https://www.chromatic-k9.com/home daily 1.0 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628553234789-M3IPTC7EP24684GNPE6H/IACP+logo.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628553271330-W4PT40HV7YXAI65EBH59/MES+logo.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628553321799-KNNKD3DY5SG74DGWMJF4/e+collar+tech+logo.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1629222599936-O6KSW06DBWSWX5I0EFC7/insurance.jpeg Home https://www.chromatic-k9.com/about-us daily 0.75 2024-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628454204248-FCXQ30UJQFFAFNEXQOFM/IMG_0019+copy.jpg About Us - Valentine Komissarouk IACP-Head Trainer/Owner Valentine is the head trainer and owner of Chromatic K9. She is based out of Grafton, MA, and serves Massachusetts as well as neighboring states. She has spent over half a decade studying and working with dogs of all behavioral backgrounds with a specialized focus on rehabilitating dogs with severe behavioral disorders stemming from fear, anxiety, and frustration. Her extensive educational background includes courses at the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, scholarship at the Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, courses at Leerburg University, and in depth study of the works of trainers including Jay Jack, Ivan Balabanov, Julie Blanding, and Chad Mackin. Before opening her own business, Valentine shadowed multiple trainers, worked as an assistant at a local Force Free facility, and worked with a local balanced Behavior Modification training company where she founded the revolutionary Homeschool Program in order to bring quality behavioral rehab into every owner’s home. She continues to expand her experience and education through regular seminar attendance, shadowing world-class trainers, and competing in the dog sport “GRC". Sonny has his SR1 title as well as the first leg of his SR2, Spring Pole, and Mill Race titles. Frankie has her SR2 title, and legs towards Mill Race and Weight Pull titles and is working towards SR2 as well as Weight Pull titles. Val is also a certified Judge for the sport of GRC Valentine strives to help each owner to be their dog’s advocate, to understand their emotions, to fulfill their biological needs, and to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Her unique approach to training involves a highly individualized approach for every dog and every human on the other end of the leash. She provides ongoing support and guidance in between sessions. She currently offers Board and Train, In-Home training sessions, and Virtual Coaching. She also organizes and runs the Technicolor GRC dogsport club. Her canine family consists of tiny but mighty Lhasa mix, Cher, too-smart Aussie, Frankie, and sweet, sensitive Lab, Sonny. They are her greatest teachers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/72362cff-1584-4370-833b-b586b648fc57/Untitled+design+%281%29.png About Us - Marisa Jacques-Dog Trainer Marisa’s dog training inspiration came after years of volunteering at her local animal shelter in the dog room and seeing how helpless most dogs were in the rescue system. Fast forward a few years and Marisa has has spent countless hours studying dog behaviors and developing her skill set in the training world. Each and every dog has unique needs when it comes to training, and Marisa has spent years studying varying training methodologies to ensure that she has the tools to help develop training programs for dogs with differing needs. She has spent time shadowing local trainers, taking courses from Michael Ellis and Ivan Balabanovs’ “Training Without Conflict”, attending multiple Jay Jack seminars focusing on play as the way, and is currently enrolled in Phoenix K9’s mentorship program. Of these programs, Marisa’s biggest training influence has been Jay Jack and using the sport of Gameness, Relationships, & Control (GRC) to fulfill and train dogs the way nature intended, through play. In addition to taking on professional clients, Marisa is passionate about implementing these training structures in her personal life with her own dogs as well. She has progressed from beginner to intermediate agility classes with one of her bully mixes and is currently working towards competing in GRC with three of her dogs. Zoey has passed SR1 and has a leg towards a Mill Race title. Marisa has a soft spot for big bully breeds as well integrating dogs and cats to coexist peacefully. Marisa resides in NH with her 4 rescue dogs (3 bully mixes and a lab mix) and her 6 cats. Marisa currently offers In Home Training, the Continuing Ed Program and Enrichment Services including Hikes and Running Her Service Area includes New Hampshire as well as Northern Massachusetts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/b0db28f0-227f-424d-b651-b0d14779ce09/Untitled+design+%282%29.png