If your dog listens at home but falls apart around distractions, it’s not random, and it’s fixable. Rising Starr K9 (RSK9) provides real-world dog training in La Crosse and the Coulee Region for pulling, reactivity, and unreliable behavior that doesn’t hold up in public. With 25+ years of experience, Rick Pedersen has worked with over 1,000 dogs in training, building calm, focused, reliable dogs at home and anywhere you take them. Services include private training, group classes (AKC STAR Puppy, Intermediate, Canine Good Citizen), and in-home Board & Train with one dog at a time. Recognized as Best Dog Trainer 2026, RSK9 serves La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, Sparta, Winona, Viroqua, Westby and the Coulee Region.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
Canine Good Citizen preparation
Leash training
Obedience training
Puppy training
Socialization
Behavior support
Aggression training
Fear and confidence
Reactivity training
Separation anxiety
How training happens
Board and train
Group classes
In-home training
Pack walks
Private training
Dog age
Adult dogs
Puppies
Senior dogs
Training level
Advanced training
Beginner training
Intermediate training
Class options
Small classes
Support between sessions
Follow-up support
Homework and practiceCustomer-reported
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Hunting dog training
Therapy dog training
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogs
Training approach
Balanced training
Positive reinforcement
Additional services
Boarding
Other listed services
View 13 additional details
Advanced Skills
Classes
Dog Kennel
Dog Training Facility
Dog Training Sessions
Great Training
In- Home Dog Training
Individual Coaching
Reactive Training
Skills Training
Specialized Training Classes
Training Equipment
Week Class
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5Our mini golden doodle George has been doing great since coming home, we can tell a huge difference, especially with jumping up, walking so nicely on a leash, as well as being generally calmer! It was well worth it to have him do the board and train program with Rising Star, as w…Read full reviewClose full review
Our mini golden doodle George has been doing great since coming home, we can tell a huge difference, especially with jumping up, walking so nicely on a leash, as well as being generally calmer! It was well worth it to have him do the board and train program with Rising Star, as well as the individual sessions with them in advance! Thank you so much for all of your great work with him, we would recommend you wholeheartedly to anybody! 
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Jayne Rifenberg
5/5Rick truly has a gift. I have seen him work with dogs of all ages, tempraments, and personalities. Weather it's basic training, aggression, separation anxiety, or leash walking (to name a few), Rick can help. He is extremely knowledgeable and has quick answers to new questions. …Read full reviewClose full review
Rick truly has a gift. I have seen him work with dogs of all ages, tempraments, and personalities. Weather it's basic training, aggression, separation anxiety, or leash walking (to name a few), Rick can help. He is extremely knowledgeable and has quick answers to new questions. He is truly dedicated to helping pet owners. He is first class in every respect. I highly recommend without any hesitation.
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Peri Kasanders
5/5
I have loved working with Rick! He has been super flexible and is always willing to offer tips and tricks to help my dog. I came to him with my aggressive dog and I have already seen quite a bit of improvement just in a few weeks! He really knows his stuff!
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Emma Anderson
5/5Harley and I appreciated Rick’s assistance with training Harley to pass her Canine Good Citizen class so she can be on her way to be a therapy dog. Harley needed work on distractions (other dogs, squirrels, food on the ground), walking on a leash without pulling and overall liste…Read full reviewClose full review
Harley and I appreciated Rick’s assistance with training Harley to pass her Canine Good Citizen class so she can be on her way to be a therapy dog. Harley needed work on distractions (other dogs, squirrels, food on the ground), walking on a leash without pulling and overall listening. She was able to pass her class with flying colors with Rick’s training. I was impressed with Rick’s consistent communication and willingness to meet with me multiple sessions after Harley’s training was over to make sure we were still working toward our goals! 10/10 recommend Rising Starr K9
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Joy Crenshaw
5/5
Rick took the time to mentor a high school student that is looking to become an animal behaviorist. Rick shared his expertise and gave the student hands on training. We are so grateful for the experience:)
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.