About 6 months after adopting our pitbull-lab mix, Hughie, in June 2021, he began to show some aggression towards other dogs, including my sister's (whom he stayed with while I was at work) and any dogs we'd encounter while walking outside. He also struggled with INTENSE kennel anxiety (panting/drooling excessively while in the kennel), dog aggression (he charged another dog and aggressively engaged with it), resource guarding, separation anxiety, and poor obedience. After the incident with my sister's dog, I immediately booked a consultation appointment with SmartK9 and drove from Minneapolis to Fargo at the beginning of December to chat with them. I spoke with Head trainer Emilee and filled them in on any and all issues I could recall having with Hughie and we formed an action plan for addressing them. We determined that focusing on neutrality with other dogs, general obedience, and his kennel/separation anxiety would be our starting point and would be addressed in his training program. Emilee recommended a 7 week board & train program for Hughie as his issues were extreme and weekly training would be difficult as I live in Minneapolis. About a week into the program, we received a "report card" update indicating that he was struggling HEAVILY with his kennel anxiety and subsequently any training that was introduced to him. Emilee said he seemed to be quite wound up and wasn't sure if he would acclimate to the new environment. Two weeks into his 6 week stay in Fargo, Emilee reached out and recommended we start him on gabapentin in addition to his trazodone as she believed Hughie's intense anxiety in the kennel was impacting his ability to be trained in the most effective manner. She assured us that she was confident in his ability to learn once he was in the right mindset and if he wasn't doing as well as expected by the end of his board and train, that he would stay at no charge until he was where we expected him to be! We coordinated a new prescription with Hughie's vet, which clinic the prescription would be sent to (as Chewy doesn't carry Gabapentin), and the pick-up of the prescription (which SmartK9 graciously offered to do!). SmartK9 handled the issues regarding his medication (or lack thereof) amazingly, making sure we could get him leveled out and in a more productive mindset. Following his board and train, we weaned him off the trazodone/gabapentin and started him on Prozac following his vet's (and Emilee's) recommendation. He's now on a daily dose of 40mg and we've seen a HUGE difference in his behavior. SmartK9 posted countless Instagram stories, sent out weekly report cards, and sat with us for a few hours each Sunday during our 1-on-1 lessons. They answered ever question we thought of and were there for us every step of the way. I cannot recommend them enough. I'd recommend anyone whose dog seems to be really struggling with anxiety symptoms and is considering a board and train to either start your dog on Prozac BEFORE they leave for it (like 6-8 weeks before) or have a good supply of trazodone/gabapentin on hand to mitigate anxiety symptoms during their training program. That way you're trying to get your pup as set up for success as possible and in a good mindset for receiving training! In terms of Smart K9's dedication to excellence, Hughie walked away from the program with two heeling commands, better impulse control, neutrality around other dogs, and a more level head. We were very grateful to Smart K9 for accommodating the fact that we live in Minneapolis by allowing us to have our 1-on-1 lessons on Sundays instead of weekdays and for letting us stay beyond our allotted 1 hour to ensure any and all questions we had were answered. This group really does want to see you and your dog succeed. All in all, our dog is a completely different pup than the one we sent to Smart K9 for his training program: he's less anxious, more attentive, more confident, and trusts us to take care of him! I can't say where we would be without this team, but I know it'd be nowhere near as happy and fulfilled as we are! read more

Cooper had another fun weekend being boarded at Smart K9! We are so grateful to all of the staff. They not only take great care of Cooper but I also learn new tips to make Cooper a better behaved dog. We have been going to Smart K9 since May 2019. As new puppy owners, we were struggling with training a new puppy. Copper was very rambunctious, biting on everything, any soft toys were destroyed, he would bite through his leash, pull when I took him for walks, he was not a typical cuddly puppy. I took him to puppy classes and all he wanted to do was bark at the other dogs. There was a lot of instruction but not a lot of doing. After 3 times, I stopped going. After 2 months of trying to figure him out, we were stressed. We were questioning our decision about getting a dog. It was not what we expected. A friend of mine, who has had dogs before and just got two new puppies 6months before we did, told me about a place, Smart K9, that she took her dogs to for 1:1 training session for basic obedience and really liked the results. We met with Lucas and Emily for an evaluation. The amount of knowledge they have and how they explained Cooper's behavior was very eye-opening for us. We felt confident in their training style and decided to do a 2-week board and train along with some 1:1 sessions. Cooper learned some basic obedience during his board and train. He could sit, down, stay, learned how to heal so going for walks was enjoyable and he learned what "climb" was. The climb has been a blessing. It is a place he goes to relax when he gets overwhelmed or just to nap. Over the past 3 years we have continued to take Cooper to Smart K9 for boarding when we are out of town. We know that he is well taken care of, gets refresher obedience skills and is in a safe environment. He also goes there periodically for Daycare. When I mention any of the dog handlers' names, his tail starts wagging and he goes to the door. Our life with a dog still has challenges but 95% of the time, he is an enjoyable addition to our family. We still have a few things to work on, like barking at rabbits in the backyard or people walking by our house but overall he is a relaxed dog. We thank Smart K9 for what they have did and continue to do with Cooper as well as make us better dog owners. read more

