About Sparks K9
Sparks K9, founded by certified dog trainer John Sparks, is the premier dog training and rehabilitation service in the Puget Sound area. Sparks K9 is often the last stop for dog owners who have exhausted every other option and have still not found the help or results they need. Our unique and highly-effective training approaches consistently deliver results that surpass our clients’ expectations, creating the kind of happy and harmonious relationship that every dog owner dreams of.
From the simplest behavior problem to the most severe aggression cases, we have yet to find a dog we could not help. We sincerely believe, and our results have consistently proven, that we can help you solve those tough dog issues that other trainers have not been able to handle or resolve.
We at Sparks K9 believe that there should be standards of performance for pet/companion dogs. Having a well trained dog will allow you to fully enjoy your time together in all situations. After our Novice Obedience training course or our full service board and train program, your dog will be able to responsibly perform the following exercises: heel, come, sit, automatic sit, down, stand and stay - both on and off leash, in areas of reasonable distractions at home and away.
From the simplest behavior problem to the most severe aggression cases, we have yet to find a dog we could not help. We sincerely believe, and our results have consistently proven, that we can help you solve those tough dog issues that other trainers have not been able to handle or resolve.
We at Sparks K9 believe that there should be standards of performance for pet/companion dogs. Having a well trained dog will allow you to fully enjoy your time together in all situations. After our Novice Obedience training course or our full service board and train program, your dog will be able to responsibly perform the following exercises: heel, come, sit, automatic sit, down, stand and stay - both on and off leash, in areas of reasonable distractions at home and away.
John Sparks, IACP-CDT, NADOI #1127
Founder/Lead Trainer
Hello, and thanks for visiting the Sparks K9 website! My name is John Sparks, owner, founder and certified lead trainer at Sparks K9, in Monroe, WA. I am also co-founder of Balanced Bullies Rescue and Rehabilitation (a 501c3 non-profit organization). My passion for dogs started from an early age; over the years I have been on a quest to learn and share as much as I can about the training, care and behavior of dogs. Whether you are looking for help with starting your puppy out on the right track, working with a "new" shelter or rescue dog, basic, intermediate or advanced obedience, protection sports, tracking/scent work, or aggression/reactivity issues, you've come to the right place! I am one of only a handful of trainers that will work with severely aggressive dogs; I've never turned down a request for help, nor have I met a dog "too aggressive" to rehabilitate. I've honed my techniques and skills through years of traveling around the country to learn from the best of the best in the industry, in addition to extensive hands-on experience and continuing education. Spending time learning in person from great dog trainers like Michael Ellis, Tony Ancheta (and others) has increased my knowledge and abilities on many levels. I am passionate about my work, and want to help you and your dog develop a safe, mutually beneficial relationship that will last. If you need dog training, dog aggression solutions, puppy training or just help with dog obedience or dog tricks, you've come to the right place! When not training dogs, one of my favorite hobbies is photography........if I don't have a leash in my hand, you will often see a camera!
Kim Sparks
Office Manager/Training Helper
Kim is the bubbly voice you will usually hear when calling Sparks K9, and is often the one answering emails and scheduling appointments. She runs the office and keeps me organized and on track. Kim assists me at our group classes and shows up at quite a few private lessons. Kim also runs Balanced Bullies Rescue & Rehabilitation (our Pit Bull rescue), so she wears many hats around here! Kim has been learning to use my cameras, so is often tasked with shooting photographs during group classes and private lessons......one more hat!
Kim is the bubbly voice you will usually hear when calling Sparks K9, and is often the one answering emails and scheduling appointments. She runs the office and keeps me organized and on track. Kim assists me at our group classes and shows up at quite a few private lessons. Kim also runs Balanced Bullies Rescue & Rehabilitation (our Pit Bull rescue), so she wears many hats around here! Kim has been learning to use my cameras, so is often tasked with shooting photographs during group classes and private lessons......one more hat!
