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Protrain K9 Academy is a dog training business in Chico, California offering Private Lessons and Group Classes, with published programs from $80.
Chico • CA • Mobile / travels to you • 4.9 ★ (9 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
55 / 100
Moderately transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Chris Needles has been training dogs full-time since 1993, when he graduated from the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers. A Chico native who came to dog training after years in construction trades, he holds certification as a Professional Dog Trainer and has continued his education through seminars and clinics over the past three decades.
Protrain K9 Academy operates as a family business, with Needles's wife and children participating in classes and training their own dogs. According to their site, the training philosophy uses what they describe as a balanced approach—combining correction with praise—and emphasizes involving the whole family, including children, in the training process. The focus is on producing well-behaved dogs for everyday life rather than competition.
The program offerings include a five-week basic group class covering heel, sit, down, stay, and come commands, plus an advanced class that builds toward off-leash work. Private sessions are available for dogs needing individual attention or help with specific behavioral issues, with lessons conducted in-home or at parks. They also run an agility bootcamp designed to build confidence and strengthen the owner-dog bond. The business additionally breeds AKC Golden Retrievers through a waitlist system. Their site states they work with dogs of any age, size, or breed, and advertises their obedience training with a guarantee.
Group classes span basic obedience, advanced skills, and agility, with the basic and advanced courses running five weeks each. The agility bootcamp requires prior obedience training and isn't recommended for puppies under six months. Protrain K9 Academy also offers a "build your own" group option for owners who can gather about four friends with dogs, plus private sessions for more focused work.
Private sessions start at $80 each, with a discount if two dogs share the same session ($45 per dog). Group class pricing isn't published on the site.
One-on-one lessons focused on the individual dog's needs, teaching new exercises and showing owners how to practice at home. Can also address specific behavioral problems with a customized behavior modification plan.
Sessions are held in-home or at a park, with the trainer teaching the dog and coaching the owner on homework.
Best for: Owners who want individualized attention or dogs who struggle in a group setting.
Focus: Basic obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Training | From $80 per session | — |
A 5-week group course teaching the five basic obedience commands—heel, sit, down, stay, and come—using leash, verbal cues, and hand signals. Also addresses common behavior problems like jumping, pulling, counter-surfing, and barking.
Dogs and owners attend weekly group sessions working on-leash with verbal and hand signal commands.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
Duration: 5 weeks
Group Classes in Chico typically runs $137–$379 across 4 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
A 5-week follow-up group class that builds toward off-leash readiness, adding new commands beyond the basics and refining the owner's leash handling skills. Class size runs about 6 to 8 dogs, allowing more individual attention.
Held in a small group setting of roughly 6-8 dogs, with a new session starting about every two months.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash, Leash training
Duration: 5 weeks
Group Classes in Chico typically runs $137–$379 across 4 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
An agility-style course aimed at building the dog's confidence and strengthening the bond with the owner, delivered in a fun, activity-based format.
Best for: Dogs over 6 months old that have already completed basic obedience.
Focus: Agility & dog sports
Group Classes in Chico typically runs $137–$379 across 4 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
A custom small-group option where a client and three friends form their own mini class, combining aspects of individual training with a group setting.
Best for: Small friend groups who want a private group class rather than a standard public class.
Focus: Basic obedience
Group Classes in Chico typically runs $137–$379 across 4 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Group Class | Not published | 5 weeks |
| Advanced Group Class | Not published | 5 weeks |
| Bootcamp Agility Course | Not published | — |
| Build Your Own Group Class | Not published | — |
They explicitly describe their approach as balanced training. The site indicates they accept dogs with aggression issues.
Method: Balanced
Combines rewards with corrections, which may include tools such as prong collars or e-collars.
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Operating for 32 years, they claim guaranteed results on their website. A waitlist is mentioned, suggesting demand. Certifications and insurance details aren't listed.
Facility: Mobile / travels to you
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: not specified on their website.
Insurance: not specified on their website.
Guarantee: Advertises guaranteed results
Waitlist: Yes
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Phone only
Price: Protrain K9 Academy does not publish board & train pricing. Across Chico, 13 programs publish prices from about $93 to $4,380.
Reviews: Protrain K9 Academy shows 4.9★ from 9 Google reviews among 3 published Chico programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 55 out of 100 (price 20%, program clarity 64%). 1 of 3 Chico listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
This is a mobile-only service based out of Chico, meaning training happens at your location rather than a dedicated facility. Parking and accessibility questions don't apply in the usual sense.
15 Valley Ct, Chico, CA
Friday: 9AM-5PM
Monday: 9AM-5PM
Sunday: Closed
Tuesday: 9AM-5PM
Saturday: Closed
Thursday: 9AM-5PM
Wednesday: 9AM-5PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Protrain K9 Academy.
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