Rising Starr K9 Dog Training

Rising Starr K9 offers structured, progressive training programs starting with foundational puppy classes (AKC STAR Puppy), advancing through Intermediate and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. Reactive dogs receive targeted one-on-one sessions. The Board & Train program is a 3-week immersive experience where the dog lives with the trainer, learning leash manners, impulse control, and calm public behavior, followed by owner coaching. The 4-week Finishing School is for advanced obedience and public manners, ideal for therapy dog candidates. The Alumni Group provides monthly structured socialization. All programs emphasize real-world proofing, consistency, and owner education to ensure lasting results.

Pricing Summary

Private sessions: $60 each (3 for $150); In-home training: $150 per session; Reactive dog training: $75 each (3 for $180); Group classes: STAR Puppy $150, Intermediate $170, CGC $200; Path to Excellence bundle (all 3 classes): $525; Board & Train: $695/week (3-week minimum); Finishing School: $995/week (4-week program). Veterans receive 10% off sessions, classes, and gear. Referrals earn $5 off next service or gear purchase.

Rising Starr K9 Dog Training is a veteran-owned dog training business in La Crosse, WI, led by Rick Pedersen, a trainer with over 20 years of hands-on experience and more than 900 dogs successfully trained. They offer personalized, structure-based training focused on real-world obedience, confidence, and calm behavior in public and at home. Services include one-on-one private sessions, in-home training, small group classes (AKC STAR Puppy, Intermediate, CGC), reactive dog training, and intensive Board & Train programs (3-4 weeks). Their signature Board & Train and Finishing School programs provide immersive, one-dog-at-a-time training in a home environment. They emphasize clear communication, fair leadership, and no gimmicks or excessive treat bribery. The business also offers an Alumni Group for ongoing socialization and skill maintenance, a loyalty program with discounts for veterans and referrals, and is affiliated with the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Rick is also a trained gun dog specialist and has coached boxing, bringing discipline and timing to his training methods. His wife, Joane, is a training partner who adds warmth and balance to the program. They serve families, veterans, and professionals across La Crosse and the Driftless Area.

Rising Starr K9 is committed to helping dogs of all breeds, sizes, and backgrounds become calm, confident companions. Their training is designed to work beyond the classroom—ensuring dogs listen at home, on walks, and in high-distraction environments. They specialize in behavior modification for reactivity, separation anxiety, and aggression, and offer structured paths from puppy foundation to advanced public manners certification.

They also provide pet boarding as part of their Board & Train program and offer training gear for sale through their loyalty program. Their approach is rooted in balanced training that combines structure, leadership, and respect, with a strong focus on building trust between dog and owner.

Accomplishments

Rick Pedersen is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a TADSAW-approved trainer, a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and has trained over 900 dogs, including 200+ working and gun dogs. He is a published writer and speaker on dog training leadership and has coached boxing for eight years, applying pressure and timing principles to dog training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must book an evaluation to begin training. Evaluations are required before enrolling in any program, including private sessions, group classes, or Board & Train. Clients can schedule evaluations through the online client portal or by phone.