Welcome to Crain’s Kennels, we focus on Dog Training needs

The founder of Crain’s Kennels (Rusty Crain), was born and raised in Oklahoma but now lives in Chesapeake, VA. Rusty is an established trainer, and a behavioral expert; not only in Virginia but the entire East Coast. Rusty earned all his certification such as dog trainer (K9 Handler), Regional Trainer, and Kennel Master (K9 Training Master) from the United Stated Navy, combined with the prestigious dog training (K9) program at Lackland Air force Base in Texas. He attended and graduated from the Military Working Dog Handler Course (equivalent to what other dog trainers call dog training school) in 1999. Then in 2005, he was selected to attend the even-more-prestigious Military Working Dog Trainer/Supervisor Course. There is no comparison or equivalent you can make to these courses in the civilian dog training educational community.

His Naval Service as a dog trainer (K9 Handler) or Kennel Master (K9 Training Master) took him on many journeys. He has work with the United States Secret Service as an explosive dog trainer (K9 Handler) in protective details that included former U.S. Presidents Bush Senior, Bush JR., Obama, Vice President Biden, and former Vice President Chaney, as well as The First Ladies, numerous heads of state and many other foreign dignitaries.

Rusty has worked/trained over 1,000 dogs and Handlers in training!

Crain’s Kennels has active memberships with the Protection Sports Association (PSA), the National Dog Trainers Association (NDTA), the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), listed as an Approved Breeder by the American Kennel Club (AKC); who has been training dogs and their owners since 1999.

Some of our dog training classes cover general obedience, agility, personal protection training, police dog training, explosive/drug dog training. Occupational Dog Bite Safety (Canine Assault Prevention Classes / Avoiding Dog Bites Classes), Trainer and Handler Seminars/Clinics, Seizure Detection Dogs, Dog Training Seminars, and many other facets of dog training, which makes us very good at reading dogs, and dealing with problem or difficult behavioral situations.

Over the years, we have developed training techniques that helps us teach you how to communicate with your dog reliably. Understanding that dog's primary duty is to please its' master, it is then crucial that we establish a clear line of communication between the two of you. Communication is the key and once you establish this; there are no limits to what you may be able to do together. We practice the POSITIVE training method, known in the business as "Praise Reward". We also use different techniques, when or if needed and depending on the dogs titration level. Our results as stated by our huge list of satisfied clients are the true testimonial of our success rate.

Group classes are being scheduled and posted often on this site. We also offer private lessons.