TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR CLIENTS

I have to say thanks to Karen’s Life skills classes.  

Bailey and I just got home from Ventura love on a leash chapter picnic in someone’s backyard.  I was so proud of him.

There was at least 20 dogs not know to him,  mostly larger.  But he stayed under the table for at least 2 hours. Not in a stay. No reaction when other dogs barked or he had to stay with someone while I got my food.  

Thank you Karen💕

Sharon

Not sure if you remember us. Nurse with white German shepherd. 

Jasper and I moved to Kauai two years ago. He is so well behaved. And your classes has made him my best Service Dog ever. We flew out first class on a one way ticket.  

I am so blessed to have met you. 

Michelle Freckmann

“You (Karen) are one of the best trainers in America today”

John J. Nazarian

Nazarian and Associates

This is my second year with your company and your trainers and training experience have been amazing.  Last year, I had Michelle and this year Katie, and they both have been phenomenal.  I have tried other companies in town and no one even comes close to the level of care and professionalism your company and trainers have shown.  Thank you.  

M.

Hi Karen,

I just want to thank you for the training course. The trainers, Michelle and Kellie, are excellent and so friendly. They give 110%. I'm glad I chose this course. Your trainers are like dog whisperers, they can get the dogs to do anything just with hand motions! I like the way they train the owners.

Brian R.

Hi, just wanted you to know how much Toby and I appreciate all that you do for us. Your going the “extra mile” has helped us to make great strides in strengthening our relationship with discipline and consistency.  We look forward to our next time together!  Toby and Joni

P.S. We have transitioned from using Gentle Leader inside and took our first hour long walk together using the Gentle Leader. A first non-pulling walking experience for us. Tremendous!  Thank you for the recommendation!

Joni Moss and Toby, June, 2019

Hi Kelly:

Little birdy told me about your first place prize on last weeks competition. Im so happy for you and want it to congratulate you myself,  as well want it to thank you for working your magic with Oliver, he's doing so well, passed his retest last Friday,  stayed at day care that day and went back yesterday for over 2 hours!!!! I was watching him on the website and happy to report that he did very well.

We're back to our normal self😊😊 thanks a lot!!!

I was referred to Karen by private party and saw her listing in Thumbtack. Karen is extremely responsive to call you and she takes the time to learn about you and your pet's needs before making an appointment. The lesson was excellent. Karen connected wonderfully with both my dog and me. My puppy was guarding food to the degree I was very concerned it would develop into a serious problem. Karen provided several strategies to diminish the behavior. She gave me written instructions which are great for reference. I saw a change in behavior with just the first session. I highly recommend Karen. She clearly enjoys dogs and working with owners to create best friends. 

Patty C.

Hi Karen,

Little by little we're getting there. Very happy with Katie and pretty sure without her help my husband would have given up on him. Boomie still has a lot of fear and it doesn't help that we've had a lot of chaos here - home repairs, etc. , but I do see progress. Katie's advice is helping. She really understands our situation and am so thankful that she gives us an approach. Plus it is great for husband and child to hear it from a professional and not just nagging mom. Clearly so much of dog training is training the owners! Thanks for checking.

Dear Karen,

It was such a pleasure to meet you today.

Thank you for coming and helping me and Spock to go through this time. I was thinking to find another family with dogs for Spock but today I gained a hope and self-confidence to over come his separation anxiety. Spock loves you so much too!! We already practiced some basic obedience and he si doing really well. This training time is also helping us to bond more! Thank you again for your help.

Junko Clinger

He's been the best dog! I still have his obedience training certificate up! He'll be 9 in October and is 116 lbs. and really has been the most gentle, loving dog ever. He loves kids, other dogs - I got really lucky! He was just diagnosed with hip dyslasia and is now on Rimadyl, but I hope he lives on forever:-)

 Bonnie is one of our students working with Jake ( the listening dog ).

Thank You from Spock Clinger Family!

Karen:

Katie is fantastic.

