Dog Training in Janesville, WI
Why choose us?
Educated Instructors!
Human & Dog CPR Certified.
AKC licensed instructors.
In-person trade school education.
Certification through CPDT, an accredited organization.
Voted Rock County's #1 Dog Trainer!
Veterinarian recommended!
State-of-the-art facility with an abundance of fun equipment!
Classes are non-intimidating and motivational.
Gain exceptional dog training knowledge based on science.
Lessons are packed with 10x the content anywhere else!
SMALL class sizes for the individualized help you deserve!
How We Train
Our training methods involve behaviorism, including psychology, neurobiology, ethology, and applied behaviour analysis.
Ready for a change?
Our classes are welcoming, encouraging, and educational! Learn how to use cutting edge Motivational Dog Training Techniques that result in a willing, eager, and reliable dog!
Let's create the well-mannered dog you always wanted!
OPEN REGISTRATION! >>
Qualifications Matter!
Our dog trainers consistently strive to improve their skills through ongoing education, including seeking out new techniques from across the country!
Qualifications include, but not limited to:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed.
- Licensed Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and S.T.A.R. Puppy trainer.
- Certified Canine Conditioning Coach.
- Stunt Dog Judge.
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor.
- Certified in Aggression Cases.
- Certified in Behavior Modification.
- Pet and Human CPR and First Aid Certified.
- Certificate in Foundation Nosework.
- Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
- Attended The Michael Ellis School in California and graduated with numerous certificates ranging from Obedience to Police K9 Training.
Get RESULTS, while having FUN!
Our certified trainers are dedicated to helping dogs reach their full potential. We will show you how much fun training your dog can be! Our classes will create memories to last a lifetime!
We also specialize in helping dogs overcome crippling fear and anxiety that severely impacts their ability to thrive in society. We aim to prevent dogs from ending up in Animal Shelters and support those who have endured trauma.
Core Classes
CLIENTS REVIEWS
Matthew Jones
I have owned and trained German Shepherds for over 25 years. Barbara at The Thinking K9 is without a doubt the best trainer I have ever come across in those 25 years. We recently took the STARLET and STAR classes puppy classes at The Thinking K9 for our new Shepherd puppy and the Precision Rally Obedience class for our older Shepherd. Barbara's classes are interactive, organized, very personable, and just plain fun. She invests a significant amount of time, effort, and money into all the things necessary to make her classes great (like an unbelievable amount of equipment!). If you live in Janesville or the surrounding area, I highly recommend The Thinking K9 for your dog training needs!
Chris & Sweetness
I have had 30 years of Viszlas and lots of training so I knew what to expect. However Barbara’s classes were more detailed, more informative, and very professional...She sent pictures often and kept in touch while I was away. Sweetness looked so happy! I was afraid she wouldn’t want to come home with me! And, Barbara has the most well trained boxer, Batman, that I have ever seen! She is amazing with dogs!! Highly recommend training or boarding with Barbara!!
Deb, Chris, Fiona and Ice
Rarely in life do you cross paths with someone that both loves and lives what they do! And it's evident here at The Thinking K9. Barb is a phenomenal dog trainer that keeps up with current techniques, works with you and your dog through all challenges and gives back to the community in many ways. She is both devoted, kind and lives this mission. We are so grateful and blessed to be her students. Thank you. You will always have our infinite praise! (Which is the way it should be here at the Thinking K9!).
Cindy Mason Busch
Over the years I have trained multiple dogs with a variety of a trainers, the Thinking K9 is by far the best. Barbara teaches in a positive, supportive manner with the latest teaching techniques. All training classes have handlers and dogs of various experiences. Barbara is excellent in working with each handler and dog to provide what they need in a method that works best for them. There is a difference between working with a volunteer instructor and someone who is trained and certified as a trainer. If you are looking for a certified Trainer who teaches in a positive manner, check out the Thinking K9.
Erin & Bear K
Barbara is the most well versed trainer in town. She has an extensive education and continues to pursue dog training knowledge to ensure her clients are getting the most cutting edge (& humane) techniques. She comes the the table with multiple solutions to problems and ensures the training plan fits the dog and the owner to give the pair the best chance of success. I’ve worked with Barbara for years and have seen her work through even the toughest cases.
Jeff & Cocoa Sorensen
Barbara Smith is PHENOMENAL! She has a tremendous knowledge base from which she draws upon for the greatest success of each dog and dog owner in her classes. She is a great motivator during the training sessions and her training techniques helped me turn a VERY active chocolate lab into an amazing well behaved companion that is responsive to my commands and I can comfortably take anywhere. I HIGHLY recommend Barbara Smith at “The Thinking K9” for best results and success with your dog. Barbara is genuine, honest, intelligent, and makes you feel like you and your dog are important and valued.
