I cannot recommend Northstar Family K9 enough!…read more Doug came to me as a foster, and from the very beginning, I knew he was going to need some extra help. He had already been returned twice before coming into rescue, and the thought of putting him up for adoption and having him experience another return honestly terrified me. Doug was an anxious puppy who lacked confidence, struggled with severe separation anxiety, and was incredibly leash reactive. And when I say reactive, I mean he would lunge up and down like a tiger and was nearly impossible to calm down. As his foster, I became very attached to him. I wanted him to find his forever home, but I was so nervous about adopting him out and having him returned again. He deserved stability, and I couldn't bear the thought of him going through another failed placement. That's when we decided Doug needed more support, and he spent 4 weeks at Northstar Family K9 for their board-and-train program. I'll be completely honest sending him away was HARD. But the team at Northstar made the entire experience so much easier. Milo, Julia, Emma, and Hank made it feel like Doug was at a second home. The daily report cards and videos were amazing. I never felt completely disconnected from him. I could see his progress, know how he was doing, and feel like I was still a part of his journey even while he was away. We also got to go in for training sessions, which I absolutely loved because they weren't just training Doug they were teaching us how to continue working with him when he came home. And the transformation has been incredible. Doug is a completely different dog. He has confidence. He's calmer. He has tools to work through situations that previously overwhelmed him. And most importantly, I now feel confident sending him to his forever home. As a foster, that is everything to me. I don't want to just find a dog a home. I want to feel confident that the home is going to be their forever home especially for a dog who has already experienced the heartbreak of being returned twice. Thanks to Northstar, Doug is now getting adopted, and for the first time, I can let him go to his forever family without that same fear in the back of my mind that he'll be returned again. Northstar didn't just train Doug. They gave him confidence, gave him tools, and gave me confidence in his future. I truly cannot recommend Northstar Family K9 enough. If you have a dog struggling with anxiety, confidence, reactivity, or behavioral challenges, I would absolutely encourage you to talk to them. Thank you to Milo, Julia, Emma, Hank, and the entire Northstar team for loving our boy, believing in him, and helping set him up for success.

This is the best training facility! Their detailed daily updates, including videos, pictures, and…read morereports, are invaluable, especially seeing the continued progress! It's truly comforting to know your dog is being loved and cared for, particularly when you're missing them. We saw an immediate difference when our dog came home and even our friends noticed it too!

We had our Great Dane puppy trained by Ali as participants in the six week kindergarten class…read more We were very happy with the lessons given in class, and enjoyed having time to socialize our pup. This was my first puppy class experience but my husband's fourth (all different dogs), and the lessons and practices were very clear and consistent with the positive reinforcement methods my husband has used and seen used over the years. The format was interesting in that different dogs were at different stages due to the open enrollment nature of the class, but ultimately I don't feel that impacted the quality of the course, or added anymore distraction then your typical puppy course. The lessons were still communicated clearly and practiced in class with the expectation that the real training occurs out of the class through daily practice and routine. Overall once again we were very happy with the course and have already talked about if post-kindergarten training is needed, or even at-home 1-on-1 lessons we will be contacting Ali.

This is the biggest joke of training I've ever experienced. First of all they sent Heidi to my…read morehouse. When asked what level of training she had her response was that her friend and boss Heather trained her. But because she talked a good talk I decided to give it a try. After all I was already in for over $100 for her to come and visit. My dog has serious separation anxiety and so Heidi said that she could help. A JOKE. She was playing kennel games with her. My dog has no issues with being in her kennel. But I went along with her suggestions. The last session I had with Heidi had me hiding food/treats around my house. My dog is a resource guarding kind of dog. She doesn't like it when my cat even comes near her dish This caused huge issue between the cat and the dog. Hiding treats around the house had my dog agitated with the cat coming anywhere near where treats had been hidden. Worse came to worse! These women have also been instrumental in taking my dog to a rescue that refuses to return my dog to me. Long story short....STAY AWAY AND STEER CLEAR OF THIS PLACE! Bad News and a total waste of money at the very least. I'm still fighting to get my ESA returned to me.

