the philosophy

We Believe..

that the most important thing to save the lives of dogs is training. Whether that is obedience training or behavior modification, we need to create a healthy relationship between dog and owner. All of our programs are structured around this aspect first, because no amount of treats or toys can make up for a lack of respect and trust. Let's bridge the communication gap!

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. We have made it our personal responsibility to become familiar with all the varying styles of dog training, which makes us capable of offering the most well-rounded, effective, and versatile programs in North Dakota.

Our methods are simple, logical, and they work. The idea is that once the relationship is balanced, and the communication is effective, the dog will become naturally obedient. Once you have achieved this state with your dog, the rest will come with far greater ease.

Trainers

Emilee Mahar

Owner / Head Trainer

Obedience and Behavior

Attending a top professional dog training school in 2017, Emilee is now the go-to trainer for local shelters and has over 160 volunteer dog shelter hours.

Emilee handles the day to day operations of Smart K9 Training as well as client pet obedience and rehabilitation.

Her personal dog is named Finnegan, he is a 1 year old KNPV Belgian Malinois training for his PSA PDC, BH, & GD Tracking

Lucas Lesofski

Head Trainer

Protection & Detection

Professional, Master, and Scholar Trainer at a top professional dog training school. He has trained and decoyed many working Police K9s and their handlers.

Lucas has titled many dogs in obedience and protection. He has also trained and placed multiple personal protection dogs in homes.

His personal dog is Jaco, he is a Devil X Onyx Dutch Shepherd Training for his PDC.

Savanna

Dog Handler

Future Vet Tech

Savanna joined our team in 2018 as a kennel assistant. She became eager to learn more about dog behavior that she quickly became promoted to a dog handler.

Savanna now takes care of all of our client exclusive daycare, boarding, and grooming dogs!

She has volunteered for a local dog shelter for over 6 years.

Her personal dog is a Shepherd mix named Hercules, they run marathons together!

Behavior Specialist?

A Canine Behaviorist, is able to assess each dogs individual emotional issues and modify the behavior through reconditioning and positive reinforcement. Behaviorists encounter dogs and owners that have already developed some type of negative behavior. They seek to identify and manage the root cause of the behavior; kind of like therapists for dogs.

Behavior specialist can also do what a dog trainer can do, such as teach your dog a new trick or learn obedience! But as a behavioralist they can help an owner manage and understand behavior issues such as aggression, barking, jumping, digging, anxiety, not coming when called, and more.

Smart K9 Training