Why Kirkham K9
I got my first golden retriever in 2014 and invested heavily in our training, I began showing her earning her Canine Good Citizens Titles, Companion Dog Obedience Titles, and Rally Excellent Titles all before she was 2 years old.
In 2016 my husband and I received military orders to 29 Palms, California, where I took my training skills to the next level and started teaching group classes on basic and intermediate obedience.
In 2020 I was relocated of Oceanside, Ca and due to our military assignments, parenting duties, and me working on my master’s degree I stopped training clients, In November of 2025 I lost my Sadie to cancer, and that grief consumed me. Through the loss of Sadie it fueled my passion to start back up my training business helping others with the deep connection you get when you train your dogs.
In February 2026 Geaux Dog’s (Jessica Hagstette and her family) gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, she allowed me to take Ripley a 7-month-old golden to show in conformation, to train and show in dog sports. In March 2026 in Las Vegas, we made our debut receiving our Rally Novice Titles and in April 2026 Ripley earned her Canine Good Citizen and her Rally Intermediate Title.
Now that you know about me contact today to schedule your first lesson or if you purchase any of my products and have questions please reach out to me via call or text 910-650-9100
Hi, I’m Amanda Kirkham, owner of Kirkham K9 Training. I’m a lifelong dog enthusiast, active-duty Marine, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator with a trainer program that supports these test, dog sport competitor, and passionate advocate for building stronger relationships between dogs and their people.
At Kirkham K9 Training, my mission is simple: help owners create well-mannered, confident, and happy dogs through clear communication, structure, and positive engagement. I specialize in puppy foundations, basic obedience, shaping and reenforcing behaviors, CGC preparation and evals, and helping families establish realistic expectations for life with their dogs.
My training philosophy focuses on teaching both ends of the leash. Success comes from consistency, communication, and understanding how dogs learn. I strive to provide practical training solutions that fit your lifestyle and goals.
Beyond training, I am actively involved in the dog community through conformation, performance sports, and breed preservation.
I believe every dog deserves the opportunity to thrive and every owner deserves the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the journey. I look forward to helping you and your dog build a lasting partnership. 🐾
Ready to Get Started?
Send us a quick note and we’ll be happy to help you set up care that keeps your dog happy and your schedule simple. OR you can always reach me at 910-650-9100 call or text.