In-home across the CT shorelineBased in Hamden

The dog everyone else gave up on is my playground.

I don't just train dogs. I rehab the ones written off as too reactive, too fearful, too far gone. If you've tried everything, start here.

Tell me about your dog →Book a Session
5.0from 66 Google reviewsReviewsRetired Police K9 Handler2.6kon Instagram
Shannon Miller of Coastal K9 with a working Malinois on a heelReactivity · Fear · Aggression

If this sounds familiar

You love your dog. You're just out of answers.

Lunging & barking on leashFear & anxietyAggression toward dogs or peopleWon't listen off the treatNo recall, won't come when calledGuarding food, toys, or spaceWe've tried everyone

Group classes and quick fixes were never built for this. A difficult dog needs a plan built around your dog and your life.

Shannon Miller with her German Shepherd on the Connecticut shorelineShannon's certified police K9

Meet your trainer

Hi, I'm Shannon. Difficult dogs are my life's work.

I'm a retired police K9 handler who spent years reading, shaping, and trusting dogs in the highest-pressure work there is. Now I bring that same calm and clarity to families on the Connecticut shoreline.

There's no one-size-fits-all here. Every program is built around your dog and you, owner education, structure at home, and real obedience, so the change actually lasts.

Retired Police K9 HandlerReal-world working-dog experience
Behavior & rehabilitationReactivity, fear, aggression
AKC affiliated · women-ownedRecognized training standards
Balanced & e-collar trainedClear, fair communication
Work with Shannon →

How we work together

Mostly, I work one on one.

Private sessions are the heart of it, in your home or at my place in Hamden. Board & train is there for the difficult dog that needs intensive therapy. Clear pricing, no guessing.

In-home private session

Where most start

I come to you. The bulk of my work, training in your real world where the problems actually happen.

Book an in-home session
$20055 mins

1:1 at the studio

Come to me in Hamden. The same focused, one-on-one session at the Coastal K9 space.

Book a studio session
$12555/mins

Board & Train

A few spots a year

For the toughest cases. Your dog stays with me in Hamden and rebuilds: a 3-week reset, or a 4-6 week intensive for reactivity, fear & aggression. You get the dog and the skills back.

$3,600-$6,0003 or 6 weeks

Intermediate Group Class

Designed for dogs and handlers who already have a basic understanding of obedience and are ready to put those skills to work in the real world. Held at a local park, this class focuses on proofing commands such as heel, sit, down, stay, and recall around everyday distractions—including other dogs, people, movement, and the environment. Each class will include structured leash work, neutrality exercises, Play impulse control, engagement, and practical challenges that help you communicate more clearly with your dog. Because this is a drop-in class, you can attend whenever it fits your schedule—Dogs should have prior training experience and be able to safely work in a group setting.

Choose a time
15$

Free CK9 Pack Walk

A relaxed community walk to practice calm around other dogs in real-world settings. All welcome.

Sept 13 @ 1pm - Hammonassett State Park
Freeall welcome
Already a Client? Book a SessionNew here? Tell me about your dog

New clients start with the form so Shannon can understand your dog before scheduling. Returning clients can book their next session directly.

Simple from here

How it works.

STEP 01

Fill out the form

Tell me about your dog with the full picture. It's how we start, and how I know you're ready to put in the work.

STEP 02

Get your plan

I build a program around your dog, your home, and your goals. Private sessions or board & train.

STEP 03

Lasting change

We do the work together so the calm, confident dog you wanted is the dog you keep.

Tell me about your dog →

Owners on the shoreline

Dogs changed.
Lives a little easier.

5.0from 66 Google reviews
Ana WoodGoldendoodle · Board & train

My mini Goldendoodle, Lincoln, did a 2 week board and train and it was such a game changer. Before, he had no recall and was terrible on a leash. Even after the first 7 days he was a completely different dog. Today he's primarily an off leash walker and I never worry about him running off.

Posted on Google
Kendall CorroonReactive Cavalier · Private

They helped us get control of our overreactive 4 year old Cavalier. The best part of their method is they really encourage you to be the trainer, so when they aren't around you have the tools to work with your dog. Even our neighbors have commented on his demeanor!

Posted on Google
Alissa ConnellTwo dogs · Private + group

I have two dogs that are completely different and each needed work on their own problem areas. Shannon built two completely different training plans on the spot, plus exactly what to work on at home. Highly recommend Shannon!

Posted on Google
Read all 66 reviews on Google →

See the work

The proof is on Instagram.

Real dogs, real sessions, real change. This is the work, every day, in the open.

Follow on Instagram →

Start here

Tell me about your dog.

This is how we begin, not a phone call. Fill out the form with the full picture. The more honest detail the better. I read every one myself and get back to you within 2 business days. And if I'm not the right fit for your dog, I'll tell you and point you to someone who is. The dogs that change are the ones whose owners do the work. If that's you, let's go.

Fill out the form →
Prefer email? [email protected]Hamden, CT