Business Details
Expert Dog Training in New Orleans
K9 State Of Mind was founded by experienced professionals dedicated to fostering positive relationships between dogs and their owners. Our team combines formal education with hands-on expertise in behavior modification and obedience training. Certified by Starmark Academy and members of the International Association of Canine Professionals, we specialize in addressing aggression, anxiety, and complex behavioral challenges. Our methods emphasize positive reinforcement, ensuring sustainable results tailored to each dog's unique needs. With years of experience working with rescue dogs and shelter programs, we bring compassion and technical skill to every training plan.Our services include personalized coaching, intensive board-and-train programs, and community-focused group classes. We are committed to educating owners about canine communication and behavior, empowering them to maintain long-term success. From basic obedience to advanced therapy dog preparation, our goal is to create confident, well-adjusted dogs and satisfied owners. Our trainers have worked with over 500 dogs since 2011, including specialized cases like deaf and rescue animals. By integrating science-based techniques with real-world application, we help dogs and their humans achieve harmonious coexistence.
Services
Private Lessons
Board and Train
Group Classes
Behavior Consultations
Puppy Socialization
Therapy Dog Training
Specialty Trick Training
Aggression Management
Day Training
Search and Rescue Training
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with 10+ years of experience in behavior modification
- Proven success with over 500 dogs, including rescue and special needs cases
- Science-based, positive reinforcement training methods
- Customized training plans for individual dog and owner needs
- Comprehensive follow-up support for lasting results
Associations and certifications
- Starmark Academy
- International Association of Canine Professionals
What people say
Successful behavior transformation
Patient trainers
Improved obedience
Lasting results
Expertise with rescue dogs
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized dog training sessions where trainers demonstrate techniques and guide owners through implementation. Ideal for addressing specific behavioral issues like jumping, barking, or house-training. Builds stronger communication between dogs and owners while teaching practical skills like crate training and trick commands.
Board and Train
Dogs stay with certified trainers for focused behavior modification and obedience training. Combines daily short sessions for consistency with follow-up lessons to maintain results. Best for owners needing rapid improvement in complex cases or those lacking time for self-training.
Puppy Socialization
Three-lesson package developing confidence in young dogs through controlled exposure to new environments, people, and animals. Covers crate training, house-training, and foundational obedience while establishing positive social behaviors for long-term development.
Therapy Dog Training
Specialized program preparing dogs for therapeutic roles in hospitals and care facilities. Focuses on calm behavior in unpredictable environments, obedience under distraction, and safe interaction with vulnerable individuals through structured five-class preparation.
Aggression Management
Targeted intervention for dogs displaying territorial or fear-based aggression. Uses positive reinforcement to reframe reactions while teaching owners leadership techniques. Includes environmental management strategies and gradual desensitization to triggers for lasting behavioral change.
People
Matthew Wilson
Founder
Certified Starmark trainer with 12 years of experience in behavior modification. Specializes in rescue dog rehabilitation and shelter programs. Developed training curriculum for prison dog programs while maintaining a 95% success rate in aggression cases.
Sarah Dykshorn
Co-Founder
Certified trainer focusing on scent work and special needs dogs. Pioneered search-and-rescue training for deaf dogs. Brings expertise in owner education through 8 years of client consultation and 500+ hours of community dog behavior workshops.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques that focus on rewarding desired behaviors. Our methods avoid punishment-based approaches, instead building trust and clear communication between dogs and owners.
Can you help with aggressive dogs?
Yes, we specialize in aggression cases. Our certified trainers create customized behavior modification plans using desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques proven effective for territorial and fear-based aggression.
What's included in board-and-train programs?
Our board-and-train includes daily training sessions, follow-up lessons, and a customized maintenance plan. Programs range from 1-3 weeks with progressive complexity, ensuring consistent learning and long-term behavior retention.
Do you offer puppy training?
Yes, our puppy package includes three lessons covering socialization, house-training, and foundational obedience. We focus on building confidence while teaching essential skills for lifelong good behavior.
Are your trainers certified?
Our lead trainers hold certifications from Starmark Academy and the International Association of Canine Professionals. We maintain continuing education in behavior science and training techniques.
