Professional Dog Training
in Dallas–Fort Worth

Built on Structure, Connection, and Real-World Results

At Southpaw K9, we specialize in obedience, behavior training, and building confident dogs that listen, both at home and in the real world.

Apply to Work with Southpaw K9

5- Star Rating

Serving Waxahachie • Midlothian • Mansfield • Red Oak • Dallas - Fort Worth

You love your dog, but does this feel familiar?

• Walks are a struggle instead of leisurely
• Listens at home, but not in public
• Jumping, pulling, or ignoring commands
• Reactivity toward other dogs or distractions

You Don't Have to do This Alone!

At Southpaw K9, you and your pup work with a team.

Ryan brings the structure, discipline, and expertise,
Amy helps guide you through the process so you feel confident, clear, and supported every step of the way.

Trusted Experience & Proven Background

✔ Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant
✔ Experience in field trial competition
✔ Background in bird hunting and working dogs
✔ Advanced obedience and behavior training
✔ Real-world, results-driven training approach

The Southpaw Difference

Where Structure Meets Connection

✔ Balanced training methods
✔ Clear communication between dog and owner
✔ Real-world training, not just drills
✔ Programs tailored to each dog’s personality and drive

Our approach blends structure and heart, combining proven training techniques with deep respect for each dog’s unique personality, energy, and story.

What We Offer

At Southpaw K9, we offer a full range of services designed to support your dog’s well-being. Your dog will get structure, rest, enrichment, and even a good scrub! We’ve got you covered.

Training

Boarding

Playcare

Grooming

Get in Touch

Wags & Brags

Cyndi Dawn

They sent us pics daily, which my daughter LOVED. Their facilities are beautiful, and Dex was well taken care of. They even sent our “wild man”, home with a cute report card. If you ever need a place to board your pup, I highly recommend this place.

Trent Singletary

Our experience with Southpaw K9 was incredible! My German has become the best version of himself and my wife and I couldn’t be more pleased. The dogs are always happy, ready to work and show off their skills with Ryan. Highly recommend Southpaw K9 to any friends and family looking for training!

Melissa Jenkins

I have seen Southpaw K9 work well on more than just a couple of dogs. The dogs Ryan works with are happy, ready to please and a joy to be around! I recommend him for sure, two thumbs up here. You’ll be happier knowing you can let your dog off leash and they aren’t going to bolt.

Border Collies were bred to think fast, move fast, and commit fully…

Creed understood the assignment 😮‍🔥🐾

When your dog is in a board & train or here for a tune-up, they receive multiple training sessions throughout the day in different settings and at different times- early mornings, midday, and even as the sun’s going down. If it’s too hot, too cold, or raining, we move into our facility. Either way, the training doesn’t stop! Weekends, holidays, slow days..it doesn’t change the routine!

This is the first couple day of introducing the e-collar with him. He’s not very food motivated, so instead of relying on treats, we’re focusing on clear communication.

Right now he’s on a long line, so when he gets a little too far ahead, I’ll give the command ‘here.’If he doesn’t respond right away, I apply light leash pressure. At the same time, I’m layering in low level e-collar stimulation with the leash pressure.

So to him, it all feels like one clear message, not two separate corrections.The second he turns his head and commits to coming toward me, all that pressure turns off.

That’s what we’re teaching him, how to turn pressure off by making the right decision.

By this point, he already understands the word ‘here.’ He’s had a lot of reps on the long line, so this isn’t new. He understands the job, now we’re just making it reliable.

Graduation day for Rocco!! 🎓🐾
He brought the personality from day one, but behind all the goofiness was a dog willing to learn. Step by step, he put it together and leveled up in a big way. So proud of this boy!

We appreciate your sweet words, Andi! Bear and Nala are always part of the family when they stay with us 🤍

Down is a more permanent position, we don’t want dogs anticipating getting back up. If they’re in a down while you’re doing yard work or chatting with a neighbor, they should stay there until you go back to them, ask for a sit, and then release. That’s what makes it truly reliable.

We also use lots of rewards when teaching “down”, it’s not an easy command for most dogs, so we make it worth their while!

Every dog that walks in here is my new favorite. Yes, even you. Especially you. 🐶

Anyone else notice the pattern? ⚫️🟤⚫️🟤�⚫️

Dear Mom and Dad,
I know you were a little nervous leaving me at SPK9 for the first time, but I’m settling in just fine! Everyone here is soooo nice, and I get lots of time outside to run around! BRB I’m off on that 30 minute private walk you scheduled for me! Can’t wait to see you soon! 🐾
- Silvi

SPK9 current training roster! From powerful working breeds like the German Shepherd and Cane Corso…to family favorites like the Golden Retriever…all the way down to designer companions like the Mini Goldendoodle.

Different sizes. Different temperaments. Different purposes.
Same standard.

We train the dog in front of us, not just the breed.

