Mar-Ken International K9 Training | Dog training is a dog training business in Santa Cruz, California offering Group Classes, Private Lessons, and Board and Train, with published programs from $205.
Santa Cruz • CA • 5.0 ★ (1 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
41 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Mar-Ken International K9 Training | Dog training is listed among dog training programs in Santa Cruz. Published program types include group classes, private lessons, board and train. Ask about staffing, methods, and follow-up support before you book.
Mar-Ken International K9 Training covers an unusually wide range: group obedience classes from puppy through advanced levels, behavioral work for reactivity and aggression, service dog training, and even law enforcement and search-and-rescue preparation. Private lessons and a selective board-and-train program are available for dogs whose owners can't train them directly. The behavioral class requires an evaluation beforehand.
Group classes run $205 for a six-week course, whether for standard obedience or the behavioral and socialization track. Pricing for private lessons, specialized training, and the board-and-train program isn't published on the site.
An exclusive stay-and-train service run personally by the founder for select dogs whose owners lack the time or ability to train them. Sessions are typically arranged weekly or monthly, with longer stays possible by arrangement.
The dog stays with the trainer for a weekly, monthly, or longer arranged period; interested owners inquire directly.
Best for: Owners who don't have the time or ability to train their dog themselves.
Focus: Basic obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stay & Train | Not published | — |
One-on-one sessions between a trainer, owner, and dog, often used as a prerequisite before joining group classes.
The owner works directly with a trainer and their dog in a private setting.
Best for: Dogs that need individual attention before they're ready for group obedience or socialization classes.
Focus: Basic obedience
Covers family and personal protection work, service dog and medical alert training, lost article recovery, and tracking.
Focus: Service dog training, Scent work, Aggression
Prepares K9 teams for operational work covering tracking, detection, patrol work, and victim recovery, tailored to certification standards for agencies.
Programs are tailored to each agency's operational goals and certification requirements.
Best for: Law enforcement and search-and-rescue K9 teams working toward operational or certification goals.
Focus: Scent work, Advanced obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private Lessons | Not published | — |
| Specialized Training | Not published | — |
| Law Enforcement & Search and Rescue | Not published | — |
Group obedience classes run in five progressive levels—Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Masters—each meeting weekly for a 6-week session. Classes are held Sunday mornings with roughly 6 to 12 handler-and-dog teams per class.
Handlers bring their dogs to weekly Sunday morning group sessions outdoors, rain or shine, working through a curriculum tied to each level.
Best for: Dogs and handlers progressing through obedience skill levels, from puppies to advanced dogs.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization, Puppy training, Advanced obedience
Duration: 6 weeks
A Tuesday evening class for dogs with behavioral challenges that keep them out of standard group classes, addressing aggression toward other dogs, house training issues, chewing, biting, resource guarding, fear of people, fear biting, barking, digging, garbage-raiding, jumping, and chasing cars or bicycles.
An evaluation is required before starting, then the dog and handler attend a weekly evening class over a 6-week session.
Best for: Dogs with specific behavioral issues that prevent them from joining regular group obedience classes.
Focus: Aggression, Resource guarding, Fear & anxiety, Leash reactivity
Duration: 6 weeks
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Obedience Classes | $205 per program | 6 weeks |
| Socialization & Behavioral Issues | $205 per program | 6 weeks |
The site doesn't name specific techniques or tools, using general language about training philosophy instead. Aggression and reactivity cases are taken on a case-by-case basis, with an evaluation required before enrollment in behavioral classes.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
They've been operating for 45 years, a notably long track record in the industry. The site doesn't mention certifications, insurance, guarantees, or details about facility supervision during board-and-train stays.
Facility: not specified on their website.
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: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Phone only
Price: Mar-Ken International K9 Training | Dog training does not publish board & train pricing. Across Santa Cruz, 2 programs publish prices.
Reviews: Mar-Ken International K9 Training | Dog training shows 5.0★ from 1 Google reviews among 2 published Santa Cruz programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 41 out of 100 (price 33%, program clarity 62%). 1 of 2 Santa Cruz listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
Training takes place at 1600 Soquel Dr in Santa Cruz. Parking availability and whether the space is accessible aren't detailed on the site.
1600 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Hours: Not specified on their website
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Mar-Ken International K9 Training | Dog training.
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