Tim & Robin are amazing at what they do!! We had recently adopted our boy Huxley and he would barely walk on a leash at all he wouldn't even go past the driveway. He had no formal training before we got him and we weren't sure where to begin as he is our first dog and is the typical scary looking Pit mix. We did some research into local trainers, the different types of training and asked for recommendations on Facebook and Nextdoor and The K9 Commanders name came up frequently. We contacted Tim and set up a consultation, he came out to the house to meet Huxley and our family to see how he was, what our situation was like and what our expectations were. He explained his training method, his past in the industry and as a Police K9 Instructor/Trainer, what to expect from Huxley during this process, what his expectation of us would be during the training and after it to keep Huxley on a path to being the best companion he could be, laid out how the training sessions would go and what we would be doing. We decided to start with him on the spot! We got Huxley set up on a leash and collar and Tim had him out of the house and down the street in about 2 minutes, it was amazing! He was walking , turning , responding to commands! The first thing that I really liked about The K9 Commander was his honesty. We went into it thinking that Huxley would need to whole 9 yards lol. We wanted to do the full 8 session package etc... But Tim said based on the way Huxley was responding and his demeanor he would only need 4 sessions. I appreciated that he was honest about that and did not try to upsell or have us pay/do more then he thought was really necessary to get to the goal we wanted. We did end up asking for 6 sessions so that we could later use the last two for things we thought were needed or new scenarios/ issues we encountered after the initial 4 were done. The second thing and probably the most important was that this was REAL WORLD hands on training!! Not a class room, not just in your home all the time with little to no distractions. Robin was our primary trainer and she did an amazing job! We went for walks and sessions around the neighborhood, Home depot, the pet store, the park , the dog park and even a busy restaurant. Their training isn't just about "sit,shake,down,treats etc.." while you do learn some of these things this is designed for real world out and about, distracted, loud & busy environments so that you and your dog have the tools and confidence to go anywhere with anything going on. Robin taught us about dog behaviors and body language , what things to look out for while out and about or at the dog park and what things sound/look scary but are normal play/alert behaviors. Robin taught us how to move past distractions with ease, how to meet & greet people and other dogs and maintain control at all times. We now take Huxley everywhere we are allowed to take him (the farmers market, the hardware store, the dog park, main street park, the yatch club etc.) without any hesitation and people are always so amazed at how well behaved and well mannered he is. And we know that if we ever do have an issue, new roadblock, a new companion or just want to freshen up and make sure we are still on the right path we have Robin or Tim to call and they will be there to help us. Thank you both so much! David, Aimee & Huxley Casey read more

We called Tim after having worked with two other dog trainers. We had recently adopted a standard schnauzer puppy (Loki) to join our family and keep our 10 year old dog company. While our dogs got along well, walking them was a nightmare. They were both leash aggressive, the Loki wound up our old dog (Willie Wonka) that led Willie to bite a walker. OMG it was terrifying. Inside the house they are the sweetest, most loyal family members. Other trainers made us feel guilty and that our dogs behavior was all our fault. Yet when we tried to implement their tactics they simple didn't work. As a last ditch effort we entreated Tim to help us. He started training our puppy with a boot camp which completely stopped Loki's mayhem. We continue to call on Tim to reinforce training. He has even trained our 14 yr old son to walk the dogs properly so we feel safe for him to take the dogs out by himself. The dogs have stopped their leash aggression and more importantly we know how to recognize it and understand why to do to stop it. Tim has saved us from constant anxiety when we have the dogs out in public. We are unbelievably grateful. He is truly a dog whisperer and helps dog owners regain control over their dog pack. He is so amazing and will help you improve your relationship with you dogs!. read more

Tim Crane of K9 Commander "Did not train my Doberman, Tim trained me how to handle my dog". On my initial consultation with Tim, he solved my main concern about my dog at the time (pulling while walking on a leash ) I could have stop there and tell Tim "Thank you" but the more he explained things the more i understand that i dont have the proper technique. I told Tim i need to enroll my puppy to an 8 session program but Tim told me i might not need that many sessions which i didnt. Tim is not after my money he is after for my well being in handling my puppy. My neighbor ask me what's the difference between Tim Crane (K9 Commander) and other trainers ? my response was Tim works with me not with my dog, Tim has a 1 on 1 session with me and he train me on how to handle my dog in the environments (my neighborhood, parks, pet stores and restaurants where dogs are allowed) where i want to take my dog. My puppy a 6 month old european doberman named Dobby, is at his best behavior thanks to Tim. I completed my training session on how to handle Dobby. K9 commander (Tim Crane) is the trainer to talk to when it comes to being a better owner and controlling your dog. Thank you Tim for being not only a trainer but also for considering me, maria and maikee as one of your family members. Sonny T. read more

