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 offers great customized dog training based on each owner's needs. For example, our Golden Shepherd puppy wasn't coming when called. Rick taught me a formula of exercises and homework that got the job done. At only 7 months old, our dog is now coming 90% of the time. To go fr…Read full reviewClose full review
Rick offers great customized dog training based on each owner's needs. For example, our Golden Shepherd puppy wasn't coming when called. Rick taught me a formula of exercises and homework that got the job done. At only 7 months old, our dog is now coming 90% of the time. To go from never coming to 90%...that is amazing! And, I'm certain that as we continue with Rick's techniques, her score will keep going up as she gets older. Rick is very down to earth. He gets to know you and tailors his recommendations based on your personality and preferred approach to training. For example, I would prefer a martingale collar, so we started there. Someone else might prefer a chain collar. If so, he will start there. His heart is on the dog. He wants you dog to win.
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Corey Straubhaar
5/5
Rising Starr K9 has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. Rick is great to work with and really emphasizes the importance of consistency and that the process never truly ends. We saw noticeable differences after the first day which have only continued to improve after each week. I’m excited to continue working with Rick and I know Echo is too!
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Andrew Gavrilos
5/5
Rick is an awesome trainer! His classes are structured and paced for individual dogs needs and he makes training fun and easy. Our 7-month-old Yellow Lab, Arlo, has thrived in training as continues to learn and grow every week. Highly recommended for anyone looking for some help training their pooch!
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Reagan Lee
5/5If you’re on the fence about hiring a dog trainer, this is your sign, just do it! I can’t recommend Rick enough.
Before choosing a trainer, I followed Rick’s Facebook page and also heard glowing reviews from another Westby resident. Even though the drive from Westby to French Isl…Read full reviewClose full review
If you’re on the fence about hiring a dog trainer, this is your sign, just do it! I can’t recommend Rick enough.
Before choosing a trainer, I followed Rick’s Facebook page and also heard glowing reviews from another Westby resident. Even though the drive from Westby to French Island is a commitment, it has been worth every mile.
From our first meeting, Rick took the time to understand my goals and the type of dog I wanted to have based on my active lifestyle. His 1:1 training is patient, thorough and easy to follow. My favorite part is the homework between sessions and the check-ins at each lesson to see our progress and fine-tune what we still need to work on.
After just three sessions with my 6-month-old puppy, we’ve learned so much and built an incredible foundation. We’re excited to continue into the intermediate classes and eventually work toward the Canine Good Citizen program.
If you have a puppy, invest in training early!! You won’t regret it. Rick’s experience and passion show in every lesson. Thank you, Rick! We’re looking forward to continuing our training with you.
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Tony Docan-Morgan
5/5Rick does wonderful work! We did multiple one-on-one sessions with Rick and completed the puppy group class recently. Rick provides clear, practical guidance that can be applied right away.
We were struggling with our puppy putting her paws on countertops and the kitchen table, …Read full reviewClose full review
Rick does wonderful work! We did multiple one-on-one sessions with Rick and completed the puppy group class recently. Rick provides clear, practical guidance that can be applied right away.
We were struggling with our puppy putting her paws on countertops and the kitchen table, as well as leash training her. Rick’s guidance worked like a charm. Really enjoying taking her on walks now!
Enjoyed the environment Rick created in class, too.
This is a top-notch veteran owned business and I fully recommend!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.