We enrolled our dog in day training with Smart K9. We adopted her as a puppy from rescue, and she had issues with biting, jumping, and was very clever and mischievous. We also have a 10 year old daughter that was nervous around her because of these behaviors. Though we've had success with weekly classes with previous dogs, we knew we needed additional support with this dog, and after consultation, Smart K9 recommended the 4 week day training program. The trainers asked lots of questions regarding our lifestyle and goals for training, and tailored her program to best meet our needs, along with the needs of our dog. They even encouraged our daughter to attend our individual sessions so she could work on being less nervous and have a better relationship with our pup. Our dog progressed very well, and since graduating from her initial program, she's also completed off leash program, and is in daycare twice a week to maintain consistency in her training, plus she loves it there! When we got her, she was quite reactive and nervous around people, dogs, and really anything new. Within a couple months, she can walk into a busy store, and not only behave, but be comfortable. Smart K9 helps us problem solve when new issues arise, as she is still a fun, energetic, and occasionally mischievous pup. The trainers check in often regarding how our dog is doing with our daughter, and with the guidance we've received, our daughter is now completely comfortable with our dog. We feel confident that we have the skills and tools to continue to work with our pup to grow into a well mannered, happy, adult dog. We couldn't be happier with our progress, and strongly recommend Smart K9! Thank you Madison, Emilee, and the rest of the wonderful Smart K9 team! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Smart K9 training changed our lives. Our dog, Zeke, went through a 3 week board and train program due to his fear and growing aggression. In a matter of a few weeks Emilee helped our dog change his state of mind and learn ways to calm himself. We loved the honesty through the experience and that even after our board and train ended she didn't just send us on our way and say "good luck". We had 3 follow up one on one classes and we get awesome perks for going through board and train. Our dog attends daycare weekly where she works with him while he's there and he loves it. We will also have a peace of mind boarding him there for longer times knowing he will be well taken care of and get to work on his training when we are gone! We appreciate the continuous suggestions on training and ways to help our dog even more. It's not just a one time and it's over, they're here to help you for the long haul. It's exactly what we needed for our dog and for us! Our life at home has become more calming and less stressful. We couldn't be more thankful! Highly recommend!! read more

We cannot say enough good things about smart K9. Our dog, Blueberry, is an extremely nervous girl. When we went for the evaluation at SK9, she was too nervous to even walk in the door at first. Hannah and the whole team worked extensively with both us and Blueberry to help build her confidence so she can enjoy more of the world. The team at SK9 spent time teaching us how to work with Blueberry on many different engagement and confidence building activities. One of our main goals was to be able to bring Blueberry into a store. After a few weeks of training, she was able to do this and not be nervous about it! Blueberry is a much more confident girl after completing her day training at SK9. Since finishing up with day training, we still enjoy all the other client perks that SK9 offers including sending her to daycare for some more training and socialization as well as participating in pack walks with other dogs and owners! read more

I can't say enough good things about Smart K9! When Ellie my dog first started the 8-week, 3-days-a-week day training program with trainer Hailey, she was nervous and scared, which made it difficult for us to bond and get anywhere with training. However, after completing the program, the transformation has been nothing short of amazing! Ellie has gained so much confidence, and she's learned new commands like heel, duration place which has helped improve both her behavior and our relationship. The program was structured and effective, with clear guidance and support throughout. I can see such a massive improvement in her, and I'm so grateful for everything Smart K9 has done for us. Ellie goes back for daycare weekly and completed another 2 week day training program when I was on a trip, not only did Ellie learn a ton but I know she would be safe and have a great outlet for her active mind and energy. read more

My dog Cash was in the 6 week training program! I adopted him in April from a shelter and his past was not kind to him. The whole world was brand new to him at a year old. He is curious and excited about everything. I knew right away that I needed some guidance with him! After some research I chose Smart K9. I immediately felt welcomed upon the evaluation to decide which program would be the best fit for him and I. Every staff member I encountered was always kind and they would ask how is was doing even when they weren't directly working with him. Cash had Julyn as his trainer and she was amazing. Her and Cash made quite a good team! She was so nice working with, she was understanding, caring and always made me feel comfortable learning with Cash. She really helped me understand Cash and how to best care for him and he's needs! The structure at Smart K9 is great, I highly recommend! read more

