About
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About the Owner
Welcome to Undercover Alpha K9! I’m Lauren Henry, the proud owner and lead trainer. My dog training journey began in 2017 as a Military Dog handler for the United States Navy, where I developed a passion for advanced obedience and explosive & narcotics scent detection training.
A standout experience in my career was training Kicker, a young chocolate Labrador who initially knew only basic commands. As a young trainer, I was rather comfortable with the training methods I was taught and applied throughout the previous year. However, those methods proved ineffective with my new K9, Kicker. This challenge led me to deepen my understanding of K9 behavior modification and animal psychology.
A common adage in the working dog world is, “The canine always outranks the handler” which transformed my perspective of my role from ‘dog trainer’ to ‘K9 coach’. This new-formed approach enabled Kicker to rapidly evolve into a top-performing working dog, supporting the security measures of the Naval Base, as well as the Secret Service in various high-profile missions.
Upon exiting the military in 2021, I refined my skillset by working with service dogs for disabled veterans. These rescued dogs required rehabilitation to become reliable service animals, further teaching me innovative training strategies and the value of unwavering dedication.
These experiences motivated me to open my own business to further help more dogs and people. My balanced approach combines positive reinforcement, structured guidance and methods that work best for your dog, fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Integrity, dedication, and excellence are values that influence my pursuit in helping every dog achieve greatness. These core values ensure that every client can live life with a happier, more obedient dog.
Thank you for taking the time to hear my story, I am excited to hear yours!
UAK9's Training Philosophy
At Undercover Alpha K9 Services, our training philosophy revolves around understanding the unique needs of each dog and crafting a personalized approach that sets them up for success. Dogs do not automatically understand our language, and what might be seen as "bad behavior" is often simply a result of confusion or miscommunication. That’s why I prioritize creating a positive, encouraging environment where your dog can learn with clarity, confidence, and trust.
A strong foundation in positive reinforcement is at the heart of my methodology. Reward-based training fosters a love for learning and helps build clear, effective communication between you and your dog. This approach ensures that your dog associates good behavior with enjoyable outcomes, paving the way for a stronger bond and a cooperative attitude.
However, training is never one-size-fits-all. Dogs are individuals, each with their own temperament, learning style, and behavioral needs. My approach is balanced, blending a range of training techniques and tools to suit the specific requirements of the dog I’m working with. Dogs, by nature, use corrections to communicate with one another, establishing boundaries in a neutral and instinctual manner. When appropriate, I incorporate corrections into training as a clear, fair, and humane way to guide behavior.
To achieve the best results, I utilize a variety of tools—including head halters, martingales, prong collars, slip collars, harnesses and electronic collars—when necessary and appropriate. Each tool is carefully chosen based on the dog’s individual needs and training goals, always with their well-being and confidence in mind. These tools, when applied thoughtfully, enhance communication and allow for a synergistic approach that prioritizes the dog’s understanding and reliability in various environments.
Ultimately, my goal is to help every dog reach their full potential, building a strong foundation of trust and communication while equipping their owners with the skills to maintain lasting results. By tailoring my training methods to each dog, I strive to create a harmonious relationship where both dog and owner can thrive together.