FORTUNATE K9 is devoted to helping dogs and their owners find success through a combination of time-tested methods and individualized programs.

   Because our knowledge comes from years of hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, you will get the answers you and your dog need, whether they are for simple good manners or intensive, life-saving behavior modification. We guarantee that you will see a positive difference in your dog’s behavior the very first time we work together.

Why Train With Us?

    Proven, real world training experience plus genuine empathy for dogs and the people who love them make FORTUNATE K9 the first choice of informed dog owners. Clients are referred to us by veterinarians, humane societies and rescues, and even other dog trainers. We offer you the insight you need to understand your dog’s behavior, and we effectively teach the skills you need to address it.

    Julia began formally training at the age of twelve, when she trained and titled dogs in AKC obedience competitions for friends and neighbors. As an adult, she turned her attention to solving the dog behavior problems that complicated many pet owners' lives, and along the way became a nationally recognized and respected professional due to her no-nonsense, results-oriented approach and her compassion for dogs and their owners. Julia was the Training Director for Doberman Rescue Unlimited from 1998-2005, and started their "DRU University" shelter dog program, which served as a model for shelters and rescue groups across the country.

    Julia has conducted seminars and presentations for numerous humane groups and training organizations, focusing on balanced training and working with aggressive and defensive dogs. Her monthly column “The Canine Contrarian” appeared in the Dog In Sight newspaper. Her training articles have been published in magazines such as Schutzhund USA, The Aggression Newsletter, The North American Working Bouvier Association Journal, Griffonnier and the IACP Safehands Journal, and are handed out as brochures by shelters and rescue groups around the country, as well as appearing on numerous training websites.

    Julia was honored by the International Association of Canine Professionals as a “Certified Dog Trainer” based on her extensive experience and history with the organization. Several of her current students compete very successfully in AKC Obedience and Rally Obedience, and have titled their dogs with the entry level of “BH” in Schutzhund and “WDTT” in the AKC Working Dog Sport.

    Julia and her faithful demo dog, Kinderspiel v. DRU, CGC, have even appeared on the NBC Today Show! Described by some of her students as a "life coach for dog owners”, Julia is an articulate champion of common sense and compassion, and a clever and effective “translator” between human and dog.

Gus, CGC proves that “difficult” breeds aren’t difficult for us!

Easy-going dogs sit shoulder to shoulder with previously “incorrigible” classmates in our Drop-In Group Class.

Julia with Doc de Brucelee BH and Jane Doe v. DRU BH

Julia and Corazon von Rubenhof demonstrate the joy of a training partnership.

29 South Ave.  Derry, NH

1 mile from exit 4 off I-93

Click for map

   Rick has been Julia’s training partner since 2000 when he was hired as a paid trainer on the staff at Doberman Rescue Unlimited where Julia was the Training Director. He had helped DRU in the late 80’s with transport and as the “muscle” at the DRU dog tattoo clinics because of his ability to calmly deal with the large unruly dogs. When he returned from California in 2000 he contacted DRU to volunteer his time and was offered a paid trainer position that day by the President of DRU based on the performance and training of his dogs.  Though Julia was extremely skeptical about taking on another trainer after spending too much of her time coaching the volunteer “trainers” that tend to flock to rescues and shelters, she was impressed with Rick’s extensive knowledge, commitment and ability. The partnership has grown beyond anyone's expectations into the finest dog training school in New England.

Rick demonstrating the value of a good sit/stay command with Izzy.

Catching up on some paperwork at our former location with  two FK9 Boarding School students Millie and Fenway.

Rick with his Doberman “Blue” aka Geronimo von Rubenhof

All content copyright Fortunate K9 Dog and Owner Training

Julia V. McDonough

Co-Owner, Training Director

Rick Froton

Co-Owner, Trainer

603-432-5959

CLICK TO CONTACT US

Big dog or small dog, we train them all!  We offer breed appropriate training and behavior modification for dogs of all ages that is the benchmark in our profession. Our program is easy to understand and easy to implement at home or wherever you may travel with your dog.

