K9 Interpreter

Programs include Puppy Pre-Planning (pre-arrival education), Puppy Class (8 weeks–5 months), Basic Training Techniques (1 and 2), Canine Good Citizen, Advanced Training, and Clicker Trick Training. All classes are offered in English and ASL. Private and family training available at home. Board & Train includes professional boarding with daily training and a post-boarding in-home lesson. Video training via Skype available for behavior issues. Refresher courses available on request.

Pricing Summary

Boarding: $35/day. Board & Train: $55/day, includes one free 1-hour in-home lesson upon return. Private in-home lessons: $55/half hour. Puppy pre-planning and adult dog transition consultations: $110 for 90 minutes. Group classes available with no listed pricing; contact for details.

Policies

Boarding visits cost $35 and are required for all dogs, including special needs cases, to assess needs and customize care. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but clients are encouraged to call for arrangements.

K9 Interpreter is a home-based dog training business run by Joan T. Lisi-McCoy, a certified dog trainer with over five and a half years of experience as a Senior Pet Training Instructor at Pet Smart and ongoing collaboration with Fresh Air Training. The business offers boarding and training services, group classes, private in-home lessons, and video call training via Skype. Clients can choose from puppy pre-planning, basic obedience, advanced training, Canine Good Citizen, and clicker trick training. Specialized services include preparation for new puppies or adopted adult dogs, with in-home consultations available. Boarding costs $35 per day, and Board & Train is $55 per day, including a free one-hour in-home lesson upon return. They accommodate special needs dogs and offer training in both English and American Sign Language. Their approach emphasizes positive communication, reading canine body language, and building a strong human-dog team.

They provide day care, pet boarding, and drop-in video training for behavior issues. Their training philosophy is rooted in understanding “Dogspeak” and avoiding punishment-based methods, focusing instead on timing, consistency, and reward-based learning. They also offer refresher courses and family group training options.

K9 Interpreter is insured and serves clients in Brooklyn Park, MN and surrounding areas. They welcome all dog ages and types, including brachycephalic, small, medium, and large breeds, and provide personalized attention for each dog’s unique needs.

Accomplishments

Joan Lisi-McCoy was Senior Pet Training Instructor at Pet Smart for five and a half years and continues to work with Wendy VanKerkhove of Fresh Air Training. She has over 20 years of hands-on experience with dogs, beginning with her family’s Dachshund and expanding through professional roles in animal welfare and training.

How to Get Started!

Call K9 Interpreter at 612.615.1759 to schedule a boarding visit or consultation. For new puppy or adult dog adoption prep, schedule a 90-minute in-home consultation. For classes, contact to enroll. Video training is available by calling to set up a Skype session.