North Star Family K-9

09/04/2024

We’re excited to have Millie here for a 3 week board and train!

Millie has severe separation anxiety, reactivity when seeing other dogs and is learning her kennel is a safe space.

So far on day 3 she’s been super fun to work. She’s a quick learner.

Excited to see her and her family grow!



08/31/2024

Finished our first Training Gold School. The first of 3 over 2 years.

Extremely humbling and empowering experience. Spent time in deep practice with some very talented trainers and two master coaches.

Proud of Rumi and JoJo who allowed me to experiment without concern of messing a dog up. Rumi learned to Man Hunt, JoJo and I came away with plenty of homework.

I learned a lot to become better with dogs; I learned to be more patient. I learned to let the dog hunt more and lure less. I learned how to better apply theory into practice with dogs.

We built a network of support and coaches.

Thank you and !

08/26/2024

We’re off this week in Montana for Gold School. The next week well get hands on application of the Nepopo Training NePoPo®️ Worldwide 🌏🐕 methodology and theories with real dogs and with a cohort of some really amazing trainers and instructors.

We’ll be back next week.

Currently have 1 opening in September for board and train and taking consults for October.

Intensive private openings also available upon our return.

08/02/2024

07/30/2024

JoJo and I got to learn from a very accomplished IGP competitor this weekend, very humbling as we’ve been slacking with coaching lacrosse the last few months. Thanks .workingdogs for having us!

07/28/2024

We spent the weekend learning from one the more accomplished competitors in IGP this weekend.

Sport training and the canine psychology used in competition is foundational work for pet training and behavior modification.

Think classical musics and ballet… modern music and dance all have foundations in the classics.

We learned a ton this weekend not only building our own dog but how concepts relate and translate to pet dog training and behavior modification.

Everyone of the students here also trains family dogs!

Thank you for having us!

07/17/2024

“I was given Contact info for North Star Family K-9 through a co worker. I had been having multiple issues with/my Shepard mix. Separation anxiety, impulse issues, etc. I had never had a dog that broke out of so many kennels I sought help from a vet and they put him on heavy dose of trazodone. I was at a loss, spoke with many diff trainers who told me he would grow out of it. Gave me little to no help. My co worker overheard my stress/anguish over it and recommended Hank and Nicole. We decided to do board and train as we had exhausted all options. I am so thankful for them and how they have helped us learn how to listen and understand and properly train my 18month overly friendly anxious monster. They are so diff from any other board and train we have looked into and trust me we looked into them all!! Each week we drove out and they helped us to learn how to properly teach our Shepard. We had an Hour drive there and back so they took extra time and made it worth the drive. I can’t express how grateful I am in words for their patience and knowledge as we learned along with our dog. They are exceptional people as well as exceptional trainers. I would highly suggest giving them a try. You won’t be disappointed. Our boy is completely off meds and he is doing great. They provided us with all the proper tools and guidance needed to continue his training and I am supported for the lifetime of my dog. That’s right forever! No other trainers can give you what they have to offer. They were my Hail Mary and I can’t believe how happy we are with the outcome. Thank you so much and anyone who is on the fence it was worth every penny and so much more. They truly care about each and every dog they train as well as the continued success. Lifetime folks. Thank you so much again both of you are so wonderful!” Michelle

07/17/2024

“I was given Contact info for North Star Family K-9 through a co worker. I had been having multiple issues with/my Shepard mix. Separation anxiety, impulse issues, etc. I had never had a dog that broke out of so many kennels I sought help from a vet and they put him on heavy dose of trazodone. I was at a loss, spoke with many diff trainers who told me he would grow out of it. Gave me little to no help. My co worker overheard my stress/anguish over it and recommended Hank and Nicole. We decided to do board and train as we had exhausted all options. I am so thankful for them and how they have helped us learn how to listen and understand and properly train my 18month overly friendly anxious monster. They are so diff from any other board and train we have looked into and trust me we looked into them all!! Each week we drove out and they helped us to learn how to properly teach our Shepard. We had an Hour drive there and back so they took extra time and made it worth the drive. I can’t express how grateful I am in words for their patience and knowledge as we learned along with our dog. They are exceptional people as well as exceptional trainers. I would highly suggest giving them a try. You won’t be disappointed. Our boy is completely off meds and he is doing great. They provided us with all the proper tools and guidance needed to continue his training and I am supported for the lifetime of my dog. That’s right forever! No other trainers can give you what they have to offer. They were my Hail Mary and I can’t believe how happy we are with the outcome. Thank you so much and anyone who is on the fence it was worth every penny and so much more. They truly care about each and every dog they train as well as the continued success. Lifetime folks. Thank you so much again both of you are so wonderful!”

