About Up A Level K9

Up A Level K9 is a place where dogs have room to learn, explore, and practice skills in the real world. Our work begins with understanding the dog in front of us—and helping the people who love them carry that progress home.

Karen Wannemaker

Owner & Head Trainer

For nearly 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping dogs and their people navigate everything from everyday challenges to complex fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression.

My background as an ICU nurse shaped much of the trainer I am today. It taught me to look beyond the obvious symptom, remain calm in difficult situations, pay attention to subtle changes, and understand that behavior often communicates something deeper.

That same perspective has transformed the way I train dogs.

I believe obedience is valuable—but obedience alone is not the end goal. My work focuses on helping dogs move out of patterns of fear, fight-or-flight, hyperarousal, and uncertainty by creating clarity, emotional regulation, trust, and a healthier relationship with their owners.

Over the years, working with thousands of dogs has taught me that lasting change rarely comes from a one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog has a history, temperament, nervous system, and relationship with the people they live with. Training should reflect that.

At Up A Level K9, my goal is not simply to create a dog who follows commands. It is to help owners become trusted, consistent communicators their dogs can look to for guidance and safety.

Because ultimately, the most meaningful transformation isn’t perfect obedience

It’s Trust.

STAFF

  • Madison Hoffmann

    Madison Hoffmann

    Operations Manager and Dog Concierge

    Hi! My name is Madison, and my journey with Up A Level K9 actually started as a client with my dog, Oakley. Oakley was reactive, and I was struggling to understand how to help him. Working with Karen made such a huge difference for both of us, and I loved seeing the way she worked with dogs and their owners. I remember thinking that I would love to work with her someday, and now I get to do just that!

    Today, I am Karen’s assistant and am so grateful to be part of the Up A Level K9. I love being able to help clients and their dogs while continuing to learn and grow every day.

  • Anthony Sikora

    Anthony Sikora

    Trainer

  • Mackenzie

    Kennel Tech

  • Megan

    Kennel Tech

    Hi! My name is Megan, and I am a senior at Gibraltar High School. During the school year, I am excited to continue working at Up a Level K9 through the Youth Apprenticeship program.

    I have always loved animals, so getting to work with dogs every day and learn their different personalities is something I truly enjoy. I am especially grateful for how supportive and flexible Up a Level K9 has been with my many commitments as a student-athlete.

    I wanted to work at Up a Level K9 because of my desire to be part of a team that truly cares about their animals. I am so thankful to be part of the Up a Level K9 family and excited to continue learning and growing through this experience!

  • Sophia

    Kennel Tech

A place to learn, explore, and practice

Up A Level K9 sits on 20 acres outside Sturgeon Bay in Door County, Wisconsin, surrounded by farmland. The home-based facility gives dogs space for focused training and rest, while the property offers room to walk, sniff, and take in the world around them. Those sensory walks are more than exercise: they give dogs time to explore and practice moving through their environment with a trusted handler.

No two dogs spend their days here in exactly the same way. Depending on the dog and the program, their routine may include training sessions, time outdoors, structured rest, and additional exercise.

And the work doesn’t always stop at the property line. When a dog is ready and it serves their goals, training can move into Sturgeon Bay and other everyday settings. The point is to practice for the life the dog and their people will share, not to put every dog through the same set of outings.