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The Thinking K9 The Thinking K9

Services

Our Services

Discover the Possibilities

Training you didn’t know existed.

We offer behavior modification services—not traditional dog training.

Clarity

Unsure where to begin?

If you're unsure where to start, worried about your dog’s suitability for classes, or want more info, a consultation can help.

Our focus is on accuracy— clear guidance that accelerates progress.

Note: Class spots aren’t reserved during consultations and may fill beforehand.

*This is NOT required to begin classes (below).

*A consultation isn’t a shortcut to skip Cornerstone classes.

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Consultation

A consultation is a working session for teams that need eyes-on guidance before deciding how to proceed. It is designed to support accurate placement
Changing what’s possible

Cornerstone Classes

All dogs new to TTK9 begin here

UNLOCK BEHAVIOR TRAINING IN OUR CORNERSTONE CLASSES!
Other programs jump directly to obedience, neglecting to teach the dog how to THINK without requiring constant cueing from their owner. Advanced behavior relies on foundational skills that aren’t taught—regardless of age or background. Without these, behaviors become fragile, effortful, or conflict-prone over time. Cornerstone classes fill that missing layer.

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ALL levels, from puppy to advanced & titled
Cornerstone classes are the required entry point for all teams entering The Thinking K9, including:
—> puppies with no prior training
—> adult dogs with & without experience
—> handlers with extensive backgrounds, including professional trainers
Cornerstone classes are not “basic obedience.”
They are the foundation that makes the rest of our extremely advanced work possible.
This Is Not Conventional Training
The Infrastructure Behind Behavior
Cornerstone classes are purpose-built, fast-paced, and grounded in biopsychology and ethology.
Dogs learn how to:
—> think under pressure
—> think for /thenselves/ without requiring commands
—> regulate and recover
—> adapt to changing environments
—> work with handler movement, timing, and body language
—> respond with less verbal instruction and less micromanagement
This makes dog training look EASY
If it feels like you’re pushing your dog to the next level, let us show you how your dog can take you there instead. Your struggle isn’t needed. Putting your effort in the right places is.
—> complexity becomes manageable
—> collaboration replaces conflict
—> reliability holds under real-world conditions
This creates clarity, resilience, and ease where most training breaks down.
You won’t believe what your dog is capable of!
All Cornerstone Classes

Program Comparison

Does your dog know the command but cannot perform it?
That’s not obedience; it’s a confidence & motivation issue.

B1: Development

Socialization
90%
Husbandry
85%
Confidence
95%
Obedience
75%

Taught: Early socialization, cooperative care, husbandry, confidence, & foundation obedience.

B2: Stability

Environmental Socialization
70%
Husbandry
65%
Confidence
70%
Obedience
80%

Taught: Building confidence required to be mannerly in the real world, husbandry, & cooperative care.

B3: Reliability

Environmental Socialization
20%
Husbandry
25%
Confidence
50%
Obedience
95%

Taught: Dogs who are confident and have husbandry skills, but need greater consistency & reliability.

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1: Behavioral Development

Step 1: Puppies up to 7 months. Where Behavior Is Shaped Before Problems Exist.
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2: Behavioral Stability

Step 2: Older adolescent & adult. Willful behavior during independence. Stopping destruction & shenanigans.
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3: Behavioral Reliability

Step 3: Adult dogs with foundation. Dogs learning freedom, distance, and distraction. Advanced Cornerstone class.
Custom coaching to meet your needs

Private Training

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Private Training

Teams who have ALREADY BEGUN training, offering focused, one-on-one support to accelerate progress, troubleshoot, refine skills, stay on track, or achieve next level of success.
Accelerated Behavior Training

Advanced Programs

Dogs must complete a Cornerstone class before advancing to TTK9 programs. This isn’t about intelligence or talent; it’s how our system is built. Without Cornerstone, advanced training is unstable, effortful, and unsustainable—even for skilled teams.

Cornerstone classes are essential, not a hurdle.

Cornerstone classes often include seasoned handlers & professional trainers.

Even at advanced levels, many haven't been shown how to make complex behaviors feel effortless through proper systems. What surprises most is not just how much their dog can do, but how much easier advanced work becomes once regulation, communication, and decision-making are in place.

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Pushing Boundaries in Every Sport

Dog Sports

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K9 Detection

Using elite military techniques, our dogs are unrivaled in scent detection across any environment—fast, precise, and reliable. Boost their confidence while quickly burning through energy…
Rally

Rally Obedience Courses

Contrary to real life, most obedience training uses isolated drills in controlled settings. Rally bridges that gap by fostering communication, clarity, and responsiveness without predictability.
More coming soon!

Additional Advanced Programs!

Advanced class listings coming online soon

What people didn’t expect

Testimonials

I have taken my dogs to other facilities and I sincerely mean it when I say they just don’t compare. Barb truly loves what she does, she quickly learns not just your dogs personality but yours as well. … Furthermore Barbs personality fosters an environment where class participants become friends.. a group of people and dogs get together, learn, encourage each other, have a good time, and laugh……. a lot.
John
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.
Matthew Jones
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.
Cindy Mason Busch
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 is amazing with dogs!!
Chris Brandt
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.
Erin K
I cannot say enough about the experience my pup Myka and I have had here. It’s like trying to describe the Grand Canyon…. You have to experience it to appreciate it.
Lisa & Terry
We have been with other trainers over the years. Comparing our experiences between them and TTK9- like day and night!Teaching K9 behavioral processes and health, and get the best out of them, something other places miss out on.
MC Countess of Falkenstein
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.
Deborah Theisen
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