David Utter Dog Behaviorist Orange County Los Angeles

Found David after an extensive search for a solid behaviortist who specializes in Chows. From the jump, he was responsive, and provided us with guidance and how to deal with our aggressive dog. We took the dog to a 2 week board and train where he laid the fundamentals down to train him. David also without question offers additional time to train and come to him for any questions we may have. His no nonsense direct approach has led my dog to respect me more than ever, and are patiently doing the work to hopefully change his behavior towards dogs and humans. Would recommend to anyone needing help with their dog from leash training to the most extreme cases of dog aggression. Thanks David!

David showed up at our house and within minutes "diagnosed " our Cockapoo's unsavory behavior and gave us a solution within minutes. We have been using this technique with great success. Next session was teaching me how to walk my dog properly in order to have a great experience for both my dog and myself. I honestly disliked walking my dog before David teaching me his methods. Now I love walking my pup! I have a few more sessions with David and look forward to more teaching, coaching and guidance from him. He has a fabulous sense of humor that doesn't hurt!😃

I need to start by saying I normally do not write reviews. I like people to figure out their own view without being swayed! Saying that I had to write this review, because I am absolutely blown away. A little backstory. I have a Chihuahua mix and a two month old puppy was turned over to the fire department. They did not want him. My husband who is a fireman brought him home and we were going to rehome him. We fell in love, but unfortunately our Chihuahua mix older dog did not. He became extremely aggressive, which is completely out of the ordinary for him. Before meeting David, I actually hired another dog trainer, but it was not a good experience. I was very skeptical about hiring somebody else due to the initial experience that I had. I knew I had to hire a behavioralists who understands ANIMALS, but I didn’t realize that David Would exceed all my expectations. David has this energy about him that makes everyone stand at attention. He is one of the most centered people I’ve ever met. He walked in our house and both dogs basically stood at attention. They could feel his energy and knew that he was the true dog whisperer. Within 10 minutes my dogs were changed. The aggression was not at the same level as it was for my family. David taught me two very life-changing techniques. It has been a month now and although my house is not perfect it is livable. I have sent David photos and videos and texted him and he always responded immediately. He really cares about what he does. If you want someone who understands animals and has the presence and comes to your house and gets right to work, you need to hire him. I only had to use him one time and the energy in my house has turned around. My Chihuahua is starting to relax and accept the puppy. I love the fact that DAVID is approachable and will help me whenever I need him. I highly recommend him and I recommend him to everyone that I meet. He is the real deal and knows exactly what to do to curb your dogs behavior. He has changed my Chihuahua and I didn’t think that would be possible. I had such a great experience.

I am a strong believer in working with a dog trainer as every dog has it’s own unique behaviors and personality and nothing could be more true for my two mixed Shepard rescue pups Jax and Nala. I had worked with a trainer within the first year of adopting Jax, about 3 years ago and Nala two years ago however I was having issues that I couldn’t resolve with each so I asked around for trainer recommendations and that’s how we found David Utter. My friend had worked with him when they got their new dog Duke. My first session with David I brought Jax, my male 4 year old Shepard mix. Jax was good with basic commands however on leash he would always revert to pulling. I worked with him for years and every now and then I’d get a good walk with him, most of our walls were not enjoyable as I was constantly correcting him. He also has a high prey drive. If we saw a squirrel or cat he would become so focused he wouldn’t hear anything I said. Taking Jax for a walk was a chore. After one session with David he honed in on these behaviors and taught me a new way to work with Jax. After a few short weeks Jax now walk’s in a perfect heal. He’s focused on me instead of looking for prey. He’s happier on his walks, smiling and relaxed vs before where he was anxious and driven. My whole family is amazed and loves walking Jax now! My second session with David I brought Nala, my two year old Shepard/chow mix. Nala is my nervous and protective female. I quickly found I couldn’t use the same technics with Jax on Nala. Nala reacts to corrections with fear and then any commands I would use were lost on her because of her fear and anxiety. Nala nips and can be protective/aggressive when on leash with people. We’ve had Nala since she was a 8 week old puppy and these behaviors have always been a part of her. David quickly identified this and talked me through how to work with a high strung and nervous dog. It’s completely different than how I work with Jax and everything he explained and demonstrated for me really made sense of what I knew about Nala’s personality. Now I can use Commands like “curb” with Nala where previously I could not get her to respond. Nala is also better on walks and with David’s confirmation on Nala’s behavior, when people as if they can pet her I politely decline as Nala needs to not greet new people this way and that’s ok. Nala is much happier and content. I’m looking forward to another session with David where I bring both dogs at the same time. I can’t recommend David enough! Thank you!

David is such a Godsend! I have a very stubborn alpha Pitbull who my son left with me, untrained. My son said when you’re walking him just let go of the leash if he pulls but I was worried about him running away or biting someone. So, he pulled hard and I didn’t let go and Hennessey dragged me across pavement and left my elbows scarred. I knew I needed help with him. So, I just googled dog trainer aggressive dogs and found David. He readily took Hennessey and trained him. After just one week he had worked a miracle with Hennessey. My dog listens and obeys and now I can take him unleashed to the beach and he comes on command. I can tell him to lay down in his dog bed and he stays even when someone comes to the door. And… no jumping up on visitors.