My partner and I were happy with the results from a private session with Lynn. The best takeaway…read morewas her advice on crating our dog, which has made the process far less stressful for each of us. She taught us a few training games which have been great to use too. After that private session, we were really looking forward to the Mastering the Leash Walk workshop. Based on the training philosophy listed on the company's website, Lynn's recommendation, online reviews, and the class description we thought this workshop would help us improve walks with our rescue pup. Unfortunately the experience didn't meet those expectations. One [very large and awesome mastiff] puppy took over the instructor's attention and barked for much of the workshop, which made it hard to engage in the class. The dog was sweet, but obviously had very little training (nor had it been neutered, which was surprising for a group class) and disrupted instruction and learning. Although we respect Cesar Milan's training methods, it was disappointing that Max seemed to recite book content without fully showing how to implement those methods in the leash walk. The class description said be ready to enjoy walking with your dog off-leash, by your side. We didn't expect drastic change, but at least wanted actionable information on improving the walk. We were hoping for more instructor attention for each attendee, not just for the loudest or one that needed the most all around training help. It would have been helpful to see the instructor work with the variety of dogs in attendance and reiterate each of the general training ideas he shared. I think the cost warranted a handout or a web page (just one page with an outline or a couple short instructional videos) dedicated to the workshop content. Ultimately, the grandiose description was misleading and was not fulfilled in the workshop. I think at best this workshop was an Intro to Leash Walking Philosophy, which left us feeling like money and time wasted.

Robert truly is the Dog Whisperer! We rescued an abused dog that started to show aggressive fear…read moretowards strangers soon after she turned 1 1/2 yo. We took her to obedience class and hired 4 other well known dog behaviorists with no results. In fact, our dog's aggression towards people began to escalate. She bit several of our friends, family and a neighbor. She broke through our front glass window twice when the mailman walked by. We were told by 2 seperate veterinarians (after an extesive work-up that showed no physical reason for her aggression) to euthanize her. We were hopeless, desperate and concerned for our dog's future as well as for the safety of our friends and family. I am so pleased that a friend referred Robert. I couldn't believe that our dog (labeled "devil dog" by others) was on her back and asking for belly rubs from Robert shortly after he arrived! All the other trainers we hired NEVER were able to pet her or come within a few feet or her...even after 3 months of private training. I am so amazed at the change we have seen and continue to see in our dog. She now welcomes our friends into the house and sits calmly waiting to give sloppy kisses! She looks to us for direction and responds to our commands. She is so peaceful yet happy around company now. We continue to work with Robert as his training techniques work wonders! Robert , we can't thank you enough for saving our dog....and our sanity!

This is a mixed review. We adopted a dog from a shelter and I wanted him to have training. I called…read moreand spoke to someone on the phone and enrolled him in beginner basic obedience. Called and paid over the phone and emailed Vax records. The night of the first class. My dog growled and barked at other dogs and was pulling as I restrained him. The worker sprayed him. More dogs arrived and same issue. We only had him 2 weeks. The trainer said our dog is not a good fit and we could call and get a refund and do private lessons. I cried driving back home thinking either I am a failure or my dog is. They did handle this properly and discretely. I did get a refund.

First time boarding our puppy. I am so thankful for Rio Gran and their flexibility for a pretty…read morelast minute booking to board louie before my wedding. The staff went above and beyond washing his paws off before we picked him up. We know he was well loved as he fell asleep sitting up on the card ride home and every nap after that he was running in his sleep. Louie says thank you!

We had tried a splash at the local dog show in Cambridge Minnesota, and the dog loved it. Found out…read morethat you can get lessons on dock diving for your dog in Mendota Heights Minnesota. We scheduled a private lesson, and brought the dog down to try swimming in their pool at the facility. The dog enjoyed getting into the water, as well as retrieving his toy from the ramp. I think for a first introductory lesson, it was quite successful. The instructor was very encouraging and patient with us and the dog. The instructor we had is Nora and she has Standard Poodles and has been quite successful with them in dock diving - I appreciate the knowledge level of everyone I have met with this group. Also available at this location is Barn Hunt training, Nosework, and more. We'll be back for more lessons!

Undoubtedly one of Minnesota's greatest canine Nosework/Scentwork instructors, Sharon Middendorf…read morebrings energy and creativity to every class. She can read handlers and dogs like no other, and knows the advice to give to help them become successful teams. The dog-human teams she has trained are competing at the Elite level. Her ability to maintain FUN in Nosework training honors the bond we have with our best canine pal.

We have been coming to nose work for a few years now and love it! Our instructor, Barb, is kind and…read morereally tailors to each of the dogs in our class. I have been with the same group of wonderful ladies and enjoy our time chatting and bonding with our dogs.

I came here for rally class after doing obedience elsewhere. The staff was so nice and I had had…read morethe trainer before and he's amazing. I thought the class was well-run and informative. It's a bit out of the way, but I would take a class here again.

