About K9 Advantage

Meet Roy Hayes of K9 Advantage

Over 40 years of experience helping dog owners in Kingman, Mohave County, and across Arizona build calmer homes, better behavior, and stronger bonds through practical, psychology-based training.

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Berkeley Marina 1988

A lifetime of hands-on dog training

Roy Hayes has been training dogs and their owners since 1986. He founded K9 Advantage in 1988 to give clients a true training advantage through methods rooted in dog psychology, instincts, and emotion. Today, he serves Kingman, Mohave County, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Golden Valley, and surrounding Arizona communities with personalized guidance that addresses the root cause of unwanted behavior. Dog owners looking for behavior problem training, obedience training, or private in-home sessions can get practical help tailored to their home and dog.

40+

Years of experience

1988

K9 Advantage founded

AZ

Serving Mohave County and beyond

Experience that goes beyond basic obedience

From formal certification to police dog work, shelter behavior support, community programs, and private coaching, Roy Hayes brings a rare depth of experience to every client relationship.

Training background

Formal education and professional foundations

Roy’s formal training began at Pro-Train, a state-accredited school in Oakland, California, where he completed certification programs in puppy and adult obedience training, behavior modification, police dog training, and kennel management. For more on getting ahead of common issues early, read The Power of Prevention in Puppy Training.

Puppy and adult obedience

Behavior modification

Police dog training

Community impact

Helping dogs and people succeed

Community work has always been part of K9 Advantage. Roy has supported shelter dogs, educated owners, and helped create programs that give dogs and people a better path forward.

Learn more about Friends From The Pen, a program focused on rehabilitation, training, and second chances.

Visit Friends From The Pen

Roy walking with a dog outdoors — Richmond, Ca 1989

Canine Environmental Management at K9 Advantage

Specialized work

Canine Environmental Management and rehabilitation

Roy continues to help owners understand how environment, routine, and leadership shape behavior. This practical approach supports calmer homes, better focus, and lasting results without relying on harsh tools or quick fixes. It also connects naturally with services like leash walking training, guest manners training, socialization support, and Board & Train for Arizona families who need structured support.

Canine Environmental Management

Behavior problem support

Private in-home coaching

Mission

Training built on patience, clarity, and trust

Today, Roy continues to offer personalized, positive training services through K9 Advantage, helping owners across Arizona build confident, well-behaved dogs that become lifelong companions. His mission is to empower owners with the knowledge to understand and communicate effectively with their dogs through private in-home sessions, group classes, and practical coaching that fits real life.

Client feedback consistently highlights his patience, expertise across breeds and behavior challenges, and his ability to teach owners as clearly as he teaches dogs. If you are comparing options for dog training in Arizona, you can explore services, learn more about Board & Train or private in-home sessions, read the K9 Advantage blog, or contact K9 Advantage for guidance.

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What clients say

Families across the region trust K9 Advantage for practical guidance, real behavior change, and a calmer life with their dogs.

      
 Excellent4.964 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent64 reviews
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      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert B 
 1424 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Had a real eye opening experience with our training session. Roy is very knowledgeable and changed our dogs attitude in a matter of minutes. I look forward to working with k9! Thank you
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jesus Lugo 
 1652 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Roy is a very knowledgeable trainer with lots of experience. If I had any questions he welcomed text and phone call about my concerns and questions. Highly recommend K-9 advantage.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ellen Campbell 
 1280 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
When I first contacted Roy to discuss training for my dog, Finn, I was impressed with the knowledge he possessed, and the questions that he asked. I was immediately comfortable and confident that I had reached the right person .  Step 1: He sent over a very detailed questionnaire, so he would know my dog before he met him. I did the 10 week at my home, which was most convenient for me. I would like to note that I travel and have a crazy schedule so we had to reschedule many times.  I thank Roy for accommodating professional life.

Step 2: our first in person visit Roy met Finn, my extremely rambunctious Australian shepherd/Shetland sheepdog, who loves to run out the front door and dash out into the desert, or bolt past me going down the stairs inside my house, almost sending me down the stairs .  Little did I know training was as much for me, as it was for my dog. 😂

I learned so much about my dog and about me.   Lots of things I thought were cute I have found are not so endearing 😳 I am still amazed. With every visit, I gained more insight and knowledge from Roy. Started out just leaving my house and working up and down my own Street.

Step 3: moving from working in our neighborhood down to walking around at the park in the downtown area.  Teaching Finn to sit at the corners before crossing, and not to chase after birds or other dogs.  He no longer yanks on his leash.

I am very grateful for the experience. I want to thank Roy from the bottom of my heart.  Our lives have changed and are so much different, having a dog properly trained.  Finn still has a long way to go, but I am willing to make the effort with the information Roy has given me to succeed.

