Real Dogs. Real Results.
See how Lacross K9 Training has helped families and handlers across Rhode Island and Connecticut create calm, confident, and obedient dogs through personalized training and hands-on coaching.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks – Obedience, Tracking & BH Preparation
Location: Rhode Island
Owner: Don M. – Ridgeback Owner
“My dogs and I have been working with Derrike for well over a year now. Derrike is an incredible instructor. I originally came to Derrike because my male Ridgeback was highly reactive to small dogs. In a short time he resolved this problem. Presently both my Ridgebacks and I are working with Derrike on basic obedience, tracking and preparing to trial for an IGP BH and eventually further titles. My hounds have gained greatly in their skills and have greatly improved composure. Under Derrike’s tutelage my skills as a handler have also vastly improved.”
Client Feedback:
“Derrike is an exceptionally gifted trainer. He is firm, disciplined, but also most patient. His approach to training is highly nuanced. He is pleasant to work with, flexible in his approach, and a lot of fun. He has my highest recommendation.”
Program Focus:
Obedience • Tracking • Behavior Resolution • IGP Preparation
Cane Corso – Behavior Modification & Obedience Foundations
Location: Connecticut
Owner: Alyssa R. – Cane Corso Rescuer
“When we rescued Stella, a 100+lb Cane Corso, just before her first birthday, we quickly realized we had our hands full. Her previous owner had done no training—no walks, no socialization, no boundaries. She was young, energetic, and reactive, with no structure or impulse control. In those first few weeks, I’ll admit there were moments I was genuinely scared of her and questioned whether we had taken on too much. It was complete chaos.We decided to send Stella to Derrike for a one-month Board and Train, and the difference when she came home was incredible. Her behavior, composure, and responsiveness were night and day from where she started. From there, Derrike met with us one-on-one every few weeks to teach us how to maintain her progress and continue building her training at home.
Derrike didn’t just train our dog—he trained us. That made all the difference. My relationship with Stella transformed from fear and frustration to mutual respect and trust. I’m grateful to Derrike for giving me my confidence back and giving Stella the second chance she truly deserved.”
Client Feedback:
“Derrike is not only highly skilled with dogs, but also with people. He provides the structure, guidance, and accountability that both dog and handler need to succeed. His program changed everything for us.”
Program Focus:
Behavior Modification • Obedience Foundations • Confidence Building • Handler Education
German Shepherd – Competition & Temperament Training
Location: Connecticut
Owner: Haylee P. – German Shepherd Owner
“I adopted my Shepherd for competition sport, but I also wanted him to have a good temperament. Derrike helped me transform a full drive dog to a well rounded dog that I not only can compete with, but bring on leisurely walks and to public places.”
Client Feedback:
“Derrike has a remarkable ability to channel a dog’s intensity into focused, confident work. His balanced, consistent methods have made training both rewarding and enjoyable—for both me and Dexter.”
Program Focus:
Obedience • Behavior Refinement • Competition Preparation • Confidence Building
🐾 Golden Retriever – Obedience & Behavior Foundations
Location: Rhode Island
Owner: Stacey Hattan, DVM – Golden Retriever Owner
“We adopted Dug as an energetic young dog, with no manners and no foundation. At home, he barked constantly, jumped on everyone he met, and dove through doors to get outside. Taking him on walks was borderline impossible as he dragged us everywhere.
After just six weeks of training with Derrike, we have a dog that we can truly enjoy. He rarely jumps, and he’s a pleasure to take for walks. We get to experience Dug as the sweet, loving dog he wants to be — and Dug gets to experience the fun and exciting sporting world with the support of a phenomenal trainer.”
Client Feedback:
“Derrike has an incredible ability to bring balance and clarity to a dog that’s full of energy. His program gave Dug the structure and consistency he needed, and gave us the tools to maintain it.”
Program Focus:
Obedience • Behavior Resolution • Leash Manners • Confidence Building