EVERY GREAT TRANSFORMATION BEGINS WITH A STORY.
THIS IS OURS.
THE GAP THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Naturally, when you run a successful police K9 training business, people come to you for help with their pet dogs. Friends, coworkers, even neighbors wanted the same level of reliability they saw in police dogs for their own companions at home.
For years, those requests were turned away with a simple answer: “I only train police dogs and handlers.” But there was a bigger issue.
When Garret looked for a trustworthy local trainer to send them to, there was no one. Families were left bouncing between inconsistent methods, quick fixes, and trainers who could not deliver lasting results.
The gap was clear. Police and military handlers had access to elite, proven training. Everyday dog owners were left behind.
WHEN A VISION BECAME A MISSION
It was a problem Garret could not ignore. After decades immersed in the world of elite K9s, the realization hit hard: if this standard of training could save lives on the street, it could also transform lives at home.
That was the spark. A belief that families deserved more than “good enough.” They deserved the very best. What began as Garret’s personal mission has now grown into a network of American Standard K9 certified trainers—each personally trained and mentored by Garret to deliver that same uncompromising level of excellence to families across the country.
WHEN A VISION BECAME A MISSION
It was a problem Garret could not ignore. After decades immersed in the world of elite K9s, growing up with a trained police dog at home, shadowing thousands of deployments, and personally handling dozens of high-level working dogs by the age of 20—he knew what world-class training looked like.
The realization hit hard: if this standard of training could save lives on the street, it could also transform lives at home.
That was the spark. A belief that families deserved more than “good enough.” They deserved the very best.
THE TRAINING STANDARD THAT WORKS
At the heart of everything we do is one principle: Balanced Training.
We teach behaviors using rewards, building understanding and motivation. Then we layer in gentle corrections so the dog remains reliable even when life gets distracting. This approach does not crush the dog’s spirit, and it does not rely on endless bribery.
Every American Standard K9 certified trainer is equipped with this balanced approach, ensuring consistency across the network. Whether you’re working directly with Garret or one of his certified trainers, you can expect the same proven system and the same life-changing results. It is the proven formula we use to prepare police K9s for high-stakes deployments, and it is the same standard we bring into family homes.
The result is simple. Dogs that are confident, obedient, and happy. Owners who feel in control instead of overwhelmed. A partnership that transforms daily life into something extraordinary. And the proof is in the thousands of dogs we have already guided through this process.
RESULTS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
For nearly two decades, Garret served as a law enforcement officer and K9 handler, working with explosive detection dogs in some of the most demanding environments. That experience shaped a standard of excellence that still defines American Standard K9 today.
What began with Garret’s vision has grown into a nationwide network of American Standard K9 certified trainers. Each one is personally trained, mentored, and held to the same uncompromising standard, delivering luxury board and train programs trusted by high-net-worth families, professionals, and even celebrities.
DIYK9, Garret’s digital-first brand, extends this same philosophy worldwide. Over 50,000 customers and millions of followers trust his proven methods, giving everyday families access to the same system used by our board and train clients.
These programs immerse dogs in a home-style environment, ensuring personal attention and elite results—no matter which certified trainer you work with. The reputation speaks for itself: a gold standard in dog training—delivered not just by Garret, but by every trainer certified under the American Standard K9 name.