About Us - Cara Wehmhoefer-Dog Trainer and Hiker Cara is an experienced trainer with a lifelong passion for helping animals and a deep understanding of how to solve complex issues in dogs. She got her start working with horses and has since spent nearly a decade working various roles in the dog training industry. Cara first worked in several dog daycares, but her strong desire to make a difference in the lives of reactive, aggressive, and fearful dogs led her to pursue further education and seek out more demanding training positions. By studying under highly respected trainers in the industry, Cara developed a speciality working in Behavior Modification. Under Heather Beck she attended the “Dealing With Difficult Dogs” seminar, and in her ongoing studies with Jay Jack she focuses on his concept of “Play is the Way” as a breakthrough method for effectively rehabbing even the most difficult cases of aggression and reactivity. One of the most gratifying parts of Cara’s journey is how she has been able to dedicate these methods in the rehabilitation of her own dog, Jonas, who struggled with anxiety and fear aggression. Through patience and careful training, Jonas’ world is much bigger and he lives a happy and fulfilled life. He serves as an inspiration to her every day and is a constant reminder of how much potential lies within every dog. Cara and Jonas compete in the sport of GRC, in which Jonas has achieved the SR title and is currently working towards his second leg of SR2, Spring Pole, and Mill Race titles. Most recently, Cara served as the lead trainer for a behavioral modification program that rehabbed dogs with issues such as reactivity, aggression, and separation anxiety. She now brings her skillset to Chromatic K9 where she looks forward to having a continued impact on the lives of many dogs who might not otherwise have a chance at a normal life. Cara resides in Boston with her Shepherd Mix, Jonas. Cara currently offers In Home Training, the Homeschool Program, Hikes and Virtual Coaching Sessions. Her Service Area includes Greater Boston and surrounding towns. https://www.chromatic-k9.com/faq daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.chromatic-k9.com/book-a-class daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://www.chromatic-k9.com/homeschool-intake daily 0.75 2021-08-08 https://www.chromatic-k9.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2024-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/483bcde3-ce55-4a64-bad2-ede3c0946cb1/kona+beach.jpg Testimonials - “When my wife and I adopted our pup, Kona, we quickly realized we were in over our heads. Kona struggled with severe anxiety and reactivity to almost everything—new people, dogs, trucks, you name it. It felt overwhelming at times. Enter Val. I’m not exaggerating when I say she has completely changed our lives. Val showed us how to build Kona’s confidence and trust in our handling, using her natural play drive to make training fun and effective. After just six months of working with Val, Kona was like a new dog. She’s fantastic with obedience, walks beautifully on the leash—even in busy, stressful environments—and welcomes new friends into our home with ease. Watching Kona’s whole body wag with excitement every time she sees Val is the icing on the cake; it’s clear how much Kona adores her. If you’re considering working with Val, don’t hesitate. She’ll make a life-changing difference for you and your dog.” -Jess (Kona’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/e2b838f6-6865-416d-add9-1a74f1ce8563/Maddie+DJ+Karson.jpg Testimonials - “Cara is an invaluable member of our pack. She's helped my shy, uncertain girl come into her own and develop confidence in a world that can feel overwhelming. There are so many ways Cara has helped me to become a great dog mom, and I can say with absolute certainty that a lot of Maddie's growth is due to having Cara as my teacher, coach, and cheerleader. She's also one of Maddie's favorite play partners!” —Marybeth (Maddie’s Mom) Photo Credit: Deborah J. Karson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/a4a1e775-2c12-40f3-aac3-6c799459d9d3/image1.jpeg Testimonials - “I met Val a little over a year ago with the goal of training my dog, Atlas, to have reliable recall and experience biological fulfillment. What I didn’t expect was how much the lessons would be less about training Atlas and more about teaching me how to be a handler. Val guided me through building a stronger bond and relationship with Atlas using play and engagement. I learned how to communicate with her clearly, which laid the foundation for everything we wanted to achieve. Thanks to Val’s guidance, I can confidently give Atlas more freedom through off-leash adventures. Atlas