Sam Valenza, Jr.
Sam Valenza, Jr. grew up with German Shepherds and after reading Cesar Millan’s book, “Cesar’s Way,” he adopted a 5-month old German Shepherd named Bandit. He began training Bandit and researching different methods of dog training. He read books on canine behavior and the history of dogs. He worked with Joe Nick K-9 Training in Vineland, NJ for over 4 years. He also volunteered as President of Garden State German Shepherd Rescue, restructuring their foundation and rebuilding. He helped foster and train dogs in preparation for adoption. He also helped coordinate events, took care of their social media needs, and their fundraising. He also helped several local rescues in the Philadelphia area with training and fostering dogs. He pursued a Master’s Degree of Science in Canine Studies at Bergin University in Santa Rosa, Ca. and graduated in 2019.
Training Philosophy
Mid-Atlantic K9 is committed to incorporating the whole family in teaching the proper and best fit ways to teach and train the dogs. We work off your schedule, and adjust our methods and terminology so that the common person would understand. We take our time to ensure each member understands why we take the action to achieve the desired behavior. Mid-Atlantic K9 is not a hit and run business. We continue to check in with our K9 families to see how their progress is doing long after we may be done training sessions. It’s lifelong commitment once you join the MAK9 Team, but it comes with an eternal amount of contacts and resources to assist whatever training needs you require.
Services
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Private Sessions:
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MAK9 Blue Program:
This program is geared towards dog/owners who do not wish to advance in obedience but would rather see their dog stop jumping, chewing, and wish to see just a dog that knows to respect each member of the household. Price starts at $500 for 4 Sessions.
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MAK9 Red Program:
This program is geared towards owners wishing to obtain a CGC Title* with their dogs. We go in-depth with obedience through the use of Marker Training. We continue to work on any pack behavioral issues, and then focus a lot on engagement between the handler and dog. Price starts at $875 for the 7 sessions.
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MAK9 Seniors Program (AKA BLACK):
This program is geared towards owners with senior dogs wishing to gain a little more mobility in their best friend. We go in-depth with obedience through the use of Marker Training. We continue to work on any pack behavioral issues through socialization and environmental training, and then focus a lot on basic muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. Price starts at $750 for 10 sessions.
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K9 Nosework®:
$750 for 6 sessions
Certifications
Certified Dog Training Professional through the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Therapy Dog Evaluator through Therapy Pets Unlimited, a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club (AKC). He is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR through Pet TechTM and PET Emergency Education, LLC. In addition to this Sam is an avid Canine Conditioning Coach.
Specializations
Obedience training, puppy training, behavioral issues, aggression, fearfulness, CGC Title, senior dog mobility, K9 Nosework
Training Methods
Marker Training, positive reinforcement
Customer Reviews
“Would recommend to anyone. Being a first time puppy owner I was given pointers on how to train my puppy. With their help I have an 8 month old puppy that is extremely well behaved and has no accidents”
— Corinne G., Warrington, PA
“Would highly recommend! They are outstanding trainers! They should be called the “dog whisper.” They take everything you say about your dog and your dogs needs and always comes out perfect.”
— Dee M., Willow Grove, PA
“I had Sam come help me out with my shepherd mix. He was pulling a lot. Sam came right up and showed me what I could do to improve the pulling. 4 sessions and now my dog walks great 3x a day, no problems”
— Jesse H., Philadelphia, PA
