Sunshine K9 Training

Sunshine K9 Training Creating a brighter life for you, your family, and your dog. ☀️🐾 The Sunshine K9 Training Headquarters is an appointment-only facility.

We do not accept walk-ins. Please visit our website to schedule a consultation. Lynsey Neilan opened Sunshine K9 Training in early 2019. We have served the Atlanta area from 2019 to August of 2023 and now reside in Yulee, Florida. We utilize a balanced training approach and help owners communicate effectively with their furry family members. More info on our training programs and methodology can be found on the FAQ section of our website!

It's hours of repetition. Tons of rewarding the good stuff, a fair bit of saying no to the naughty stuff. It's giving do...
01/29/2025

It's hours of repetition. Tons of rewarding the good stuff, a fair bit of saying no to the naughty stuff. It's giving dogs what they need when they need it. It's exercise. It's play. It's routine. It's adventure. It's so many things.

But it's not a miracle. It's a lifestyle dedicated to clear communication. ❤🐾☀️

Buddy the German Shepherd and Oliver the Miniature Schnauzer may be different sizes, but their attitudes and behaviors? ...
01/21/2025

Buddy the German Shepherd and Oliver the Miniature Schnauzer may be different sizes, but their attitudes and behaviors? Nearly identical!

It’s always interesting when people bring up breed-specific behaviors. But in my experience, whether your dog is big or small, they all tend to display the same common behaviors—jumping, nibbling, whining, barking, marking, chewing, pulling, overexcitement, and leash reactivity. Breed hasn't played as big of a role as you might think when it comes to the behaviors I see every day. 🤣

Of course, certain traits may be more noticeable in some breeds than others, but I often hear owners insisting that their dog's behavior is simply "because of their breed." The truth? What truly matters is how we respond to our dogs' behaviors. More often than not, it's our actions (or inaction) that allow unwanted behaviors to continue—or help them fade away.

Instead of using breed as an excuse for bad behavior, let’s focus on teaching our dogs how we want them to behave—while also ensuring their biological needs are met. With the right training and structure, any dog can learn to be their best self!

01/15/2025

How I answer the phone sometimes throws people off. Let's talk about it! When you call and I answer, here's what I need from you! :)

What to Expect When Your Dog Comes for a Board & Train at Sunshine K9 TrainingWhen you drop your dog off for a board and...
01/14/2025

What to Expect When Your Dog Comes for a Board & Train at Sunshine K9 Training

When you drop your dog off for a board and train with us, they truly become part of our family. This isn’t just a training facility—it’s our home. You’ll see that right away when you walk into our living room, where we lay the foundation for obedience training and good manners in a calm, home-like environment.

Here’s what you can expect:

🌟 Arrival
We’ll greet you at your car or the door to help leash up your dog. Before you leave, we’ll go over any final details about your dog and answer questions. We kindly ask you to keep goodbyes low-key. While it’s hard to leave your furry friend, too much affection at this moment can make the transition more stressful for your dog.

🌟 Settling In
Once you leave, we start the process of helping your dog feel comfortable in their new environment. For dogs who are very attached, we may let them watch you leave to help them understand you’re not just disappearing. Then, we spend quiet time getting to know them—offering treats, charging a positive marker (like a clicker or our voice), and introducing them to the potty area, water station, and their kennel.

🌟 The First Day
The first day is all about acclimation, not intensive training. We teach your dog the new rules: where to go potty, where meals come from, and where they’ll sleep. Each dog is unique, so we tailor this time to their specific needs and goals.

Take Buddy, for example, a strong, energetic 1-year-old German Shepherd here to learn manners and obedience. Today is his first day, and as I write this, we're sitting together in the living room, keeping things calm as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

Dogs are busy, engaged, and well cared for during their time with us. While they may miss you, they have so much to do here that they settle into the routine quickly.

We’re so excited to welcome your dog into our Sunshine K9 family and help them become the best version of themselves! 🧡🐾☀️

Wyatt loves to jump in the pond! Who else has a dog that loves the water? 💙🐾☀️
01/06/2025

Wyatt loves to jump in the pond! Who else has a dog that loves the water? 💙🐾☀️

Planning to take your dog on an adventure in 2025? Here are some things to keep in mind...✨ Consider your dog's routine....
12/31/2024

Planning to take your dog on an adventure in 2025? Here are some things to keep in mind...

