Van Hendrix K-9

VHK-9 is a world-renowned POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT canine training facility by St. Augustine, in NE Florida. Two local airports (Palatka and St.

We are the "Go To" Board and Train facility when it comes to Psychiatric Service Dog Training, Aggression Rehabilitation & Behavior Modification. VHK-9 is a full-service, positive reinforcement K-9 training, aggression rehabilitation, and behavior modification board-and-train facility. We place strong emphasis on 21st-century training techniques that prioritize the dogs' physiological and psycholo

gical well-being at the core of our training and rehabilitation programs. At VHK-9, we strongly oppose any training devices such as choke collars, prong collars, or e-collars. Although these “quick fix” and/or “quick training” devices show short-term fast-track results, their long-term negative impacts on canines are obvious and well-known. Great lifetime training results are best achieved through a committed training regimen that centers on the dog’s well-being and ensures love and praise as the canine excels. To better accommodate all of our clients, we have relocated our world-class operations from Miami to the NE Florida area, close to St. Augustine, making it easily accessible for anyone seeking help for their canines. Augustine), each about 15 minutes from our facility, as well as two international airports (Orlando and Jacksonville), are merely 60 minutes away. VHK-9 offers pick-up and delivery to/from your location to/from our facility. This way we can ensure that the training and rehabilitation process of your beloved pet can easily be accommodated. At VHK-9, we understand that separating yourself from your “family member(s)” is a very emotional experience. While our world-class “A” rated reputation, as described by our past and present clients, and years of rehabilitation and training experience can provide a sense of ease to minimize your anxiety, we also offer video feeds of your canine while at VHK-9

08/18/2025

Graduation Day is Almost Here

This Thursday, three of our incredible dogs are walking across the stage at K9s for Warriors, ready to change a veteran’s life forever.

Levi now Chip Levi’s start was heartbreaking, kept in a crate his whole life as part of a breeding pair. Shy, sensitive, and used to a heavy hand, his world was small and lonely. Thankfully, a wonderful person took him out of that situation, and from there he came to us. With patience and love, he discovered his spark. Today, Chip is outgoing, sweet, and absolutely loves to work.

Ripley now Diesel Ripley was deeply loved, but when his family faced serious health struggles, they made the selfless choice to give him a new future. That choice led him here, where he found his true calling. Now Diesel is confident, driven, and ready to serve.

Milo now Tucker Milo grew up in an apartment beside a busy highway, narrowly avoiding tragedy more than once. His owner knew that wasn’t the life he deserved and entrusted us with his future. Today, Tucker stands strong, safe, and eager for the life ahead of him.

Each of these boys came from very different beginnings, but all found their purpose through hard work, resilience, and love. Now they step into their greatest role yet - serving those who’ve served us.

📅 Tune in this Thursday at 5 PM EST for the livestream and help us celebrate Chip, Diesel, and Tucker as they graduate from K9’s for Warriors!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=k9s+for+warriors

07/22/2025

Three More Lives Changed

We are so proud to share that three incredible dogs from Van Hendrix K9 are graduating this month through K9s For Warriors!
Each of them came from tough beginnings:
 🐾 Bailey, now Millie, was surrendered by a family who could no longer keep her.
 🐾 Blondie, now Fenway, spent her early life as an outside dog used for breeding with barely 7 month old.
 🐾 Harvey, now Rosey, didn’t even have a name until he came to us, he was passed from home to home.

Despite their rough starts, all three proved they were meant for something more. With love, structure, and purpose, they’ve transformed into confident, devoted service dogs ready to stand beside their Warriors.

Graduation Info:
Millie & Fenway – July 23, 2025 @ 5PM CST 
Rosey – July 24, 2025 @ 5PM EST

You can follow both graduations via livestream on the K9s For Warriors YouTube channel: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=k9s+for+warriors

From rescue to purpose — this is why we do what we do. 🐾
 

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at VHK-9! 🐾

Wishing you a day filled with joy, freedom, and wagging tails. Stay safe, celebrate responsibly, and give your pups some extra love today!

06/02/2025

“Place” is one of the foundations of our training, helping dogs build impulse control, independence, and the ability to settle anywhere.

