Star K9 Agility and Training is a dog training business in Walnut Creek, California offering private lessons and group classes, working from a dedicated training facility. They publish pricing from $50–$60 per session to $180 per course and have been in business for 15+ years.
Walnut Creek, CA • Training facility • 5.0 ★ (5 Google reviews)
Last reviewed: Sep 6, 2026
76 / 100
Moderately transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
Based on what the business publishes about itself
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.
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.
$70 per session
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.
Requirements: 1 student per session.
Duration: 30 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
$55 per session
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.
Requirements: 2-3 students per session.
Duration: 45 sessions
Package: $220 for a 4-session package
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
$180 per course
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.
Requirements: For puppies 5 months to 1 year old.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Puppy training, Basic obedience, Agility & dog sports, Socialization
$180 per course
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.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
$180 per course
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.
Requirements: Requires completion of Beginners Agility and instructor approval.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience
$180 per course
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.
Requirements: Requires completion of Advanced Beginners and instructor approval.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience
$180 per course
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.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
$180 per course
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.
Duration: 4 sessions
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
$50–$60 per session
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.
Requirements: Price depends on skill level.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Basic obedience
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.
| Program | Price | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Private Lessons | $70 per session | 30 sessions |
| Semi Private Lessons | $55 per session$220 for a 4-session package | 45 sessions |
| Program | Price | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Basics/Agility | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Beginners Agility | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Advanced Beginners | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Beginning Intermediate Agility | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Intermediate Agility | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Advanced Agility | $180 per course | 4 sessions |
| Drop In Class | $50–$60 per session | Not stated |
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.
Public materials reviewed by Barklen do not specify which training tools are used.
As described in the business's own materials
According to their site, has led the business since 2010, teaching agility at all levels, obedience, and recall work.
Credentials listed on their site: Certified trainer for Animal Actors, Certified Trick Trainer and Evaluator, and Awarded over 10 agility championships. Barklen has not independently verified these.
According to their site, has trained with Michelle Butler since 2017 and also volunteers teaching public obedience, reactive dog, and beginning agility classes at Joybound.
Credentials listed on their site: Certified Trick Dog Instructor and Evaluator, Animal Actor trainer and evaluator, and Completed Susan Garrett's Recallers program. Barklen has not independently verified these.
Star K9 Agility and Training operates from a dedicated training facility in Walnut Creek, CA, offering private lessons and group classes.
Their site says they serve dogs and handlers at all skill levels, from puppies starting pre-agility skills to adult dogs training for competition, generally for dogs at least one year old for formal agility competition.
The business operates a training facility used for weekly classes and events such as virtual agility trials and a fun-run barbecue.
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.
Barklen analysis
Barklen analysis based on 5 published Walnut Creek listings (14 with published pricing). These comparisons are computed by Barklen, not claims made by Star K9 Agility and Training.
Price: entry price below the published Walnut Creek range for private lessons ($55–$70 vs. $58–$182); entry price below the published Walnut Creek range for group classes ($50–$180 vs. $180–$180).
Reviews: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, among 5 published Walnut Creek programs.
Transparency: 76 out of 100 (moderately transparent), with 100% price transparency and 81% program clarity. 1 of 5 Walnut Creek listings show certifications; this business does not list any.
| Program type | Star K9 Agility and Training | Walnut Creek range | Barklen read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Lessons | $55–$70 | $58–$182 across 3 Walnut Creek programs | Entry price below the published Walnut Creek range |
| Group Classes | $50–$180 | $180–$180 across 6 Walnut Creek programs | Entry price below the published Walnut Creek range |
Generated from what their public materials leave open
695 N Gate Rd, Walnut Creek, CA
Barklen reviewed Star K9 Agility and Training against the business's public materials and published this listing. That is not a check of licenses, insurance, or certifications. See our methodology for what a verified listing does and does not mean.
Details the public materials do not address (aggression and reactivity cases, owner visits during programs, progress updates, overnight staffing, insurance, guarantee, and others) are turned into the questions above rather than filled in.
Last reviewed by Barklen: Sep 6, 2026
Contact Star K9 Agility and Training directly by phone or through their website, or request a quote through Barklen and we will pass it along.
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