1. She arrived on time

2. She didn't make us feel like bad dog owners

3. She worked wonders with Diogo (and us) in a single session

4. She is patient, calm and firm

We are looking forward to the next session.

Best,

Lauren

Hi Karen,

Congratulations on the Hotlist!! I've been meaning to give you an update on my dog Nigel. I know you must meet a lot of dogs and you may not remember, so here's a brief review:

In 2011 I adopted Nigel (a big Lhasa Apso) and called you for help with his separation anxiety. My obnoxious neighbor reported me and I hired attorney Michael Rotsten to fight back. It never came to a hearing because with the techniques you showed me, love, and lots of patience and repetition, Nigel was pretty much settled within 4 months. Between us we figured out the little ritual he needs for reassurance when I leave for the day; and he is now a very happy dog with lots of doggie friends. We sometimes run into his previous family and it's just fine. Truly this is a match made in heaven. He is the best traveling companion and is my favorite person in the whole world. He is also typically willful per his breed, so one day we should see you for obedience training! Just wanted to let you know what a success this continues to be.

Thank you,
Hilary & Nigel

I wanted to thank you and Bobby and Katie for working with us so much and helping Hanna get to a better place. Even though we haven't been in class for a while, she is still improving every day. My hope is that someday I'll be able to take her to one of these places that teaches your dog how to herd sheep! I'm sure she would love it! Once she calms down of course. :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Will, Laura & Hanna Reeve

Hi Karen,

Just wanted to say that even though we do miss Bobby as our trainer, we are just as pleased with Katie. She is as kind patient, encouraging and supportive as Bobby and helps us to feel that we are doing o.k. and progressing each week.

Thanks to you all,
Jan finer and Sunshine

Hi Karen,

You may not remember me or my dog Puddles but I wanted to thank you again and send you this picture.  Puddles was a rescue and very cat aggressive when I brought her home.  Thanks to you and your teaching me how to deal with it, she and the cats love each other and even sleep together.   It's hard for me to get pics of them sleeping together because she usually gets excited and gets up when I walk in to take a picture but got this the other day when she and McCartney were hanging out. 

Thanks again!  Carla and Pud

Dear Karen,

I am sending this to you early just prior to the last class which I look forward to. Bobby Harouni is an excellent, outstanding instructor who I would highly recommend, and a difinite valuable asset to your business. If he was giving the Intermediate Obedience class at a more convenient evening time, I would sign up again with him in a heartbeat. Since Bobby isn't available, I have already signed up to take the Intermediate class on Wednesday with Laura at the Northridge location and am hoping to have the same type of fantastic fun experience as Susie-K and I had with Bobby.

Thank you very much!
Leslie Reagan

Baci is alive and well at 12. I will recommend you in the future.

Karen,

I've been meaning to write you for months to say thank you, and give you and update on Zeppelin and Ajax, our two Aussies. After we met back in November, we put your training and tricks to work. Just the treat dump alone worked wonders to refocus the dogs' energy and make them much less reactive to other dogs. Ajax responds really well when you get in his face and tell him "no barking."  Zeppelin is more stubborn, but he's had 9 years to develop his behavior. Ritch and I both have a much easier time managing them on walks. Ajax is still reactive at a distance (i.e. while we are playing Frisbee in the park and he gets distracted with another dog down the field). But he is better, and I can actually stop him before he gets to the other dog, sometimes. We'll work more on that soon.

What we really appreciated in your training is that you worked with us within our circumstances and with the dogs we have. And it works.

Thanks again, and we'll definitely call on you again in the future when it's time to work on other issues.

Best regards,

Joey and Ritch

Hi Bobby, 

I had the best loose leash walk with Sampson last night.  What a pleasure!!  Thank you.  I wanted to ask you where you got the chicken treats that were made in the US.  He really liked them.  Also, here's a pic of him in a down until I release him to eat.