Superb facilities and location with a perennial, steadfast legacy in the local dog world…read more Reasonably priced. However, I WOULD NOT recommend this place for FIRST TIME puppy owners. Especially if you're looking for just basic training a normal, well-adjusted home dog. Culture and vibe fit Best-In-Show-esque characters, a bit cultish (so if you're looking to do AKC comp stuff with a dog, consider this your place). Honestly, I wish I stopped going after the first session and listened to my gut when registration online was so archaic and wonky. It's left my puppy and I without confidence and more scared than before. Understanding that dogs, trainers, people don't always align, I'd recommend they do a free or by-session rate to ensure fit before committing to a class. Although a reasonable price, really regretting the sunk cost. They also need to get into the 21st century of communications and UX experience- I never received any type of registration confirmation, reminder, nada. We also started off on the wrong foot not knowing where to go the first day BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF INFO and were late. My puppy is far from being an angelic but everything about this place has made it worse. It may be part of the business model as to not want outsiders enrolling. Communications cont'd- I was taking my puppy potty outside during class, leashed, in the lawn outside, gravitated towards the fenced agility arena (all well behind the fence) where my puppy and I were SCREAMED AT to go away by some woman and her puppy in the agility arena. I get elevated voices if a dog or person is in harms way. BUT THAT. WE WERE BEHIND THE FENCE MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS. If it had been polite, I would not be writing this. It seemed I never got a memo about an unwritten rule of where my puppy can potty and not potty, especially for a first time owner. Hopefully this post can point me in a direction of better fit elsewhere for a puppy and a first time owner.

My dog has been training in both agility and obedience for over a year. They have nothing but the…read morebest trainers. Would not bring my dog to anyone else for learning a new skill. Loved the puppy class to the advance obedience classes. They even know how to explain agility to the point where you understand which is no easy feat. Love working with everyone, so blessed to have found them.

UPDATE (9/24/2024): I had a good chat with the owner and it sounds like changes are being made to…read moreaddress the phone, tech, and work culture issues. The situation was described to me as the perfect storm. I'm glad to hear that my unfortunate experience might help others after helping to identify things that weren't working. Again, my dogs were well-cared for thankfully. ORIGINAL POST: Poor service, poor communication, and concerning practices. *This was my experience as a first (and last) time customer. My dogs seemed ok but I was not impressed.* NOTES: - Only one person is vaguely trained in the computer system (new as of 9/2024) - I was almost charged double because of the lack of system training. - The Sunday pick-up window ends BEFORE 11am. - There is no way to contact anyone outside of "business hours". - The manager does not have access to all dogs (from how it sounded. I was told upon pickup that the manager conveniently came back from out of town at the exact same time and didn't have keys on her). PRO - accepts last minute reservations - reasonably priced (if not charged twice) MY EXPERIENCE I had a last-minute trip come up, so I was grateful that I could get my dogs into boarding from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. I received a call the day before drop-off to confirm our reservation. Check-in was when things began going downhill. Apparently there is a new computer system, so my dogs were not on the same invoice and I was informed that my card would need to be run twice to make sure both invoices received payment. Slightly inconvenient but whatever. Until I was informed that I would be charged for 2 dogs and 2 nights twice, doubling my payment. It took 3 people explaining that ($43+$39) for 2 nights charged twice was $300+, not $175 total. We had to completely redo the reservation before everything was settled. The worst part of this experience was the pickup. I was told to pick up between 10-11am. I hit traffic on my drive and pulled into the empty lot at exactly 11am. I got out of my car after rearranging luggage at 11:01am. I checked all doors to find them locked with no one inside or on the property and proceeded to call the website number to leave 3 separate messages at 11:03, 11:05, and 11:09am. THERE IS NO AFTER HOURS LINE AVAILABLE. The only person I could find on the property was a handyman who proceeded to call the manager. When the manager arrived around 11:15am, I was told that everyone is on break and no one would be back for a few hours (3pm was the earliest time when people would be back in the office based on what the manager told me), so I had to come back at 5pm. According to the manager it was my responsibility to call and ask them to stay "late" even though I was not told that this was the case during check-in. When the manager asked which dogs I was picking up, she immediately responded with, "Yeah, I don't have the keys to their kennel." I have boarded my dogs in Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, California, and Nevada. I have never been told that it has been my responsibility to make sure that I call to make sure workers are available during "open hours". Nor have I been told that the manager didn't have access to my dogs. That concerns me when my dogs have no one with them and the two people I could find don't have access to them. I understand that I arrived at the end of the pick-up window. I was more disappointed by the fact that I had informed them of my pick-up time, did not receive a call about changing that time, and there was no humanly way possible for the entire place to be locked up and vacated by 11am while staying open during posted hours.

Michelle and the rest of the staff do a great job taking care of our dog, We have taken our dog…read morethere for 9 years now and he is always excited and happy to get there. The facility has a lot of space for the animals to exercise and the have indoor and outdoor options for the dogs to run and play around. Place has always been clean and they have been very flexible and accommodating of our needs. All overall we have gotten a positive and wonderful experience with them.