K9 Healers and K9 School empower communities, train dogs, and uplift underprivileged lives

 1 .K9 School has made a significant impact in dog rehabilitation with its Board & Train program. What inspired you to start this initiative, and how has the program evolved since its inception?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: Since 2014, K9 School has revolutionized pet care and training in India, especially in the North. Pioneering behavior consulting, we shifted focus from old-school training methods to understanding dog psychology, empowering families to handle their pets effectively. We introduced puppy group classes, inspired by European models, fostering socialization and proper puppy-raising techniques. Between 2014 and 2019, over 20 successful batches graduated, reducing behavioral issues and abandonment. By 2017, we began certifying trainers, expanding to over 1,000 professionals across India, Nepal, and Singapore. Today, K9 School’s internationally recognized certifications enable trainers and pet handlers to excel in careers and businesses worldwide.

We are definitely trying to up the standard of the training methods, training services, and training systems in India to be at par with the West, with the first-world training schools in the US, UK and Europe. We want to be able to be at par, if not better than many of them, just through all of the services that we are offering at K9 School.

2. You emphasize a holistic approach to dog training. Can you explain how modern techniques and holistic methods are integrated into your training programs?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: My journey in dog training began in 2010 under Harry Carter, the royal family's trainer, after years of self-learning. In 2014, I started training dogs voluntarily before designing CRP (Canine Relationship Program), a system tailored to India’s unique challenges, focusing on trust, positive reinforcement, and breed-specific needs. CRP emphasizes holistic methods like hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, massage, and addressing stress triggers, helping with conditions like hip dysplasia and anxiety. Over 1,000 people globally have been trained in CRP, with licensed practitioners now coaching others. Our customized programs focus on behavior analysis, family involvement, and creating harmonious lifestyles to prevent abandonment and foster happy homes.

3. K9 School is expanding its services to other countries in Asia. What motivated this international expansion, and what challenges do you anticipate in entering new markets?

   
   

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: Our international expansion has been entirely organic, driven by global interest in our CRP system. My journey began with learning from world leaders in dog training across various countries. Requests for behavior consultations followed, leading to impactful milestones like training 30 retired Nepal Army soldiers to handle explosive detection dogs for deployment in red zones. This program marked the start of global recognition for K9 School certifications. Subsequently, I mentored trainers in Singapore, Nepal, and beyond. Today, with graduates from Ukraine and Greece, our system is gaining worldwide traction, putting Indian dog training on the global map without compromising quality.

4. Your Board & Train program includes unique features such as the Counter Conditioning Program (CRP) and specialized swim sessions. How do these elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of the training?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: Our board and train program has thrived post-COVID, addressing pet parents’ growing focus on quality training and travel readiness for their dogs. With over 500 graduates nationwide, our programs range from 5 weeks to 8 months, offering customized plans designed by senior trainers. Using a humane, scientifically forward CRP system, we ensure measurable transformation in behavior while prioritizing the dog’s happiness and safety. Dogs enjoy a premium resort experience, sports-based activities, and personalized care from expert trainers, fostering comfort and confidence. This approach reduces canine stress, enhances obedience, and ensures long-term success, making our program the most trusted in India.

5. How does K9 School ensure the safety and well-being of dogs in your boarding facilities, and what makes your boarding services stand out from others?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: Established in 2016, K9 School has set benchmarks in dog training and facility management, trusted by HNIs, celebrities, and pet professionals nationwide. Combining global veterinary, hospitality, and livestock standards, we ensure unmatched safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency. Our strict SOPs and kennel management blueprints have enabled us to scale responsibly, expanding to five premium facilities while maintaining excellence. Beyond training, we provide design consultancy for clinics and spas, business coaching, and licensing for therapy, guide, and service dogs, even enabling air travel. K9 School’s certifications aim to standardize India’s pet industry, ensuring global standards in care, behavior, and facility management.

6. What are some common challenges and success stories you’ve encountered with online consultations?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: K9 School has been offering online consultations since 2017, catering to international clients and pet parents worldwide. While accessible and convenient, the success of these sessions hinges on the trainer’s expertise and the pet parent’s understanding and honesty about their dog’s behavior. To ensure effectiveness, we use pre-consultation behavior forms and tailored services, ranging from hands-on assistance to guidance for self-transformation. Challenges include balancing personal availability with institutional demands, as many prefer direct involvement. Despite this, countless success stories, from India to the Netherlands, highlight the transformative power of clear communication, expert advice, and committed implementation by pet parents and trainers.

7. Can you share some notable success stories or impacts that K9 Healers has had in the community?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: K9 Healers began in 2014, inspired by therapy dogs Homer and Stella, and has grown into a global community with over 100 certified therapy dogs and 150 trained handlers. It promotes therapy dog training, rural upskilling, and social upliftment by certifying animal handlers, offering them employment opportunities, and bridging workforce gaps in the pet care industry. Initiatives include therapy visits, spay-neuter programs, juvenile rehabilitation in Tihar Jail, and policy advocacy for animal welfare. K9 Healers also champions pet-friendly real estate, national licensing for handlers, and resolving community conflicts over stray animals, driving transformative change for canines and society alike.

8. As a prominent figure in animal rescue and training, how do you balance running a successful business with your commitment to rescue work and supporting abandoned dogs?

Mr. Adnaan A. Khan: At just 32, my journey with animals spans over two decades, beginning as a volunteer at Friendicoes at age 12. Fueled by genetics and an unwavering passion, I’ve founded two successful brands—K9 Healers, a nonprofit focusing on therapy dogs and community upliftment, and K9 School, India's leading dog training company. Our mission extends beyond animal welfare to creating systemic change: certifying trainers, influencing parliamentary policies, rehabilitating juvenile offenders through canine training, and combating unorganized industry challenges.

Our five K9 School facilities and CRP (Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) certification aim to expand nationwide, ensuring every pet parent has access to trusted professionals. Supported by a dedicated team and innovative programs, we strive to revolutionize pet care, empower communities, and make impactful strides for canines across India.