K-Nine Solutions’ Pack Walks

You may have seen Eric Smith and Justin Davanzo on any given Saturday morning herding a pack of 30-plus dogs and their humans down State Street. It’s hard to miss the parade of well-behaved dogs in all shapes and sizes, marching in unison, happily obeying their relieved and appreciative human companions. While the canines are learning to socialize and get along with all manner of dogs, the humans are learning, too, to relax and enjoy a social outing with their furry friends. Onlookers gawk and snap photos, and children squeal with delight.

All of the dogs come to the two young entrepreneurs’ K-Nine Solutions with behavioral issues, from fear and aggression to barking and leash-pulling. The pair trains the animals out of a gym on Haley Street and then started “Pack Walks” to better socialize the dogs. The packs quickly doubled and tripled in size, as clients soon realized the group work offers benefits for dogs and humans alike.

“A friend of mine commented that he looked like a new dog!” said Lauren Warfield, just one happy pet owner. “I know we still have a long way to go, but I never in a million years thought I’d be able to take Beans to a parade like I did yesterday!” Another client, Nikki Green, even said her friends thought her dog was sedated at a party they had. “He is such a good dog now,” she said, “and I know we owe a lot to you!”

To learn more, call (805) 451-2458 or see kninesolutions.com.