Don Shaw, Head Dog Trainer in Sarasota
17 years of experience, 2,000+ hours of professional education and 17 certifications. Don leads training for Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota FL across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
- Experience17 years
- Professional education2,000+ hours
- Certifications17
About Don
With over 17 years of experience, Don specializes in a wide range of canine training, including basic obedience, advanced off-leash training, behavior modification, working dogs, personal protection, and competitive canine sports.
As an experienced decoy and working dog specialist, he has extensive knowledge of canine behavior, genetics, motivation, and drive development. His training approach combines proven techniques, modern learning theory, and hands-on experience to build confident, well-balanced, and reliable dogs.
Don believes training should be part of everyday life, not just a series of commands. He focuses on clear communication, building confidence, and helping dogs succeed in real-world situations, including around distractions and in public settings.
Whether working with family pets (doodles are his favorite) or high-level working dogs, Don brings the same dedication and professionalism to every dog. His goal is to help owners build lasting relationships with their dogs through effective communication, structure, and training.
Outside of training, Don enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters, and their own pack of pups.
Don's certifications
- AK9I, LLC 320 hour Patrol/Detector Handler Course
- AK9I,LLC NAPWADA Certified 520 hour Patrol/Detector Instructor
- DNA K9 Decoy Certification
- ATF Certified
- Certified Patrol/ Improvised Explosive Dog Detector Trainer
- Certified Patrol/ Improvised Explosive Dog Detector Handler
- High Intensity Tactical Training (Levels 1,2,3)
- Advanced Urban Combat
- Off-leash Improvised Explosive Detector Dog Handler
- NePoPo Silver (2023)
- Gold I (2023)
- Gold II (2023)
- Gold III (2024)
- Demanet Decoy Academy (2025)
- PSA Trial Decoy (2025)
- World Decoy Level 1 WDA (2026)
- AKC CGC Evaluator
Skills and specialties
- Human Tracking & Trailing
- Odor Detection Certified
- Aggression Rehabilitation
- Advanced Off-Leash Obedience
- Basic & On-Leash Obedience
- Herm Sprenger Collar Certified
- E-Collar Certified
- Advanced Slip Lead Use
- Marker Training Certified
- Puppy Conditioning & Free Shaping
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- K9 First Aid & CPR
- K9 Heat Stroke Response
Train with Don in Sarasota
Board & train
2-week basic $2,900 or 3-week advanced $4,350, boarding with a Pro Trainer and daily video report cards.
Aggressive and reactive dogs
Behavior Modification Lessons: eight private sessions for $1,100. A 3-week behavioral board & train blend is $4,750.
Puppy training
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy for $475, or a 2 or 4 week puppy board & train from $1,900.
Programs and prices
Every Sarasota program and price on one page, from $100 single lessons to the $5,800 Elite 4 Week Board & Train.
Free dog assessment quiz
Answer a few questions about your dog and see which program fits.
Decoy and working dog experience
Questions about Don
Who is the head trainer at Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota FL?
Don Shaw is the Head Trainer at Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota FL. He has over 17 years of experience and 2,000+ hours of professional education, and he is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
What certifications does Don Shaw hold?
Don's certifications include the AK9I, LLC 320 hour Patrol/Detector Handler Course, the AK9I,LLC NAPWADA Certified 520 hour Patrol/Detector Instructor, DNA K9 Decoy Certification, ATF Certified, NePoPo Silver (2023) through Gold III (2024), Demanet Decoy Academy (2025), PSA Trial Decoy (2025), World Decoy Level 1 WDA (2026) and AKC CGC Evaluator. The full list of 17 is on this page.
Can Don help with an aggressive or reactive dog?
Yes. Aggression rehabilitation and behavior modification are part of Don's specialties. In Sarasota that work runs through Behavior Modification Lessons, eight private sessions for $1,100, or the 3-Week Behavioral Board & Train + Lessons blend for $4,750.
Does Don train family dogs or only working dogs?
Both. Don works with family pets, and doodles are his favorite, as well as high-level working dogs, and he brings the same dedication and professionalism to every dog.
Is Don an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator?
Yes. Don is an AKC CGC Evaluator. Therapy Dog Preparation, an 8 session course for $1,000, prepares you and your dog for the Canine Good Citizen Test.
Talk to a Sarasota trainer today
Start with a free phone consultation. Tell us what your dog does and we will tell you which program fits.