More testimonials

j9k9smallest_logo2 (2).gif (12845 bytes) (818) 832-9906

LEARN WHILE YOU PLAY!

"When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark." -- Crystal Ward Kent

MORE TESTIMONIALS FROM HAPPY HUMANS:

I had a funny "incident" with my female Ridgeback, "Tia". Tia decided to jump OUT of the back window of our old Ford Expedition (can't BELIEVE she jumped that high) into the service station. I looked at her and she looked at me as she was running toward Ventura Blvd.......my heart stopped. I called her name and in a VERY relaxed voice asked her to "come" as I walked away from her. She DID it!!! I was VERY happy....to say the least! Thanks for empowering me, Janine!

Best Regards,

J. D.

Becky, thanks again for getting us on the right path with Winnie.........

J & R. S

Dear Stephanie:

I had to write you an email to thank you SO much for having the Bark After Dark class on Friday night. Billie had the most fantastic time ever! Aside from it being such a blast, I had to email and say how proud I am of my Billie. Billie has come farther than I ever could've imagined and it's all thanks to J9's. She started out as a rambunctious pup from the pound who didn't know any commands and had definitely had no training with her previous family. I noticed her progress through each class she took, but Friday night solidified everything for me and Ryan. She stayed with me on ALL the off-leash work (even with all those other lovely dogs tempting her to stray), did the recall with such perfection it amazed us and best of all, played with the other dogs until I wanted her to come back to me. If she got too silly I could get her to instantly turn to find me.

We had a holiday party on Saturday night and our friends were AMAZED at how far Billie has come! No jumping on anyone at all! She even feels so secure now in our family that in the middle of the party she curled up in our beanbag chair and went to sleep with our cat.

Thank you for all that you guys do. I can't say enough how wonderful your classes are and how amazing all the trainers (Becky, Fran, Paul, Jen - to name a few) have been!

Happy Holidays!

K. & R. H.

We had a great time with your last class and notice a big improvement with Tabitha. Thank you for everything. :)

P. S.

You guys are awesome!!! Your email this morning put the hugest smile on my face. Just yesterday I was saddened by the reality of another adoptee we sent out that the family did not follow through with the training needed to raise a puppy properly (as so many do not) and now the dog is aggressing and displaying all sorts of behavioral problems. This is the fate I hear far to often. You guys are a great example of what is needed to end the cycle of young dogs being given up by their owners due to bad uncontrollable behaviors. Keep up the good work !!!

I hope you won’t mind if I pass this email around as it is exactly what people in my industry live for:

Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006

Subject: Harmony

Hi Tracy,

It's been five months with Harmony, and it has been our best five months. She has graduated from the Beginning and Intermediate Levels of J9's K9s and will begin Advanced in less than a week. Harmony is great. She's great at all her commands and she's very much house broken. When we received her she was about 3 months old and weighing at 13-14 lbs, she is now 8 months old and weighs 54 lbs. She's a great companion, and a great walker. We're so happy to have stumbled through Pet Orphans, because we truly believe you guys are the best. We are always telling everyone about you, and how great you guys are.

Sincerely,

F. & A. G.

Tracy Rukenbrod

Manager, Adoptions & Behavior Enrichment Programs

Pet Orphans of Southern California

Thanks for everything! We enjoy every class.

L. R.

Just wanted to say thank you for all your help with Patti in class. I must say her Dad was quite impressed that she really could sit and follow some basic commands.

In the last few days she seems to be settling in, and she is no longer looking at us with the terrified eyes. Thanks again for all the extra effort you and all the trainers in class put in with her. It truly is appreciated.

L. & Patti G.

Thanks again for everything, Stephanie. I know Toby's a bit of a problem boy, but your training has made such a difference! It's hard to believe he's the same dog as that terrified little puppy. Oh! And he got to prove it to me this morning. He slipped out of his leash and took off toward the gate at a full run. I yelled his recall command, and without hesitation, he turned and ran back to me. He got mega rewards and praise for that!

T.H.

Penny,

Thanks for referring me to Janine Pierce, - she gave me some very helpful strategies for the leash aggression issue. Even though we have been through basic obedience before, it’s amazing how useful a refresher course can be. I’m learning a ton of good stuff (even for an “old dog” like me), plus it’s a lot of fun. So I’m very grateful to you for the recommendation.