✨ Consider your dog's routine. A sudden change in environment can impact their behavior. 🤔

🛏️ Where will your dog sleep? Whether it’s a kennel or a large bed, make sure you have enough space for their comfort.

🌍 Can your dog join the trip? Some places are not dog-friendly, and if they are, it’s your responsibility to ensure your dog behaves well. 🐾

🚗 Is your dog OK with the travel arrangements? Getting in and out of a vehicle, tent, or boat might feel new and overwhelming for your dog. If they're not used to it, take it slow and be patient. Remember, a calm approach goes a long way. 😌

🎪 Have you practiced the essentials? If you're camping or visiting a new environment, make sure your dog is familiar with the space. For example, Nova had to get used to the tent—some dogs find new flooring sounds strange, so we practiced obedience commands inside and around the tent. 🏕️

🧳 Don’t forget the basics! Pack an extra leash, a towel just for your dog, and any other essentials like food, water bowls, and their favorite toys. Some even bring along a first aid kit for extra peace of mind.

💡 A microchip and updated contact info can be a lifesaver if your dog gets lost while on the move. Accidents happen, but a microchip helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

Here’s to safe travels and plenty of fun in 2025! 🥳🐶💙

Sometimes, dogs I’ve worked with in the past make choices that lead to unfortunate events. One thing I’ve come to unders...
12/30/2024

Sometimes, dogs I’ve worked with in the past make choices that lead to unfortunate events. One thing I’ve come to understand is that dog owners don’t always see the seriousness in behaviors that I do. Often, the incidents people reach out to me about were absolutely preventable.

In my experience, dangerous or “bad” behavior usually starts small—with seemingly minor moments. Maybe it’s ignoring a well-known obedience command, blowing off a reprimand, or letting small instances of negative behavior slide because someone once said, “Ignore it, and it’ll go away.” But those small moments can snowball into much bigger problems over time.

Because I’ve worked with so many behavior cases since starting this journey in 2019, I don’t take any chances with my own dogs, Wyatt and Nova, who I’ve had since they were 8 and 9 weeks old. People often comment on how well-trained they are, but here’s the truth: they’re micromanaged by me. Without constant management, they’d absolutely make poor choices. My dogs are simply not dogs that can be trusted alone in certain environments.

Why? Because they are dogs and will do whatever feels good for them, even if it means eating something that could harm them, doing property damage, or chasing wildlife. Because I’ve seen the worst of the worst decisions that dogs can make, I run my house like a doggy boot camp—all the time.

Don't get me wrong, my dogs live an amazing life. They get to have off leash freedom on hikes in the woods and on the beach. They get to meet new people and play with other dogs all the time. BUT, they are never left unattended in a situation where if they made a poor choice, it would lead to them getting hurt.

This brings me to a larger truth about dog training: not everything has a perfect, foolproof formula.

You could read every book, watch every video, and still find yourself wondering why one approach works for someone else’s dog but feels like an uphill battle with your own.

As trainers, especially those who take on the cases others might turn away from, we’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges dogs and their families face.

Sticking to a single “methodology” just to keep the peace—whether with friends, family, or the broader training community—can do more harm than good. On top of that, conflicting advice from experts (often backed by anecdotal rather than concrete evidence) makes it even harder to figure out the right path for your dog.

But here’s the good news: training isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about adaptability and finding what works for your dog, your family, and your life. Sometimes, that means thinking outside the box and exploring new strategies. Sometimes it simply means saying no when people ask to pet your dog.

Nearly every phone call I have with a dog owner includes the phrase, “I’ve tried everything.” But here’s the thing: if you haven’t worked with us, you haven’t tried everything. 😉

At Sunshine K9 Training, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and find solutions tailored to you and your dog.

What’s one behavior or situation you’ve faced with your dog that changed how you approach training? On the flip side, what rules have you failed to implement that led to your dog “not acting right” when you needed them to?

Let’s reflect, learn, and grow together.