Thank you to our kennel techs for their hard work!!🙌

A lot of dog owners are surprised by how quickly we can lay the groundwork for good manners. While the full transformation from our SPK9 Board & Train Program takes time, we often see really positive changes just a few sessions in!

Creed clocked in this Monday… and yes, he’s cute, but he’s here to work. He’s enrolled in our SPK9 Board & Train program! We’re dialing in both on-leash and off-leash obedience to set him up for success!

Hi, it’s us, Danny Boy (12, wise and distinguished) and Wallace (7, young and adorable)

We checked into boarding and immediately took over. The staff? Obsessed with our tiny noses. As they should be.

Danny is here to supervise and judge quietly. Wallace is here to remind everyone he’s cute every 5 minutes. It’s a good system.

We’ve decided this place meets our standards… so we’ll be staying (and accepting treats + belly rubs only, thank you). 💛

FAFO GRADUATED 🎓🔥

From wild man… to a controlled wild man with a solid head on his shoulders. Same big personality, just with structure behind it.

This clip is from one of his final training sessions, a little peek into the work right before graduation.
He’s a BIG dog, and big dogs need direction, boundaries, and purpose. When they get it, everything changes! Congrats FAFO 🎓

Debra is just the sweetest. 💛

Her dog Buddy trained with us and now joins playcare every Tuesday and even stays with us during holidays when their house is full of family. He’s part of the SPK9 crew for life!

This Easter, Debra went above and beyond, putting together a basket for one of our employees and bringing the whole team the sweetest treats!!

We appreciate you more than you know. Thank you, Debra!

We don’t take holidays off, Training continues, routines stay consistent, and every dog still gets the care, structure, and turnout they count on! 💯

Because for them… it’s just another great day. 💪❤️🐰

Nimbi 🤍
1 year old Goldendoodle & First time boarding with us!

There’s something special about a first timer… and Nimbi made herself right at home. Confident, sweet, and such a good girl.

What makes it click for dogs like her? Structure.
Clear rules, a consistent routine, and intentional breaks throughout the day. It doesn’t just keep things running smoothly, it gives them a sense of security. They learn what’s expected, when it’s expected, and that predictability builds trust fast.

That’s when you really start to see them settle in.

We love our first timers and we set them up to thrive from day one. ‼️

Reacher loves when the grandkids come over!

All paws, tail up, & no brakes! Rocko doesn’t do slow.⚡️

When you’re in day training with Ryan but you don’t get to go today 😢

Sitting by the door like, “I’m ready… let’s go already.”🥺

Aspen loves training!!

We’re so proud to announce our newest Board & Train graduate… Whiskers the Cat. 🎓

After an intense program, Whiskers has officially mastered Off leash recall (when he feels like it) , Place command (aka… your laptop keyboard), Crate training (we call it “optional independence”)

From knocking things off shelves with precision… to maintaining direct eye contact while doing the exact opposite of what’s asked, his progress has been nothing short of inspiring. We couldn’t be more proud of how far he’s come!

#AprilFools #BoardAndTrainGraduate #CatLogic #TrainedProfessio

From uncontrolled to fine-tuned!
Kanan came in with no brakes, no structure, and no clear direction. We slowed things down, built communication, and gave him the tools to succeed. Kanan — SPK9 Graduate 🎓

Hi, I’m Odie 🐾
I’m here for the day of constructive playcare and let me tell you… I LIVE for it.

Mom drops me off and it’s game on. Running, playing, making friends… I don’t waste a second. If there’s fun to be had, I’m already in the middle of it 😎

By pickup time I’m happy, tired, and already planning my next visit.

It’s completely okay if your dog doesn’t meet every dog you encounter on walks or in public spaces. In fact, forcing interactions or trying to meet every dog can often make your dog more stressed, anxious, or reactive. Dogs, like people, need to feel safe and in control of their environment.

When another dog and their owner approach, it’s perfectly fine to advocate for your dog’s comfort. This might mean crossing the street, stepping off the path, or calmly letting the other owner know that your dog needs space. Respecting your dog’s boundaries teaches your dog that you are in control, which helps them feel secure and trust that they are protected. Over time, this builds confidence and a stronger bond between you and your dog!

Ziggy is an 8 year old love bug who’s been part of the SouthpawK9 family for over 3 years now. He boards with us and every now and then, he joins us just for some playcare fun too! We love you Ziggy!

It’s okay if we don’t agree on every little thing when it comes to dogs. What matters is what works for you. I come from the training side, you come from your lifestyle, and we meet in the middle. At the end of the day, you should have a dog you love being around!

Uh-oh… Sheriff Tyson just cuffed Kash! 🚨
What crime do you think got him arrested? 🤔

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Professional Dog Training in Dallas–Fort Worth

Built on Structure, Connection, and Real-World Results At Southpaw K9, we specialize in obedience, behavior training, and building confident dogs that listen, both at home and in the real world.​​​​