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| Here is what just some of our clients have to say. For each of these testimonials, acknowledgement should be made for the hard work and dedication of each of these dog owners who have proved, time and again, that the success of a dog training program is dependent upon the commitment of the owner. |
Kelly Ryan and Lisa Mullinax are exceptionally talented in providing training to both owners and dogs. I recommend them to everyone I meet in my social circle and at dog parks I visit.
- Reed
4PAWS University is the best I've ever known and that says a lot!!!!
- Rob Williams
Kelly started with my dog Shep at four months (he's 21 months now) and I am so glad my husband and I found 4PAWSU, all of the girls and volunteers are so great with animals. 4PAWSU made a difference in our lives completely, this a very good school to have your big, little, puppy or adult dog attend. We did private training and that was great to see my dog change with in a few days!!!!! Number 1 school around for your dogs every need.
- Janell Williams
I am very thankful for the referral to 4PawsU. Kelly, Lisa and the staff are wonderful people and are doing miracles with my German shepherd.
- Roger Adair
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Before we started training at 4 Paws I didn't think I would ever be able to control my dog Brandy. She was easily excitable, distracted and very strong. Kelly is always willing to go the extra step to help each dog and work on their individual training needs. Brandy is still all of those things but after working with Kelly and all of the trainers, I've been taught the skills to have that control of her and am now able to enjoy my dog in all types of environments! I'm always recommending them to everyone I know because they're the best!
-Yvonne & Brandy |
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The owners and staff at 4 Paws are the best! All of their training programs are based on positive feedback and rewards and quick adjustments--no negative or harsh treatment. My dogs are so much better behaved. And their knowledge of canine behavior is extraordinary -- really unparalleled.
- Terry
4 Paws was so instrumental in making our problematic pet into a well adjusted one, I don't know what we would have done without them!
- Rafael
 KEANU Keanu has been with me ever since he was a pup. He is now almost 8. Whenever we would go for our walks, he would be aggressive towards other dogs. Once he started to lunge and bark at them, I would loose total control of him. I knew stop walking him is not an option, so another dog trainer/friend of mine suggested 4Paws University. They showed me how to start from the beginning, taking control of my household. Then Kelly showed me different techniques to use at different possible situations. It took a lot of commitment from Keanu and I. We have made so much progress since day one of our lesson. Keanu responds to me a lot more and we are able to walk around McKinley park without almost any incident, and with loose leash! It is still a work in progress for us, but thanks to Kelly and 4Paws, my confidence level has dramatically increased and we can really enjoy our walks now! -Sandra and Keanu |
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There really is no question, 4 Paws is the best. If you are at all interested in learning how positive reinforcement can influence quality behavior, go to 4 Paws, you will come away with a rich appreciation and increased level of devotion to your dog. "Jake" is the ultimate party boy, however, now he parties with the grace and social manners of a prince. It's pretty nice to be invited to social functions and have "Jake" included on the invitation list. Thank you 4 Paws University!
- Marilyn
My dog might still think she's in charge if it hadn't been for 4Paws and their puppy kindergarten and steps courses. Plus, the trainers are always willing to offer suggestions outside of class. Thank you!
- Gina
 OMAR
My husband and I are both veterinarians. When we got our family dog, there was no question where we would go train him. We have seen our own dog improve tremendously and have had a lot of fun. There have also been many canine patients that have had some remarkable improvements after working with 4 paws. I think that they are great, and I wish that I had had them by my side with previous pets. -Avi |
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4 Paws is fabulous and should be recognized as such. The entire staff is incredibly knowledgeable and the personal one on one training is above and beyond expectation. They attend a number of classes throughout the year to continue their education of dog training, dog behavior and the overall well being of our canine companions. Bravo to 4PawsU, for they truly are the elite in this industry!!!
- Seana
We have a great dog because of all we learned at 4Paws
- Erin & Arnie
Kelly and staff are great. Not only are they very knowledgeable about dog behavior and positive training methods but they are also really nice and fun people. They are also always ready to help with those special needs (difficult dog issues). I have great appreciation and respect for Kelly and staff.
- Marion
Thanks 4Paws for helping me be a good girl for my mom and get lots and lots of ribbons in competition.
- Mini
Kelly came to our home to help us with our Pitbull mixes. Now we have two giant puppies on the road to becoming well mannered canine citizens. My wife and I couldn't be happier thanks to Kelly and her team.
