyn. I'm in a wheelchair, I have a five-year-old Pitbull mix. When she came to K9 department LLC, she was jumping on people, growling at other dogs, she would run and chase other animals, she would run out the door and go down the street in the neighborhood.She was with K9 department LLC for about five weeks and in those five weeks, all of her issues are almost completely gone. I can't say enough good things about this company. I promise you if you give them a try, you will not be disappointed. read more

Ray truly is an amazing trainer. His many years of working with dogs in Germany instilled in him, a very high standard of dog training and also ethics. Two of my German Shepherds went through a board and train program that was run by Ray at the time. Both dogs came back completely different with a whole new level of concentration and obedience. I'm really glad to see that he has since launched his own business and I wish him every success. If you want to do yourself a favor, work with a professional. It definitely pays off! read more

So happy we found Ray, we had 2 aggressive pups we love, a 2 years old one English bulldog we rescue from an abusive family so she had trauma and our big French mastiff who is also 2. They started showing signs of aggression to visitors. Ray is a miracle worker who has transform both our dogs and life is so less stressful when we have visitors and taking them out . You can tell he loves what he does and he really understands dogs behavior. He also trained us to be better owners. I highly recommend him. read more

Ray is highly recommended by rescues, Law enforcement industry and even other trainers as a trustworthy professional. He is super patient and compassionate more so than any other trainer I have experienced in my 50 plus years of raising and breeding dogs. He is also responsible for saving the lives of many unadoptable aggressive dogs that would have been euthanized ,. Transforming these dogs with his unique methods. His training includes life time support read more

Brought in Mister, my rescue, to help with his food aggressions and pulling on the leash. From the first day to the end of training K9 was very tentative and very pleasant to work with! He Is very knowledgeable in every aspect of dogs, and his love for dogs, shows. K9 has taught me how to communicate with my dog and ever since Mr. Has done a 180 in his behavior, he listens and respects me. 100% would recommend this read more