Teaching this sweet shaggy puppy how to relax when there's exciting things happening. 🧡🐾☀️
12/28/2024

Teaching this sweet shaggy puppy how to relax when there's exciting things happening. 🧡🐾☀️

What if we don't have a chimney though...?😅Remember to keep your dogs safe and yourself sane this holiday season by not ...
12/24/2024

What if we don't have a chimney though...?

😅

Remember to keep your dogs safe and yourself sane this holiday season by not leaving them unattended near the really tempting stuff! 🎄🧡🎁

🎄 The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and excitement—but they can also be a little overwhelming, ...
12/23/2024

🎄 The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and excitement—but they can also be a little overwhelming, especially for new dogs in your home.

If your furry friend gets nervous around excited children or lots of activity, consider creating a safe and quiet space for them during the hustle and bustle of Christmas morning. This not only keeps them comfortable but ensures everyone, kids and pups alike, has a stress-free holiday!

Helping your dog feel secure is the greatest gift you can give them this season. ❤️

Who can relate? 🤣If you're welcoming a puppy into the family this Christmas, remember: potty training takes commitment, ...
12/21/2024

Who can relate? 🤣

If you're welcoming a puppy into the family this Christmas, remember: potty training takes commitment, patience, and probably a warm coat and slippers for those chilly 3 a.m. potty breaks! 🥶

But seriously—yelling at your pup won’t make them potty faster. Instead, keep things simple:
1️⃣ Take your pup to their designated potty spot (no toys to distract!).
2️⃣ Praise them as soon as they go.
3️⃣ Head back inside and return them to their crate.
4️⃣ Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Consistency is key! 🧡🐾☀️

Need more guidance? Check out our FREE Potty Training Guide in the Online Courses section of our website.

And if you're looking to start off on the right paw with that new Christmas pup, book a call with us before our schedule fills up with puppy training requests! 📞🐾

👉 www.sunshinek9training.com 👈

12/19/2024

I'd like to give a special thank you to the officer that stopped to check on me earlier this evening after I called to report a car swerving out into the northbound lane heading straight for us on 17. God was surely protecting me and the dogs tonight and I'm just grateful that I was able to get off the road in time. We were inches from disaster tonight. I was so shaken up and the officer stopping to check in was greatly appreciated. I didn't ask his name, but Nassau County Sheriff's Office, thank you!

🎄🎁 Thinking about surprising your family with a puppy for Christmas? 🐶It’s an exciting idea, but are you prepared for wh...
12/17/2024

🎄🎁 Thinking about surprising your family with a puppy for Christmas? 🐶

It’s an exciting idea, but are you prepared for what comes next?

✅ Do you have the time for potty training and crate training?
✅ Have you considered the cost of food, vet care, and training?
✅ Are you ready to dedicate time to play, engage, and exercise your new dog?

Bringing a living creature into your family is a big decision that requires everyone to be on the same page. If you want a dog to be part of your family, take time to discuss it first. Sometimes, the timing isn’t right—and that’s okay. It’s always worth waiting until you’re truly ready!

✨ Here’s something to help: If you’re planning ahead for a Christmas puppy, we’re now booking spots in our Puppy Kickstart Board & Train Program for February 2025. Give your new pup the best start with professional training to set them (and your family) up for success! This program allows you to book private lessons when your new puppy comes home and then gets you on our board and train calendar when they'll be old enough to start advanced learning! Being proactive is the best way to avoid those pesky behavior problems!

Want to do it all yourself? We also have an online puppy course available on our website! There's no excuse! Get that puppy trained! 🐾😊

📸 Throwback to when I brought Nova home—after years of deciding if the timing was right for me. 🐾🧡 In 2025, this image will be incorporated into our new logo to honor the memory of Leo, the amazing dog on the left. ❤️

🎁✨ Holiday Shopping with Your Pup! ✨🎁Miss Hannah, the sweet 5-month-old Boerboel puppy, joined us today for a special ou...
12/07/2024

🎁✨ Holiday Shopping with Your Pup! ✨🎁

Miss Hannah, the sweet 5-month-old Boerboel puppy, joined us today for a special outing as part of her Puppy Kickstart Board & Train journey! We popped into J. Green & Co. Jewelers in Kingsland to do a little secret holiday shopping—shhh, don’t tell our partner!

