Smart K9 Training

Smart K9 did something to my dog that I would have never expected - they taught him how to calm down! Flash is a 3 year old golden retriever who has struggled for much of his life with fear and anxiety that led to some dog aggression, and with a mind going a million miles a second never was able to properly walk with a loose leash. We had tried multiple trainers before with little success in treating his fear and anxiety, but we went through an evaluation and really began to understand Flash's perspective thanks to Emilee and Lucas. After two weeks of a board and train, Flash has been noticeably calmer at home and on our walks. Emilee did an outstanding job and is so passionate about the field of dog training, providing so many resources and suggestions to us. She made sure that we were comfortable with Flash's training and commands with a thorough go-home appointment, and followed up quickly with a (virtual) appointment to answer any questions that we have. We are sending Flash to day care once a week where we get updates on how he does and what was worked on. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a great trainer!

Knowledge. Execution. Care. Those are just a few, of many, words to describe Emilee, Lucas and the rest of the Smart K9 staff. Pike went into his 2 weeks with basic obedience but ended with many more useful commands and tools that only make our communication with him stronger. We are so fortunate to be able to gain from their knowledge and to continue to have their support. They truly care and want to see your dog succeed and get better! Smart K9 Training is not only for those with dogs that have major issues, but for ALL dogs!

Smart K9 Training is LIFE CHANGING. Our working line German Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog pup had worked with two other trainers in the area before we found SK9. Our dogs would listen long enough to receive a treat and then go right back to running our world. Both of our dogs completed SK9 Board and Train programs within the last month and we could not be happier with the positive improvement we see every. single. day. As Emilee and Lucas frequently share, training never stops; however, the foundation that they set has left our dogs’ state-of-mind significantly more calm. There’s notable motivation to work for us and be obedient. It’s great. For the first time ever, we went on a controlled, enjoyable walk. There was no lunging at cars or pulling towards dogs or people. Instead, both dogs walked on a loose leash and looked to us for leadership. Two months ago, I would not have been able to imagine a walking experience like that. Prior to training, we had ourselves convinced that our dogs were they were they were (especially our Shepherd) and thought we’d just have to deal with the craziness. We’ve learned that is not the case, nor does it have to be our standard. Emilee and Lucas taught our dogs communication and then set them up for success by teaching US what we needed to know when it was time to pass the baton. Education is a huge part of the journey and these two will not let you go until all of your questions are answered and you’re feeling confident. We spent hours in prep for going home (we had a LOT of questions and wanted to ensure we got things right) and when we left, we felt ready and empowered to lead our dogs in a way they understood. A mutual understanding of behavioral expectations has been been established. There’s consistently for our dogs living a human’s world, which has made day-to-day living far less confusing for them (yay!!). All of our lives recently got a whole lot better because of Smart K9. These folks are elite and care so much - we truly can’t recommend them enough.

Smart K9 Fargo is amazing! By the time we found them, we had been through a few sessions of pet store classes, worked with a local bird-dog group, tried another local group class, and even had a private session in our home with the owner of yet another local training organization. That’s right, 4 previous trainers. Cosmo was about 18 months old, and 60 pounds of terror! He would grab items from the counter and dash around to avoid us, swallow our son’s toys whole, knock our 5-year-old over and mount him. He played way too rough, grabbing our clothes or limbs and shaking his head. He would pull on walks, regardless of the countless collars and harnesses we tried. With our previous training, he knew the basic commands, and would comply for treats... if he wanted to. But, with no consequences for disobedience, he was ruling, and ruining, our lives! We loved the idea of having him more than we actually loved having him. We left him at Smart K9 for a board and train experience last February, and he is like a different dog! He is not perfect, he’s a dog. And it takes ongoing effort and thought to maintain his progress. But he LISTENS! We can leave things on the counter without him grabbing everything. Our youngest son can play with his toys around him. We can take him on loose-leash walks and runs. He doesn’t ambush house guests or grab us anymore. Treats and positive training are wonderful. But Cosmo needed limits and consequences, too. Smart K9 helped us find the balance we desperately needed and Cosmo is a better dog because of them.