The K9 Commander (Tim Crane) is absolutely amazing. Our dog (Naomi) is completely lovable, but she has grown into a 70+ pound all-muscled Staffordshire (aka Pitbull) mix. Before the Commander, it was becoming impossible to walk Naomi without getting pulled around in every direction. She also refused to get into a car on her own ... which led to a lot of heavy lifting. It got to the point where it was completely unenjoyable to go anywhere with her. We found the K9 Commander based on several positive referrals. Tim visited our house and assessed the situation quickly. He told us he could help, and he was 100% right. Naomi responded immediately to Tim's fair/firm training style. After the first lesson, her manners improved and she started jumping in the car. Tim gave us "homework" after the next few lessons, and everything paid off. We now have a much better situation. Naomi is pleasant to walk and she is self-sufficient in getting in and out of the car. What a positive change. Tim was well worth the time and effort. I can't recommend him enough ... he'd get 6 stars from me if I was able. read more

Tim trained Casey, our German Shephard, when he still was working as a K9 officer for the Pittsburgh Police Department. She immediately responded in very positive ways to him, and because he was training her at our home, she looked forward to his visits. We live very close to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, a large public university. Carnegie Mellon University, the academic hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and major museums also are in our neighborhood, which is the third busiest commercial center in Pennsylvania, with high levels of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Tim actually could walk Casey across campus without a leash, and she would stay by his side. We do not do that ourselves, but we do walk her every day, and she is easy to manage and very well-behaved, which is particularly important in a big dog. We also enjoyed all of our human interactions with Tim, something that always is important but particularly when someone is coming to your home. Pittsburgh's loss was North Carolina's gain, and we would highly recommend Tim. read more

Fantastic training offered by Tim Crane, The K9 Commander! He trained my GSD, Chief, for two weeks. Prior to training, he contacted me to obtain background information on Chief, asked questions, addressed concerns, etc. He stopped by our house before Day 1 to meet Chief and assess him in his element in person. During drop off on the morning of Day 1, he reassured me that Chief would be taken care of during the training course and at no time would he be harmed. He checked in via FaceTime, and sent photos and videos of Chief's progress daily. Due to needing Chief trained specifically for PTSD-related proactive and reactive responses, Tim customized Chief's training so that I could be trained right along with Chief since he will be going most places with me. With Tim's military and law enforcement background, he immediately understood and could relate to my needs for Chief. I was pleased with the training services Tim provided and look forward to signing Chief up for advanced skills. read more

Tim, The K9 Commander, has really made a difference in my dog Bella's behaviors. After only a few sessions, she went from being a wild puppy, completely out of control on our walks, to being calm and attentive. I am disabled and Tim has made it so that I can walk her. I can even let the neighborhood children she plays with, as young as 5 years old, walk her. She no longer jumps on adults so she gets to meet new people and calmly greets old friends. He includes me in the training so I can practice skills and achieve carryover of all she learns with him. He listens to my needs and expectations for Bella and individualizes his training based on what works best for me, for us. I highly recommend Tim, The K9 Commander, to anyone looking for a skilled and patient dog trainer. read more

After a number of unsuccessful attempts to find the right trainer for my pack of dogs I found Tim Crane's website and was beyond impressed. His credentials are outstanding and I knew he was the trainer for us! He immediately identified the troublemaker in my pack. With one session he had my boxer mix calmly walking by other dogs without reacting. My beagle mix spent a session working through her fearful issues and is now able to accompany me to dog friendly stores. My Shepard mix has improved her indoor manners. Tim is gifted and able to recognize a problem and has an immediate solution for it. If you are looking for a trainer who has a passion for helping people and animals then Tim Crane, The k9 Commander, is for you! read more

My German Shepherd Argo before training with Tim and Robin I knew he had to do something he has a crazy high drive and is very smart I was researching protection training and came across Tim , Tim introduced protection training and equipment to Argo. Argo was having a great time with this training as we moved on I explained Argos sense of finding his toys no matter where they were . Tim suggested possibly tracking training the last couple of sessions we did introduce Argo to this . Tim and Robin were very professional and definitely know what they are doing Argo seems to have going his niche and we will be continuing with schutzhund , I strongly recommend Tim and Robin for any training needs!! read more