Proud puppy owners and their well behaved companions at our Puppy Prep class

Ron and Dianna with their well balanced pack

FK9 students demonstrate attention downs in a casual position and Rick works with a Boarding School student under distraction.

Rick Froton, Co-Owner:

Julia McDonough, Co-Owner & Training Director:

Students working the “place” on the park benches in Derry.

A nice long “Sit/Stay” and one “Down/Stay” with most of the owners out of site.

A Drop-In class that was a fundraiser for Tom’s trip to the PSA National Trial.  All weather training!

When you train for “real world distractions” you have to be prepared for anything!!! Including the Derry Halloween festival. 

Good Morning Rick,

Thanks so much for sharing the photo's!  They are great!  It is really funny to see the little fluffy headed poodle with the big dogs!!  I have been sharing my training stories about you, the classes and the excellent experience!  I can now show them I wasn't kidding when I said she was in with a Rottweiler, Doberman, 2 Labs and 2 German Shepherds! That day was instrumental for Dolceia and I.  The class was a helpful reminder to be firm, calm, and assertive with Dolceia as well as others .  Thank you for your leadership, guidance and advise.  I am not sure where Dolceia would be if we hadn't found you. 

See you soon!

Deb Matulaitis  Deerfield, NH

Rick,

I just wanted to update you on Buster! We took him to his eye vet tonight and he did a wonderful job. They were so impressed with him and couldn't believe they didn't have to muzzle him. In addition, they think he might gain some of his vision back! I can't believe it. They don't think he will ever get all of it back, but they see progress and think he may be able to see partially down the road.

Tufts has labeled him the "miracle dog."

Tom & Angelina

Northborough,  MA

Here is a short email message dated February 20, 2013 from Tom & Angelina regarding Boarding School student Buster:

Another 4 months later on June 22, 2013 with pictures!  A great example of how effective training and consistent follow through will equal freedom.

Rick, 

I just wanted to send you a few pics and update you on Buster. He is a wonderful dog, which we do need to work at everyday and always will. We hike and or/walk each day and he is also part of dog hiking group. I think this has helped him lots with his social issues. He has learned to ignore a dog if they don't want to play and even gets along with smaller dogs. Of course that took lots on our end and some corrections because he was a rough player for a bit.

We are able to take him to our beach house and my parents without issues. He even lets me do his nails without issues anymore. I do still keep the muzzle on him when I trim the nails just in case and  probably will for a while to come because I don't trust him with that quite yet! At his most recent vet visit they were able to do his temp, shots, and eye exam and were amazed that they didn't muzzle him and how calm he was. They were amazed and I talked all about the work you did! Best of all we trust him to hike off leash  and I will be taking him up to Lake George for 1 week this summer to hike several spots. 

Have a great Summer!

Angelina

I could not say more great things about my experience at Fortunate K9! A little background in my house we have a 19 month old son as well as a 8 year old pit bull and decided back in July to add to our little family. We brought our German Shepherd Lexi into our home when she was 8 weeks and you wouldn't believe the looks and comments I have gotten from family and friends even strangers ever since (most on the topic of my sanity). Raising my toddler and an already 45lb (and still growing) puppy was not going to be a easy task and I knew that. I knew I needed to get Lexi and myself into a good program to ensure proper training, that is when I did my research and read lots of great reviews when it came to Fortunate K9. From the first initial review to the last class we took home valuable lessons and training techniques. I had the pleasure of attending puppy classes with Lexi, and in the short 5 weeks Jennifer our instructor was wonderful, she is full of knowledge and helped with any questions if we hadn't already touched base during class on them. There is a major difference in Lexi's overall behavior, attention towards me and her listening skills, on many numerous occasions she listens better than my 8yr old pit bull and my 19 month old toddler combined!!! Lexi and I will be back for more and I would not choose anywhere other than Fortunate K9 Dog & Owner Training Lexi and I owe a big THANK YOU to them