Not Just Obedient, Trained For Real Life

Iowa's Premier Kennels & Training Academy

Not Just Obedient. Trained For Real Life.

Earning Your Trust For The Last Decade

Knallhart is trusted by owners who expect the highest level of professionalism and proven results for their dogs. We’ve set a new standard in canine training, delivering exceptional outcomes from early puppy foundations to complex behavior modification, precision AKC competition obedience, and the complete development and certification of service and therapy dogs. Wherever you are in your dog’s journey, we’re here to help.

Committed to helping all
owners & their canines reach their goals

Chelsey Montgomery-Gusta is the owner and lead trainer of Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy. With experience in the dog industry dating back to 2013, she is dedicated to helping owners and their dogs reach their goals as efficiently as possible.

Her comprehensive program blends positive reinforcement with balanced training methods, offering a clear and effective approach for every dog. She structures her training so clients understand the psychology behind what their dog is learning and why it works. Chelsey’s methods consistently deliver results, and her goal is for every client to feel confident, capable, and able to live comfortably alongside their canine.

Register Today

To register please TEXT Chelsey at (319) 573-2133. Please allow 2-3 days for a reply.

Successful Family Companions & Working Dogs

Click on the videos below to hear some of our client stories and experiences.

“Every dog has potential. Helping owners unlock it is the Knallhart difference.”

Iowa City Dog Training Academy

Iowa's Premier Dog

Training Academy

Puppy Training

Basic Obedience Training

Dog Behavior Modification

Therapy Dog Training

Service Dog Training

Text Chelsey

We're Proud To Provide Loving, Responsible Newfoundland Breeding

We’re proud of our ethical, purpose driven, and respected Newfoundland Breeding Program.

Our mission is to produce Newfoundlands that embody the health, temperament, and structure the breed was designed for. 

We compete with our Newfoundlands in AKC events to ensure our breeding program aligns with the highest standards of the breed. With carefully planned litters each year, we focus on raising puppies who are not only sound and well-balanced, but ready to become trusted companions for life as beloved family pets, competitive dogs in the ring, or reliable working partners in the field.

The Knallhart breeding program

We adhere to the American Kennel Clubs written standards (both in conformation and temperament), and produce healthy, sound, quality Newfoundland dogs. We specialize in breeding a small amount of puppies consisting of the highest quality pedigrees. 

Knallhart Kennels

Learn why we are the

#1 dog

training

academy in Iowa

What We Do

We offer boarding and training services for puppy training, basic & advanced obedience, behavior modification, and emotional support therapy & service dog certification and training.

Why Boarding & Training?

The best way to help your dog succeed and be happy. By spending quality time and effort, your dog will be learning how to be the best version of themselves, which is our #1 goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sending your beloved dog off to be properly trained for the first time can be a little scary. We have compiled a list of the top questions with our expert answers to put you at ease.

Knallhart Dogs

Only The Best

Stand Out

Meet Our Dogs

Carter

Sofia

Yara

Simone

Billie

Iza

Xavier