When we rescued Justice, we were very excited to bring the cute little puppy home. Justice quickly became a bully and despite going to a doggy school was becoming more than we could handle. She would lunge at my daughter and we couldn't get her to stop. I was told I had a bored puppy, but I knew it was more than that. Someone I knew had just used Smart K9 with great luck and I figured I had nothing to lose. After a one-on-one virtual session, they confirmed what I knew. Justice needed some redirection for what could have become a serious issue. So I signed her up for the board and train, and that was the best decision I've made. We didn't have to rehome her, and we now have a sassy, sweet dog who still LOVES going to Smart K9. Oh, and they almost have us trained too. LOL They are the best in town. I highly recommend them. read more

I've had such a great experience with Smart K9! The entire staff has been friendly, supportive, and clearly passionate about what they do. I loved viewing the daily photos and videos of my dog--seeing how they work with each dog really shows their deep understanding of dog behavior. Madison was amazing to work with. She's patient, genuine, and always took the time to answer my questions. Her detailed notes after each session made it so easy to keep up with training at home. My dog trusted her right away and was excited for day training every morning. Over the program, she learned proper leash manners and became noticeably calmer and more confident. I'd absolutely work with Madison again and highly recommend Smart K9 Training to anyone looking for knowledgeable, caring, and effective trainers. read more

When we sent Presley to Smart K9, we were expecting a more obedient dog and that was about it; however, what we got was above and beyond our expectations. Presley is not only more obedient, but she is now equipped to handle situations that make her anxious and nervous. Presley went to the 2 Week Day Training and now continues to go for daycare and boarding for continued training. Emilee and the staff at Smart K9 are easy to work with, patient, and personalize training to specific needs for each dog and family. The one-on-one attention was just what our family needed to ensure Presley was getting what she needed for her best life. We have learned so much from Smart K9 and are excited to continue working with them. Thank you so much, Smart K9. read more

I found Smart K9 desperately needing some help, and holy cow is this the place to go!! I thought I knew the basic stuff about training but I apparently didn't know that much lol!! Jesse has graduated from her basic obedience program and oh my gosh is she a different dog! Our amazing trainer Julyn helped me see the world how Jesse sees it! Without her help I don't know where we would be, her confidence has grown so much! Jesse LOVES going to school and seeing her trainer and ALL the handlers! Our relationship has grown as she has gone through that program, some daycare, and now her off leash program which has been so much fun!! She has become such a fun goofy dog I can't wait for more fun with Smart K9!! read more

Emilee, Maddi and Alyssa are absolutely AMAZING at what they do! Our anxious and reactive German shepherd struggled in unfamiliar situations and meeting new people and other dogs. Smart k9 spent five weeks of day training focusing on a calm mental space and neutrality around unfamiliar people and other dogs. The guidance we have received in our one on one training classes have been immeasurably helpful in teaching us as owners how to navigate tricky situations, advocate for our dog's space and needs, and making him feel comfortable and confident in us as leaders. We are beyond grateful for smart k9 leading us in our journey with a reactive dog and we cannot wait to see his continued progress in daycare! read more

I was in the 4 week day training program with my Golden Retriever. My dog had a lot of energy, and I was struggling in my training which caused frustration for me and him. Smart K9 not only trained my dog basic obedient commands but more importantly worked my dogs mind and helped him use his energy in a more productive manner. I can't say enough good things about Maddi and Alyssa, they are excellent trainers and were always willing to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend Smart K9. you will not be disappointed and you will improve your relationship with your dog and you will become a better handler and understand what your dog needs. I rate Smart K9 a 10/10. Becky. read more

Wonderful experiences with Smart K9 both virtually and in person. Emilee has a gift in understanding dog behaviour and formulating her training plans to suit the needs of each individual dog, and is then able to clearly and simply communicate concepts to owners in ways they can also understand, ultimately building better relationships between owners and their dogs! Additionally, their top tier facility has a unique setup allowing them to train in situational environments, not just an obedience room, further solidifying behaviours they are working on! Highly recommend for everyone from pet owners to experienced trainers, I guarantee you'll learn something new! read more

I am so pleased with the training that Rocket received at Smart K-9 in Fargo. Rocket did the board and train in April and returned for Loose Leash training in July. Prior to Smart K-9 Rockets energy and enthusiasm made it difficult for me to walk her around. Now we are having so much fun going on walks and hikes, all around her behavior is so much improved! The foundation that Maddie established and our continued practice gives me more confidence each day. Thanks to all of the staff at Smart K-9, we are in a very good place because of your training, care and attention. Janene Papendick read more