L. B.

I keep forgetting to tell you.... I saw Steve Margolis last week and Jasper is doing *awesome.* This is not the same dog. Steve’s been diligent about following your advice about digging up bones and the whole resource guarding thing and Jasper is just a much happier and well balanced guy. I gotta say, this dog has come a million miles in so many ways. Really a happy story.

M. F.

A big brag for BeBe. She let the vet look in her mouth, ears and eyes and did not try to nip any at all!

Yea!!

A W.

Dear Becky and Janine,

I knew I had found the right trainers from the moment I first asked about joining your Beginner class with a rescue Staffordshire. Tootsie had numerous issues and you both provided my family and me with the skill, patience and courage to continue. As a result, Tootsie is loving, well-trained and a pleasure to have as a member of our multiple animal household.

Thank you for your support of this often maligned breed. Your insight into dog psychology has proven stellar!

Safest Regards,

C. L.

Just let me take this opportunity to say thank you! The whole road from 8wk. old puppy to sassy teen to therapy dog extraordinaire has been, sometimes frustrating, but a TOTAL blast! Largely due to YOU! Our training has been so much fun, who woulda guessed effective? You bring so much joy to the training table - Noelle loves it and so do I!

THANKS AGAIN!

P. M.

The best day in my dog's life was when we found you! Frannie has obviously made great strides and I cannot thank you enough for your insight into my small frightened girl and your patience in working with her and me.

Her butt and elbows never left the ground last night during the long down-stay. I am a proud mother!!

Best regards,

J. O.

Lily is doing quite well. She will be 3 this March and she is so much more calm and focused in stressful situations. The expression on her face is friendly and sweet and people love to meet her when we go on city adventures. She no longer has an expression of anxiety or aggression, so people always approach her and admire and pet her. It's just so terrific to have her around. I so appreciate your help with her, and only wish I had started her as soon as I got her. The only reason was that I didn't know about you!

Thank you again,

W. L.

You spent some time with us last Thursday and wow what a change we've seen. It works!

M. D.

My dog Jag has been going to Mammoth and playing out on the golf course since he was a puppy, and was pretty successful off leash with his listening skills, staying close and recall.

I was babysitting Jag’s cousins Otis and Reggie, who also went to J9's K9s, and one Sunday morning at 11:30 am we were all out on the golf course playing with the dogs when we noticed a huge animal moving. It occurred to me that I was about 20 yards from an adolescent black bear that appeared to be at least 5 feet tall and maybe 150-200 lbs, with three curious Labrador Retrievers off leash who were maybe 10 yards away from the bear. The dogs looked at the bear and started walking towards the bear while the bear stared at us. I remained very calm and did not attempt to run after the boys. I knew it could provoke the dogs to run and/or provoke the Bear and/or his Momma or other cubs. I remembered the recall words. Since I was babysitting I had to use 2 different recall words. I remembered what Becky had said to do to get a dog’s attention in beginner class. Jag took his attention from the curious cub and darted at me, along with Otis and Reggie. They all got plenty of treats, and went home for peanut butter bones.

I have never been so scared in my entire life and I thank God for J9’s K9s, because I know that without the knowledge that Janine, Becky and Ataki have given me, I would have had the instinct to run after the dogs and that reaction could have escalated the situation, and possibly provoked the Momma Bear & cubs to attack.

Thank you J9’s K9’s!!!!

C. P.

I wanted to tell you how glad I am we took the Beginners with J9's K9s. Eily improved by leaps and bounds, I remembered why I liked working with my dogs in a class setting and Becky & Erin were both fantastic!

H. L.

Just wanted to share my excitement about all of the tools you gave me to handle Emily in stressful situations. You should be PROUD!!

Saturday, I took her to the vaccination clinic to get a shot. When I got there, the line was out the door (40-60 minutes). I figured that I would give it a try. If she got agitated or too distracted, I would leave. SHE WAS AWESOME!!! She didn't pull. She didn't bother the cat in the carrying bag, nor the Chihuahua (who is very "temperamental" per Owner). She didn't bother any other dogs and the two that came to sniff her, she ignored. She didn't fuss with the Vet (the last place we went, they tried to trap her and wrap themselves around her so she couldn't move - she pooed on them. Yes, she did!). The Vet petted her and while I was petting her, he gave her her shot. She barely noticed. She didn't bark at anyone or jump. And for being the BEST dog there, she got a new Airdog bone. She loves them.

