Our trainers take a holistic approach that keeps your dogs individual genetics and motivators in mind while also factoring in your expectations and lifestyle.  

At Smart K9 Training we focus on both you and your dogs behavior and relationship. Dog training is a team sport and while genetics and other factors play a massive role in your dogs behavior and training.. the way you interact with your dog also directly affects their behavior. To be successful in training you need to be committed to breaking old behavior patterns within yourself to create new healthy ones. 

You must be committed to following a reasonable routine with your  dog that includes regular physical and mental exercise, daily training sessions, and enforcement of all the commands and behaviors we accomplish in training. 

In addition, we use obedience to provide safety and consistency for your dog because work builds confidence, instills a sense of purpose, creates engagement, and enhances focus. 

1st Step: We Avoid conflict by by moving at your dogs pace. We work on learning your dogs drives and motivators, fears and insecurities. We build relationship through games and exercises that your dog deems as rewarding. that enhance communication and our bond. 

2nd Step: We work towards clear communication by teaching a verbal marker system through operant conditioning. Now that your dog trusts us because we have built a relationship and taken the time to understand them individually, we can begin using our verbal markers to shape or reshape your dogs behavior. 

3rd Step: Begin the "meat and potatoes" of behavior rehabilitation. While steps one and two have aspects of behavior rehabilitation, now we can begin to focus directly on the issues you are experiencing. These exercises include but are not limited to counter conditioning, impulse control exercises, confidence boosting exercises, adding in structure and obedience,  stress management training, teaching your dog problem solving skills, etc. 

4th Step: Adding rules and criticism. 

As Confidence grows with the thrill of winning games, trust in our guidance grows as we repeatedly guide and direct our dog to the reward. When our dog is confident and trusting enough to accept criticism from us, we begin to add rules that make the games more challenging. The process of adding challenges teaches our dog that following rules is rewarding and taking direction from us helps them win the game. This creates a dog that willingly offers focus and engagement.

We may also add in communication systems. Every dog and every is different just like every owners expectations for their dog is different, we take a customized approach when creating a training protocol. We do not believe in a "one sized fits all" training program and take you and your dogs individual needs into deep consideration when training. 

5th Step: The 3 D's of dog training. 

Once our dog is giving us plenty of engagement, the trust is strong, and communication is clear, we then add Duration, Distance, and Distraction to any obedience our dog has learned through the games. During this process we routinely interrupt our dog's impulses while making it rewarding to focus on us. This creates a mindful dog who understands his choices matter, who is accustomed to having his impulses interrupted, and who recognizes direction from us as help to win the game. This is a dog who wants our input and is willing to accept guidance from his leader.

Short answer, no.

When looking at dog behavior we take a very holistic approach. Dogs who are possibly in pain, overweight, underweight, on a poor diet, etc. need an all encompassing protocol if we want to truly change their behavior and quality of life. 

Our trainers may recommend diet change and in some cases working with a canine nutritionist. They may also recommend going to your veterinarian to have pain or a mental disorder ruled out or supported before continuing or in supplement to behavior training.  

We also may recommend large changes to your lifestyle if you are looking to achieve the results you want with your dog. 

Every dog we take into our training program we care for like it is our own, we truly have your dogs best interest in mind when making recommendations outside of training. 

The short answer? No. 

Our trainers are experts in reading and understanding dog behavior. They may see minor to major behavior issues that typically have never been seen/ brought to your attention by anyone else because they are not trained in behavior. 

In some cases, with "happy-go-lucky" dogs the doors are wide open as to which programs you would like to enroll your dog into. In other cases the trainer may only accept your dog into one of our training programs to ensure we can set realistic training expectations.

On top of taking into consideration your training goals.. our trainers also take into account things like your life style, training commitment, your schedule, your finances, and trainer safety.

All of these things will be discussed at your evaluation.

While all of our training methods are based in positive reinforcement and relationship, at the end of the day we do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to dog training. 

If you are uncomfortable with the use of any of these tools or would like to learn more about them, it is vital you bring this up during your new client evaluation so we can have an open conversation about training expectations. 