- Andy
First let me apologize for taking so long to write and let you know how much your training with our 4 month old German Shepherd Dog, Sophie, has helped us manage her. Understanding that we are the controllers of the resources in her life and that she is willing to please and learn commands and self control provided we are consistent leaders, and reward for her compliant behavior, made all the difference in the world. Being able to break down the particular behaviors we wanted to encourage into the steps we needed to teach her to accomplish the larger sequence of a task was invaluable.
She is almost a year old now and about 85 pounds and just a great, smart dog. Whenever she acts up we evaluate what messages we have been giving her and how we've dropped the ball in her training. We then make adjustments in our behavior and just as you taught us she comes along without a big struggle.
We can't thank you enough for providing an excellent framework for learning to work and live cooperatively and relatively effortlessly with our new family member. She's a great dog and being able to manage her given her size and willfulness is a great relief to us. We will be in touch for future lessons and will highly recommend your services to others in need.
-Mary Lebrato, Rita Crampton, Jane Medlin |
4 Paws Training was the best thing we ever did for our dogs and ourselves. Their superb knowledge of canines, positive reinforcement and ability to convey in a class like setting sets them apart from other training facilities I have attended.
- Dave
The entire staff is very knowledgeable and can work miracles with dogs.
- Tom and Colleen Clay
You all helped Brace and myself become an enjoyable team and still keep his great spirit. Every dog and owner should experience the great understanding and communication that can bring them so close. The positive training should be used by every dog owner, it works!!!! Try it you'll love it.
- S.Hart
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4Paws University has helped me tremendously with my fearful dog. When we adopted him from the shelter he was too scared to even walk on leash and now he loves going to class and for walks. I highly recommend 4Paws for anyone who wants to develop a positive obedience relationship with their dog.
-Samantha Draper |
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On the advice of friends, we enrolled in 4 Paws Puppy Kindergarten when we first adopted our Great Pyrenees puppy, Coco. The program was both educational and fun for all of us and gave Coco a positive start. We have now returned for Steps training and appreciate the support and patient guidance of the knowledgeable and caring 4 Paws staff .
- Tina and Jim Penna (and Coco!)
This is an excellent school for training your dog. My dog loves to train, and she is much calmer and intellectually stimulated due to the training. I would never own a dog and not go to training, especially when 4Paws is available. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
- Jaime Rohrbach
MARIAH Dear Lisa and Kelly: I want to thank you for the insightful knowledge and excellent one-on-one training you provided for our family. Our great dane, Mariah, had developed fearful behavior that was becoming aggressive. Owning a giant dog is a huge responsibility and my husband and
I were concerned we get the best help possible, immediately, to help us with Mariah before the problem escalated out of control. You both were wonderful! You explained how Mariah was thinking and what her behaviors meant. Then with us understanding her behavior, you taught us how to manage and help her. It was all positive training and confidence building for both Mariah and our family. We now can take Mariah on walks and into previously uncomfortable situations and know how to make them successful and managed encounters. We understand her limitations and how to prevent Mariah feeling a situation is overwhelming. She is more confident and happy and so are we!! Thank you so much! We highly recommend 4Paws University to anyone wishing to get the best training available for their dog! - Linda, Jerry and Mariah Lauermann |
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4PAWS taught my Mom how to teach me to behave, do new tricks, do mobility courses and take me on walks WITHOUT a leash! You are the best. I love coming for a refresher class now and then even if I don't chase the squirrels anymore!
- Skoshi, the Black Pom
We love 4 Paws! The skills and knowledge the instructors share are invaluable. We are looking forward to another well-behaved 4 Paws graduate with our new puppy starting "Kindergarten" soon!
- Thais and Lenin Del Castillo
I once had a crazy dog that couldn't even sit still that I just didn't know how to train. After going to 4 Paws I have a dog that obeys, and love doing it!
- Reed Borchers
4 Paws has so many success stories and they are all well earned. Kelly and staff are fantastic and I recommend them to everyone who has a dog.
- Geri
4 Paws are absolutely the best in dog training the way it should be. The trainers are absolutely committed to "there are no bad dogs, just bad dog parents." This is a very good lesson for all of us.
- Colleen and Tom Clay
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Kelly is an amazing trainer! We really enjoyed our time with her and our doggie misses his teacher! She is very knowledgeable yet very approachable - people and pet friendly!