07/03/2024

Hawk is another rescued dog that had a loving family but needed to learn how to live with his family.

When Hawk came to us he was on a heavy dose of trazodone. He was overly hyper and overly stimulated. He had no leash skills and did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.

His family also needed the tools and skills to communicate with him. Living over an hour away they came down once a week to train with Hawk while he was here. Ensuring they could continue training with him when his BT was complete.

Reports after week one are extremely positive! Also… no more trazodone!!

“He is doing very well, very impressed. Tried him on treadmill today, he did pretty well. He is snoozing after breakfast and training!”

Thank you for trusting us Dumonds!

06/25/2024

What an amazing 2 years! Thank you to all the families that believed in us! We’ve trained over 60 dogs the last 2 years!!

Your trust and sharing your canine companion with us have given us so much back in return!

We never imagined a side passion project to turn out like this!

If you’re a family we’ve helped please take a moment and comment below on a memory you have as a result of training and communication with your dog!

Thank you again!

06/17/2024

“We were recommended by a friend North Family K-9 service for Kaner. He just wrapped up his 3 weeks of training and we’ve had him home for his first day. We didn’t know what to expect but we have seen a different dog now. Looking forward to continuous training and him becoming the best GSD we had envisioned. Hank and Nicole thank you for everything you did and will continue to do for Kaner. Our family appreciates it.”

Thank you Erick Wockenfuss and Jill Beeson Wockenfuss

06/17/2024

Thank you for sharing Titan!

✨Dog Training vs. Behavioral Management✨ - Understanding the Difference

🐾 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 focuses on controlling your dog's environment and triggers to prevent unwanted behaviors from becoming habits. For example, using a leash at home to prevent jumping on guests or crating your dog when you leave to avoid barking and destructive behavior. This approach gives you time to teach desired behaviors while keeping everyone safe. It also allows you to time your rewards and reinforcements perfectly during training.

🐾 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 is all about actively teaching and guiding your dog on which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. This includes teaching commands like "place" or how to walk properly on a leash, correcting unwanted behaviors, and rewarding good choices. Training shapes your dog's behavior, guiding them to make better choices and understand your expectations.

🌟 If you're not ready to set aside specific time for training, consider using behavioral management to keep undesirable behaviors at bay. Without management, your dog might reinforce poor behaviors on their own, making training more challenging and time-consuming later.

💡Remember, every moment is a learning moment for your dog, whether you intend it to be or not.

𝑊𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢? 𝑊𝑒'𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠—𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑! 🐾💛

06/16/2024

Bonnie’s here for another week. She’s in her third home. She had no structure and was a little “feral” when we first met. Her new family and I believe she might even have been abused in one of her previous homes. She definitely didn’t get the structure and leadership a young puppy needs to live in a human world.

When the dogs come to stay with us we want the families to come and train so they can learn what the dog is learning. They get to see everything we do with their dog!

They get to work on leash skills, how to communicate with their dog, all the fun exercises we do to create enrichment and exposure for their dogs.

Today we worked on some off leash obedience for Bonnie’s breakfast and went for a structured leash walk. BonBon as she’s lovingly called has made a ton of progress the first two weeks! We’re very proud of her!

Happy Fathers Day Andy! BonBon loves you!

06/16/2024

Kaner came to us originally as an owner surrender request based on some out of control behaviors in the home.

We don’t do surrenders or rehoming but I offered a free consult. After meeting Kaner and the family we determined Kaner had a ton of untapped potential and the primary reasons for the behavior issues was lack of structure and untapped training potential.

The family agreed and we decided on a three week board and train.

Just as I assumed, Kaner was an amazing dog, super smart and caught on fast. We set firm boundaries, used the right communication tools; kennels, leashes, training collars and tapped his intrinsic motivation for food and structure.

During his stay the family came and trained with Kaner. They were able to see his progress and learn along the way!

Today he went home, the family is extremely happy with his progress.

He’ll be back for some refreshers and the family has access to lifetime support. This is just the beginning of building Kaner into the best dog he can be!

06/04/2024

Updated information from the University of California study on the effects of spay/neutering.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/when-should-you-neuter-or-spay-your-dog

05/27/2024

About a year ago ago, we had “ Bear” and his brother for a 3 week board and train.

Sadly, even though he was a very good boy at home, the family needed to rehome him due to human health concerns.

