Dog Trainers and Behaviorists
 

TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES

 
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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.

AUGUSTINE AND RUBY

4Paws University has changed how we interact, train, and care for our dogs in the most positive way! Our dogs are happier and more balanced because of what we have learned. We are doing our best to reinforce what we have learned in our home or wherever we happen to be with our 2 furry 4-legged kids. We regularly recommend 4Paws University to our friends, family, and even strangers we have met in dog parks or on walks with our dogs.

We continue to be impressed with the level of knowledge and undeniable dog love the 4Paws University team has for all of their students and their leaders.

On one occasion, we saw the need to have an in-home behavior evaluation on one of our dogs and Lisa gave us some great pointers on behavior modification and management.

Thank You 4Paws University Team!

More than satisfied clients,
-Reed and Amy Borchers


 

MCGHEE

We really found your training informative and useful.

McGhee was in the AKC dog show at Cal Expo Saturday and Sunday. He won Best of Breed both Saturday and Sunday.

He was the only dog in the ring who wagged his tail the entire time. The judge loved his personality and mentioned we had a happy dog!!

Thank you!

Kory Ishisaka, Tom Nunes and
McGhee O'dreadnaught (Bullmastiff)

 


BRANDY

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. 4Paws 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 4Paws, 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


MARIAH

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 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


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.  They 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 4Paws, my confidence level has dramatically increased and we can really enjoy our walks now!

-Sandra and Keanu


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

 


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 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)


 

I am very thankful for the referral to 4PawsU. They are wonderful people and are doing miracles with my German shepherd.
- Roger Adair

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

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

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

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).
- Marion

4 Paws 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

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

We can't thank you enough for providing an excellent framework for learning to work and live cooperatively and relatively effortlessly with our our 4 month old German Shepherd Dog, Sophie.  She's a great dog and being able to manage her given her size and willfulness is a great relief to us.

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 will be in touch for future lessons and will highly recommend your services to others in need.
-Mary Lebrato, Rita Crampton, Jane Medlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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


Labrador Retriever Training in SacramentoJACK

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


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.

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


ANU

Anu 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).

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!


 

Sacramento Obedience ClassesJAKE

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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