While in many cases advanced training tools are not necessary, in others it may help to provide the low level communication your dog needs. It is important to remember that these are tools that need to be taught to both you and your dog and taken seriously. 

Yes. We can make some accommodations for clients traveling from more then 4 hours away but we will need to meet you and your dog in person before they can be accepted into a training program. 

This is for our staff's safety and making sure we are all on the same page in regards to the training process and expectations. 

Before booking please reach out to us to learn more about our private lesson and evaluation times to ensure they will work with your schedule.

If you have two dogs you want to get in for training we will need to book their new client evaluations separately. 

We will not train both of your dogs at the same time due to the unrealistic expectations that are then required by the owner during pick up. Here is how two dog training typically goes:

1. You schedule a new client evaluation for both dogs but on the same day. 

2. Our trainers evaluate each dog separately and learn more about any issues you are having.  Our trainers will then recommend a separate training program for each dog. 

3. Each dog will come in for their training programs separately and we typically start with the dog who is having the most issues at home. 

4. After each of their training programs is finished and you are looking to have them both trained together, you can book additional training for our trainers to work with them together. 

No. Dogs sleep in individual kennels inside our climate controlled Training Center. We only work with a small number of dogs to give every dog the attention they need, and maintain a relaxed environment. Your dog's day proceeds with several hours of hands-on training, alternating between active commands, duration work, socialization with our balanced pack, socialization, and behavior modification exercises tailored to your dog's needs. They will also receive plenty of rest, down time, and personal one-on-one attention. Your dog’s well being is our primary concern.

Training fees must be paid in full to reserve the Dog’s spot in Training, 

Training cancelled more than fourteen (14) days prior to scheduled drop off will receive a fifty percent (50%) refund of the total anticipated cost of services as though they were fully rendered; cancellation within fourteen (14) days of scheduled drop-off date shall result in no refund.

Evaluation fees are transferable up to one time if reservation is canceled within 72 business hours. Otherwise, evaluation fees are non-refundable.

Private lessons expire after 1 year. Private lessons included in any of our other training programs (board and train or day training) are free and not eligible for refund. 

Private lessons must be canceled 24 hours in advance to receive a one time transfer to a different day.

We've never met a dog we could not improve. However, dog training is a team effort. No matter how severe the issues may be, dedicated and diligent owners consistently see amazing breakthroughs and transformations with Smart K9 Training. 

Once you hire us you are part of the Smart K9 Pack, your success is a top priority, but your dog can't achieve full potential without you, and there will be homework. 

As such, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee due to the many variables involved to create a well-behaved and balanced dog.

We do not train dogs younger then 8 weeks old but starting your puppy in training young is always ideal to prevent behavior issues and get to know your dog even better!

All dogs must be CURRENT on vaccination records for THEIR AGE! 

Due to City of Fargo law we REQUIRE rabies, bordetella, and distemper. 

We do not specifically train potty training at out facility, so it is recommended your puppy / dog is potty trained before attending a board and train program. 

We do accept intact males and females into our facility, but they cannot be in heat. We are not a "free for all" facility. 

Please take a well rounded approach and do your own research before early spay / neuter is done on your dog. 

At Smart K9, all new clients are required to complete an in-person New Client Evaluation. These evaluations are approximately 30 minutes long and cost $35.00. This session is an opportunity for our trainers to assess your dog’s behavior, discuss your training goals, and develop a customized training plan tailored to your needs. We require that all active members of the household be present during the evaluation.

• If you choose not to book services during your initial New Client Evaluation, the evaluation will remain valid for three (3) months.

• If you decide to book services after the three-month period has expired, a new in-person evaluation will be required.

• For clients who book services at the time of the second evaluation, the $35.00 second evaluation fee will be credited toward the purchase price of services.

• If no services are booked following the second evaluation, the $35.00 fee remains non-refundable.

Smart K9 does NOT provide over-the-phone or email evaluations to diagnose or treat behavioral issues. To ensure accurate assessments and effective solutions, our trainers must meet your dog in person.

By attending a New Client Evaluation, you agree to the terms outlined above. For questions or to schedule your evaluation, please contact us directly.