At Chromatic K9, we believe that the purpose of training is to create a fulfilled and harmonious life for dogs and their human companions. We believe any high quality dog training plan includes meeting the dog’s needs as a complex living being; this includes giving access to breed and species-specific outlets, curating a dog-owner relationship centered around clear communication and trust, and looking closely at the connection between a dog’s behavior, their emotional state, and their physical wellness. When these foundational pillars are prioritized, training becomes not only easy but fun. Whether your goals include a rock-solid off-leash recall, long-lasting behavior rehabilitation for your anxious, reactive or aggressive dog, or even competing in GRC Dogsports, Chromatic K9 is here to guide and support you and your pup on your training journey.
We are based out of Greater Boston, Worcester County, Metrowest, and New Hampshire. We offer in person dog training in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We offer virtual dog training and seminars worldwide.
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.
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
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.