- Carly
Everyone at 4Paws is helpful and committed to teaching us (dog owners) how to establish and MAINTAIN a positive and humane relationship with our dogs. Plus, their resourceful and educational website is available to all. We always recommend them to every dog owner we know! THANK YOU, 4Paws staff! :-)
- Andrea
4 Paws helped us a lot with our rescue dog Ukiah! Having been long neglected/abused, he was fearful and shy. They gave us lots of useful tips--and were very patient with him (and us!). 4 Paws did wonders for his confidence.
- Arlene
We had fun in the classes and ended up being 2 well trained dogs!
- Cole & Daisy
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 ROCK STAR Rock Star had started exhibiting fear-based aggression and had nipped at someone who tried to pet him. Wendy and her family did a great job of working on the exercises outlined by 4Paws to help Rock Star overcome his fear of strangers. Just wanted to say Thank you for your help w/ Rock Star. He's really doing well and has come a very long way. When the trainer arrived last night he wasn't the least bit afraid of her and didn't even bark at her. He really has come a long way and I appreciate you teaching me how to handle the problems we were having with him. Your company is one that I would use again and would highly recommend to friends and family. Thank you again for everything.
Wendy Burke (and Rock Star) |
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In addition to other classes - ongoing and planned - 4 Paws U provides a comprehensive obedience training program. The obedience classes cover all the traditional obedience skills (such as Heel, Loose leash walking, Sit, Down, Stay, Stand, Leave It, Come .. and more); some handy social skills (such as Go Bed - which I have found extremely useful); and . maybe some party tricks too! The important thing is that 4 Paws U knows how your dog learns. So they can teach you how your dog learns. And .. they (and you) can figure out how to teach your dog anything you want your dog to learn. The learning environment for dogs enrolled at 4 Paws U is positive and rewarding. Handlers learn how to show their dog(s) what they want the dog(s) to do - and how to encourage and reward their dogs when they get it right - which they will . very quickly . using only positive reinforcement rather than negative restraint, force or punishment. This does not mean that dogs get to misbehave. They don't. The programs and classes are well organized. Treats are available for purchase at class. Water is always available for the dogs. Classes start and end on time. The Saturday classes available are particularly helpful for those who work full time. In addition to offering well-organized and effective programs, 4 Paws U is receptive to handler ideas about topics to cover in class. They are aware of and accommodating to individual dog's needs. And they are generally responsive to handler concerns. If this is the kind of program you and your dog are looking for, check out 4 Paws U.
- Eihlin
JACK I really wanted to thank you for all the expert help you gave me a couple of years ago when I trained my yellow lab Jack. There are reasons I am grateful to you every day!
Recently I accepted a job as the dormitory nurse at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jack goes to work with me every day. One week the big kahuna director of all training started coming to my office for some mid day meetings. He asked me who trained Jack and commented several times about how well mannered he is. The day I met the most recent group, a couple of them said their director had told them what a wonderful dog I have. Jack was no longer just another Lab at Guide Dogs!!! First of all, I could have never trained him so well without your excellent classes. Secondly, he might not have the manners he does to have the privilege of coming to work with me every day had I not come to 4Paws with him. Jack is in situations where guide dogs in harness come in to a relatively small office for meetings. All the commands we learned and the off leash work we did at 4Paws have made it possible for me to have him off leash and give him commands when these dogs come in the office. He has always maintained his stay position and knows he also has a job to do.
Jack's fear of other dogs is almost completely gone. I wish I lived there so I could join some Saturday classes again.
The classes you teach are invaluable. My hat is off to you all. Please feel free to use me as a referral or testimony any time. Thank you all so much for your hard work and dedication to training dogs and handlers.
Sincerely,
Donna Catherine Brady and Jack |
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These folks helped us train our huge, strong-willed Great Pyrenees puppy. They knew the breed, knew what to expect, and had the patience to make us all feel successful. Our "puppy" is now 2.5 years old and is a pleasure to be around, thanks to the guidance at 4Paws.
- Bob Pasley
4 Paws helped me with my beagle who barked at every thing and every one. They didn't just address the behavior, but also educated me on what was motivating my dog and what I was doing to perpetuate the situation. If you are committed to changing your situation, 4 Paws is committed to helping you through it. They truly become your partner and an endless amount of information and support.
- Jo
4 Paws makes training easy for my dog and for me! The structure of their program allows us to skip a week and not fall behind and the training methods WORK!