We work hard on making sure each dog learns to stay calmly on their own bed...

…But then there are those who insist that place is a group activity. 😂

No matter how many beds we lay out, they somehow end up in a pile. Guess some friendships are stronger than boundaries!

05/20/2025

Timber, now Brio, is graduating this Thursday from K9s for Warriors!

He came to us at about 1.5 years old and quickly proved himself—smart, eager, and full of heart. He flew through our training program and moved on to K9s for Warriors to continue his journey.

Now, he’s ready to change his veteran’s life.

We’re so proud of this boy and can’t wait to watch him walk across that stage. Tune in this Thursday at 5pm EST to catch the live-streaming of his graduation!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=k9s+for+warriors

05/18/2025

To those who refuse to rent to dog owners, who complain about dogs on beaches, and who ban them from public spaces:

You restrict where my dog can live, walk, and travel. You treat them as a nuisance, an inconvenience to your perfect world.

Yet this same dog will search through earthquake rubble to find you. Will track you when you're lost in the mountains without a map. Will dive into dangerous waters when you ignore the red flags. Will brave freezing snow when you venture off-piste against all warnings.

Because despite your prejudice, my 'mere dog' will risk everything to save you.

Dedicated to those who fail to see the true value of dogs.

05/18/2025

Service dogs … creating incredibly positive results for their humans. ❤️

05/07/2025

Hump day smiles hit different when they come with wagging tails and goofy grins!

Here’s your midweek reminder to smile like your dog does—big, happy, and with your whole heart.

04/30/2025

Meet some of our incredible service dogs in training:

Tundra, Pinta, Chase, Kovu, Sarabi, and Makuu!

Each one is on a journey to become a life-saving partner — learning, working hard, and making us proud every step of the way.

04/28/2025

Name: Ajax 💚
Location: Florida (near St. Augustine)
Will deliver or pick up: Pick up�
Breed: German Shepherd
Weight: 75lbs
Age: 2
Neutered/Spayed: Yes

Meet Ajax!
Ajax is a smart and affectionate dog who bonds deeply with his person. While not overly cuddly, he enjoys companionship and thrives in a structured environment. He can be nervous around new people and takes time to warm up, so continued socialization will help him gain confidence.

Training & Skills:
Ajax has a strong foundation in obedience and knows heel, sit, down, stay, place, recall, and side. He listens well but needs more confidence in unfamiliar environments.

Service Dog Skills:
Ajax has already learned several service dog tasks, including "look" (watching his handler’s back), blocking for personal space and deep pressure therapy (DPT). With continued training and exposure, he has the potential to refine these skills further.

Temperament:
Ajax is naturally cautious with strangers and takes time to trust new people. While not fearful, he

04/25/2025

Teddy! Fully Trained Psychiatric Service Dog.

Teddy is an incredibly sweet, attentive, and intelligent Golden in search of his perfect person who needs and appreciates his services, love, and loyalty.

Key Information:

Basics:
Teddy has mastered foundational commands such as sit, down, stay, recall, under, and heel.

Service Dog Tasks:
He is superb at deep pressure therapy (DPT) in various positions, blocking, "look," and light bracing.

Behavior:
Great with other dogs, cats, and humans of any age.
He tends to bond closely with one person and is indifferent toward others.

Temperament:
Easy to handle, walks nicely on a leash, and stays solid even with distractions.

House Training:
He is good at home but might need a bit more attention at the beginning and become used to your schedule and routine.

Teddy is a great addition for someone who is searching for a fully trained psychiatric service dog.

If you're interested in learning more or have questions, feel free to message us.

04/24/2025

Meet Monroe, Winnie, Peach, Capri, Merlin, Hazel & Bubbles!

These pups are in training to become life-saving service dogs. Every day, they’re learning, growing, and working hard to one day change someone’s life. From mastering obedience to building confidence out in the world — they’re on a powerful journey.

We’re proud of the heart they put into every session. Future heroes in the making!

Address

104 Ivy Road
East Palatka, FL
33175-4711

Telephone

+13059045577

Website

http://www.vhk9.net/

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