This was the first time that I had her in a group of other animals (who had OBVIOUSLY not attended any J9's K9s classes and yes I told them all about you). I knew she would definitely get agitated if she felt I was, so I relaxed. The time passed quickly chatting with all of the other pet owners and she was the Queen of the Ball.

Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

Best Regards,

D. S.

Extremely Proud Pet Parent of Miss Emily, the Awesome!!

Riley is doing much better with not biting since our private lesson, and is much more tolerant of being brushed and handled in general. We are very proud!

N. M.

Last night we graduated from the Tricks and Games class; after class was over I was saying goodbye in the parking lot to the lady who owns Dare, the Border Collie and she paid Brandie a very nice compliment that I would like to pass on. She told me she thought Brandie was so well trained, enjoyed watching her and could tell I have put a lot into training her.

You know how much I love the Bully breed and I strive to show the positive side. Thank you for your teaching because I would never be where I am today without you - that was one of the greatest compliments I have received to date.

Over the years, I believe a lot of us “long time” students can forget just how far we have come - I know I do. And the compliment I received reminded me of what a great and wonderful part that you and everyone at J9’s K9s, including the regular and alumni students, play in my girls’ life. Also, the same lady told me that she has never done anything like this with her Border Collie and had so much fun in this class, thanks to you!

Stephanie, again, thanks for a really fun class.

R. B.

Max and I loved the class. I feel we both learned a lot and he has made a ton of progress.

Thanks!

S. S.

Hi Janine - just a note to tell you how much Tina enjoyed her beginning training class and her private session with you! She is doing so much better already - she is slowly but surely starting to pick up some toys and play with them! And is exhibiting a markedly friendlier attitude when encountering new people, I am pleased to report.

Thanks for a wonderful experience!

V. W.

In February 2005, our Golden Retriever Gracie, just a little puppy of 10 weeks old, started her education with the J9s K9s Puppy Head Start Program. We have been enjoying classes together ever since! We just wanted to brag a bit, if we may. Recently we took a trip to the Sierras to let Gracie experience snow for the first time. We took her off leash just to let her play. Now for the bragging part: she heard a dog barking across an ice cold creek with snow banks on either side, and started running right toward it. "Home, Gracie, home!" (her emergency recall word), we yelled. She stopped, turned, and ran back to us! Much better than the freezing consequences. She has also become quite the little "ham". Loves applause (and treats) for any and all the tricks she has learned in class. The "handkerchief thief" always gets lots of smiles.

Thanks to Stephanie and everyone at J9s K9s for showing us so many ways to have fun and learn. You'll be seeing us for years to come!

C.G. & P.G.

I wanted to say thank you for all the positive training, patience, knowledge and fun that you gave to me and Twinkle. We had a great time in the Beginner's and Intermediate Classes and all the tools you gave us really work. Twinkle responds well to your techniques and I am really pleased with the results. Coming to class is a lot of fun and Twinkle loves it! I especially enjoy the fact that the continuous training enforces the dog and owner bonding and interaction that makes for a nice dog.

Sincerely,

C. T.

I wanted to thank you for the really wonderful training sessions - they have been extremely helpful. Not only do we feel more in control and knowledgeable about dealing with him, but Simon's behavior has improved also. It's been a tremendous relief on me and my family because we love him so much!

Thanks again,

L. H.

I really enjoy the classes and they've made a huge difference in Jefferson's behavior. Thank you, Thank you!

M. P.

I just wanted to let you know that Wally's training has helped his dog aggression. Today on our morning jog we turned a corner and ran right into 2 really big dogs. The old Wally would've started a fight and been eaten! The new Wally obeyed me when I turned in the opposite direction and told him to come. Thanks for the great training!

A. W.

You have NO IDEA how much I appreciate the start you gave Toby and me. Six years ago you accurately described him as Feral. Today, he is the dog of my heart. He has proven many times that Cockatiels and Cats CAN be herded.

Thank you for making this relationship possible.

Most Sincerely,

N. P.

Sheila has turned out to be an incredible dog. You would never know she is the same aggressive dog you worked with almost 3 years ago. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of love to get her this far, but thanks to you and J9's K9s she is a great dog. Thanks for having faith in her (and me).

