Alpha K-9 Obedience

We can’t speak highly enough of Michael with Alpha K9 Obedience. He is an animal behaviorist, so it’s a different experience that a dog trainer. We noticed a significant difference with our puppy just after one visit with Michael. And each visit after that we continued to make huge improvements. This is our first puppy, and Michael made the training process much more manageable. He also gave us the tools necessary continue to work with our puppy on our own. Don’t hesitate, give Michael a call and make the investment. You won’t regret it!!!

I’ve owned dogs all my life and I have never met an animal expert like Michael. I’ve no problem getting dogs to sit and stay, or learn tricks. My dogs were leash-trained and good with kids. I didn’t think there were any major problems. But when our youngest female started fighting with a new rescue pup in the extended family, we went looking for answers. I was unprepared for how much I had to learn. Alpha K9 helped our family make accessible, repeatable, and sometimes instant changes in dog behavior. Working with Michael we learn to change what your dogs think the rules are at home and outside. I learned how our everyday lives and our habitual routines can give our four-legged friends mixed signals and create unease; more importantly, I learned that some of the things that we’re most compelled to do in moments of stress are making behavior problems worse. The results achieved with Michael’s guidance over the past year inspired our family to recommended him to family and friends. Without exception, he has earned the approval of each of the dogs and owners in our little community. Everything from ending anxiety in a shy guy to helping two young females to get along, we achieved more than we thought possible. If you say to yourself “I love my dog, except when he/she [goes through the trash, eats poop, steals my socks, etc]...” then I strongly encourage you to seek Michael’s help. If you are frustrated with a habit or routine with your pet, and you’ve tried everything, anything, or nothing... he can help make a happier home for all involved. Thanks for your help, Michael! We’re all very grateful.

I can't thank Michael enough and am so glad that my google search led us to him! 8 months ago, my 5 year old dog Gisele was off leash with a few other dogs when she spotted someone off in the distance, charged at and bit a man on the leg. This was not the first time she had displayed aggressive, protective, or territorial behavior, (which had only occured in or near our house) but it was the most random and uncalled for. The police were called and she was cited for being a "vicious" dog and I was given a court date. I was absolutely a wreck and just shocked my sweet girl was capable of hurting someone like that. I should also mention that I share ownership of Gisele with my ex so we switch off with her every couple of weeks. I couldn't understand why she was behaving this way with me and not really with him. The lady handling Gisele's case asked me to have her evaluated by a dog behaviorist and that's when I found Michael. He explained that Gisele wasn't seeing me as a leader, so she was taking the role on herself. A few years ago, Gisele started displaying aggression towards people coming in our house, especially when other dogs would bark. So I used a trainer which essenitally was like putting a bandaid on her issues. I saw him twice. He asked me why I wouldn't just give my dog to my ex and told me to use a babygate to block her from the front door. My exerience between that trainer and Michael who's a behaviorist were completely different. After reading reviews and speaking to Michael, he stressed that my ex and I had to both be involved and on the same page for this to work. We came together for the sake of our dog and Michael was able to teach us both to become calm, confident leaders. Gisele's always been timid since we rescued her as a puppy, but I never would have thought her fears would progress into aggression. I've learned how to read my dogs cues, what her body language means, essential commands, and to properly correct her. My learning experience for the past 5 months with Michael has been so insightful and I can't recommend him enough. Rehabilitating aggression out of a dog is a process and requires persistant practice to shape the desired behavioral response but it's possible and so incredibly rewarding when your efforts pay off. Gisele is responsive to commands, and so much calmer now. It's amazing how fast dogs learn when they respect you as their Alpha and that's what Michael teaches you to become. It's by far the best money I've ever invested as being a dog owner and wish I knew about him years ago.

We are a family of 3 dogs. 2 are rescues and 1 is a Bernese Mountain Dog which joined our family as a puppy. As "Rosie" grew she became fearful and had a tendency to push the other dogs and myself around with her weight (#95). Her barking at strangers began to take on a menacing sound that I didn't like and I was worried she might bite someone out of fear. I looked around for trainers to try and find someone who would help me develop the leadership qualities I know I needed. I did not want to use treats, clickers, etc. I wanted the dogs to listen to me out of respect. I'm not a very dominant personality, so I was getting nowhere on my own. While I was searching for the right trainer, my other dog (boxer mix) decided he wanted to chase my neighbor while he was on horseback (not good!) and also chase our own horses. I now needed someone to come to my house and help with 2 dogs. I found Michael and he had the philosophy I was looking for. He uses techniques that utilize a dog's instincts and how their brains work, not how we, as humans think they work. His methods are not harsh or mean, which is important because these are my babies! The dogs have completely different personalities and he adjusts the training to meet each dog's needs and also my "not dominant" nature. I recommend Michael highly. We are seeing changes and successes already and I am confident we will accomplish all our goals for the dogs and myself.

Our experience with Michael has been excellent. Michael has worked with us for the last six months and has been invaluable in helping us effectively communicate, train and be viewed as a leader by Bruno, our rather large and stubborn Alaskan Malamute. Michael is always available via phone and is very responsive. Michael taught us how to lead so Bruno learned his place in our pack. We have peace in our household and a happier Bruno. We highly recommend his services.