Maureen Ivers

Maureen Ivers - Owner/ Operator/ Instructor

Maureen Ivers is the founder and owner of Elk River K9 located in Elk River, Minnesota. She established the training center with the intention of improving companion dog’s quality of life through educating both owners and the general public. Her goal is to educate as many people as possible about what it is that dogs require in mental, emotional and physical needs. Maureen believes that you must have a good bonding relationship with your dog to be successful. She feels that if you have fun while you train your dog, it will not only make it enjoyable for you, but for your dog too.

Our goal at Elk River K9 is to make the training experience fun so the dog wants to work for you and doesn’t only behave because they are forced to or “have” to. Dogs want to please us and they look to their human companions for guidance and approval. If your dog knows what you want from them, they are more than willing to comply which makes for a happy and enjoyable companion to be with at all times.

Maureen, like all her Elk River K9 trainers, believes in continually improving her knowledge and skill base. She has been studying canine behavior since the early 1980’s and a few of her favorites have been from Patricia McConnell, Roger Abrantes, and Suzanne Clothier.

As a child, Maureen wanted to become a nurse, but as she grew up she realized that animals were her true passion and calling in life. Her German Shepherd/Malamute mix Bear, got her addicted to training and the satisfaction that learning how dog’s learn and think can offer. Bear was her first official training companion and that led her to many different breeds and brought her to her all time favorite, the German Shepherd Dog. Maureen’s male German Shepherd Dog, Reno -- a.k.a. the “Resident Puppy Lover” – adores puppies and loves to visit and smooch all the pups that come to Elk River K9 for Puppy Kindergarten training classes. After adding Reno into her life, Maureen learned how much a dog could challenge even the most practiced of trainers. Maureen knew this dog was smart, and the University of Minnesota confirmed that Reno’s intellect was “off the charts” and that she would need to stay a step ahead of him in training and mental stimulation. Reno and Maureen went to dog classes four nights a week at a variety of training centers from the time he was six-months old until his fourth birthday. This intensive training schedule allowed Maureen the opportunity to work with a number of excellent trainers and study a variety of training techniques. All the training definitely paid off with Reno earning obedience and rally obedience titles. Still training today and having lots of fun!

Reno and Maureen added Saydee another German Shepherd Dog that started in training as an eight-week old in puppy classes and has progressed to earn titles in obedience and rally obedience as well as passing the Therapy Dog test. Saydee is now retired unfortunately due to Hip Dysplasia. But she is active in socialization and loves to come to school and play demo dog. In addition to obedience training and earning titles, Maureen has worked with Reno and Saydee in agility, tracking and have dabbled in herding.

Maureen strongly believes that if you love your dog, you should train your dog. Showing affection by giving hugs and treats is not how dogs perceive love. Dogs need mental stimulation such as training, otherwise known as “learned behaviors.” If you challenge your dog’s mind, your dog will rise to meet that challenge and will be a much happier companion. Remember training your dog should be fun, for both the dog and yourself.

To learn how to have fun while training your dog contact Elk River K9 today and get started training, it’s never too late. Remember, responsible dog ownership is the key to a happy healthy relationship with your dog!

Photos will be forthcoming