Most Intensive
Board & Train
3–6 weeks of immersive daily training. Think of it as in-patient therapy for dogs: focused, time-compressed, outcome-driven — with owner participation during the stay — you train with your dog.
Learn more →
Based in Northeast Minneapolis • Serving the Twin Cities
Specialized Dog Training in Minneapolis.
Real-World Results That Last.
High-touch training for family dogs, behavior challenges, and complex cases — built for your dog, your home, and your life.
Board & Train
Private Training
Behavior Modification
Graduate Support
Get a Contact a Trainer
Tell us what's going on with your dog and we'll recommend the best next step — no pressure, no obligation.
Accepting new clients · Same-day response
How It Works
Training Built Around Your Dog — and Your Life
Every dog learns differently. Every family lives differently. That’s why we start with a free phone assessment before recommending anything.
Start With a Contact a Trainer
We cover your dog’s behavior, your goals, your lifestyle, and what success looks like for your family — before recommending any program.
A training plan built for YOU and YOUR dog.
We invite our clients to participate and observe their dog's training during its program with us. No two dogs are the same — your plan is shaped by genetics, breed, age, motivation, and the human on the other end of the leash.
Lifetime Support for Graduates
Training doesn’t stop when the program ends. Every graduate receives continued support — because real-world reliability is what we’re actually building toward.
Our Services
Training Programs
Every program follows our core philosophy: we build behavior from the inside out — emotional stability, motivation, clarity, and then reliability — using modern balanced training.
Puppies & Young Dogs
Puppy Foundations
8 weeks–6 months of one-on-one work during the most critical developmental window. Build confidence and neutrality before problem behaviors form.
Learn more → Flexible
Private Lessons
One-on-one training sessions with you and your dog, tailored to your specific goals. Great for foundational obedience, leash manners, reactivity, and more.
Learn more → Safe & Structured
Dog Boarding
Your dog stays in a home environment with experienced handlers who understand dog behavior. Not a kennel — a structured, calm setting where your dog actually thrives.
Learn more →Our Philosophy
You Don't Need a "Perfect" Dog. You Need the Right Guidance.
Training isn't about fixing your dog. It's about understanding what's driving the behavior and having a clear plan you can actually follow. We help families reduce stress, build confidence, and enjoy life with their dog again.
⭐ Call Us: (612) 223-86475.0
Average Google Rating
26
5-Star Reviews
4
Training Programs
⭐
Twin Cities Dog Families
Client Reviews
What Dog Owners in Minneapolis Are Saying
★★★★★
“We introduced our Oliver to Hank for a 3 week board and train to help with unwanted reactivity to humans and lack of confidence. He is no longer the uncontrollable wild child in the house. Thanks Hank for coming to the rescue!”
★★★★★
“Phenomenal experience. We used Hank for a 3-week boot camp as our rescue puppy had bitten numerous people. She came back with a ton more confidence, well trained and is now kennel trained to boot. Hank has so much passion for what he does and really pours his heart and soul into the training.”
★★★★★
“Hank is a truly remarkable trainer with an exceptional gift for understanding dog behavior. Every time you watch him work with the animals, it feels like witnessing a real-life Dr. Doolittle moment. His staff at North Star K9 are equally impressive — attentive, compassionate, and treat every dog with the same love they would give their own.”
★★★★★
“I can't say enough positive things about North Star Family K9! My 11 month old rescue puppy just completed their 3 week board and train program, and the progress has been incredible. The best part was that I was able to train alongside Verona during the entire process.”
★★★★★
“Great dog trainer if you're looking for clarity on how to handle your dog's aggression, emotions and/or reactivity. This trainer focuses more on that rather than the simple sit, stay and shake commands you see at basic training. If you're battling leash pulling or reactivity I recommend you call North Star Family K9!”
★★★★★
“We brought our 3 year old catahoula leopard mix for a 3 week board/train. Luther was reactive to people, other dogs, and lacked confidence. We now take Luther out for walks in the neighborhood daily. We felt confident leaving Luther with Hank and allowing our first vacation away in 3 years!”
Not sure where to start⭐
A short conversation brings a lot of clarity. Tell us what's going on with your dog and we'll point you in the right direction — no pressure, no commitment.
Request a free consultationMeet the Team
Our Four-Legged Staff
These dogs aren't just pets — they're co-trainers, demo dogs, and daily proof that great training produces great dogs.
2005–2019 Bella
The First One · Sable German Shepherd
Bella was Hank's first dog. She suffered from separation anxiety and would often run away. Getting connected with trainers experienced in working-line GSDs taught Hank how critical consistent routine and structure are in a dog's life. It wasn't enough to just love her — training and leadership were everything. She was their constant companion for 14 years, and no dog will ever replace her emotional intuition and loyal nature.
Therapy Dog Rumi
Long-Haired German Shepherd · Show Lines
He's handsome and he knows it. Rumi is a three-year-old long-haired GSD from show lines — low drive, biddable, and endlessly eager to please. A titled Canine Good Citizen, AKC Trick Dog, and Credentialed Therapy Dog through Pet Partners. He helps board-and-train dogs learn healthy boundaries with other dogs.
2007–2021 Susse
The Tough One · Eastern European Working Lines
"Susse" means sweet in German. She may have looked sweet, but she was a very reactive dog — loved humans, but dog-aggressive from 4 months old until her last breath. We went to multiple trainers trying to "cure" her. What we learned: her high-drive Eastern European working lines meant her reactivity was part of who she was. It could never be trained out. Instead, we learned to manage it with structure and leadership, harnessing her drives and teaching replacement behaviors. She taught us to meet every dog where they are. Her gift to us — and to every dog we work with today — is everything we know about genetics, drive, and real-world management.
IGP Prospect JoJo
Bi-Color German Shepherd · Working Lines
JoJo is a one-year-old plush coat bi-color German Shepherd from high-drive working lines, training for IGP — a competitive sport testing tracking, obedience, and protection. She's our daily reminder that dogs need jobs, mental stimulation, and strong leadership just as much as physical exercise.
Demo Dog Ryder
Rottweiler · Rescue
He may look intimidating at first glance, but Ryder has the most stable temperament Hank and Nicole have ever seen. Easygoing, toy-loving, and non-reactive — this three-year-old rescued Rottweiler serves as a demo dog so clients can practice their handling skills in a safe, real-world context.
Service Area
Dog Training Across the Twin Cities
Based in Northeast Minneapolis, North Star Family K-9 serves dog owners throughout the Twin Cities metro. Whether you're in Minneapolis, the suburbs, or anywhere in between — we're your team.
Minneapolis
Bloomington
Edina & Eden Prairie
Eagan & Burnsville
Plymouth & Minnetonka
St. Paul & Roseville
NE Minneapolis
All Locations
Don't see your city⭐ Contact us — we likely serve your area.
Ready to start training⭐ Let's talk.
Every dog is different. Every family is different. Whether you're dealing with obedience issues, reactivity, aggression, or you just want a well-mannered companion — we start with a real conversation.
⭐ (612) 223-8647