Amanda Jo
I loved my experience here and I will be back for more classes in the future. Barb and Katie are so kind, so patient and very knowledgeable. They give you all the tools to work with your dog at home and support you along the way. After taking the class, I feel much more connected to my dog and his behavior is drastically improved! Thanks so much for a great experience!
Kimberly Moore Elsen
I was nervous about training, more so than my dog, for sure! I didn't know what to expect but Barb guided BOTH of us and Raleigh saw great progress from the classes! We plan to take more classes, i mean take Raleigh! 5 million stars!
Margo & Addy Marilyn
Despite reading all the training books and trying on my own for 2 years, I was never able to get my dog to truly settle down and listen. A few weeks with Barb and that all changed! He’s still energetic, but she helped me understand why he was struggling and gave me all the tools to change those behaviors. She is such a strengths based trainer, building off what your dog can already do and making my pup and I feel confident while learning new things along the way. I definitely recommend her for behavioral training or just to do some fun bonding with your dog!
Judy Bauer Nowak
Barbara is a great trainer. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, inspiring and easy to work with. Barbara has the answers you may be seeking to help make your good dog an even better dog! Classes are fun.
Charles & Mr. P Conley
My English Bulldog, Mr. President, has successfully passed the S.T.A.R. Puppy class and the Canine Good Citizen and is currently enjoying the trick dog class. English Bulldogs are notoriously “bullheaded” and can be a challenge to train, but with Barbara’s positive reinforcement training techniques, Mr. P looks forward to class every week! Barbara is an excellent trainer who wants you and your dog not only to succeed, but to achieve and build a great bond! Barbara teaches techniques that make learning easy and fun. I recommend Barbara and her training classes to anyone and everyone that is looking for a compassionate, enthusiastic and non judgmental trainer and a very clean training facility!
Jenn & Bear Sorbe
I've been to several of Barbara's classes now and feel she is a wealth of knowledge about all things canine. She is smart, articulate, encouraging, and an all around good instructor. We have had great results with our dog in training and I highly recommend The Thinking K9 to anyone... No matter what your level of training, Barbara has a class for you. You won't regret it. Training your dog is a great investment
DeAnna Wallace
Amazing class with Barbara today! She is amazing with the dogs! I have never learned so much in a short period of time. Highly recommend The Thinking K9 for your dog training needs. Her place of business is so clean and she has so much to offer the dogs. Do not hesitate to take your dog here for training, you will not be disappointed!!!
Roxanne & Gus
...Barbara taught me techniques I can use with my dog to avoid the leash aggression I was concerned about. ...She provided handouts and lots of positive reinforcement. She made me feel good about what I have done with my dog regarding his training so far, and that I am not a failure.
Cynthia & Henna
Our Redbone Coonhound, Henna, Loved her class! The Instructors are high energy, Positve and great fun to work with. We learned so much from them! The CGC class taught Henna and I how to work together and has helped create a stronger bond between us. Incredible experience! We can't wait for more training experiences!
Savannah Shortess
Barbara and her team at the Thinking K9 are fabulous. Barbara provides an excellent opportunity for both you and your puppy to learn and grow together as a team. Barbara provides an environment where it is safe for you and your puppy to make mistakes (it will happen)!! I highly recommend the services Barbara provides and I look forward to taking more classes with her.
Callie Burden
Barb and Rebecca have helped Kiplee and I grow and learn so much! Every week we learned something new and we’re improving our skills. We participated in the Puppy starlet, STAR puppy and Core manners classes and got our CGC certification! They truly love what they do and are experts in there field!
Jessica Reuterskiold
Barbara is a very authentic instructor and works with each individual person and their dog. No matter how big or small your dog is, Barbara can help. Her classes are well structured. The puppy enrichment classes are also great for further building confidence and socialization. I highly recommend The Thinking K9!
Haley Jonesberry
I recommend Barb to everyone I know what a dog who needs training. She is fantastic and is always willing to go the extra mile. I cant count how many times she stayed after class with me to help work out problems I was having at home. She is also extremely informative and never made me feel stupid if I had questions or if my dog(s) were struggling to grasp something. We LOVE puppy enrichment on saturdays. My dogs wouldn't be who they are today without the help of The Thinking K9 and for that I am so grateful.
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