Earlier that same year, we had trained a friend’s dog and they wanted a second dog. We recommended that they meet “Bear.” It was awesome to be able to help both families and ensure “Bear” had a good home.

He’s now named “Wicket” and earned his boating merit badge at this weekend’s cabin opening.

Proud of him and his families!

05/27/2024

Barley went home yesterday.

She’s an amazingly smart dog that needed to learn some boundaries and working with the humans on empowering her and building her confidence.

Excited to see her journey continue! Thank you Corey Althoff for trusting us!

05/27/2024

Update on Wallen and Maple!

“We were able to bring the pup to the cabin! He’s behaving beautifully and having the absolute time of his life! So damn proud of him!…And rolling in the sand is his favorite!”

Maples playing off leash in her back yard and catching frisbees!

05/22/2024

Kipper is a runner and may never be fully trusted off leash but that doesn’t mean we don’t work it.

We’re working it in an enclosed environment with a combination of direct, indirect and intermittent rewards.

We’ll do this hundreds of times controlled then take him outside on a long line.

05/20/2024

Anyone out there running a very small business on QuickBooks.

I just need help setting up accounting processes. Maybe 2-5 transactions a month 10 on months where there’s spend.

I’d like to be more efficient or even pay a nominal fee to have someone make sure things are on point.

Any help is appreciated!

Pic for FB tax…

05/20/2024

We're booked through June!

Thank you to all the families who trust us with your canine companion. Our family is growing every month!

Now taking reservations for July (2 available).

Private lessons are also booked until June!

We're working on expanding, it'll be a while but we'll grow as long as you keep calling us!

05/15/2024

Sometimes we as handlers need confidence too. 100% dogs are absolutely responsive to our energy and confidence! When I’m training my sport dog and I’m nervous, we have very different results than when I’m confident. Family dogs are no different!

“Another day with no reactivity! Just our first session helped my confidence a ton so it’s definitely translating into our daily life!”

05/15/2024

The goal isn’t to create zombie dogs who have no personality, no fun, no life. The goal is to help our dogs find a balance which enables them to have the highest quality of life.

Just because dogs will run, walk, play, pace, bark, chew all day, doesn’t mean it’s what’s best for them. We all know that humans who have only one speed: “go 100% at all times” are often severely compromised both mentally and physically, and usually burn out…with ugly consequences. Yet we allow our dogs to be motion/action junkies, and never think to consider what negatives might arise from not knowing how to simply turn it all off.

Most dogs we see in our program have never been helped to learn how to turn off. Their owners have thought the never ending “go” was simply being a dog. So we see jumping, obsessive barking and licking, counter surfing, reactivity, destruction, hyper-territorial/overly suspicious, anxiety, nervousness, and countless other symptoms.

And strangely, for most of these dogs, once some simple rules and structure, and some enforced calm are made part of their daily lives, the laundry list of behavior issues—which we never actually addressed specifically/individually…evaporate.

Does the lack of frenzy and the ability to turn off “fix” everything on its own? Of course not, but the amount of issues that it does resolve would astound most if they could see the transformation, relief, and improved wellbeing over and over again as we’re able to.

Perhaps it’s the missing piece to you and your dog’s peace. ❤️

For seminar or shadow program dates/tickets, or hands-on training (Louisiana and PNW areas) please visit: www.thegooddogway.com

05/13/2024

We had an eval this morning a few houses down from our first ever client.

I love this dog as much as I love my own. Griffens family was the first to take a chance on us training their dog 2 years ago.

The excitement on Griffens face when he saw me was heart warming. Apparently only I and the owners dad get that response.

We picked up the leash like we trained like it was yesterday (good job Mike Manthey and family) and he was a brief demo dog to show the new family the art of possible and for me to see their dogs reactivity.

Griffen was very dog and leash reactive when we first met. Today he was calm and neutral just like we returned him after our first board and train back in 2022.

Family was important in our name as dogs are family too, and our clients and their dogs are part of our family forever…

05/08/2024

Update on Wallen “The Impulsive One”… Wallen had already done a BT but unfortunately it didn’t stick… he’s been home for a month now and… it’s sticking!

“He’s been a gem! We played in the yard today with the neighbor dog (goldendoodle). It’s a beautiful thing watching him get to be a dog! Also doing great when company is over staying on his place!”

05/05/2024

Using a position box to help shape behavior. The little guys are always the most challenging! Otis is finishing up his board and train this week. He’s come along way and just like every dog we help, he’s taught us a lot and we’re better for the experience.