If your dog listens at home but falls apart around distractions, it’s not random, and it’s fixable. Rising Starr K9 (RSK9) provides real-world dog training in La Crosse and the Coulee Region for pulling, reactivity, and unreliable behavior that doesn’t hold up in public. With 25+ years of experience, Rick Pedersen has worked with over 1,000 dogs in training, building calm, focused, reliable dogs at home and anywhere you take them. Services include private training, group classes (AKC STAR Puppy, Intermediate, Canine Good Citizen), and in-home Board & Train with one dog at a time. Recognized as Best Dog Trainer 2026, RSK9 serves La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, Sparta, Winona, Viroqua, Westby and the Coulee Region.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
Canine Good Citizen preparation
Leash training
Obedience training
Puppy training
Socialization
Behavior support
Aggression training
Fear and confidence
Reactivity training
Separation anxiety
How training happens
Board and train
Group classes
In-home training
Pack walks
Private training
Dog age
Adult dogs
Puppies
Senior dogs
Training level
Advanced training
Beginner training
Intermediate training
Class options
Small classes
Support between sessions
Follow-up support
Homework and practiceCustomer-reported
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Hunting dog training
Therapy dog training
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogs
Training approach
Balanced training
Positive reinforcement
Additional services
Boarding
Other listed services
View 13 additional details
Advanced Skills
Classes
Dog Kennel
Dog Training Facility
Dog Training Sessions
Great Training
In- Home Dog Training
Individual Coaching
Reactive Training
Skills Training
Specialized Training Classes
Training Equipment
Week Class
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5Rick is an amazing trainer, and I would gladly take any dog I have to him for training. He truly demonstrates passion, patience, and understanding with all the animals he works with. He also takes the time to help you, the owner, understand the how and why of all the different tr…Read full reviewClose full review
Rick is an amazing trainer, and I would gladly take any dog I have to him for training. He truly demonstrates passion, patience, and understanding with all the animals he works with. He also takes the time to help you, the owner, understand the how and why of all the different trainings. He’s extremely knowledgeable and always has a great answer to any questions you could possibly throw his way. His dedication to training dogs to be as outstanding as they can be hasn’t been matched by any previous trainers I’ve encountered. I would recommend Rick and his services to anyone looking for the best trainer around. 6 star rating!!
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Megan Anderson
5/5I rescued a dog from Mexico (Donaji) that was extremely scared and in-turn reactive. Donaji and I started working with Rick at a weekly Reactive Dog Course. Donaji started in class and would spend most of the class aggressively barking. I was really discouraged, but Rick showed m…Read full reviewClose full review
I rescued a dog from Mexico (Donaji) that was extremely scared and in-turn reactive. Donaji and I started working with Rick at a weekly Reactive Dog Course. Donaji started in class and would spend most of the class aggressively barking. I was really discouraged, but Rick showed me ways to help regulate her and eventually train her. We worked with Rick for about a year and now I can proudly say that Donaji has drastically changed and can attend General Dog Classes.
Due to her circumstances, Donaji will always be a little more nervous than most dogs, but we have all the tools to succeed thanks to Rick's training concepts. Thank you Rick! We will never forget you and how you believed in us.
We really enjoyed working with Rick over the past year and highly recommend him to anyone!
R
RedHorse Co
5/5
Rick and Joanne have trained dogs for myself and my puppy clients (I raise puppies) and I will certainly use their training again. You simply can't find someone that will train in home like they do. Rick does such a great job! I highly recommend them.
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Karen Wipf
5/5
Rick has done an amazing job with my dog and I have seen great progress. I would highly recommend Rick based on my experience.
A
Alaina Cook
5/5
Rick was easy to work with and I appreciated his blunt honesty from day one! We had a very unique training situation and he worked hard with us to make sure our goals were met. Our expectations of our dog were far surpassed!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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