Because of her training, Miss Hannah was a total star—calm, focused, and polite while surrounded by shiny displays and festive buzz. Taking your pup shopping during the holidays can be a joyful experience if they’re ready to handle the distractions and excitement of public spaces.

💡 Pro Tip: A well-behaved pup isn’t just a joy at home but also a perfect shopping companion. Consistent training helps your dog stay cool and collected, even in busy, high-stakes environments like this.

⭐️ It's important to make sure that if you're out shopping and bringing the dog, that you're abiding by the rules. We always ask permission before bringing dogs into places where there is no signage posted. Please be courteous and follow the rules - and be prepared to pick up after your pet! A well-behaved dog should not be having accidents indoors, jumping on counters, or barking at other patrons. Many people do assume our clients' dogs are service animals because they are so well-behaved, but this is just a standard expectation that we have for all pet dogs. Good behavior in public isn't soley reserved for service animals.

Looking for a way to kickstart your puppy’s training? Check out our Puppy Kickstart Board & Train Program—it’s never too early to teach them how to shine, just like those gems we were admiring.

Happy holidays from all of us at Sunshine K9 Training (and Miss Hannah, too)! 🐾

🎄✨ That new Christmas puppy might seem like the perfect gift—full of cuddles, joy, and festive fun. But have you thought...
12/05/2024

🎄✨ That new Christmas puppy might seem like the perfect gift—full of cuddles, joy, and festive fun. But have you thought about what comes next? 🐾

Training is the key to turning those adorable puppy moments into a lifetime of good behavior, and our Puppy Kickstart Board & Train Program is here to help!

🐶 What’s Included?
This 5-week program is split into two phases:
📅 Phase 1: 2 weeks when your puppy is 4 months old, then private lessons every other week until phase 2!
📅 Phase 2: 3 weeks when your puppy is 6+ months old.

🎉 Phase 3: Enjoy life with a well-behaved dog!

Your puppy will learn:
✅ How to be calm and well-behaved around house guests.
✅ How to walk politely on a leash.
✅ Proper socialization in public settings.
✅ Off-leash skills for reliable recall and freedom.
✅ How to listen to you when it matters most.

🌟 Why Act Now?
We’re already scheduling board and train programs into next year, and by the end of February, your cute little pup might start creating more chaos than you expected! Reserve your spot today to give them the foundational skills they need to thrive in your home and beyond.

Let’s set your puppy up for success and make 2025 the year of well-behaved pups! 🐾✨

📞 Message us or visit https://www.sunshinek9training.com/board-and-train-programs to learn more and secure your spot.

⛔ Not ready for board and train?

Our intensive board and train programs are what we’re known for, but it’s not all we do! Most of our clients actually choose private lessons, which we offer in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re tackling basic obedience or behavior concerns, we’ll create a custom training plan that works for your family. 🏡 See our private lesson programs here: https://www.sunshinek9training.com/privatelessons

Reach out to see how we can help!

💡 The Value Behind Dog Training and Boarding 💡I often hear people questioning the cost of dog training, boarding, or day...
11/29/2024

💡 The Value Behind Dog Training and Boarding 💡

I often hear people questioning the cost of dog training, boarding, or daycare, and I get it—on the surface, it may seem high. But what many don’t realize is the amount of care, time, and dedication that goes into providing a truly exceptional experience for the dogs in our care.

Last night, for example, I went to bed around 10:00 PM after making sure all the dogs were settled. At midnight, I heard a single bark from one of the dogs. I immediately got up, let him out, and sure enough, he needed to potty. By 6:40 AM, another bark had me up again, tending to another dog who needed attention. From there, I began my daily routine of ensuring all the dogs here are comfortable, happy, and cared for—long before I even think about taking care of myself.

After taking care of all the dogs and finally tending to myself this morning, I stopped at a gas station on my way to pick up another dog. While there, near a large boarding facility, I heard the frantic barking of more than a dozen dogs. It broke my heart to think that, unlike the dogs in my care, those pups might not have anyone to check on them until morning.

