OUR STORY
About The K-9 Clinic
Structured obedience training since 1986.
Our History
The K-9 Clinic was founded in 1986 by Lance Stackhouse, a veteran K-9 officer with the Watsonville Police Department. After 18 years of training police K-9 units and working with dogs in high-stakes law enforcement situations, Lance brought his expertise to civilian obedience training.
What started as a small operation has grown into one of the largest dedicated dog training facilities in California. Situated on 10 acres in the quiet rural community of Corralitos, The K-9 Clinic provides a real-world outdoor training environment where dogs learn to respond reliably in conditions that mirror everyday life.
For nearly four decades, The K-9 Clinic has maintained a singular focus: building structured, reliable obedience in dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Our methods are proven across thousands of successful training partnerships between dogs and their owners.
Lance Stackhouse, Founder
Lance served 18 years as a K-9 officer with the Watsonville Police Department, training and handling police working dogs in patrol, detection, and apprehension. That experience gave him a deep understanding of canine psychology, drive, and the mechanics of reliable obedience under pressure.
When he founded The K-9 Clinic, Lance adapted his law enforcement training methodology for civilian dogs and their owners. His approach combines reward-based positive reinforcement with structured compulsion techniques for willful dogs, always prioritizing the well-being of the dog and the long-term success of the owner.
Lance has trained thousands of dogs across four decades, from first-time puppies to dogs with serious behavioral challenges. His philosophy is simple: build reliable obedience while keeping the spirit of the dog intact.
Our Facility
10 acres dedicated to dog training in Corralitos, CA.
Outdoor Training Grounds
Open-air training areas where dogs learn in real-world conditions with natural distractions, terrain, and weather.
Spacious Property
10 acres provide ample room for group classes, private sessions, and off-leash exercises without crowding or interference.
Rural Setting
Located in Corralitos, a quiet agricultural community in Santa Cruz County. A calm environment focused on training, not chaos.