Hi, I'm Alicia Ward (formerly Barrett), owner of K-9 Solutions.  I've been training and showing dogs since 1985 and training dogs and their people as a full time profession since 1996. I got started with Golden Retrievers. My parents were breeders and I showed those dogs in Conformation and Obedience. My hobby was taking in every stray I could find to rehabilitate and adopt out to good families. I've owned just about every breed and mix thereof. The dogs have taught me many valuable lessons over the years.

Today I'm owned by a couple Border Collies, a few mixed breeds, a Doberman, and two Chinese Cresteds.

My Chinese Crested, Snowbird, and I won High-In-Trial at the 2005 ACCC National Championship in Obedience. She was one of the top ranked Cresteds in Agility in her peak.

Over the past 20+ years, my dogs and I have enjoyed participating in agility, herding, obedience and conformation. My dogs have been seen in commercials, television shows and in magazines. Many of my dogs have won National championships and/or been ranked top ten in Agility, Obedience, Conformation and Herding.

My goal as a dog trainer is to not train your dog...that is your responsibility. I'm here to help, coach, coerce and beg you to make your dog an obedient family member. It is YOUR job to learn how to keep that dog perfect. So don't call me if you want a quick fix and no responsibility afterward. Be ready to join group class or a series of lessons to ensure you're as good a handler as your dog is well trained.

My theories on dogs and training are simple. Use what works and don't harm the dog. I can competently use a large variety of methods when needed. I want your dog to learn quickly and easily. I set the dog up to succeed and keep training fun. I use food as my main motivator in the beginning stages of learning. Once a dog can competently understanding a command I replace the food with attention, play and real life rewards. I use training collars when needed on strong dogs and remote static collars to teach run-away dogs to respect boundaries and 'Come'. For tricks and fun behaviors I use a clicker. I won't pressure you to use any device or method you're not 100% comfortable with. You make the request and I'll follow suit.

I believe dogs are pack animals and understand clear guidelines and structure. I'm not an alpha-rolling, hovering, growling theorist. I see the dogs as simple creatures, like children, wanting a good parent roll to follow. I've found that dogs who are clear about their rules and owners who lay down easy, simple and doggie oriented guidelines for good behavior have very nice dogs. Spoiled rotten dogs who get their every whim met can turn into brats. Dogs need to have expectations of good behavior, training by owners of what good behaviors are and consistency. I'm here to teach you, the owner, how to lead.