Press/Media

Local Dog Training Institution Wins Founders Live Reno Pitch Competition

Custom K-9 Service Dogs, Carson Valley’s leading dog training institution for more than a decade, has won the November Founders Live Reno pitch competition with their newest innovation, Club Doghouse. The audience voted them the top company of the night.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Kendall and Chandler Brown, Custom K-9 Service Dogs has long been recognized as the regional standard for high-level, modern dog training. They have trained mobility-aid and medical-response service dogs across the United States and have spent years bringing accessible, science-backed dog training to families throughout the Carson Valley.

The Browns may already be familiar to readers through their numerous television appearances, podcast and radio interviews, and award-winning books, including 10 Secrets of a Lazy Dog Trainer and Let’s Get a Dog!

What Is Club Doghouse?

Club Doghouse is the Browns’ latest advancement in dog training — a flexible, in-home, online membership that brings professional-level training directly into households. Designed for busy dog owners, Club Doghouse includes:

Weekly video lessons through the “Weekly Woof”
A supportive training community
Mini-lessons on advanced topics such as flying with service dogs
Higher-tier options for coaching and feedback

The program is built around a simple promise: no travel, no rigid schedules, no high hourly training fees — just expert guidance on your time, in your home.

“Dog training needs to meet families where they are,” said founder Kendall Brown. “Most owners want to do the right thing, they just don’t have a system that fits real life. Club Doghouse changes that.”

A Win Powered by the Community

The founders emphasized that the Founders Live victory reflects the powerful support of their community:
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and to everyone who voted,” said Brown. “We’ve always believed in serving the Carson Valley first, and knowing our community was behind us last night meant everything. This win is all of ours.”

A Longstanding Pillar in the Valley

Beyond dog training, the Browns are a Marine Corps family and active supporters of multiple philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. Their mission has always been grounded in service — not just to dogs and their handlers, but to the region they call home.

Winning Founders Live marks the next chapter in their commitment to expanding accessible, high-quality dog training through modern technology.

Learn More

To learn more about Club Doghouse or Custom K-9 Service Dogs, visit:
www.customk9servicedogs.com

Media Contact:
Kendall Brown
Founder — Custom K-9 Service Dogs & Club Doghouse
Email: customk9servicedogs@gmail.com
Website: www.customk9servicedogs.com

Carson City area author Kendall Brown finalist in prestigious International Book Awards

American Book Fest proudly announces the winners and finalists of the 16th Annual International Book Awards (IBA), one of the world’s most extensive international book award programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles. Among the over 400 winners and finalists across more than 100 categories is Carson City, Carson Valley area local author Kendall Brown, celebrated for her inspiring works, including “10 Secrets of a Lazy Dog Trainer” and “Let’s Get a Dog!”

The 16th Annual International Book Awards results highlight notable past laureates like Pope Francis, George Saunders, and Vanessa Williams. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, emphasized the power of the awards: “Over our 16-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have harnessed the promotional strength of their International Book Award to elevate their online presence, enhance their title’s credibility, and shine in the bustling book market.”

In her heartfelt reaction to being named a finalist, Brown said, “Being chosen for such a prestigious award is an incredible honor. I am deeply thankful for the continued support of my community and all the readers who have embraced my work. This recognition inspires me to keep sharing my stories with the world.”

Kendall Brown’s books, which combine memoirs from her personal and professional life with practical advice on dog training, have deeply resonated with readers. Her unique writing style engages dog owners and offers insight into the emotional connections we share with our furry friends. Her books have received a 5-star award from Reader’s Favorites and have garnered national attention, highlighting her exceptional storytelling and literary talent. This year’s contest attracted thousands of entries from authors and publishers worldwide, skillfully narrowed down by a distinguished panel of judges.

Kendall and her husband, Chandler, have partnered with local newspapers and TV stations to share their dog training expertise. Their business, Custom K-9 Service Dogs in Carson City, provides obedience training and fully trained service dogs to a national clientele. Additionally, they are actively involved with local nonprofits like CASI and NAMI, raising awareness about the role of service dogs and supporting individuals in need within the community.

