Building Bonds

I could not be more pleased with my in-home training assessment with Kim. My two small dogs, who are also puppies, are at a critical learning point where I want to be sure they learn good behavior and manners that will stick around. One of them is particularly a challenge because he exhibits some territorial aggression that we want to confront and correct. You think you do things "right" or the best you can, but allowing a different perspective can bring so much insight. When we're so close to a subject, it's easy to become blind to things that might seem obvious to someone else. That someone else was Kim. Within the first 15 minutes, there was a huge realization that I had about my two puppies that I originally had completely wrong. It was a feeling of surprise and it opened my eyes, and it also made me realize that I was likely going about things backwards. We were under the impression that the larger puppy was the dominant more assertive one, but it turned out that it was in fact the smaller puppy who was acting out! That realization alone immediately made a big impact on us and our pups. I appreciated Kim's calm energy, knowledge, and presence -- she made me feel comfortable and empowered me to do more and do better. It is paying off greatly and I would definitely call her again for any training and guidance.

Kim @ Building Bonds is AMAZING and knowledgeable and experienced and patient and non-judgmental!!! She was recommended by another highly-experienced and reputable dog trainer who couldn’t take us on due to an injury. We began our experience feeling hopeless and using a choke chain with our extremely exuberant, rescued German Wired-haired Pointer, Sven. He had been changed to a tree for a large part of his young life and then after rescue, stayed with a loving foster family who worked with him on trust issues, while having the run of a big piece of property in Texas. He was a big, strong, wild guy, and we were super frustrated, because trying to walk him was actually dangerous. She not only helped us with realistic expectations, but she gave us an attitude of “we can do this.” Her knowledge of canine psychology is extensive, and she shared variety of learning materials, tools, games, treats, and most importantly, techniques to help us along the path. Our time with Kim was rich and broke us of some bad and not-so-productive habits. Overall, Sven loves Kim and we are so very grateful to her, for we have a much deeper appreciation and understanding of our canine companion and the process of learning to walk together.

My experience with Kim has been amazing. My new dog Bluto is a gorgeous German Shepherd but a real handful. She has taught me how to control him in a gentle and firm way. Even after the first session I was able to elicit positive responses from him Now I can walk him without fear he will eat my neighbors! She was available by phone when I had an issue. She knows all the tricks of the trade He is a happier calmer dog and I am thrilled. I highly recommend Kim!

Building Bonds has taught me so much when it comes to dog training and I could not be more thankful! I started working with Kim at Building Bonds when I had no hope for my pooch Lucy. I have 3 dogs, 2 of which I do agility with and are pretty well trained. Lucy is well trained too except in the aspect that I could not take her anywhere with a chance of us running into other dogs. She would lunge and bark and whine and in some moments I was worried she would attack. Before I contacted Kim at Building Bonds, I had gone to numerous trainers and tried SO many methods. Once I contacted Kim, she walked me through force free training and it has made all the difference in Lucy. After a few sessions with Kim and keeping up with the homework she gave us, I can honestly say I can now take Lucy on a walk near a dog park even and she will stay calm. No more fear for her, and no more stress for me. Please consider them for any dog training you need as the Building Bonds team really knows what they’re doing and can help you get the relationship with your dog that deserve.