I just wanted to let u know how excellent Bobby was. He identified each of our individual challenges & worked with us as a group as well. He was very encouraging & sweet and sympathetic to our needs. And of course you could tell he loved the doggies. 

Yvonne

Hi Karen,

I want you to know that I reached out to Bobby recently to thank him for encouraging me to let Littlefoot play during the puppy socialization class.  If you remember, Littlefoot was a bit pushy and overbearing with the other puppies and I was reluctant to continue letting him participate in the puppy play sessions, but Bobby urged me to do so.  Well he was right!  Littlefoot has been an amazing big foster brother to over half a dozen very young, exuberant puppies and is very respectful of other dogs that give him warning of needing space.  He is still pushy, but no aggression at all, just loves to play!  I owe this to Bobby and My Best Friends Obedience, so thank you!

Regards, 
Stacy Lavender

Dear Karen and Bobby, 

I wanted to let you both know about a major milestone with Leia. Yesterday afternoon our son visited with his 4 month old female Husky puppy again. You might remember the last time, a few weeks ago, it was a disaster. Leia lunged, barked, growled, and tried to bite the puppy. This time, we took it slower. We met on the street, and I was able to successfully distract her with treats like you taught me, keeping her focused on me, instead of on the puppy. We were able to get to the point of doing some parallel walking and there were only a couple of growls. 

After a while, we went into the backyard. Both puppies were on leashes. With Logan, our shepherd, now in the mix, things got a little intense. Still Leia was much improved. I was treating her heavily for appropriate behavior, but there were still a couple of snarls and snaps. I put her in her crate for a 20 minute time out. When I brought her back out, Logan had had his play out with the puppy and was resting. Things improved with Leia and the puppy to the point that they began playing while we were still holding the leashes, and I was able to discontinue the treats. Before long we were able to remove the leashes and the puppies played together beautifully - good, old fashioned puppy play. It took a couple of hours to get to this point, but finally they were playing like puppies should. No growling, barking, snapping, or aggressive behavior in the least. They played and played and played (under our watchful eyes). Leia was even submissive in play at times, rolling over on her back and giving chase to the puppy. I was amazed that she actually adjusted the intensity of her play with the puppy to an appropriate level. She plays much rougher with Logan. 

I know we still have a long way to go, but I want to thank you both for all your help. After the bloom wore off the rose of having a new puppy, I was very disappointed with Leia's behavior. I just wanted a sweet, good-natured dog like Logan. I was willing to do the work, I just didn't know how. I bought training videos, read books (and everything I could find online), and watched hours of The Dog Whisperer. Nothing made much of an impact until I started working with you. The private session gave me strategies to start using right away. And the behavior class has given Leia the opportunity to learn how to behave around other dogs, and me the opportunity to practice the strategies and techniques you teach. What a difference! 

I can't thank you enough for supporting me when I was discouraged with my puppy. You are both tops in my book! 

Dani

Hi Karen,

I actually found miles a new home back in January, He's living with a family with two children and another Jack Russell, so there is a lot of activity around him to keep him stimulated. He's very happy with his new family! It was a tough choice but this is ultimately what's best for him.

Thanks for all of your help with the training and the re-homing, I greatly appreciate it!

Randy

My dog, Cozmo (black standard poodle), is great ... folks are always amazed at how well trained he his. Luckily, he's smart as a whip so it's not too difficult for me. :)

My aunt and uncle in Northridge are great too.

Sheryl Reinschmidt

Just got back from a short walk with Teddy and Minnie - I want to let you know there was a coyote in the complex and was about 10 yards from us - the guys started barking and the coyote was just looking at us - I started yelling at it to get away, and Teddy got out of his halter and started running towards it! I shouted WAIT!  Guess what, he did! I walked towards him saying "good boy" and he waited. The coyote left, and I was putting his halter back on and must have stepped off of the leash for Minnie, and she took off! Guess what, I shouted WAIT, and she did! Either one would have been a good meal for the coyote. In that strong instinctual situation for them to obey is a great testament to you! THANK YOU! 