When asked about her third book, scheduled for release in August, Kendall Brown laughs. “Get ready for a glimpse into the early days of our journey as small business owners and dog trainers!” She teases. “My upcoming memoir will be packed with funny and heartfelt stories that are family-friendly and sure to inspire fellow dog lovers. I can’t wait to share the laughter and lessons we’ve learned along the way!”

Join us in celebrating Kendall Brown’s remarkable achievement as a finalist in the International Book Awards! To learn more about her and her inspiring work, visit her author’s site at 10secretsofalazydogtrainer.com or connect with her @kbsecretsofalazydogtrainer and #customk9servicedogs.

Two Moore Books, LLC Podcast

For our Sunday podcast, we had the privilege and honor to interview Kendall Brown, a northern Nevada writer who, in her words, “is a proud Marine Corps wife, a passionate small business owner, an experienced dog trainer, and the engaging author of two award-winning books: ’10 Secrets of a Lazy Dog Trainer’ and ‘Let’s Get a Dog!'"

Kendall shared her life growing up, her challenges with her first service dog, and how her writing style emulates one of the world’s most beloved writers, veterinarian James Herriot from “All Creatures Great and Small.”

Kendall’s books have been recognized with awards and numerous positive reviews, and she was a finalist in the 2025 International Book Awards, one of the world’s most extensive and prestigious international book awards for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles.

We had a lot of fun with our “Seven Questions,” our literary adaptation of James Lipton’s questions from “Inside the Actor’s Studio”:

-What was your “I am a real honest-to-goodness writer” moment?
-Who is your writing role model and why?
-What do you love about writing?
-What do you absolutely dread about writing?
-What single significant life experience affects your writing, good or bad?
-Would you recommend “the writing life” to a loved one? Why?
-What is something unexpected in your past that we won’t see in your bio?

You can learn more about Kendall’s books at 10secretsofalazydogtrainer.com and about her business is customk9servicedogs.com

Custom K9 Service Dogs share hiking, camping safety tips for dogs

By Katey Roshetko

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - With the weather warming up, more people are heading outdoors to camp and hike. And if you’re bringing your dog with you, Custom K9 Service Dogs owners, Kendall and Chandler Brown, stopped by Morning Break to share important safety reminders.

During their interview, they shared methods you can use to set yourself and your dog up for a successful hike or weekend excursion and review. Some of the most important commands to make sure your dog knows on the trail and at the campsite are “come” and “stay.” They find that “come” in particular is a vital skill for an enjoyable and safe outdoor adventure. According to Custom K9, through more training, we can implement more safety; and with more safety, we can have more freedom and fun.

Click here to learn more about Custom K9 Service Dogs. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Reading Reno: Kendall Brown writes guide to selecting and adding a new dog to your family

By Katey Roshetko

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Kendall Brown is a local author and dog trainer at Custom K-9 Service Dogs. She published her first book, “10 Secrets of a Lazy Dog Trainer,” which is one part memoir and one part dog training advice. It just ranked #1 in Biology of Dogs and Wolves yesterday, and #3 in Dog Care and Health.

Monday, she stopped by Morning Break to talk about her second book called, “Let’s Get a Dog!” It is about what you should know before you get a dog. From knowing the different types of breeds to learning the differences between shelters, rescues and breeders to how to do a temperament test and more.

Brown have two more books planned for this year, including a memoir in the style of “James Harriot” and an “Advanced Secrets of a Lazy Dog Trainer.” Click here to purchase, “Let’s Get a Dog!”

Copyright 2025 KOLO. All rights reserved.

Custom K-9 Service Dogs Launches 'Club Doghouse'

by Katherine Nowicki

Kendall and Chandler Brown joined Marianna Daniele to talk about their online community training membership for you and your furry friends.