M. S.

I wanted to make sure to email you and tell you how much Linda, Ruby and I enjoyed working with Becky Chadwick. She was absolutely great! With Becky’s help, we are already making wonderful progress with Ruby. We are now regularly walking her on sidewalks bordering busier streets in our neighborhood, and that was only with one lesson!

We really enjoyed Becky’s upbeat and easygoing personality. We never felt like we were “on the clock” nor that services or assistance were being pushed on us. I can’t tell you what a joy it is to work in such a manner.

I am so glad I found your company on the web! I will not hesitate to recommend J9sK9s to anyone looking for good training for their dog or puppy.

Sincerely,

C. L.

We've been wondering how you were lately; you trained our dog when we lived in California, and he's turned out to be such a great animal. His name is Meko, and we graduated from one of your May '02 classes.

He is a Shiba Inu, and I have to tell you that he is the most obedient dog you'll ever meet. We've been able to teach him to hold a bone on his nose, and wait until we give him the "OK" command, as well as a few other little tricks.

Best Regards,

R. J. & N. M.

What an absolute star INDY is! Once so flat, now so enthusiastic, even with me getting confused on course in Rally last night, INDY prevailed a bouncy happy guy.

Now there are results for you, thanks to the Cheerleading we learned in Fun & Games classes!

A. P.

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to update you on Gaucho's progress and thank you all for your help and contribution. Gaucho is now a certified Champion! He finished with a 5 point major in Palm Springs (Best of Winners over 84 Dobermans). He has also earned his Canine Good Citizen Title.

Please let Fran know how much the people at the shows (judges included) have enjoyed Gaucho's tricks. Gaucho has been known to "Sit Up Pretty" and give a "High Five" to the judge after a win. (Of course I was told by all the Doberman people that it was impossible for Dobermans to sit up on their haunches - we proved them wrong!)

Thank you again for all your patience and support in helping me learn how to deal with this EXUBERANT dog.

D. R.

For starters, what a wonderful class, I can't believe how much we learned! Second, thank you for your availability by phone to answer any and all questions. You were very patient.

D. & L. S.

We have an AMAZING story for you!! Okay, we LOVE your class & SWEAR BY your training tools! They WORK!!

Here's what happened: Chris was loading up the truck with camping gear so he propped the front door open. The dogs ran out (without "earning it!" BAD dogs!! hee hee), which is not a huge deal, since our front yard is fenced. Well, turns out there was a HOLE in the fence!!!! Jack ran into the neighbor's yard, and out of Chris' view. Chris tried calling him ("Jack, come!"), and he didn't come. Then Chris thought, "I'll try the emergency recall word, although it's probably too soon, and he won't follow it.” Our word is "venga" (Spanish for "come" - don't ask). He yelled (in a happy voice) "JACK, VENGA!" and low-and-behold...Jack came out of nowhere, RUNNING full speed toward Chris!!! It worked!!! The "command that may save your dog's life someday" as you put it, actually may have SAVED OUR DOG'S LIFE!! Wahoooo! Chris rewarded him with tons of praise & love & even a treat. I just HAD to share that story with you! If only EVERY dog owner went to training...

S. R.

In concurrence with J9’s K9s, Pet Orphans has been working diligently to ensure that behavioral problems are minimized, if not eliminated, in order to "keep rover in the home". Because of the fabulous job J9’s K9s has done on behalf of our doggie orphans, the behavior-related euthanasia rate has decreased by more than 50 %. The canines and humans of Pet Orphans of Southern California profusely thank J9’s K9s for their tireless efforts. We hope that this positive development will endure and that our dogs will continue to prosper.

Tracy Rukenbrod

Manager, Adoptions & Behavior Enrichment Programs

Pet Orphans of Southern California

Since my first beginner's class with Tuk, I knew I had found a 'gem' with regards to the people that make up J9s K9s. Not only are you ALL awesome Teachers, your core is the relationship between our dogs and us. THAT is the missing piece with many other places. That was so apparent, by all the wonderful people we met last night...The care you put into making this a fun and memorable experience was reflected 100 fold. This was SO MUCH FUN!!!! Here's to more educational and fun-filled field trips!!!! After all, dogs just wanna have fun!!!!

R. S.