At Sunshine K9 Training, we keep our capacity intentionally low because I believe in providing the best possible care. Each dog gets individual attention, love, and the patience they deserve. I’m proud to say that when dogs stay with me, they’re never left unattended at night. During the day, while I may step out, the dogs are always under video surveillance, so their safety and well-being are never compromised.

When folks question the cost of high-quality boarding or training, I ask them to remember this: you get what you pay for. At facilities where staff clock out at the end of the day, dogs may go 12 hours or more without care. That will never happen here, and that’s why I stand by our pricing.

I love what I do, and I’m proud to provide a level of care that ensures your dog is treated like family. 🐾

📣 To make this care more accessible, we’re offering 10% off our Board and Train programs now through December 15th. If you’ve been thinking about giving your dog the gift of high-quality training, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

Comment below, send us a message, or head to the website to get started! ❤️🐾☀️

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Sunshine K9 Training! 🍂We know you think your dog is the best dog in the whole wide world—and ...
11/28/2024

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Sunshine K9 Training! 🍂

We know you think your dog is the best dog in the whole wide world—and they probably are! But let’s face it: behaviors like jumping, nipping, running wild, barking, stealing food, or hopping on furniture aren’t appropriate during holiday gatherings.

Here’s our advice for a smooth and stress-free Thanksgiving:

🐕 If you’re a guest: If your dog struggles with these behaviors, it’s best to leave them at home or safely secure them in their kennel. It’s simply not polite to let a dog take over someone else’s home when you’re an invited guest.

🐾 If you’re hosting: If your dog tends to get overexcited, keep them safe and occupied in another room or a crate where they can relax. It’s better for everyone—guests included!

As a dog trainer and dog owner, I know how uncomfortable it can be to walk into a home where a dog is jumping, barking, slobbering, or trying to steal food during mealtime. Nobody enjoys that, and it’s really unfair to your guests. That’s why, this holiday season, my pack will be cozy in their kennels while my family and I enjoy our Thanksgiving feast. 🍗

Now, if your dog is under total voice control and can calmly hold a down-stay or remain on place despite the chaos of kids running, food dropping, and people celebrating, they’re welcome to join in the festivities. But always ask permission before bringing your dog to someone else’s home—and don’t take it personally if the host says no.

If you recognize that your dog’s behavior could use some polishing, there’s no shame in that! It’s the perfect opportunity to invest in training. Reach out to us before December 15th to take advantage of 10% off our Board and Train programs for 2025.

We hope you and your furry companions have a safe, happy Thanksgiving—whether they’re part of the fun or waiting patiently at home. And remember, you can always give them an extra treat when you get back! 🧡🐾☀️

Training Doesn’t Stop After Sunset! 🐾🌙At Sunshine K9 Training, we don’t clock out when the sun goes down. In fact, some ...
11/18/2024

Training Doesn’t Stop After Sunset! 🐾🌙

At Sunshine K9 Training, we don’t clock out when the sun goes down. In fact, some of the most valuable training happens after dark! With sunset before 5:30 these days, many of our clients only have time to work with their dogs in the evening. That’s why it’s important to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities nighttime training offers.

Training in the dark can feel like a whole new world for your dog! The sights, sounds, and smells change dramatically:
🍳 Smells: Dinner is cooking in nearby homes, and the air is filled with enticing scents.
🚶‍♂️ Activity: Neighbors are coming home, cars are pulling into driveways, and other dogs are out for walks.
🪄 Visuals: Shadows are longer and can seem mysterious or even exciting to a curious pup.
🦝 Wildlife: Nocturnal critters might be scurrying about, adding an extra layer of distraction.

Exposing your dog to these evening environments helps them grow into a confident, well-adjusted companion. It’s also the perfect time to practice focus and obedience around real-world distractions.

Remember: training your dog at different times of day builds resilience and ensures their skills are reliable no matter the situation. So grab a flashlight and some high-value treats, and embrace the night!

Does your dog handle nighttime distractions well? Let us know in the comments! 🧡🐕

Address

Brunswick, GA
31525

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+17062037883

Website

https://linktr.ee/sunshinek9training?fbclid=PAAaYFrTovBWOkMIyNG-2nDyemZbLC0RaygMHHdf

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sunshine K9 Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Sunshine K9 Training:

Videos

Share

Category