California K9 Solutions of Bay Area

My canine companion is a long-coated male Akita. He’s 135 pounds of muscled guard dog. I got him as a puppy, and he was a force to reckon with from the beginning. He was the biggest puppy in the litter, and I think he knew from a young age that he could throw his weight around. I began training him as soon as I could. I tried several different trainers before going to CaliK9 for private lessons. I had good results, and I was pleased with the progress we made. Then, during a routine examination and vaccine appointment, my (then) vet deemed my young Akita aggressive because he jumped up and growled when she tried to examine him. (He was muzzled; no one was hurt.) She referred my Akita to a behaviorist in San Francisco. Looking back on this now, I realize it was ridiculous. At the time, though, I took a professional’s opinion over my common sense. The behaviorist would stand about 10 feet away and prescribe medicine. She also insisted that I use a harness or flat collar--no slip chain. No CaliK9. After about a year of this nonsense, I fired the behaviorist in San Francisco and went back to CaliK9. We're back on track with our training and making good progress. My Akita isn’t now, nor ever will be, a Golden Retriever. I never expected that. His obedience is good now. He listens to me. And he will lay quietly by my feet when friends come over. We have undergone a complete transformation in a span of roughly six months. I believe there are different training methods that work effectively for many dogs. Use your common sense and do what’s right for your dog. Put in the work. Be willing to try something different if what you’re trying isn’t working. CaliK9 is the place to go to for results. Hamzah is the awesome and fearless trainer I’ve been working with recently. This is my honest, unincentivized feedback. Good luck! Deborah and Tank

Before working with Cali K9 Solutions, we had tried other trainers. Unfortunately, none were able to address our dog’s behavioral challenges effectively. We were at our wits end and ready to give up on training until we learned about Cali K9 Solutions and started working with Hamza. Thanks to Hamza we began to see noticeable improvements within a few weeks. He taught us techniques to enable us to handle our large breed dog (2-1/2 year out of control Rottie) with confidence. We now feel confident that we are on the right path to ensuring our dog leads a happy and well-behaved life. We love Hamza and everyone we meet at the classes all say the same!

Several years ago I brought my young, out of control and aggressive GSD to CaliK9. Within minutes Jas had her under control for the first time in her life. It was then I knew I had the right trainer. Through CaliK9’s unique program, I learned how to effectively communicate with my girl and we became a team. My GSD became a model citizen and we were able to go anywhere, and do anything with confidence. Skipping ahead to the present. We now have a little rescue dog of questionable heritage. With his skittish, fearful behavior, I knew CaliK9 could help us develop good manners, and most importantly, build his much needed confidence. We started a few in-home Zoom classes to learn basic obedience without distractions. We were then ready for the next stage, to meet our wonderful CaliK9 trainer, Hamza. In our first in-person class with Hamza, Tug was quite distressed and with his tail tightly tucked under, he kept trying to hide. Tug ignored all commands and favorite treat rewards. Hamza saw I was struggling with Tug and came over to take control. Within minutes Hamza won Tug over. Tug started listening to commands, taking treat rewards, and his tail was up and happy. We now meet the class in a park setting where the dogs get real life distractions and challenges. I’m thrilled how each class builds Tugs focus to commands, as well as his confidence. Tug is becoming a different dog and I love it. Thank you CaliK9 and Hamza!