Melissa

Kuvasz Inga Delaporte (one of our alumni) with
her "co-workers" at Dr. Carol Marienthal-Skaar's office
 - Toluca Burbank Dog and Cat Hospital!
 They received Best in Burbank honors in the local paper!

Dear Karen and Bobby,

I wanted to write to thank you for the training class I recently attended with Fiona. As you know, Fiona is a rescue dog, and she has trust issues. I decided to take the class because I was at the point where I dreaded coming home from work and dealing with the three-corgi-pileup at the back door. My reasoning was that some intense one on one time with Fiona would strengthen our relationship and help her figure out her place in the household.

The outcome of the training has been very successful! Fiona now:

1. Greets me more calmly and greets guests more calmly

2. Comes when I call her

3. Comes into the house after potty time without running around and hiding in the garden...in fact, she has started RACING to the back door with a flourish to collect her cookie!

4. When I tell her to "wait" before letting her out, she does

5. On the walks, she doesn't pull as much and she checks in with me and falls back if she's too far ahead

Now that Fiona knows what is expected of her, she is much more relaxed, and she feels like a special dog - I ask, she responds, she gets a treat and attention. It's all very positive.

I know a lot of people think that dog training is a bad thing - we should let our dogs be DOGS and not boss them around. I wanted to write to you to testify that in my experience, it just isn't true. My girl is happier, her canine friends are happier, and our relationship is stronger than ever. Feel free to share this letter if you'd like.

Regards,
Debbie Hartzman
 

Dear Bobby, Barbara, Karen and all trainers:

I wanted to thank all of you again for your work with us and Scout over the last 6 weeks. Amy and I both feel as if we've grown as dog owners and we're excited about Scout's progress in such a short amount of time. We couldn't have gained the tools on our own that we've acquired in these classes and really feel like we're unlocking the potential of a very smart pooch.


I also wanted to share with a real-life success story which took place just this morning. 

Whenever we take Scout for her morning walk, we usually have her wait on the carpet in front of our front door while we put her leash on. In a lapse of judgment (it was about 6:15 am, so I wasn't fully awake), I had the front door ajar and before I had put her into a sit and wait. For the first time, Scout darted out the front door and out towards the street. Whoever came last into our condo complex also failed to close the security door and she went past the gate in a full sprint towards the street. I panicked and started to chase her, but realized right away she was too fast and that I would not catch her in a footrace. I suddenly snapped back to our class yesterday, and remembered our emergency recall word, "here." Despite my obvious panic, I started yelling "here!" in the most excited, happy voice I could muster under the circumstances, and walking backwards. Scout stopped short of the street, turned around and followed me back into the house. It felt like a miracle in that moment, as I was sure that she was about to end up running away or worse. Despite how frustrated I felt with her running out, I knew I couldn't show it and did finish up with an extensive high value treat party. I wanted to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for your work and patience with us, as I truly believe your training saved our little friend today. We look forward to seeing some of you in the intermediate classes, and beyond. 

Regards,

Jorge Velasco 

hi Karen,

don't know if you remember us- guy (the dog- Australian shepherd, class spring '10 at Northridge park), Elliot and Mac- but we are still so grateful for your kindness and patience and instruction. Guy is a very good doggie, thanks to YOU! good luck with your new classes.

best

Elliot and Mac and Guy!

Subject: Eva update 

Hi Karen,

I thought you might appreciate some positive feedback from one of your former students, so I'm writing to let you know what a great dog Eva is becoming. After working with her for almost a year now, something finally seemed to "click" with her this week, and she started walking loosely on leash suddenly on Thursday night. She had gotten into a habit of always walking to the end of leash and not pulling hard, but just enough to know where the end of the leash was. If I gave it more slack, she inched farther ahead. The other night, after a long week at work, I'd had it with the sneaky walking, and I stopped in my tracks and pulled her back behind my left leg and looked her in the eyes, and for the first time she acted like she had done something wrong (instead of that "who, me?" look I usually get!). From that moment on, she has been walking at my side with slack in the leash. Then last night, while we were waiting at a busy intersection for a friend to pick us up, Eva saw another dog approaching. I was sitting on a step and she was lying at my feet and she just watched in a very relaxed way. Meanwhile, a crowd of people walked by and a car drove past and another dog barked from the window of the car and she just lay there taking it all in. This was a dog that I thought might never be able to handle this kind of situation, and to see her being so poised and calm made me so proud of her. 

