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About John Wasilishen
Master Trainer • Owner • Professional Dog Trainer Since 1993
Hi, I’m John Wasilishen.
Dogs have been the center of my life for as long as I can remember. What began as a passion has grown into more than three decades of helping New Jersey families build stronger relationships with their dogs through communication, understanding, and trust.
In 1993, I founded ProDogK9 with one simple belief: great dog training isn’t about controlling dogs—it’s about opening the lines of canine communication between dogs and the people who love them.
Every family is different. Every dog is different. That’s why I’ve always chosen to teach private, at-home programs that are tailored to each dog’s personality, each family’s lifestyle, and each home’s unique challenges.
Over the years, that same philosophy naturally expanded into a family of businesses dedicated to helping dogs live safer, happier, and freer lives throughout New Jersey.
Today, I’m proud to personally own and operate:
● ProDogK9 — Professional private at-home dog training, from puppy foundations and family obedience to advanced off-leash conditioning and behavior consultation.
● NJ Dog Fences — Professional Invisible™ dog fence installation, training, service, and support throughout New Jersey.
● NJ Hidden Dog Fence — Educational resources and local information to help families understand professional hidden dog fence systems and safe pet containment.
● NJ Puppy Whisperer — Puppy education focused on giving families the strongest possible foundation during the most important months of a dog’s life.
Although each business serves a different purpose, they’re all built on the same commitment:
Helping families enjoy life with their dogs through better communication, better education, and better relationships.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of dogs of every breed, age, personality, and temperament—from tiny puppies taking their first steps into family life to powerful working breeds, rescue dogs, and complex behavior cases.
One of my greatest passions has always been bully breeds and the people who love them—the true bully enthusiasts. Their intelligence, loyalty, and willingness to work are incredible when they’re understood and communicated with fairly. Watching families discover the true potential of these misunderstood dogs continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
And if you’ve spent any time around my ProDogK9 crew stories, you’ve probably heard about two of my favorites: Sneaky Pete and Shark.
Pete is 6 years old—fast, clever, always plotting something, and somehow always one step ahead of everyone in the room. Shark is 11—calm, wise, and absolutely convinced he’s seen it all before (and usually has).
We call them “brothers from different mothers,” because they couldn’t be more different in personality, but together they’re the perfect example of what balanced communication looks like in real life. Pete brings the chaos. Shark brings the judgment. I just try to keep up.
They’ve become a running joke in the ProDogK9 world, but also a reminder that every dog has a role, a personality, and a way of teaching us something if we’re paying attention.
Of course, there are some real-world limitations to Shark’s fame.
We can’t take him to the beach for obvious reasons—his name alone tends to cause unnecessary panic near the water. And let’s just say his recall cue, “SHARK!!!” doesn’t exactly blend in with a crowded shoreline. It works great in training… just not so great when people are already waist-deep in the ocean.
So yes, Shark remains a land-based celebrity only.
I’m also a strong believer that training should fit real life. Dogs don’t live in training buildings—they live in your kitchen, your backyard, your neighborhood, and beside your family every day. That’s why I teach where behavior actually happens.
I’m also a strong believer that training should fit real life. Dogs don’t live in training buildings—they live in your kitchen, your backyard, your neighborhood, and beside your family every day. That’s why I teach where behavior actually happens.
Families often ask me what makes ProDogK9 different.
The answer is simple.
When you call ProDogK9, you’re working directly with me.
I’m not a franchise.
I’m not a salesperson.
I’m not sending different trainers to your home.
From your first phone call through your last lesson—and whenever you need guidance years later—I’m the person you’ll know and trust.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have earned the trust of thousands of New Jersey families and to have received more than 300 combined five-star reviews across ProDogK9 and NJ Hidden Dog Fence.
After all these years, my passion hasn’t changed.
I still love watching a confused dog become confident.
I still love helping owners finally understand what their dog has been trying to communicate.
And I still believe the most rewarding part of my job is seeing families enjoy life together in ways they never thought possible.
Thank you for considering my family of businesses.
I look forward to helping you and your dog build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
John Wasilishen
Master Trainer • Owner
Professional Dog Training Since 1993
ProDogK9 State of Mind™
Opening the Lines of Canine Communication™
Every Dog. Every Time.
OVER 350+ 5-STAR
REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
Pro-Dog K9 & Pro-Dog K9 Fence Co.
SCHEDULE FREE
AT-HOME CONSULTATION
Weekend, evening AND next day appointments available!
Fill out the form or call us today @732.620.9266.
