Professional Dog Training Services for Calm Obedient Dogs in Des Moines Iowa | Freedom K9

From Frustration to Freedom — for Life.

We help you achieve calm at home, confidence in public, and a deeper bond with your dog—with lifetime results guaranteed + free touch-ups, forever.

1000+
dogs trained
10+
years of expertise
100%
results guaranteed

Empowering Owners

No matter your dog’s age, breed, or behavior, we’ll help you build the calm, confident relationship you’ve always wanted — with free support whenever you need it.

Welcome to
FREEDOM
Illustration of Golden Retriever looking up expectantly
FREEDOM
[Motion Graphic in Progress]

Meet Matt

Freedom K9 Owner, Matt Forget smiles with 2 dogs

Meet Matt

I’m Matt, the owner of Freedom K9, and my passion for dogs started when I was just 16.

I began my journey working in dog shelters, where I developed a deep interest in canine behavior and the bond between dogs and their owners. To deepen my knowledge, I attended the National K9 School for Dog Trainers, where I earned my Master Trainer certification.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working as head trainer for multiple training companies and learning from some of the best dog trainers from around the world.

Today, as the founder of Freedom K9, I’ve trained over 1,000 dogs, helping families build strong, lasting relationships with their pets through effective, compassionate training.

My mission is simple: to bring out the best in every dog while creating harmony and understanding between dogs and their owners.

...after we met Matt, we were reassured
—Susie Moorhead
"Matt is very patient and passionate."
—Shelly Posadas
"Matt was absolutely amazing with my dog. She took to him right away."
— Rebecca Wertsch
"Matt walked us through every step"
—Katlyn Wilkinson
"If I could give more than 5 stars I absolutely would. [...] Matt was very patient and careful"
—Ashley Salcido
"...great to work with. Very responsive to messages and very knowledgeable. You can tell training dogs is what he loves to do."
—Susie Moorhead
"Matt is very helpful and always available to answer any follow up questions we have."
— Cody Allison
"Matt has been great to work with..."
—Lorrie
"If I could give Matt 10 stars, I would!"
—Nichole F.
"I can’t say enough great things about Matt and his training."
— Stephanie Bentley
"Matt I want to say thank you for everything now my family can enjoy life with him and watch him grow up with us !!!!!! [...] 100 percent if you need dog training trust in Matt !!"
— Enrico Pierangeli
Get in TouchSee Services

Our Approach

Matt Forget training dog to sit

our approach


At Freedom K9, training is balanced and tailored to each dog.

We combine structure, consistency, and accountability with praise and positive reinforcement, creating a system where dogs understand what’s expected while building trust and clear communication with their owners.

We prioritize mental stimulation, consistent guidance, and real-world reliability, helping dogs develop confidence and composure in any situation.

Every dog is unique, so we also adapt our methods to match their temperament, learning style, and energy level.

Our goal is simple: a happy, well-behaved dog and an owner who feels confident and in control.

After Matt trained her, I'm able to walk her with ease even off leash, which would have been impossible otherwise.
—Nicole
"Thanks to Matt, Kane is a different dog and I believe happier."
—Amy Halter
"After his work with Matt, Auggie walks nicely on a leash, comes when called, goes to place when asked, and listens to all family members (even the kids). We have even been able to take him on some trips that would have previously been avoided due to his behavior."
— Cody Allison
"Now, she walks like a dream. We even took her into Home Depot!"
—Susie Moorhead
"She now listens to many commands and looks at me for permission. We are able to take her on off leash walks, go through drive-thrus for pup-cups, and have company over without her jumping on them at the door. She is very obedient and loving!!"
—Ashley Salcido
"...brought home a completely different dog in the best way."
—Katlyn Wilkinson
"Matt also did a great job of training us to make sure we had all the tools needed to successfully continue her training at home, and he offers follow up sessions to fine-tune any areas of opportunity."
— Stephanie Bentley
"She now listens to many commands and looks at me for permission. We are able to take her on off leash walks, go through drive-thrus for pup-cups, and have company over without her jumping on them at the door. She is very obedient and loving!!"
— Ashley Salcido
"...the difference that Matt made in two weeks changed our family’s life..."
— Enrico Pierangeli
"We have seen a world of difference, particularly in staying off the furniture, heeling when walking on a leash, and not jumping up on people who enter our home. They went above and beyond to ensure our expectations were met. Thank you!!"
— Becky Steinfeldt
"Matt took scooter for two weeks and he was a completely different dog in the best way possible."
— Lauryn Tassell
Get in TouchSee Our Results
Sit — Stay — Come — Heel
Place + So much more —

Included in all training programs:

Whether you choose Private Lessons or Board + Train, dogs 4 months and up always receive these program essentials.

