Training that works

Name: Good Spirited K9
Address: Streator
Telephone: +1 815 324 2788

Providing Private In Home Training , Stay and Train, and Pet sitting in Central Illinois

‪(815) 324-2788

Training that works

Providing Private In Home Training , Stay and Train, and Pet sitting in Central Illinois

About The Good Spirited K9 Team!

Welcome to Good Spirited K9!
We’re Douglas & Brandi Walker! We specialize in immersive, in-home board and train programs where dogs learn real-world behaviors in a real home—not a kennel. Based in Streator, Illinois, we help dogs build lasting habits that truly matter in everyday family life.

Our journey began over 25 years ago with our first German Shepherd, Sinbad, whose behavior struggles sparked a lifelong commitment to training. Douglas, a Registered Nurse with a background in behavioral health, brings a unique blend of science and compassion to every session. Brandi is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and together we’ve taught obedience classes for years and serve on a volunteer K9 Search and Rescue team.

At Good Spirited K9, your dog becomes part of our family while learning to be a calm, confident companion. We believe true training happens in the quiet, everyday moments—when your dog chooses the right behavior without being asked.

Let us help you build a clear, reliable, and lasting bond with your best friend.

Our Training Approach

At Good Spirited K9, we use a comprehensive, clarity-based training approach built on structure, motivation, and trust. We teach dogs how to succeed using positive reinforcement and high engagement first, then build real-world reliability through clear communication and fair accountability once a behavior is fully understood.

This creates dogs that don’t just listen when treats are in your hand—but respond calmly and consistently in everyday family life.

Designed for Real Life: Training takes place where dogs actually live—homes, neighborhoods, parks, and busy public spaces. We focus on obedience, impulse control, leash manners, and addressing the root causes of unwanted behaviors rather than just suppressing symptoms.
Individualized Tools & Techniques: Every dog is an individual. We customize our methods, tools, and intensity based on your dog’s temperament, drive, and emotional state. Tools such as food rewards, play, leash pressure, slip leads, prong collars, or low-level e-collars are introduced thoughtfully, humanely, and with a heavy emphasis on teaching first.
Empowering the Owner: Just as important as training the dog is coaching the handler. We provide you with the clarity, structure, and hands-on skills needed so your dog’s calm mindset and reliable habits last for a lifetime.

Learn More

Training that works

Training that works

About The Good Spirited K9 Team!

Our Training Approach

Contact Us!

Start Your Transformation Today! Stop struggling with unwanted behaviors. Let’s build a calm, confident companion in a real-home environment.

Good Spirited K9

Barks of Approval

GSK9 IS INSURED BY petcare!

AKC CGC EVALUATOR

We are an Authorized E-Collar Technologies Dealer

Training that works

Training that works

About The Good Spirited K9 Team!

Our Training Approach

Contact Us!

Start Your Transformation Today! Stop struggling with unwanted behaviors. Let’s build a calm, confident companion in a real-home environment.

Good Spirited K9

Barks of Approval

Connect With Us!

GSK9 IS INSURED BY petcare!

AKC CGC EVALUATOR

We are an Authorized E-Collar Technologies Dealer

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