Dog Training Testimonials

We’re experimenting with the use of video in our classes, consults, website, and also our private blog for students.

Click here and here and here to see video
testimonials from Novice Obedience students.

Or simply visit our YouTube Channel to view a selection
of our uploaded videos with testimonials and more!

While participating in our first Nosey Dogs Beginner course, one student wrote, “Attending a “nose” class seemed rather silly to me. After all, aren’t dogs the most sensitive sniffers in the world of animals? However, having been through the Balanced Canine Training Novice class and knowing how successful it was for my dog, Chopin, I thought it might be interesting. In addition, Chopin had suffered through an injury which limited his mobility and I thought that he might enjoy the stimulation. After learning that there was no homework (!!!), we gave it a try.

During the first class, Chopin had to find his own treats. Easy, right? Not so. I was surprised. Eventually Chopin and I got the hang of it and he was finding his treats in a variety of situations. And it was FUN. Karen asked us if there was anything special we’d like to find. Given the fact that we travel a great deal, I thought sniffing out bed bugs might be helpful. We can hardly wait for the Intermediate and Advanced classes to start sniffing out the creepy crawlies.”

~ Dee Reynolds, June 2011

Chopin the Havanese had attended our Novice class a few years ago, and Dee has had great success with his obedient response. But she needed a new way to occupy him, especially when his exercise needed limiting. After starting the Nosey Dog Beginner class, she shared, "Once Chopin caught on to what we wanted, he had a blast, and so did I! Karen and I are going to teach him how to find bed bugs for me, so I can travel with comfort and security." Here, Chopin signals a raised “find”. See more from Dee below...

Laurie wrote with regret about missing a Novice class session, but added a progress report about Jackson, her large “bundle of joy” mixed-breed dog. Jackson used to use throw his weight around, knocking into family members in his excitement. Before completing the class, though, he became quite skilled, with the fastest automatic sit (on heeling halts) in class! We’re proud of you both, Laurie!

“Karen, I have to share with you. I am so pleased with the progress that we have made. (I know we have a very long way to go). On Sunday, Jackson and I went for a lengthy walk. When we got to the gravel road, I let him off leash. He would play and had a blast. I would periodically call him and he always came back front and center. At one point he took a little long returning so I put him back on leash for a little bit and then let him off again. He voluntarily walked in perfect heel position, past the neighbors cats, cows, etc. for a mile and a half. YAA HOOOOO.

Thanks for all of the help and encouragement. My granddaughter likes to play with him again. He has not knocked anybody over in months and has not nipped at heels for a long time.

If you would tell everyone in the class I enjoyed being in class with them. I may see some again in the future.

Thanks Again”

Laurie James, June 2011

“Hi Karen, I just wanted to thank you again for you help with Trooper. I have been using the tips you gave me and have been very pleased with the results. Troopers behavior has been amazing.

Thanks so much”

~Holly Brooks, June 2011

After attending private training and a Novice class with us, Shanti wrote:

“I first went to you with Simon after I came to realize that the dog that I had recently adopted came with more issues that I was prepared for or able to handle by myself. I was unable to comfortably take Simon out in public due to his lunging and scary barking at strangers. I also struggled at home with food aggression and his general bossiness. Through the Novice on- and off-leash training I learned to work with Simon and become the leader in my household. He not only knows how to heel, sit, down and stay, but he seems to understand that he is expected to follow my direction. This was all possible while maintaining Simon's fun and boisterous personality. We can now go walking in a crowd and I don't feel that he is out of control or about to cause problems at any moment. The feeling of having your dog look to you for direction and then look happy about following is amazing!”

~Shanti Ceane, July 2011