I plan on stopping in to his drop in classes in Kingman on Saturdays, because Finn’s training will never be over, he is sly lol and he likes to get one up on me anytime he thinks I’m not paying attention. After all he is a smart dog!  A much calmer, smart dog ♥️

Roy travelled all the way from Kingman to  Needles for our training, and I know he goes to Lake Havasu City and Bullhead and God knows where else  😂

If you are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced trainer, Roy is your guy .  Thank you, Roy.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   marcel girard 
 2070 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
My Name is Marcel G. Roy and K 9 Advantage came highly recommend and I was not disappointed.I reached out to Roy for help with my rescue Molly. She was very aggressive with other dogs and lunged at cars. Roy is a very knowledgeable individual and consummate professional. As a Senior and Vet this was my first dog and so Roy had his work cut out for him.Within 4 training sessions Molly was not regularly jumping for cars and was able to sit while his dog layed down besides her.I was so impressed. Unfortunately Molly suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.  I quickly adopted an other Rescue named Missy. Roy was compassionate and understanding and agreed to work with Missy for the remainder of the training course. I would enthusiastically and highly recommend his services without any reservations.Roy and K9 Advantage is the only choice if you're serious about dog training particularly for dogs with issues.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Huger 
 555 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A neighborhood friend highly recommended Roy after he had gone through the 10 individual lesson course offered by K9 Advantage.  I spoke with Roy even before i received my 16 week old Labrador pup and he recommended starting training early, before bad habits are set and that has turned out to be great advise.  We now have completed eight of ten training lessons, gone to a couple group lessons and Roy has taught us how to encourage proper behaviors and good manners.  Our dog has come so far along in just a few months it’s unbelievable and couldn’t have come along this far without Roy’s expertise.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Melanie Michele Williamson 
 1221 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roy is absolutely amazing.  Our Doberman Frankie was completely out of control and Roy has completely saved us.   His knowledge on dogs is incredible and he not only trained Frankie to listen to commands and behave under any circumstance he has also trained us how to be good leaders for our animal.   We’re lucky to have found him and gotten the help we needed.   Highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aaron Masters 
 1090 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The difference in our puppy was immediate and profound. The techniques shown were effective, and noticeable from the jump.
I’m happy with the service. I’ll recommend the service. And I’ll use it again for follow up. I’d give more than 5 stars if there was an option.
Keep in mind, that any behavior training with your dog, is also training you. YOU must follow instructions. Otherwise don’t waste their time.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Walter G. 
 2173 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roy is awesome and very knowledgeable great trainer
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   joseph laplaca 
 697 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
We can’t say thank you enough to Roy. We came to him with our 1year old lab mix who had been showing some aggression to our older dog, extremely hyper and just generally out of control. Through our 1 on 1 sessions, Roy taught us the reasons behind the behaviors and how to move through them with learning obedience and building our relationship with our dog. We are now able to bring our dog to parks, on car rides and even into stores with confidence that we will be able to be successful in managing any issues.
We look forward to continuing group classes with Roy to keep up what we have learned and keep working at socializing our doggo.
Thank you Roy!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Richard 
 1254 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been training our four hounds (two Beagles and two Bassetts) with Roy for the last 10 weeks. Our youngest Bassett was 9 mo at the time we started, and our house was completely unruly! He was a rescue and came from a rough situation and was showing various aggressive behaviors. Roy worked with us in bettering all four dogs! The calm that is now in our home is palpable. Everyone is happier and the pup is now a joy to be around! He loves training! We are so grateful to Roy in helping us regain our peaceful home and would highly recommend him!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Olivia W. 
 1437 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roy is fantastic!  My husband and I were having behavioral issues with our newly adopted 18 mo. old dog Harley. Roy did just one in-home training session with us to teach us how to minimize his behavior. He is extremely knowledgeable with positive-reinforcement training methods and our dog is responding extremely well. In just 3 days, our dog now walks obediently by our side, and sits and places on command. It was money well spent. I highly recommend Roy from K9 Advantage Dog Training ... He is the BEST!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Julie Holmes 
 2241 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved watching Roy work with our sassy dog! He was informative and professional. We look forward to working with our dog at home to reinforce her training.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   dee gates 
 2173 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This training business is great with both dogs and their owners.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Teresa Reyes 
 926 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wednesday was our first meeting with Roy. Was very impressed with his knowledge of dog psychology. He left us with some "homework "for the week. Can't wait for our next meeting. Will update this review as we progress. Looking forward to getting a handle on my reactive pooch and I think Roy will be just what we need.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kathryn Jennings 
 246 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
My dog and I have been attending drop-in classes for about 8-10 weeks. At $10 each class we're getting 1st class training at a bargain price.
We're learning to trust and depend on each other, and we both know I'm the boss!
I love these classes :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Rick Paxton 
 1073 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had only 3 training sessions with Roy and I now have a completely different dog already. Both inside and out of the house. She obeys all commands, and I can even take her in the car with no problems. Roy is the most knowledgeable dog trainer I have ever seen.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Sameh 
 152 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Going to the drop in classes for me and my dog roscoe has been a positive learning experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer L. 
 1044 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have a 1.5 yr old jack russell that is continuously pushing his limits and bit me recently. Someone had recommended Roy to me after another trainer failed me. I have only had one session so far but he was very knowledgeable and I have already seen a change in my dog's behavior based on what he taught me. I plan on scheduling more sessions in the near future. Thanks Roy :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marsha Tonkinson 
 1990 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Randy and I enjoy being able to refer clients to Roy . His boarding facility is awesome.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   michael polanco 
 1645 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roy at K9 Advantage came Highly recommended . After spending some time on the phone with Roy to assess my Pup Nimas goals, I chose the Board n Train Program. Roy did an amazing job with my Atomic Weimaraner and after following his instructions, Nima is doing Amazing. 1st day home we had a social event with several dogs n lots of people and her Behavior was spot on. Hands down Roy at K9 Advantage is the Best!!👍👍💪💪
  
 
 
  
 
 
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Ready for a calmer, better-behaved dog?

Get expert help with obedience, behavior issues, private in-home sessions, and Canine Environmental Management. K9 Advantage serves Bullhead City, Golden Valley, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Needles, Laughlin, and nearby areas.

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