knows to stay close when passing others and always comes to me when needed for safety. Our training will always continue to be a work in progress, but I am beyond proud of my four legged beast. The journey with Val has been transformative, and I’m so grateful for her expertise. She has truly helped me and Atlas thrive together!” —Alanna (Atlas’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/a37151be-c6fa-4b51-a106-f2295bbe02e3/IMG_7827.jpg Testimonials - “I cannot speak more highly of Val and her true commitment to helping others and their dogs. I am so grateful I met her! Val is very unique and thinks outside the box- her passion for dogs is undeniable. She always asks questions about you and your dog, truly cares about not just the dog but the human as well, and is very adept at approaching training in a unique way that is specifically tailored to the dog, and I always think of her still when I hear the term ‘biological fulfillment’. She is a student through and through- I was very impressed with her continued desire to learn and keep adding to her already very established skill set. She was there for me through some extremely challenging situations with my dog, going above and beyond, and I am forever grateful and carry forward all the learnings from her as best I can. She is not a one size fits all trainer, and will create a training program that is not only appropriate for your dog, but is also one you are comfortable with. I truly looked forward to our sessions, as did my dog, and I absolutely would utilize Val or her team again in the future, as I have experienced first hand how well Val treats both the dogs and humans in her life.” —M (K’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628452109379-4Q0XARYQXJOP6TVHER9T/Kanga.jpeg Testimonials - “When we first started working with Val, Kanga had a lot of anxiety and fear, especially in social situations. With Val’s expertise we have worked our way to being so much more confident and can manage uncomfortable situations. Kanga is a wildly different dog and is much happier for it. We can’t thank Val enough”. —Maura (Kanga’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628707218823-QXDKS30ML50FY5R0ZSUB/image.png Testimonials - “Val is truly fantastic to work with and we are so lucky our pup Zora has her as a trainer. Zora has anxiety and a lot of fear to overcome, and in the few months that Val has worked with her we have seen huge improvements in Zora's confidence and demeanor. It is clear that Val loves Zora like her own dog and goes above and beyond in all of our interactions with her - both with Zora and with us. We are so thankful we found her and recommend Chromatic K9 to anyone interested in furthering their relationship and connection with their dog! ”. —Alicia (Zora’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628687559713-86MQINCQWMYFZ1YTH6XQ/IMG_0793.jpg Testimonials - “I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated and knowledgeable trainer than Val. My rescued cattle dog, Frankie, was an especially energetic and opinionated adolescent dog with no socialization or training. He was highly reactive to his environment and he was constantly frustrated. Needless to say, I was completely overwhelmed (yes, there were tears!) and with just one virtual training session, Val gave me hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel. I quickly signed Frankie up for homeschool because I knew Val could help Frankie become a happier and more stable dog. Val taught me to see the world through Frankie's eyes which turned my frustration into empathy. She taught me how to communicate clearly with Frankie and how to effectively reward him. She explains training exercises in a concise manner and she makes sure to explain why we are doing them so that they can be done purposefully. Val frames many training exercises as games, making training fun and something to look forward to. I'll also add that she writes really fantastic session summaries which put my mind at ease, knowing that everything discussed in a session will later come in a detailed, reference-able written form. I used to dread taking Frankie out for walks because he would lose his mind barking and lunging at any dog or person that showed up within a 150ft radius of us. It was frustrating for us both - he was clearly so stressed out and I worried that he was scaring those around us. Thanks to the training games that Val has taught us, Frankie is now able to notice nearby people and dogs and move on with his day. I honestly don't know where we'd be without Val. Frankie is still very much his silly self but he is so much more stable now. She helped me form a really special bond with Frankie and I look forward to continuing our training with Val beyond Homeschool. Thank you so much, Val!!”