WHY A BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST?
Behavior Specialists are able to read and understand canine behavior beyond public knowledge.
Behavior Specialists can work with either dogs and owners that have already developed some type of negative behavior or owners who want to work with their young dogs to prevent behavior issues from occurring in the future.
All of our programs are structured around communication and leadership first, because no amount of treats or toys can make up for a lack of trust, understanding, or respect.
Due to the complex nature of the canine mind, we don’t advocate any single training method or tool. Each dog must be evaluated individually before the most effective method can be determined.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Leash trainingProgram details
Obedience trainingProgram details
Recall trainingProgram details
Behavior support
Reactivity trainingProgram details
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Day trainingProgram details
Group classesProgram details
Online or virtual trainingProgram details
Owner coachingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Pack walksProgram details
Private trainingProgram details
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
Assistance and working dogs
Police K9 trainingProgram details
Additional services
BoardingProgram details
DaycareProgram details
GroomingProgram details
Consultations
Free consultationProgram details
Other listed services
View 15 additional details
Adopted DogProgram details
Behavior RehabilitationProgram details
Boot CampProgram details
Canine Behavior SpecialistProgram details
Dog HandlingProgram details
Dog ShowingProgram details
Dog's BehavioralProgram details
E-CollarProgram details
Home LessonProgram details
In Person EvaluationProgram details
Jump StartProgram details
Rehabilitation CourseProgram details
Remote CollarsProgram details
Shadow ProgramProgram details
Working DogProgram details
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
Why is it so hard to get ahold of anyone I have left Numerous voice mails and have not heard back i have emailed them I don't have any other way inless I drive down there but being i live in grand forks i would like to talk and discuss Before hand
Hi Matthew, it looks like our staff responded to all of your emails within 48 business hours which is our current expected wait time. If you call it could be a longer wait time as we only have one staff member who does phone calls, so we ask you continue to email or if you would like a phone call back to request one via voicemail or email and someone will call you back. Thanks!
5/5Exceptional Training Experience with Smart K9!
Trainer Hannah and the entire Smart K9 team were absolutely fantastic when working with our dog, Poppy. Having owned five dogs and tried various training programs, I can confidently say that our experience with Smart K9 was one of t…Read full reviewClose full review
Exceptional Training Experience with Smart K9!
Trainer Hannah and the entire Smart K9 team were absolutely fantastic when working with our dog, Poppy. Having owned five dogs and tried various training programs, I can confidently say that our experience with Smart K9 was one of the best.
One of the things we loved most was the structured approach—they offer a convenient Monday drop-off and Friday pick-up, complete with a personalized lesson to walk us through everything Poppy had worked on that week. When we first brought her in, she knew basic commands but struggled with focus and distractions. By the end of her fourth week, the transformation was incredible! She now walks on a loose leash, confidently holds her “climb” command even with distractions, and stays put when someone comes to the door—all major wins for our high-energy pup.
We’re excited to continue utilizing Smart K9’s board-and-train program and daycare services. Poppy still loves going there, which speaks volumes about the positive environment they create.
Thank you, Smart K9! We look forward to working with you for years to come.
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Denise Graunke
5/5Smart K9 is absolutely amazing! Our dog, Finnleigh, is a large dog and we wanted to learn how to use an e-collar with her, how to be confidently off-leash with her, and also have her be "dog neutral". We did the board and train, where we would drop off on Mondays and then have a …Read full reviewClose full review
Smart K9 is absolutely amazing! Our dog, Finnleigh, is a large dog and we wanted to learn how to use an e-collar with her, how to be confidently off-leash with her, and also have her be "dog neutral". We did the board and train, where we would drop off on Mondays and then have a class with her and her trainer on Fridays.
The concepts that they taught her we have reinforced at home and she is so well-behaved. We get comments frequently about how gentle and friendly she is, as her size is a little intimidating. She is able to run around open fields and recall easily. She is neutral around other dogs. We really like this concept of a "climb", where she has her own safe space in the house that she can stay.
The Friday sessions with the trainer are so valuable. Tone of voice and timing are so important to stay consistent with the training, and having that one-on-one time was a great benefit. I highly recommend using Smart K9, whether you have a new puppy that needs to learn some skills, or an older dog that you need to train some manners. the staff truly cares about each dog and will setup a training plan that is personally built for you.
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LC Braun
5/5
Smart K9 was exactly what we needed to give our rescue puppy a head start on his manners and obedience. He is a bit of a wild child and they gave us the tools to reign that energy in and get him focused on us instead of all the exciting things happening around him. We highly recommend their training and are grateful for all the work they put in to giving him the best start possible in our home!
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Gina Lougee
5/5
i couldn’t recommend smartk9 enough, very educational and incredible trainers! my dog and i came in completely blind and both un trained and was met with so much support and confidence we could do it! these 5 weeks have changed us for the better and we definitely couldn’t have done it without their help and knowledge! reece and i are forever grateful!
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Holly Hassler
5/5I recently had the pleasure of working with Smart K9 and I can’t recommend them enough. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I knew I was in good hands.
The trainers at Smart K9 are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about dogs. They took the time to …Read full reviewClose full review
I recently had the pleasure of working with Smart K9 and I can’t recommend them enough. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I knew I was in good hands.
The trainers at Smart K9 are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about dogs. They took the time to understand my dog’s unique needs and temperament. Their patience and dedication were evident in every session.
My dog, Walter, is a bundle of energy. The trainers recognized this and customized a training plan specifically for him. They focused on positive reinforcement techniques, which worked wonders. Walter responded well to their guidance.
It wasn’t just about training the dog; it was about educating me as well. I learned effective communication techniques, how to reinforce good behavior, and how to manage Walter's energy levels. The trainers empowered me to be a better dog owner.
Since starting the training program, I’ve noticed a remarkable change in Walter. His hyperactivity has decreased, and he now listens to commands promptly. The combination of what he learned during sessions and our daily practice has been transformative.
If you have a young, high-energy dog, I wholeheartedly recommend Smart K9. Their positive reinforcement methods yield results, and the supportive environment makes the training process enjoyable.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.