One of the things that I think I've done recently that has possibly helped Eva make more progress is "modeling" the calm behavior I want from her. One of her biggest issues is that she reacts when she sees other dogs on walks. I decided recently that instead of correcting her when she reacts to other dogs, I simply say "it's okay" and keep walking as if the situation is completely normal--I am careful not to change my gait or my breathing and not to talk to her more (or less). If she looks at me, I click and treat, but other than that, I don't make a big production out of it. I finally realized that if I want HER to act as if the situation is normal, then I have to act like it's normal! I don't know that we could have necessarily started out with this approach, but all those little steps along the way have gotten us to this point and it feels like it's all finally coming together!

To any dog owner who is feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, let this be an example of how persistence can pay off. It has taken much longer than I expected it to, to make this kind of progress, but I'm glad I hung in there and didn't give up. Thank you so much for all your training and advice. Eva is a rescue dog and I have taken her to several different classes and trainers over the past year, and you have, in my opinion, by far the soundest and most effective training techniques. 

On a different note, I was so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack. That sounds so scary! I'm glad he has pulled through. My father had a heart attack at age 59 and had stints (is that what they're called?) put in. He changed his diet too, and he's been doing great. My thoughts are with you both. Thanks again for all your help!

Regards,
Madena Asbell

Hi Karen, 

Layla is doing great!  Her loose leash training is working wonders.  She does not pull anymore.  She is doing well with the treats and other dogs.  We can have a conversationacross the street with a neighbor and there dogs and she will sit and wait for a treat.

Thanks for your help,
Marcella

My little ones are doing so well. Peace and harmony are well established in our home thanks to you.

Love and blessings,

Meg

You would not believe what a well behaved (well, sometimes...) young man Einstein has turned into.  Hard to believe how far he has come - thanks for all your help.  Look forward to seeing you in advanced class shortly.

Andrea Luboff

Hi Karen, 

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.  Cleo is doing great and has become the most amazing addition to our family.  We could not imagine how we ever lived without her.  She is just great in all ways.  We think of you often and how you helped train Cleo.  Here are a couple of pictures of our girl.  She still only eats food we cook for her but she is on vitamins and nutrients and although she is at her maximum weight she carries it like the princess she is. 

Stay well and sometime soon we will show up and you can see for yourself what a great dog Cleo is. 

Stan Mann                               (800) 525-2055
MD MFG. Inc.                          stan@builtinvacuum.com
Bakersfield, CA 93308          www.centralvacuum.com

Dear Karen and Barbara, 

Thanks to you, we are the envy of neighborhood dog owners. They see how nicely our dogs walk on leash, and respond to our commands if they start to get rambunctious (usually upon meeting another dog), and they want to know how we got to this magical point. Through your methods, we learned how to 'target' and use treats in a productive way, and I think this has been the single most important lesson that helps us get most any behavior we need. The 'girls' aren't perfect, but they are a heck of a lot better than they were before your class!  I appreciate the personal attention you give us and every dog in class, I think it really makes a difference in our ability to get the methods right. The games and prizes make this sometimes stressful training more fun, so thank you for that too!

-Denise and Jeff

Karen, thanks for sharing your expertise with us.  Bonnie has been very receptive to my leadership.  We have had four walks, including a very long one that only required 3 treats - just last night.

She obeys the "stay" command at the door and I have nothing but praise for your training.  