. —Caitlin (Frankie’s Mom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628869915032-RH8TEH0J4THKJ0FMMBOX/IMG_0042.jpg Testimonials - “We started working with Val since Jaco (Mini Aussie) was almost 3 months old. This was the best decision we could have made! Val helped us understand our puppy and his breed, to read his body language and to advocate for him so he could feel safe in his environment. Jaco is six months old now and he is a confident, playful and eager to learn pup. We are excited to continue working with Val and highly recommend her to any dog parents out there!” —Omar & Dani (Jaco’s Parents) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628802593634-DI6QREUC0QHD9N9MK6IU/Louie+Training.jpg Testimonials - “Val totally transformed our dog Louie’s behavior as well as our relationship with her. When we started working with Val, Louie was quite anxious and her recall was totally unreliable. Six months later, Louie’s confidence has increased radically and her recall is strong enough that she can hike off-leash. Val has helped us train many “obedience” skills — heeling, recall, stay, and more. But more than that, Val has helped us start to understand Louie’s experience of the world and given us the tools to try and “set her up for success.” After working with Val, we feel empowered to build on the training foundation we have established to address new behavioral goals or challenges that might arise in the future. Val has a really practical and scientifically-grounded approach to training. It’s clear that she has a deep respect for and an intuitive understanding of dogs. She is a clear and direct communicator and always follows up after lessons with an in-depth write-up of what we worked on in the lesson. She tailored the training to Louie’s needs and personality and to our preferences — everything was customized. Working with Val was worth every cent and we’re so grateful to have found her”. —Emily and Simone (Louie’s Moms) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/462da2a6-5573-45ea-8d2f-40022911ded4/Screen+Shot+2022-08-26+at+5.33.41+PM.png Testimonials - “Today I made one of the best choices of my life. Today I found a freshly dead baby rabbit while offleash roaming in our backyard yard, and I decided independently to simply sniff it and walked away. Mom didn't even realize there was a dead bunny in the grass until Pippa found it a minute later and rolled on it. Mom was absolutely shocked that I didn't try to eat the bunny, and I was handsomely rewarded with a yummy trachea chew for my good choices. But why was Mom so surprised? I'm a good boy, right? Let's go back a few weeks... I was in the yard on a long line because I couldn't be trusted not to eat sticks or poop. I was sniffing under a rock and all of a sudden Mom heard squeaking. She quickly grabbed me pulled a live screaming baby bunny out of my throat as I tried to swallow it whole. The bunny was suprisingly uninjured and was old enough that Mom could release it, but she was horrified that even after spending months trying to control my stick/poop eating habbit, I had escalated. She reached out to our good friend Val of @puppieswantjazz and told her everything. We'd never had this problem before this year, and Mom has been training me herself for years, but we needed help. Luckily for us Val runs her own training business @chromatic_k9 and while she doesn't typically work with service animals, she had a cancelation and let us book a home lesson with her just a few days later. She watched what we had been doing and gave us a protocol to clearly establish that eating the things I find in the yard isn't allowed using fair positive punishment with an ecollar. If Mom wasn't able to do the protocol due to her chronic pain flaring, I got on leash walks with Dad instead of yard time. There's almost zero conflict now because of how consistent Mom's been with the protocol and how effectively I have been managed. That's the key to our success, and we will keep on doing this until I only make good choices like today. Asking for help, being consistent, and utilizing management, that's the secret to success. Tell everyone!”