What our clients are saying about Sparks K9:
"Best dog training you will ever encounter. We went to John for help with a high drive, aggressive GSD who was acting out and scaring people. We ended up with a much more obedient dog with a LOT more patience, obedience, and ability to deal successfully with stressful situations. His work with all dogs, no matter the breed or behavior issue, is quite amazing. Finally- his intuitive, calm way of dealing with dogs allows them become the happy, well-trained companions that we would all like to see." - Erna N. - Lynwood, WA
"Simply the best bully trainer you will find! John Sparks is so connected with every dog he works. I've seen it with my own eyes and spent time working dogs with him. So committed, so focused.. amazing!" - Dana C. - Orange County, CA
"We are so fortunate to have been referred to John Sparks of Sparks K9 for training of our dog Blitz. John is a dog lover and advocate but also a firm but gentle leader with your pet. He gets results without the aggressive tactics of some trainers. We are novice dog owners for sure but after going through the training sessions with John we also realize how little most dog owners know about their ...own dogs and the best way to work with them to keep everyone happy in the family. We feel so grateful for the amazing instruction we've had thus far and will continue to train Blitz with John until we are as smart about pet ownership as our lovable dog is! :) Thanks John! We feel so blessed to have found you." - Sarah and Kenny B. - Auburn, WA
"This man is truly amazing!! A soul who really understand all dogs, and gets them to remind immediately. This power couple can save the day!!!" - Janee' C.
"Love these guys, John does amazing work teaching owners and dogs ." - Sidney T. - WA
"We had one 2 hour session with John yesterday and are amazed at the difference. Happy dogs and happy owners! Thanks John, can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks for more!" - Theresa B. - Everett, WA
"Recently visited Sparks K9 with my dog Hank. I noticed results right away. Hank's less fearful of people, wags his tail when people approach and "zero" fear aggression. I can't thank John enough for helping myself and Hank correct the hang ups. Hank's had nothing but good experiences since. Highly recommend Sparks K9." - Jason S. - Portland, OR
"Fantastic! John and Kimmy not only put Luna on the right track with a more stable state-of-mind, the ability to recognize her choices and make good ones, but they also armed me with the tools and information I need to continue her training, stabilize the state of mind of the other dogs in my pack, and integrate Luna peacefully (over time). Luna was pulled off the streets with severe mange and we...nt to a high-kill shelter in CA. She had been bounced around by several well-intentioned folks in more than one rescue who were doing the best they could to save her life; but at some point Luna's state of mind came to be VERY unstable regarding other animals. She didn't get this way over night and she won't be consistent (by herself) over night but we are on the right track and we will set our pack up to succeed with the tools, support, and information John and Kimmy Sparks shared at Sparks K9". - Orinda B. - Tri-Cities, WA
"We are so fortunate to have been referred to John Sparks of Sparks K9 for training of our dog Blitz. John is a dog lover and advocate but also a firm but gentle leader with your pet. He gets results without the aggressive tactics of some trainers. We are novice dog owners for sure but after going through the training sessions with John we also realize how little most dog owners know about their ...own dogs and the best way to work with them to keep everyone happy in the family. We feel so grateful for the amazing instruction we've had thus far and will continue to train Blitz with John until we are as smart about pet ownership as our lovable dog is! :) Thanks John! We feel so blessed to have found you." - Sarah and Kenny B. - Auburn, WA
"This man is truly amazing!! A soul who really understand all dogs, and gets them to remind immediately. This power couple can save the day!!!" - Janee' C.
"Love these guys, John does amazing work teaching owners and dogs ." - Sidney T. - WA
"We had one 2 hour session with John yesterday and are amazed at the difference. Happy dogs and happy owners! Thanks John, can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks for more!" - Theresa B. - Everett, WA
"Recently visited Sparks K9 with my dog Hank. I noticed results right away. Hank's less fearful of people, wags his tail when people approach and "zero" fear aggression. I can't thank John enough for helping myself and Hank correct the hang ups. Hank's had nothing but good experiences since. Highly recommend Sparks K9." - Jason S. - Portland, OR
"Fantastic! John and Kimmy not only put Luna on the right track with a more stable state-of-mind, the ability to recognize her choices and make good ones, but they also armed me with the tools and information I need to continue her training, stabilize the state of mind of the other dogs in my pack, and integrate Luna peacefully (over time). Luna was pulled off the streets with severe mange and we...nt to a high-kill shelter in CA. She had been bounced around by several well-intentioned folks in more than one rescue who were doing the best they could to save her life; but at some point Luna's state of mind came to be VERY unstable regarding other animals. She didn't get this way over night and she won't be consistent (by herself) over night but we are on the right track and we will set our pack up to succeed with the tools, support, and information John and Kimmy Sparks shared at Sparks K9". - Orinda B. - Tri-Cities, WA