- Lucille
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| EXTRA SPECIAL SUCCESS STORIES |
| The following testimonials are tributes to these dog owners who showed an unwavering committment to their dogs and who never hesitated to give them the time and effort necessary to help their dogs overcome some serious behavior problems. |
 COREY"Corey the Belgian Sheepdog came to live with me through BSCA Rescue two years ago. Corey came from an abusive household where his owner went to jail and left a skeleton-thin dog whose hair was coming out in handfuls. Corey had serious separation anxiety issues, would not let even my mother hold onto him (let alone a friendly stranger!), and knew no obedience.
The trainers helped me to work on his separation and chewing issues, though I did lose a chair, two answering machines, and a computer mouse before we had the chewing under control. Corey now has gained back the weight he lost (20% of his total body weight) and looks forward to class every week (he's at the door waiting every Saturday). He now enjoys obedience and has become a sweet, happy boy.
Thank you guys for being such good trainers. I have learned so much, and we really enjoy the classes."
Dianne Rich
Corey the Belgian Sheepdog
Congratualations to Dianne and Corey for passing the Canine Good Citizen test! |
 HARLEYHarley is a male shepherd, about 4 years old, who was rescued by Colleen. But, Harley was aggressive towards people; he would lunge at them when on walks and had almost bitten a couple of people. Because of his aggression, Colleen consulted with two animal behaviorists. They both recommended he be euthanized. Then she called 4Paws University.
Initially, 4Paws trainers worked privately with Colleen at her home. There was no point during consultations where trainers could actually touch Harley.
4Paws worked consistently with Harley and Colleen for over a year using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques to change Harley's perception of people.
One day, we got an excited phone call from Colleen, who was in Lake Tahoe. She was so excited at how well he was doing. She took him on a walk around the Lake and the leash was loose the entire time. She went to an outdoor pizza parlor and people were walking back and forth and he just stayed laying under the table. “He’s totally where I wanted him to be, I’m so excited about his progress. ... I can’t even believe it. It means a lot to have a pet like he is now. He's so manageable, compared to how he was before.”
Colleen is thrilled with the changes in her boy Harley, “He’s so much where I wanted him to get, and I’m so excited about how he is now. ... I can’t even believe it. It means a lot to have a pet like he is now, so manageable, compared to how he was before.” |
 GRACIEGracie is a 2 year-old border collie who is very shy and a bit tempermental. Gracie and her mom, Linda Tennyson, went to another training school and had an unpleasant experience when Gracie was harshly corrected, which is a real problem for a shy dog. She ended up leaving those classes and came to 4Paws University.
When Gracie first arrived and saw the classes, she panicked. She spent the entire class stretched out at the end of the leash straining toward the car. No one could touch her or go near her.
It was clear that the group class environment was too stressful for Gracie. We started her on a gradual desensitization program, paired with Gracie's favorite toys and games. Periodically, Gracie and Linda would show up at class times and stay to watch puppy class. Eventually, Gracie was able to participate in some of the puppy class sessions.
 But it didn’t stop there for Gracie. Gracie started to relax enough to join the adult classes, although the trainers were still not able to interact with her. Nevertheless, we continued to work on teaching Gracie that the training class was a fun positive experience and all of the trainers and assistants took turns walking by Gracie, tossing treats and walking away.
After a few months of really dedicated work by Linda, we finally had a breakthrough with Gracie ...she let one of our instructors pet her. Within a few weeks, she was not only letting all of us pet her, she was doing everything she could to drag Linda to the training site and was crawling all over the instructors. We then worked on calming some of that positive energy down, but that was a much better issue to be working on!! Gracie graduated from the Step Obedience program, advancing to off leash work and was known for having one of the quickest recalls in class!