Many, many thanks,
Marjie Wells

To:     Maggie Shaw
From: Lisa and Bill Shaw

Dog/Parent Agreement
4.27.07

Dear Maggie,

We are very glad you are living with us. You are doing a good job in class.

If you continue doing well and paying attention we will take you more and more places.

If you do not bark at other dogs we will let you visit with them. If you do bark at other dogs or people we will give you a squirt of Banaca every time you do it.

We will continue trying all kinds of different treats to keep your selection new and appealing.

The more obedient you are the more freedoms you may have.

We love you,
Lisa and Bill

"I found the behavior modification and obedience training done by Karen with My Best Friend Obedience to be outstanding.  The training was done in a way that was fun for both me and my dog and we both learned.  Although we completed the class some time ago, Karen continues to respond to my questions and I know she will be available if needed to help with any issues I have.  I would recommend the behavior modification and obedience training to anyone."

Sue G

Thanks to you and to all of our classes with My Best Friend Obedience, he has become an outstanding therapy dog. By taking the techniques that I learned from you and putting in the time and effort, we were able to pass the Delta Certification test with the highest rating.  

Aside from your extensive knowledge and experience in training, you also have a great instinct as to what will work best with each dog. When one technique doesn't work, you're always able to come up with an alternative. This was particularly evident when we did sessions to teach Charley new tricks. By the way, he's now counting and crawling with the best of them. 

Thank you for everything. You're terrific. 
Ellen, Charley, and Riley

From Ellen and her Goldendoodles...Don't know if you saw my latest post about Charley and Gus with an anti-bullying group from Compton. There's also an earlier one about a special needs camp in L.A. off Slauson. Thought you'd enjoy these since My Best Friend Obedience has been so important in their training.  Hope all is well. Miss you.  meandthedoods.com 

Atlas and Kristin Bauer, soul mates and best friends, (forever).

Kristin started training her dog Atlas with us years ago, he has crossed over the rainbow bridge.  Although we are all saddened by his passing we feel privileged to have been part of such an awesome relationship between these two friends!

Hi Karen,

Easter Sunday was the 2nd anniversary of the day we rescued Ranger and Mollie.  Your visits to our house for personalized training saved our sanity when they were tiny and they loved going to your obedience classes with the other pups when they came "of age." I've had lots of dogs in my life that got more-or-less "trained" eventually but I never new how quick and easy housebreaking could be till we found you. I never knew you could get a dog to do anything with rewards (or eventually clicks) and never needed to punish. I also never knew about the "wait"command. Ranger and Mollie will wait all day on a curb or by an open door until we give them the signal it's okay to go. Thanks, Karen.

Bob and Nancy Riley

Thanks for the Valentine, and thank you so very much for all of your help with POLO. He had his operation on January 19th, and appears to be on the mend, but it is a long process. We have a vet appointment for an x-ray tomorrow and will keep you up to date.

Love,
Polo, Steviann and David

Happy
Valentines
Day!
Pugs & Kisses

Hey! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and new year! Molly was a big hit with the kids when they came to the door they didn't want candy they wanted to pet her.  Thanks for helping my me and my mom when I was in town.

Elizabeth Gonzales Nelson
Animal Control Officer
San Leandro Police Department

Ellie is doing great, she is 80lbs of pure muscle.  She still likes to walk a little fast but she is still a puppy so hopefully that will settle her down, otherwise she is very well behaved and I thank you for helping us with her.

Happy Holidays

Michele Birch

I hope you and your family are well. Our baby is now 10.5 months old! That must make your son over 18 months, I think. You must be having so much fun with him! Tristan is so happy and fun and just loves Savannah so much. They are getting along great thanks to your help!

Take care, just wanted to say that we're still benefiting from the baby proofing work you did with me and Savannah (Grate Dane/harlequin) when I was pregnant.

Leslie

Hi Karen,

Zeus' friends say "thank you, Karen."  We were having trouble getting our buddy to sit for this photo before he trained with you!

