Doggie Steps Dog Training

Our five year old schnauzers Madoc and Auggie were quite the handful prior to our time with Mark. We had completed some pet store based puppy training classes when they were younger BUT both dogs were anxious, barkers, super "busy", and unfocused. On top of that, on their daily bike rides, both had been attacked several times by dogs. Their anxiety and lack of confidence was heightened around new dogs. We decided it was time to get extra support, especially as our long term goal was also to get them comfortable enough to be around our horse. As you could imagine, we had quite a few goals and lots to work on. We chose private lessons over a 10 week period. Mark's understanding of what the dogs needed and his variety of ways to support us was immediately apparent. He helped us to know what Madoc and Auggie needed, maintained positive training approaches throughout, and worked with us not only in the home, but also out at the park, with other dogs, as well as at the stable with my horse! One of the most important pieces of the puzzle was also learning how the breed impacts a dog's training needs. With this in mind, Mark helped us to learn how to positively influence Madoc and Auggie through their natural tendencies. This, in and of itself, was a major step for us compared to other "generic pet store trainings" that can be cookie cutter in their approaches. We knew that we, and our dogs, were getting the training we needed and an individualized approach. For the owner, Mark's ability to demonstrate and teach is clear, positive, and effective, just as it is with the dogs. He helped us learn to be the owners that Madoc and Auggie needed. Add on a wonderful sense of humor, Mark is undoubtedly passionate about his dog (people training) training and is someone that we would recommend without reservation. We will certainly miss our time working with him but look forward to attending his refresher courses!

I am so glad we chose Mark to help us train our 6 month old lab puppy, Daisy. She is a sweet and fantastic dog, but when it came to walk times....she was a NIGHTMARE! Although she is still relatively small, Daisy would pull like a stallion on walks. I would have rug burn on my hands and sore arms after every jaunt. Not only would she pull, she would also stop constantly to smell exciting things and roll in the grass. Her other favorite walking activity was repeatedly jumping straight up in the air. I tried every kind of halter and gentle leader but nothing worked. Finally, we turned to Doggie Steps. Mark's calm and assertive energy was perfect for our hyper little pup. Seriously, by our third class, Daisy was walking like a champ! Mark gave me the tools to teach her to heel at my side and to sit before crossing the street (or when meeting new dogs). He also gave me all kinds of agility work to do with her at the park to help expend that puppy energy. She can now also lay down or jump up on command. My personal favorite command is "leave it". I can drop anything on the floor and she'll now just sit and stare at it until I tell her to "take it". Amazing! I would highly recommend Mark as a dog trainer. He worked wonders with our little gal in just 5 weeks. You have to be willing to put in the time and do your "homework" that Mark gives you each week. But, if you do, you will not be disappointed with his results.

We purchased a 10 Week old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and he's as cute as cute can be. Our son is allergic to everything so we wanted a medium sized breed that was hypoallergenic. Potty training has been a challenge especially since our sweet puppy, Vincey has separation anxiety. We had a scheduling issue after we had Vincey for 1.5 weeks. We weren't able to be with Vincey all day so we needed to find help. The doggie day care we went to spoke very highly of Mark. After much research we hired Mark to take Vincey for 2 weeks...we decided we wanted to extend it for another week based on his great progress. We were able to come over for a puppy visit anytime we wanted to and we did. Mark takes Zen to an all new level...He's the most calm person I've ever met. He's the dog whisperer of AZ. His sense of calm, kindness and his day to day updates via a txt and pics made the separation easier for us if that's possible. The dogs love their pack leader and you can see how happy they are to be around Mark. It's very apparent the moment we met Mark he is a man who loves dogs and they respond to him in kind. If there was one recommendation I would make to someone about going to Mark...I'd say don't walk you should RUN to Mark. Unfortunately, Vincey has an underdeveloped bladder. So, we're working on the potty training. But, the insight into Vincey from Mark has made it very easy for us. The separation anxiety no longer exists. Mark trained Vincey and he came back with us a well trained and very happy puppy. I love that he has his own personal dogs and our puppy was just another member of the pack. Before we went to Mark, we were going to have other people watch our Vincey if we needed to travel. That's no longer the case...the only person we'll take our Vincey to is Mark. We are customers for life! Thanks for making our lives better for meeting you!

I called Mark upon recommendation from my pet sitter after adopting my new best friend, Micah. Micah is a husky mix who was abused by his original owner. I've always had dogs but having raised them from puppies, I was unfamiliar dealing with a dog who was extremely defensive and hypersensitive due to his former environment. Mark's training was so helpful because he comes into your environment and assists not only with training but provides many recommendations for all things doggie including nutrition, boarding, dog friendly locations, etc. The most important thing Mark instilled in me was CONFIDENCE! Thanks Mark!!!

Our rescue partnered with Mark over a year ago and we couldn't be happier! Mark provides consultations to our adopting families and if they hire him, he puts them on an affordable plan. All of the families I have sent to him all come back with glowing reviews! Mark also comes to our shelter to evaluate dogs and just by watching him and talking him I have learned a lot - not only on how to handle unbalanced rescue dogs but techniques I have applied to my own two dogs as well. If you hire Mark, you will not be disappointed!