Way to go, Gracie and Linda! |
 OSCAR Oscar was the shyest boy in town. When I brought him home from the SPCA 5 years ago, he was frightened of everything, just walking through a doorway was a challenge. I tried other doggie classes and we learned a few things very slowly. Then I discovered 4Paws with great classes and terrific instructors. The trainers recognized Oscar's shy nature and suggested we give Obility a try. After completing 16 weeks of obedience, we went on to Obility. He loves it. Now he literally jumps through hoops, negotiates weave poles, runs through tunnels and so much more. Oscar is still a shy boy and that won't change, but he has more confidence and has learned to trust people and to try new things. Our time with 4Paws has been such a positive experience for Oscar and me. In fact, Oscar has placed 1 st in the last 3 Obility Fun Matches and we will be back to defend our "title"! Many, many thanks to 4Paws. UPDATE: Thanks to 4 Paws, my little man Oscar has earned AKC titles (CGC, RN, RA) and is still going strong! The classes and instructors have been fantastic over the years and I recommend 4 Paws to everyone -Geri and Oscar |
OTHER SUCCESS STORIES! |
| While these dog owners weren't faced with serious behavior problems, they showed a remarkable committment to the training of their dogs, helping them become well-mannered canine citizens! Proving once again that no matter how good the training methods or the dog, success depends upon the committment of the owner. |
 ASHYA Thank you for teaching me to train my puppy. Your wealth of knowledge was very helpful and you did a wonderful job of running the classes, keeping everyone on track and safe. The first weeks of having my puppy was wonderful. He was and is just adorable! But it wasn't long before I was having second thoughts about having gotten him; he was a willful little dog, and getting bigger every day. The training at 4PawsU gave me ways to manage and guide his behavior while building an even stronger bond between us. We are looking forward to his next class at 4PawsU. Thank You!
Deborah and Joshua Frost And Ashya |
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|  GRACIE
"We think
you've done a fantastic job of teaching us how to be responsible
dog owners. We've really enjoyed the Steps program. We're very proud
of Gracie. When I brought her to Lynn's Step 1 class, Gracie was
the least attentive, most wiggly, disruptive dog there. She's come
a really long way.
The structure and organization of your program is
very well thought out. I really like the way you have extra staff
members watching and coaching in Steps 2 & 3. That seemed like
a crucial time to get the occasional individual attention because
we had so much to learn.
We've
appreciated interacting with all of the staff and the helpful hints
you've given us along the way. Another thing I think that makes
4Paws so effective is the fact that Kelly and Angie are different,
yet your approaches fit so well together. Great stuff.
We recommend 4Paws any chance we get. And we're looking forward
to completing the remaining 12 weeks with our boy Jack. Thanks,
MJ & Scott " Congratulations
to MJ and Gracie for recently passing the Canine Good Citizen Test! |
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 ANUAnu is a graduate
of 4Paws University. At the age of one Anu took second place
in the pre-novice obedience trial at the Northern California Leonberger
Club Christmas Classic show held in Colusa, California on December
6 & 7, 2003. On January 24, 2004 Anu passed the AKC Canine Good
Citizen test (CGC), administered by Kelly Ryan of 4Paws. Anu is also
currently attending carting seminars given by the Newfoundland Club
of Northern California. Her beginning class was held on January
18, 2004. On
February 8, 2004, Anu attended the intermediate level carting seminar
and after only fifteen minutes into the class she was moved to the
advanced carting class. By the end of the day Anu had completed what
was described by the carting instructors as a very difficult course,
off leash and with no lures. Doing commands such as: pull, slow, stop,
left, right, wait, and back up.  Anu shows
extreme enthusiasm for carting. We are so proud of our girl! We
contribute a lot of Anu's successes to the excellent training she
has received from 4Paws. Thanks to everyone
at 4Paws. Mike & Elaine
Beckham
Congratulations to Anu and the Beckhams for passing the Canine Good Citizen test! |
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 JAKE
I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of the staff at 4Paws University!!
My only regret is that I did not know about your school when I first fell in love with my party boy "JAKE". However, that being said, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the classes and the respect and appreciation I have for all of you (even though right and left
sometimes got a bit confusing on a Saturday MORNING).
Your commitment and dedication toward healthy and positive relationships between people and their 4-legged friends is admirable and I thank you. Your trainers have given me the tools and understanding to work with Jake and in doing so, I've come to love him and his wild side even more. We're not perfect, Einstein and Clio will always serve as the mentors, however, we sure have fun together. Dana, Jake is still checking the
girls out looking for treat bags and cool laps.
Take care, stay cool and I wish all of you success and the very best!
Sincerely,
Marilyn Cundiff |
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Desie
Desie is a 4Paws Step Obedience graduate who just competed in her first agility trial! Here's the note from her mom:
Hi Everyone
This note is a report from the weekends activities. Desie entered Performance Dogs In Action's first DOCNA Agility Trials. This was the first official agility she has done.
Kevin Lamb was running Desie for me as I can't run with a broken foot. Together they were able to secure 5 Qualifying times, 4 first places, 3 second places, and 1 4th. There are a couple of other scores that were not posted when we left last night at 4 pm. It was HOT and dusty but we did have a great time. I'm really proud of Desie she behaved like a lady until the last 2 runs.
Marilyn Holland
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