Mavis Leahy

Hi, Karen, 

This is Patti Sundstrom.   You probably don't remember me, but that's okay.  I was in one of your classes approximately three years ago.  I had the dog ABBY a collie, and she's turned out to be the most wonderful dog, beautiful, well behaved, and such a loyal companion.  Thanks to you and your helpful training.  I must say, I was remiss at times in training her about getting on the beds and sleeping with my boys... but that's the worst of her behavior. She loves to cuddle with my littlest one who is 12 now.  

Anyway, your picture was great, and a late but well deserved THANK YOU for your help in training my dog. 

Sincerely,
Patti

I am well.  Thanks.  I also wanted to let you know.  Remember my new dog Pelusa n/k/a Puddles.  How she was sooo cat aggressive?  Well, you are a miracle worker.  It took a little time but she and my cats now all live together in harmony.  Sometimes even sleep together.  I never thought I would see the day or feel like I could ever leave them alone together but she has turned into a big cat lover.   Thank you for your help with her.

 Carla

"Great news! I can't overemphasize how much me and my dogs are enjoying training through your group and Barbara."

Michelle Sherman

Snoopy is doing very well. Thanks to your recommendation of Dr Parks we now have his arthritis under control, the thyroid is under control, he's lost a lot of weight, and we're working on his asthma (food allergies are suspected so he's on a raw diet). He gets complimented wherever he goes for his good manners. We owe it all to you.

All the best,

Cate

Thank you Karen.  Snow is doing really well and is well behaved. We owe that to you! Also Karen, I wanted to invite you to look at our websitewww.wethepeoplelosangeles.com  We do lots of legal document preparation including Living Trusts and incorporation.  Check it out and let me know if we could be of any help to you or anyone you know.

Wishing you the best.

Thanks,
Reza Jadvar

The training Brinks received with your organization was fabulous and I always recommend you. Thanks.

Best Regards,
Courtney

Thanks, please keep me on your list.  I haven't seen you for a while but Kukla, my Am Staffie, is still the love of my life ---- yes she does stretch out full length if Paul dares to take up too much room!!  I'm not doing special training with her now but she learned so well from you and has been a very well mannered little girl (most of the time!!)

I just wanted to say Hi, and thank you again for being such a great friend to the animals.

Love,
Jonne-Marie

I just wanted to let you all know that I had to put my best friend in the entire world down yesterday.  I wanted to give you all a special Thank You for helping me make Duke the Best Rottweiler, Best Friend and my the light of my life. We've had so much fun in all of your classes Through your training and communication I've learned so much. . It gave me the strength to hold him as he passed through to the other side.

As teachers you really add so much to our lives with our animals.  You are very special.  I still remember the picture we took with you when we graduated from your advanced class. He had a bone in his mouth and I had the certificate. 

Thanks again for all you do. Through all of your work and dedication, you taught us so much and I will always have a special place in my heart for all of you.

Love,
Susan Gonzales and Duke

Karen,

I just wanted to let you know that Matt, Megan and I are doing good here in Santa Cruz.  I also wanted to let you know that what you taught us with Megan is always in use.  I often find myself passing on one of your training tips to another dog owner in need.  It's kind of the Karen Taylor Dog Training Ripple Effect!  So even though we haven't gotten to see you in years now, you are still having an effect on dogs across the country.
Take care and much laughter,
Lisa Benson

"It is such a comfort to have such a knowledgeable and competent trainer to refer my clients to!! They all thank me after they've been working with you, and I'd like to thank YOU for being there for them!"

Jamie Lewis, Pet Guardian and Zip a Dee Doo Dog

Hi Karen,

Thanks for your email.  I was enlightened by your message regarding our patience.  I wanted to share that Tizbud has been doing very well.  We owe it to you for helping us learn how to communicate with our dog, and train him so he can be an enjoyable pet - and that is exactly what he is.  I am interested in taking the next level of classes and will look into it after the holidays.  Thanks again for sharing with us.

