Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Training, Boarding & Grooming Experts in Stafford, VA
Colonial K-9 in Stafford, VA has been a trusted provider of comprehensive pet care services since 2000. Our state-of-the-art facility offers obedience training, agility courses, AKC competition preparation, conformation handling, and scent work programs tailored to dogs of all skill levels. The boarding facility features climate-controlled indoor and outdoor runs with 24-hour on-site staff supervision and daily outdoor play sessions. Our professional grooming services ensure pets receive meticulous care, while the 12,000-square-foot indoor training space accommodates group classes, club events, and private rentals.With a team of certified trainers holding decades of combined experience in canine behavior and protection sports, we serve military, law enforcement, and civilian clients. The business maintains rigorous cleanliness standards, personalized attention to individual pet needs, and flexible scheduling options including extended weekday hours. Our commitment to animal welfare is demonstrated through breed-neutral care policies, client communication protocols, and specialized programs for working dogs and service animals.
Services
Obedience Training
AKC Competition
Facility Rental
Conformation
Agility Training
Grooming
Boarding
Barn Hunt
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 24-hour on-site staff supervision for boarding pets
- Certified trainers with military and law enforcement experience
- Climate-controlled indoor/outdoor kennel facilities
- Specialized programs for AKC competition and working dogs
- 10% discount for military and law enforcement personnel
What people say
Great staff
Very helpful
Clean facility
Loves animals
Best place
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience training programs cater to all skill levels from puppy basics to advanced competition preparation. Certified instructors use positive reinforcement techniques to develop reliable commands and improve canine behavior. Clients receive personalized training plans tailored to their dog's specific needs and temperament.
Boarding
Climate-controlled indoor and outdoor kennel runs provide comfortable accommodations for boarding pets. 24-hour staff supervision ensures safety while daily exercise sessions maintain physical health. Clients may bring personal food and bedding to maintain familiar routines for their pets.
Grooming
Professional grooming services include nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat maintenance performed by experienced technicians. The facility maintains strict hygiene standards while providing individualized attention to each pet's specific grooming requirements and sensitivities.
Facility Rental
The 12,000-square-foot indoor training facility features rubber flooring and 12-foot ceilings suitable for various canine activities. Available for hourly rental during spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons, the space accommodates group training sessions, dog shows, and special events.
AKC Competition
Specialized programs prepare dogs and handlers for AKC competitions including obedience trials, rally events, and working title evaluations. Training incorporates ring pattern practice, performance drills, and readiness assessments conducted by experienced competition instructors.
People
Teresa Mathern
K-9 Master Instructor
Certified master instructor with expertise in obedience, agility, and protection sports. Former Ericsson International accountant turned full-time dog trainer since 2000. Specializes in German Shepherds and holds multiple working dog certifications.
Michael Hartnett
K-9 Trainer
Certified master trainer since 2000 with 27 years of facility management experience. Former search and rescue team leader and humane society canine placement specialist. Handles bloodhounds for wilderness tracking missions.
Marley Loomis
Competition Rally Instructor
AKC title holder with decades of obedience and rally competition experience. Specializes in confidence-building training methods for competition dogs. Maintains active involvement in canine conditioning seminars and problem-solving clinics.
William Parker
Canine Program Developer
40-year veteran in canine program development with expertise in explosives detection and protection sports. Former military kennel master who established detection programs for airports, rail systems, and international military teams.
Maria Schultz
Outdoor Enthusiast Trainer
Certified canine fitness trainer and author of dog paddleboarding guides. Combines outdoor adventure expertise with dog training, offering SUP PUP classes and fitness clinics. Holds advanced degrees in education and graphic design.
Questions
What services does Colonial K-9 offer?
We provide obedience training, AKC competition preparation, boarding, grooming, conformation handling, agility training, and facility rentals for canine-related activities.
Are there special rates for military personnel?
Yes, we offer a 10% discount for active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel as well as law enforcement professionals.