. —Sam (Charlie’s Mom) https://www.chromatic-k9.com/programs-and-pricing daily 0.75 2026-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628531499788-MJBG24FMZMG28TPRN8F0/IMG_0029+copy.jpg Programs and Pricing - In-Home Training Our In-Home Lessons are designed to teach you the skills you need to help your dog reach their full potential. We can help you live your best life with your companion whether they are a brand new puppy, a reactive adolescent, or a senior dog suffering from separation anxiety. We provide ongoing support between classes to ensure you have all the tools and resources necessary to reach your training goals. $180/lesson $400/monthly membership $700/5pack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628531551084-3079DF9J9Z6DBJPO3CRM/IMG_0081+copy.jpg Programs and Pricing - Virtual Coaching Due to popular demand from out-of-state dog owners, we now offer Virtual Coaching via Facetime or Zoom. Whether you are located outside of our service area or your dog is not yet ready for an in-person training class due to high levels of fear or aggression, reach out to see if Virtual Coaching is right for you. Just like our In-Home Training program, we provide ongoing support between classes to ensure you have all the tools and resources necessary to reach your training goals. $50/30 minutes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/61aad9ef-c83b-4356-85c3-56ff9576462a/Frankie+on+the+mill.jpeg Programs and Pricing - Continued Education Program The Chromatic K9 Continuing Education Program is specifically designed to help support our established clients in the pursuit of their training goals. Each day of Continuing Education includes a fun outing such as a hike, a swim, or play in a field as well as a structured training and exposure session. This program includes pick up and drop off as well as a written follow up with photos or videos. This program is exclusively available for established Chromatic K9 clients Starts at $115/day https://www.chromatic-k9.com/field-trip-rules daily 0.75 2021-12-12 https://www.chromatic-k9.com/grc daily 0.75 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/8225f489-b9ff-4340-b064-bc53940a6215/IMG_2611.jpg Technicolor GRC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/f74e7700-7e89-4324-a41d-40843b011841/Screen+Shot+2022-12-26+at+8.05.17+PM.png Technicolor GRC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.chromatic-k9.com/programs-and-pricing-2 daily 0.75 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/3529e147-cac8-4328-bba5-bb84181e6f18/Frankie+passing+SR.jpeg GRC Group Classes - Intro to Social Responsibility The Intro to Social Responsibility Group Class is a one hour, 6 week group class mean to help teach you how to train for the GRC SR test. The class focuses on the following skills: Leash Responsibility Greetings Middle with steps and turns Down with distractions Front with steps and turns Calm Liberty This class is a great starting point if you enjoy the structure of a weekly step-by-step program and are not sure where to start. $360/6 weeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/1628531551084-3079DF9J9Z6DBJPO3CRM/IMG_0081+copy.jpg GRC Group Classes - SR Skills for Dogs with Big Feelings This class assumes some basic understanding of leash walking, Middle, Front, and Down. The goal of this class is to help teams work on strategies to transfer those skills from the kitchen to the trial environment by focusing on building emotional control and trust while increasing motivation and engagement as well as overall confidence. If you and your dog have a basic understanding of the behaviors required to pass the test but are struggling with impulse control, working through reactivity, are worried about navigating the trial environment, or aren’t sure that the skills will hold up without a reinforcer on your body this is the class for you. This is a great class for those who need help proofing behaviors, practicing Faith in Handler Drills, out of sight Down stays, Down while greeting a neutral dog, and/or greetings for dogs who may like people too much or too little. $360/6 weeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60e7538f6fdcb73445db735d/61aad9ef-c83b-4356-85c3-56ff9576462a/Frankie+on+the+mill.jpeg GRC Group Classes - Intro to GRC Drive Sports Interested in the GRC Drive Sports but not sure where to start? One of these 1 hour classes may be right for you! While your dog needs to pass the Social Responsibility test in order to compete in the Drive Sports, they do not have to have passed the test in order to attend these classes or start training or playing in a sport. In fact, many dogs find that training the drive sports gives them the biological fulfillment as well as the control in high arousal that they need in order to pass the SR! Intro to Spring Pole This 1 hour class is appropriate for dogs who are interested in playing tug around distractions. A Spring Pole is a free hanging tug toy. During competition, GRC Spring Pole trials test the intensity of the dog’s drive for the game, the precision of their obedience, and the emotional fluency the dog shows when switching between drive (biting the toy) and control. During class, we will introduce the dog to the game, teach you how to increase motivation, and start introducing the control they will need in order to compete as well as work around competing motivators in the “real world” $60/class