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Danny Thompson

@thompson.k9

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Thompson K9 | Dog Trainer
🐾 On & off-leash obedience, behavioral mod, puppy raising, protection, & more
📍 Ypsilanti, MI

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We were pleasantly surprised to learn that we were voted one of the best dog trainers in the state for Guide to Michigan’s 2026 Best of Michigan Awards. 🏆

We were quite late to the game when we were nominated and made aware of the award and voting process, and we didn’t post about it on social media (or really do much campaigning), so to our clients, friends, and family who voted for us… thank you! ❤️

#thompsonk9 #dogtrainer #michigandogtrainer #smallbusiness #dogtraining by @thompson.k9

Luca the GSD x APBT pup getting in some drop-leash obedience practice

🍂

If you want your dog to be able to behave off-leash, please reach out via our website! We are booking our final board & train spots for the year and would love to get started with your pup.

#thompsonk9 #offleash #dogtraining #bullherder #obediencetraining by @thompson.k9

There are probably a million videos online about how to safely remove a dog who is biting something.

I promise you that the most practical, realistic, and effective way to do it is by choking the dog off with either their collar or a slip lead.

That’s not up for debate like a lot of topics in training.

Now I’m not bashing these people whatsoever - they put out a lot of great stuff - but this is in no way practical or the most effective way to do this, period.

This legitimately seems like it was designed by someone who had an idea one day but has never actually seen a dog much less stopped a dog fight.

Or maybe someone got lucky by choking a dog off with a pool noodle and thought they struck gold.

Don’t look for magic fixes.

If you’ve chosen to work with dogs, make sure you have the knowledge, common sense, and physical ability to do so.

If you’re a pet owner looking for tool to have with you on walks in case something happens… get a slip lead that you can tuck in your pocket.

It’s getting to be fall and you’re gonna look silly walking down the road with your pool noodle tongs.

#thompsonk9 #dogtraining #dogfight #dogaggression #dogsafety by @thompson.k9

A compilation of clips from Isa’s past few bitework sessions, doing some cleanup and nitpicking with her out/guard/disengage and her out/recall (specifically reward placement/style) ✨

But also I just love watching this girl’s sends 🥰

⚔️: @thompson.k9
🎥: @redhotchili.zephyr & @redhotchili.zephyr
📆: 10.21, 10.24, & 10.31.26

#bitework #workingdog #protectiondog #malinois #chilibrigadesfrostbite by @thompson.k9

“It’s a possibility and I want my dog to see it.”

Had some fun today with the little guy.

@redhotchili.zephyr texted last night saying she had a costume if any dogs wanted to muzzle fight. 🤣👊

I wasn’t going to miss the chance to make some banana pancakes.

This is his second legit takedown in a muzzle AND on a different person too. 💀💀💀

(Yes, he was going to fuck up the trash can too. The boy is not right in all the best ways. 😅🤣)

#thompsonk9 #malinois #brn52048 #fuckaroundgetbit #thebruziboys by @thompson.k9

Meet Dudley the bully mix! 🐾

During his 4-week board & train program, Dudley will be working through his dog reactivity and general over-arousal, learning to be neutral and calm and to pay attention to his handler. He will be learning on- and off-leash obedience, appropriate crate behavior, and overall manners.

We’re excited to help this guy achieve a better mindset!

#thompsonk9 #bullybreed #bullymix #behaviormodification #dogreactivity by @thompson.k9

Some distractions and new environments for Luca the bullherder puppy 🐾

We don’t expect perfection or demand robotic neutrality, especially considering Luca is still young. He’s allowed to notice and take things in, yet he’s also learning that those things don’t need to worry him and don’t require a reaction from him.

We want to give him some space for curiosity and independence while still providing the structure and guidance that will help shape the right choices.

His first few days with us, he was pretty reactive even just seeing another dog at a distance, but now he can walk by multiple dogs barking at him from their houses and yards without experiencing discomfort or feeling the need to bark back - and he does not have to be micromanaged.

Training cannot consist of only showing a dog what not to do. It must also include showing them what you do want and, especially with puppies, giving them space to try things.

Luca is making great progress with his obedience, but more importantly, he is growing into a dog that will know how to make good choices himself rather than one that must constantly be in command in order to behave and be given the answer in order to navigate new things in life.

🍂

If you’re looking to help your dog gain clarity, neutrality, and calmness, please reach out via our website! We are booking our final board & train spots for the year and would love to teach your dog how to be in a better mindset.

#thompsonk9 #puppytraining #dogtraining #bullherder #obediencetraining by @thompson.k9

Uneventful morning patrol with my buddy Zeus.

Just working on some drop leash stuff. Nothing new. 🤷‍♂️

He’s been staying with us for a couple of days. It’s the first time we’ve had him back since he’s gone to his new owner. He’s been pretty busy having a blast exploring and traveling to places he’s never seen before with his dad.

We couldn’t have asked for a better home. But I sure have missed this dude.

We work with a lot of dogs. Some we spend a short time with and then they’re off to live fulfilled and happy lives with their owners. That’s cool and that’s what we’re here for.

Others seem to become regulars for boarding and basically extended family members. A small list of dogs we see at least every couple of months, time that adds up over the years.

Ironically most of the dogs that become regulars are also ones I felt a strong connection with during training.

Zeus is without a doubt one of those dogs.

We’ve known him since he was a bumbling little puppy, and we’ve got to watch him grow into a truly incredible dog. He’s a very special guy.

I feel so honored to be a part of his and so many dog’s lives.

It’s something I’ll never take lightly. 💯

#thompsonk9 #dogtraining #doberman #obedience #dobermanpinscher by @thompson.k9

Fall hiking season is upon us 🐕🍂

#thompsonk9 #malinois #dutchherder #dogtraining #doghiking by @thompson.k9

Might mess around and do a call-off, idk 😮‍💨

The first clip is from Wednesday and was the first time we ever tried a call-off (first and only rep of the session too). I’ve never done it in bitework, and I’ve worked on it very minimally with a tug (“get it” then disrupting with recall). I really thought she’d bite and we’d have to work through it. But she surprised me (pleasantly!) and turned her head to the side / didn’t even make contact with her mouth at all. She was a very good girl!

The second clip is from Saturday (yesterday) and was our second ever time trying it (also the first and only rep of the session - I do not want her anticipating being called off, so I will only sprinkle it into training very sparingly). She did even better this time, no physical contact with the decoy at all. Now I know she can do it, and we won’t touch it again for a while!

⚔️: @thompson.k9
🎥: @dontfeedthecauldron & @august_themaligator
📆: 10.14.26 & 10.17.26

#bitework #workingdog #protectiondog #malinois #chilibrigadesfrostbite by @thompson.k9

Hayden was a model citizen on her training trip to the pet store 🐾

#thompsonk9 #dogtraining #smalldog #obedience #pekingesemix by @thompson.k9

ISA 🩵

⚔️: @thompson.k9
📸: @redhotchili.zephyr
📆: 10.14.26

#bitework #workingdog #protectiondog #malinois #chilibrigadesfrostbite by @thompson.k9