Happy Holidays
Shalisa

Shirley Kahn's dog Romeo is now enrolled in our intermediate level class.  Everyone is asked to critique the class at the end, of course the option is always to do this anonymously but Shirley decided to share!  Here's what she said:  "It's good and goes at a nice pace and your enthusiasm is really catching.  You have made things easy and I never expected my dog to following my training!  Also I like the way you really explain cause and effect -- what is happening in the dog's mind when we are doing or not doing the training correctly.  (the written) Homework (assignments have) really been helpful because it makes one rethink what has been done in class and your input on the returned homework is terrific.  Thank you for training me.
Thank you

Shirley Kahn

"Being a Veterinarian with my own practice, I spend very long hours at work. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to spend on my hobby, breeding and showing Champion Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is crucial that my dogs are comfortable and obedient in the show ring. I'm very happy that I found Karen & Jeff at 'My Best Friend' dog training. Since I've had them working with Stella and Crawford, Crawford has become a show champion and Stella is on her way! Thanks Karen & Jeff."

Dana Bleifer, DVM Warner Center Pet Clinic

"Just wanted to thank Jeff for helping us out with Max our 9 month old golden last night. A lot of what he teaches us is so easy to understand! It just takes him to explain it. So much can be tied into our experience raising children. (Which we think we've successfully done so far twice!) I guess dogs are people too sometimes. Jeff is also good with the kids. Thank you too to Karen for her phone dog psychoanalysis! I tried the plastic bottle stuffed with kibble and peanut butter, it worked! We plan to attend repeats in March in Toluca Lake."

Thank you again! Polly

"Just a note to thank you and your staff for the past eight weeks of beginning obedience for my dog "Chief," who I lovingly refer to as "Cujo." When Chief first dragged me into the class, I was covered with fresh wounds over about 80% of my hands and arms, and holes in every sweatshirt I own. He had bitten my 6-year-old son's penis while trying to remove his pajama bottoms, and had chewed up several beds, blankets and rugs. I had offered him for lounging purposes. All this, in spite of my constant vigilance and diligence in what I thought was "training." Lucky I found you, Karen, or my son John would probably be undergoing completion of sex-change surgery by this time. We sincerely appreciate your professional approach to training, and the difference in Chief is remarkable!"

Respectfully,

Margaret Dolin

www.kissonline.com - Famous rock group KISS

Thanks to Karen's amazing and successful training, Molly was able to enjoy a snooze under the table at Quincy's, a cafe in Encino that allows dogs. This picture was taken at Saturday lunch hour, probably the busiest time of the week.  Before I started training with Karen, Molly would have been spinning on her leash and would have probablyknocked over a few tables as well as the waitress if any other dogs had entered.

I just want to thank you and let you know that I have no idea how but I have trained my dog which is a Yorkie well...I have no idea how it happened she dose everything right I guess she knows use the doggie door to go out when she has to go and things like roll over, sit, lay down....she very well behaved....I did I guess what you told me to do and it worked...Thanks....

Tiffanee

A letter from Bernie Kopell of Loveboat:

"Dear Dog Owner,

OK, I think it's safe to say that you love your dog or dogs. I, personally, have had a love affair with dogs since I was a little boy. I'm a senior citizen now and have a little boy of my own.

Aside from the cuddly, "always happy to see you" qualities, we also have to recognize that our dogs can be destructive, badly behaved, and nuisances. This is where my friend Karen Reardon Taylor come in. She is a magician in the very vital area of obedience with dogs and will easily teach you, the dog owner, simply and clearly how to make your best friend an obedient, well mannered part of your family.

Our dogs are a lot more loveable now that they are responsive to how she trained us to train them."

www.berniekopell.com - Bernie Kopell of Loveboat

"I am just calling the thank you for all your help with Cruiser (10 year old lab).  We did everything you told us to do and he is not having any accidents in the house!  I did not want him to go to a new home, but with kids around there just didn't seem like any other way.  
Thanks again...."   Monique Brown