Former K-9 officer opens K9 Basics in Peshtigo for day camp, boarding, obedience

PESHTIGO — It’s time to pamper that furry friend.

K9 Basics, a new facility for day camp, boarding and obedience training at 951 Pine St., Peshtigo, has opened its doors under Matt Borths, a Marinette Police Department lieutenant and former K-9 officer with the city.

The newly renovated facility opened about three weeks ago and houses up to 30 dogs.

Open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with varying weekend hours, the facility costs $30 for boarding, with a day camp rate of $20 for a full day and $12 for a half day.

Borths is getting up to speed with his four employees — one who is a veterinary technician — and works night shifts at the station. He’s been with the department for 12 years.

As he brought the dogs outside for some play time, employee Lexi Oliver, who has three dogs at home, pointed out her dog, Bear, as he sat with a tennis ball.

“Obviously, being a police officer working with police K-9s is what gave me a lot of the training and experience I have,” Borths said, having worked with K-9s specifically for about seven years.

He said he’s been training dogs on the side for two years.

“I like helping people figure out problems with their dogs,” Borths said.

In a one-hour session, he can correct problems with walking, where their dog pulls on the leash. Problems with jumping can be fixed, too.

“I can train just about everything,” Borths said.

He offers obedience training, which involves sitting, manners, heeling — where the dog walks next to the owner — and commands like “stay,” “down” and “come.”

Each kennel is separated to discourage any kennel fighting and to ensure each dog gets their own kennel. He said that family dogs can be boarded in the same kennel if requested.

The kennels also feature rubber flooring and a raised dog bed.

With a wife, three kids and two dogs at home, how does he find any time?

“It’s nonstop,” he said.

People can call 920-227-5368 or download the Gingr app and enter access code 998540 to book an appointment. People can also visit their Facebook page, K9 Basics LLC, for updates on offerings.