North Star Family K-9

We are so happy with the foundation Hank helped build for our dog, Poppy! From the very beginning, he was patient, knowledgeable, and clearly experienced in working with dogs of all personalities. We were amazed by how much Poppy learned in a short amount of time. Hank didn’t just train Poppy—he gave us the tools and confidence we needed to continue her growth at home. The routines and structure he helped us put in place have made such a difference. Poppy is more focused and responsive, and we truly believe that’s because of the strong start she had with Hank’s guidance. We’re so grateful for the work he’s done and would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy, effective trainer. Thank you, Hank, for setting Poppy up for success!

If I could give K9SF and specifically Milo a 15 out of 5 I absolutely would, and here is why: K9SF and particularly Milo have provided an exceptional and transformative experience for our family and our young dog, Olivia. Initially, we adopted what we believed to be a shy three-year-old bully mix. However, we soon discovered she was a much younger, highly energetic puppy with significant reactivity towards our resident dog and a tendency to engage in excessive play biting. Feeling overwhelmed, we sought the expertise of K9SF. Our two-week board and train program with Milo has yielded results that far exceeded our expectations. Olivia has returned home a remarkably different dog. She now demonstrates a clear understanding of commands such as "place," "sit," "stay," "down," "drop," and "heel." Most significantly, her excessive nipping and play biting towards us has ceased. The immediate impact of Milo's training was evident during a subsequent veterinary visit, where Olivia calmly laid down after heeling into the office. At home, she now exhibits a wider range of behaviors beyond simply "on" or "off," allowing for peaceful coexistence with our other dog and a more relaxed environment overall. What truly elevates K9SF is their comprehensive approach, which extends beyond canine training to include invaluable support for owners. The follow-up session with Milo focused on equipping me with the necessary skills and understanding to effectively communicate with Olivia and maintain her training. This personalized guidance has been instrumental in fostering a harmonious relationship within our household. We are immensely grateful for the positive impact K9SF and Milo have had on our lives and wholeheartedly recommend their services.

We sent our dog, Ham, to Sam Arnold at K9SF for a three-week boarded behavioral modification program, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Ham came home a new dog—calmer, more confident, and finally able to relax in his own home. His anxiety has dramatically improved: no more barking out the window or startling awake at every movement. Walks are now enjoyable, with Ham looking to us for guidance instead of reacting to every sound or passerby. Sam’s grounded, thoughtful approach made all the difference—not just for Ham, but for us too. He was patient and kind during our in-home training sessions, offering clarity, encouragement, and expert advice. Sam helped us become better dog owners, bringing consistency to Ham’s life so he can be the happiest, most secure version of himself. The entire staff at K9SF showed exceptional care and kindness toward Ham. He has EPI, a condition that requires specific food preparation and daily medication, and the team managed it with diligence and compassion. We felt completely at ease knowing Ham’s medical needs were met with such attentiveness. The nightly report cards were detailed and reassuring, giving us insight into his progress and daily routine. It was clear he was not only being trained—but truly cared for.

I can’t say enough positive things about North Star Family K9! My 11 month old rescue puppy and I just completed their 3 week board and train program, and the progress has been incredible. The program took place in Hank’s home, where my puppy worked on building confidence, leash skills, excitement around people and other dogs and long stays in both sit and down positions. The best part for me was that I was able to train alongside Verona (my puppy) during the entire process. With two sessions at Hank’s house and one at Home Depot, talk about real life experiences. I was able to learn as much as my dog did! Hank’s open communication throughout the program was so helpful- I could ask questions at any time and received regular video updates. His knowledge and the resources he provided made a huge difference, and I saw so much improvement in just three weeks. When Verona came home, I was also given a detailed 3 week homework plan to continue building on the skills she learned, which is a great way to keep the momentum going. What really impressed me is that the help and communication didn’t stop when my dog came home~ Hank is always available for follow up questions and providing ongoing guidance to ensure we stay on track. If you’re looking for a place that offers more than just a simple board and train, I highly recommend North Star Family K9. They tailor train to cover real life with a dog and it’s clear Hank and his wife genuinely care about both the dogs and their owners!