Star K9 Agility and Training is a dog training business in Walnut Creek, California offering Group Classes and Private Lessons, with published programs from $50.
Walnut Creek • CA • Training facility • 5.0 ★ (5 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026
76 / 100
Moderately transparent
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What they say about themselves
Michelle Butler has led Star K9 Agility and Training since 2010, building a track record that includes more than ten agility championship titles and a nomination for a Trick Dog Instructor of the Year award. Both she and instructor Jan Sanchez hold certifications as Trick Dog Instructors and Evaluators, as well as animal actor trainer credentials—an uncommon combination that reflects the program's emphasis on precision and engagement.
The Walnut Creek facility focuses primarily on agility, offering classes that progress from puppy foundations through advanced competition handling, covering obstacles, weave poles, and distance work. According to their site, the underlying philosophy frames agility as a way to strengthen the bond between dog and handler while preventing the boredom they describe as "the leading cause of behavior problems." Client testimonials posted on their website characterize the training style as prioritizing a dog's health and happiness over competitive pressure.
Beyond agility, the program includes trick training and basic obedience work. Jan Sanchez also volunteers teaching reactive dog and beginner agility classes at Joybound, a local shelter organization. The facility hosts community events including virtual agility trial runs and a fun-run barbecue, suggesting a focus on building community among handlers as much as skills in dogs.
Agility is the focus here, with Star K9 Agility and Training offering a structured progression from puppy basics through advanced levels. Group courses run four sessions each, covering everything from introductory obstacle work to competition-level handling. Private and semi-private lessons are also available for one-on-one attention or small groups of two to three students.
Group agility courses cost $180 for four sessions, consistent across all skill levels. Private lessons run $70 per 30-minute session, while semi-private options are $55 each or $220 for a four-pack. Drop-in classes range from $50 to $60 depending on skill level.
Small-group lessons for 2-3 students at a time, running 45 minutes per session, covering agility and obedience skills.
A small group of 2-3 handlers and dogs train together for 45-minute sessions.
Best for: 2-3 students per session.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
Duration: 45 sessions; 4-session package $220
One-on-one 30-minute private lessons for a single handler and dog.
A single handler and dog work individually with the trainer for 30 minutes.
Best for: 1 student per session.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
Duration: 30 sessions
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Semi Private Lessons | $55 per session | 45 sessions |
| Private Lessons | $70 per session | 30 sessions |
This class introduces young puppies to basic obedience commands and early pre-agility exercises. It uses positive reinforcement and play-based methods for foundational skills before formal agility training begins.
Puppies attend a group class working on obedience basics and beginner agility exposure.
Best for: Puppies between 5 months and 1 year old.
Focus: Puppy training, Basic obedience, Agility & dog sports, Socialization
Duration: 4 sessions
This entry-level class introduces dogs and handlers to the basics of agility handling and standard obstacles.
Handlers and dogs attend group sessions learning to navigate basic obstacles.
Best for: Dogs new to agility with no prior obstacle training.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
Duration: 4 sessions
This class builds on the fundamentals from Beginners Agility, introducing more complex obstacles and handling techniques.
Handlers and dogs continue group training with increasingly complex obstacle sequences.
Best for: Dogs that have completed the Beginners Agility class and been approved by the instructor.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience
Duration: 4 sessions
This class introduces dogs to the A-Frame and Dog Walk obstacles, building further on prior agility skills.
Handlers and dogs work through obstacle sequences including contact equipment.
Best for: Dogs that have completed Advanced Beginners and been approved by the instructor.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience
Duration: 4 sessions
This class covers distance handling, obstacle discrimination, and an introduction to weave poles, with longer and more challenging course layouts.
Handlers and dogs work through increasingly complex courses with distance handling exercises.
Best for: Dogs progressing beyond beginner-level agility skills.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
Duration: 4 sessions
This class covers all course equipment including six or more weave poles, with the most challenging courses and handling techniques offered.
Handlers and dogs work through full-equipment courses at an advanced level.
Best for: Advanced agility dogs and handlers.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
Duration: 4 sessions
A drop-in option allowing handlers to attend a single class without a full package commitment, priced according to skill level.
Handlers and dogs attend a single group class on a drop-in basis.
Best for: Price depends on skill level.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Basics/Agility | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Beginners Agility | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Advanced Beginners | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Beginning Intermediate Agility | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Intermediate Agility | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Advanced Agility | $180 per program | 4 sessions |
| Drop In Class | $50–$60 per session | — |
The site doesn't go into detail about training philosophy or the specific techniques used. Whether they work with dogs that have aggression or reactivity issues isn't addressed either.
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 operate out of a dedicated training facility in Walnut Creek and have been in business for about 15 years. Certifications, insurance details, and any satisfaction guarantees aren't listed on the site.
Facility: Training facility
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: Star K9 Agility and Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across Walnut Creek, 14 programs publish prices from about $60 to $564.
Reviews: Star K9 Agility and Training shows 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews among 5 published Walnut Creek programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 76 out of 100 (price 100%, program clarity 81%). 1 of 5 Walnut Creek listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
Located on North Gate Road, though parking availability and accessibility features aren't described. The site doesn't mention whether the facility has indoor and outdoor training areas.
695 N Gate Rd, Walnut Creek, CA
Friday: 8AM-12PM,5-8PM
Monday: 8AM-12PM,5-8PM
Sunday: Closed
Tuesday: 8AM-12PM,5-8PM
Saturday: 9AM-12PM,6-8:30PM
Thursday: 8AM-12PM,5-8PM
Wednesday: 8AM-12PM,5-8PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Star K9 Agility and Training.
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