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The Thinking K9, LLC
Janesville, Wisconsin
About The Thinking K9, LLC
The Thinking K9, LLC offers BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION, not obedience, because most people have already taught obedience but are still struggling-- that’s because obedience isn’t the problem! Our training is rooted in biopsychology, neuro-biology, and ethology, specializing in fear-based behaviors, addressing issues at their core rather than masking them. As the only ACCREDITED, certified trainer in Rock County offering group classes, we provide advanced, education-backed solutions that actually work. With continuous advanced education, we don’t just offer training; we offer lasting transformation. You don’t need to live in constant hyper-vigilance, your dog can enjoy life with you, and so can you.
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
- Canine Good Citizen preparation
Program details
This workshop encompasses everything that it takes for both dog and human to achieve their Canine Good Citizen title. Testing to follow education.
- Crate training
- House training
- Puppy training
Program details
Prepare your 4-6mo old puppies for Canine Good Citizen class with S.T.A.R. Puppy! This class includes the S.T.A.R. Puppy Curriculum as well as additional confidence building and obedience.
- Socialization
Behavior support
- Aggression training
- Fear and confidence
- Resource guarding
How training happens
- Group classes
- Owner coaching
- Private training
Dog age
- Adult dogs
- Puppies
Program details
Puppies will play with other puppies, as well as well mannered adult dogs that will teach them proper play skills. They will also have the opportunity to climb on and play with our specialized fitness equipment.
Training level
- Advanced obedience
- Advanced training
- Beginner training
Assistance and working dogs
- Detection dog training
- Police K9 training
- Therapy dog training
Dog sports
- Agility
- Barn hunt
- Rally obedience
Program details
We teach novice and seasoned exhibitors how to execute Rally signs with precision, all while having FUN! We take Rally to a whole new level and show you how to get the most flashy performance possible!
This class marries advanced obedience skills with trick training! Rally FrEe is a less intimidating form of FreeStyle Dancing.
- Trick training
Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
Additional services
- Dog walking
- Grooming
Other listed services
View 23 additional details
- Behaviour Analysis
- Canine Conditioning
- Core Manners Class
Program details
This program teaches basic good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. You will learn how to teach your dog not to jump on people, leash skills, stays, and more! This class is great for the pet dogs and lays a foundation for those seeking their Canine Good Citizen title.
- Dog Instructor
- Dog Sports
- Dog Training School
- Dog Training Techniques
- Dog's Obedience
- Enrichment Classes
- Exercise Plan
- Home Services
- K9 Detection
- Learning And Training
- Nail Trims
- Ninja Doggo Class
Program details
Ninja Doggo combines Trick Training, as well as Agility and Fitness equipment! Ninja Doggo is an obstacle-course style class that is exclusively taught at The Thinking K9. Our class uses purely positive training that builds confidence, team work, and handler/dog bond.
- Obedience Class
- Skills Training
- Stunt Dog
- Training Courses
- Training Your Dog
- Unique Training
- Veterinary Care
- Walks On Leash
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
Hu. Do you have any upcoming puppy classes?
Hi Meridyth. Our Puppy & Manners classes start every 7-8 weeks.
Community answer · The Thinking K9, LLC · 2023-09-21
how would you contact them? i find no email address or phone number. How can you ask a specific question about training. if unable to make contact, will have to find a different trainer
It’s easy to miss—kind of like when a dog’s toy is hiding under the couch cushion. You can find our contact form linked in the main menu on every page of thethinkingk9.com. That’s the quickest way to reach us.
Community answer · The Thinking K9, LLC · 2025-09-21
We took your training class last year with liebe. She has the urge to bark at me for no reason in the evening. Not sure what to do
Hi Steve, great hearing from you! Please shoot me an email so we can go over stratagies.
Community answer · The Thinking K9, LLC · 2025-09-21
Is it possible to register for classes at the building?
Absolutely! We'd love to see you and your dog! All registration is done online. All of our classes are found here: https://www.thethinkingk9.com/services/classes/
Community answer · The Thinking K9, LLC · 2020-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listing4.8
65 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Knowledgeable staff 9
- Training techniques 5
- Fun environment 4
- Instructors 4
- Caring staff 3
- Informative classes 3
All 10 topics
- Behavior issues 2
- Confidence building 2
- Open to questions 2
- Program 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
Barbara is amazing and so is Kaitie. We have done the virtual Starlet class and while I wasn't sure how much help a virtual class would be I knew it would be better than I could do on my own. I am happy to say I can't believe how much we've learned and that I have already signed …Read full reviewClose full review
Barbara is amazing and so is Kaitie. We have done the virtual Starlet class and while I wasn't sure how much help a virtual class would be I knew it would be better than I could do on my own. I am happy to say I can't believe how much we've learned and that I have already signed up for the next class in the series. Lessons progress each week so you keep building on your skills. As an introvert and skittish over the pandemic it has been an absolute blessing to have a dog trainer in my living room. I am so, so glad we did this - it's so great to see my puppy learning so many key skills that she needs to be a happy, well adjusted dog when she grows up! Thank you TK9!
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 comm…Read full reviewClose full review
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!). Love, Deb, Chris, Fiona and Ice
Ella and I learned alot from Owner/Trainer, Barbara Smith, in Starlet Puppy class. I never realized the importance of socializing a puppy like this class provided. We are scheduled for the next level puppy class and looking forward to it ! 💕
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 …Read full reviewClose full review
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.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.