Our dog was nearly impossible to walk, at least enjoyably. He's a great dog but lacked impulse control and manners. In one lesson with the k9 commander we could already see unbelievable results! Walking Henry is now enjoyable, calm and fun for everyone in the family. We're still working on a couple of things, but there's no doubt we'll get there with the foundation we've created and knowledge gained from training. The K9 Commander is simply a must call for anyone looking to strengthen the bond they have with their dog, and help their dog become a much better version of themselves. Fun, Firm, and Fair training that hands down works, and works well! read more

I can't say enough about Tim Crane and his dog training at The K9 Commander. We have a 3 1/2 year old Border Collie who until recently barked at most strangers and pulled at the leash to run toward cars-to herd them. After the first time Tim worked with our dog, Lacey, her behavior, and ours changed for the better. Now, 3 sessions in, she has been on a walk through downtown Wake Forest stores as well as a local home improvement store without barking and even letting strangers pet her. Tim follows his advice to be firm and fair with the dog-he's totally professional but is as nice to the dog as he would his own dog. He is absolutely the best. read more

Tim has a wonderful way of putting both dogs and people at ease. Our dog responded very well to him, and he quickly gave us some tips to solve some key concerns, even during just the initial consultation. As we progressed into the actual lessons, he gave both our dog and us positive feedback and constructive correction to make our communication and expectations clear and fair to our dog. Tim is very honest about what he can help with, and he is skilled at tailoring the training to meet your goals. We're glad to have found him and are enjoying the benefits of his guidance and experience! read more

I have trained with Tim since 1992 when he was starting his career in the city of Pittsburgh. Where he was a k9 officer for many years ending his career as a trainer for the city. He is not only one of the best trainer and handlers I've trained with he is also a great person who has a passion for training. His skills for obedience training are unparalleled. If you need obedience, protection or just better manners for your dog and live in his area be sure to call his number and set up an evaluation for your dog. You will not regret it ! Rich Yonlisky read more

If you are looking for an excellent dog trainer - look no further! The K9 Commander, Tim Crane is the absolute best!!! He gives you clear guidance and listens to you so you can develop the best relationship possible with your four legged family member. He has such an amazing demeanor and connection with our dog Luna. I would not hesitate for a second to vouch for him and his team. We are considering getting a 2nd dog in the near future and we will most definitely ask him to train our new family member. We are so grateful for you and your team!!! read more

After two other trainers were unsuccessful in helping us I was skeptical. After the first consultation I was immediately and extremely hopeful! Tim was EXACTLY what we needed. After only 4 sessions; Finnegan went from pulling, biting the leash, rolling and being a crazy dog to one that I truly enjoy walking. No lunging, no craziness, no barrel rolling and biting the leash! It is like walking a completely different dog! I cannot thank Tim enough for all that he has done and the path he has put us on! Truly... Truly AMAZING! read more

We were referrred to Tim by our neighbor after he had worked with their large Cane Corso puppy. Our 8 month old Boykin Spaniel learned more during our consultation with Tim than he had in 6 weeks of Petsmart training ;) Tim is easy to work with, very professional, and quickly teaches both the dog and the owner how to work together. Our dog is much more obedient. attentive and responsive to our commands now, and our neighbors immediately noticed the difference in our dog's behavior! Thank you! read more

I recently had the pleasure of working with Robin training my 2 year old GS, Tucker. Robin was so amazing, her professionalism and genuine love for what she does is easy to see and feel. Tucker took to her immediately as did I. Over the years I've had many dogs and many different trainers, but Robin has surpassed every previous trainer I've worked with. For anyone looking for an amazing trainer for their fur baby, I would 100% recommend Robin to get you and your pet on track to great success! read more

Can not say enough good things about The K9 Commander!! We worked with Robin and she was so amazing with us and our scared German Shepherd rescue dog! She helped my 10 year old son gain so much confidence so he can create a great bond with our pup! She has helped her overcome fears, stopped herding us and becoming well behaved and listening so much better! She does so well now out in public and loves meeting new friends! I highly recommend these amazing people to train your sweet dogs! read more

Tim is a miracle worker, we took on an abused rescue and were at are wits end. The dog is my 8 year olds best friend and part of our family .With Tims help our out of control dog has become a great family dog, he listens, he's stopped acting out and is now a great dog. I've recommend him to several people who are all very happy with his training. The hours spent went bye quick as he's just a great person and down to earth. I highly recommend him if your in need of a dog trainer. read more