Let's Get Started
Behavior Modification

Solutions for Common Behaviors
Create Structure + Engagement
Socialization + Confidence Building
Distraction Training + Impulse Control
Polite Behavior + Manners

Obedience Commands

Sit + Extended Sit
Down + Extended Down
Place + Extended Place
Heel Command
Recall
Greeting + Door Manners
“Off” + “All Done”

New Equipment

New Leash
SportDOG  eCollar [$200 value]
Any other tool needed to help your dog succeed!

Owner Confidence

On-Leash Obedience
Off-Leash Reliability System
Owner Coaching & Education
Phone Support

4 - 6

Private Lessons

$1400
Talk to an Expert
  • All features outlined above
  • Learn together—Great if you want to train your dog yourself, with our expert coaching and guidance!
3 WEEK

Board
+ Train

$3200
Talk to an Expert
  • All features outlined above
  • Leave it to the pros—Your dog comes home already trained.
  • Three weeks of focused training for transforming even the most challenging behaviors.
  • Immersive training for your dog! Includes daily excursions to public areas for practice.
  • Comprehensive 2-Hour Turnover Session
  • 1-Hour Private Follow-Up Lesson
  • Lifetime Support: Includes unlimited guidance and lessons, for the life of your dog!

Puppy Package

Is your dog younger than 4 months old? Get a head-start and lay the foundation early for a confident, well-behaved dog!

$200
  • 3 One hour in-home visits

  • Play the Name Game

  • Potty Training Guidance

  • Introduction to Obedience

  • Socialization Guidance

  • Product Recommendations

why choose freedom k9?

Experience

With 10+ years as a Certified Master Trainer, we've guided famillies through every challenge—earning trust, respect, and real results.

Technique

Every technique we use is backed by canine behavioral science and proven through our 1000+ success stories—setting a standard that outdated methods simply can't match.

Flexibility

Your dog, your goals, your schedule. Our training is flexible and tailored—never cookie cutter.

Communication

It's not just about your dog—it's about empowering you. We explain the how and why, so progress lasts long after training.

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Support

Free touch-ups for life—because support should never have an expiration date. We'll walk with you and your dog every step of the journey.

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Guarantee

We stand by our work. If you commit to the process, we guarantee real, lasting results for you and your dog.

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Happy Dogs. Happy Clients.

5 stars

We loved the experience! Matt was professional, calm and wonderful with our dog. We certainly noticed a difference before and after and it was worth every penny we spent. He answered questions, taught us how to train additional things for fun and walked us through every step. 10/10 recommend

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Gabriela Howard

Google Review
5 stars

Money well spent, our dog returned from her two week board and training a changed for the better dog.

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Lorrie

Google Review
5 stars

Matt took scooter for two weeks and he was a completely different dog in the best way possible. Without him I probably would have had to put scooter down.

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Lauryn Tassell

Google Review
5 stars

Matt is the absolute best. It's amazing how well behaved our dog is now. No matter how naughty or defiant your dog can be, Matt will get them turned around.  Best money I've ever spent on dog training. Matt will also make house calls to make sure your dog is doing well and maintaining his training.  Highly recommend!!!

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Margie Braun

Google Review
5 stars

Matt is a fantastic obedience trainer and has a vast knowledge of canine behavior and psychology.

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Adam New

Google Review
5 stars

Matt is one of the most patient and intentional dog trainers I’ve worked with. He takes real pride in his work. I’ve seen Matt help some difficult to train dogs turn the corner.

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Brian McCoy

Google Review
5 stars

 After some time with Matt, my dog walks on a leash and so much more. Highly recommend.

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Vicki Clark

Google Review
5 stars

We loved the experience! Matt was professional, calm and wonderful with our dog. We certainly noticed a difference before and after and it was worth every penny we spent. He answered questions, taught us how to train additional things for fun and walked us through every step. 10/10 recommend

Profile Image

Gabriela Howard

Google Review
5 stars

Money well spent, our dog returned from her two week board and training a changed for the better dog.

Profile Image

Lorrie

Google Review
5 stars

We loved the experience! Matt was professional, calm and wonderful with our dog. We certainly noticed a difference before and after and it was worth every penny we spent. He answered questions, taught us how to train additional things for fun and walked us through every step. 10/10 recommend

Profile Image

Gabriela Howard

Google Review
5 stars

Money well spent, our dog returned from her two week board and training a changed for the better dog.

Profile Image

Lorrie

Google Review
5 stars

Matt took scooter for two weeks and he was a completely different dog in the best way possible. Without him I probably would have had to put scooter down.

Profile Image

Lauryn Tassell

Google Review
5 stars

Matt is a fantastic obedience trainer and has a vast knowledge of canine behavior and psychology.

Profile Image

Adam New

Google Review
5 stars

Matt is one of the most patient and intentional dog trainers I’ve worked with. He takes real pride in his work. I’ve seen Matt help some difficult to train dogs turn the corner.

Profile Image

Brian McCoy

Google Review

Serving Des moines + beyond

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Join us on the journey—real dogs, real families, real transformations.