What are the boarding facility's features?
Our climate-controlled indoor/outdoor kennels include 24-hour staff supervision, daily exercise sessions, and accommodations for multiple pets from the same household.
Can I rent the training facility for private events?
Yes, our 12,000-square-foot indoor space is available for hourly rentals at seasonal rates for training groups, dog shows, and special events.
What training certifications do your instructors hold?
Our staff includes certified narcotics handlers, protection sports instructors, AKC evaluators, and specialists in search and rescue operations with decades of combined experience.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 8am-12pm & 3pm-6pm, and Sunday 8am-12pm & 3pm-6pm for all services.
Reviews (7)
Jill P.
Jun 30, 2022
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We use to board our dogs at the vet's office. One time they were full and they recommended Colonial K9.2 years later and we are still boarding our dogs here! We love the staff and know that our dogs are well taken care of. I no longer feel guilty of leaving the dogs locked up in a small crate all day at the vets office. Our dogs are able to share a kennel, which was important for us because 1) our dogs are rescues and we didn't want them to feel like they were being left behind again and 2) because they are a bonded pair with separation anxiety; they also get plenty of playtime in the fenced in yard. Highly Recommend Colonial K9!
Tracy O.
Jun 29, 2022
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We boarded our dogs for 6 days and we are extremely UNHAPPY in the condition we got our dogs back in. Our poor Henny came back sick, throwing up food and blood which is crazy.we dropped her off healthy and feeling good. They both received a full check up the day prior to drop off and the vet said they were both good, so we KNOW they had no issues going in. Her energy is completely off. Additionally, we requested baths for both of our dogs which we did not receive, this was requested at drop off.
Both our dogs are significantly dirtier. It appears our dogs were not fed. We've boarded our dogs before and have never head a cause of concern. Sure we could have check in, I don't disagree but with a history of not having issues and the good reviews we read. We trusted the following establishment. If there was an issue, it should have been brought to our attention, my husband's number was listed on file as requested AND during pick-up, we could have been informed that something was wrong. I rarely leave reviews but I'm extremely unhappy with the condition of my dogs.
Both our dogs are significantly dirtier. It appears our dogs were not fed. We've boarded our dogs before and have never head a cause of concern. Sure we could have check in, I don't disagree but with a history of not having issues and the good reviews we read. We trusted the following establishment. If there was an issue, it should have been brought to our attention, my husband's number was listed on file as requested AND during pick-up, we could have been informed that something was wrong. I rarely leave reviews but I'm extremely unhappy with the condition of my dogs.
Christopher Pellowski
May 23, 2022
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Worked w/Meredith - she's awesome said my Australian Cattle dog Roxi is ready for basic agility training
Vickie Williams
Mar 10, 2022
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This is my go to boarder in NOVA. My miniature schnauzer loves the place. Sat morning, he was like bye!
Katie Ray
Jan 21, 2022
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I picked up Bucky today following boarding him for a week. Bucky is 18 months old and has been going to daycare there since he was 6 or 7 months. Bucky loves going to Colonial K9 and gets super excited as soon as we are almost there. I like knowing that Bucky is safe and having fun while I am away. I will definitely use Colonial K9 for future boarding needs and will continue to use their daycare.
Paris Menesesblackmon
Oct 28, 2021
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I sent my Great Dane to Hella K9s for board and train to work on basic puppy skills and overall obedience. His trainer was Taylor and to say she was amazing is an understatement. She was in constant contact with updates and any health concerns, she cared for dog like he was one of her own. I highly recommend Hella K9s to anyone who asks me. It was truly a wonderful experience, for both me and my dog.
Ps
Oct 21, 2021
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The staff at Colonial K9 treated our dog with the utmost love and care during the board-and-train program. Her trainer, Bill, showed us how to work with her aggressive tendencies. Our dog went from biting our children to bringing toys over to them to play. He treated her as his own and we are eternally grateful for that!
