Island Dog Obedience

This review is for the two week board and train program with Maria which was amazing and life-changing for me and my dog, Clover. Prior to Training: I sought out training for my 8 month old mini goldendoodle because I didn't have good control of him and correcting his behavior. He was biting, chewing, and tearing everything up (the furniture, me, walls, baseboards, even the car seatbelt), he pulled on walks and didn't listen to any commands, nothing could be left out or he would grab it and not give it back. Everything felt like a struggle between us and we didn't seem to have a good relationship. I talked/texted with Maria multiple times and she was super helpful, patient, and provided very clear instructions. She also explained why certain things were done (e.g., kenneling, creating boundaries) which helped me to understand it at a deeper level. We met at her place in Kapolei so she could assess Clover and see how he behaves. She was immediately so good with him. She let me borrow her crate so I could get him used to being in one in preparation for the board and training. He hadn't been in one before so I wasn't sure how it would go, but she showed me how to get him in there and what to do/not do if he fussed. She thoroughly explained the ecollar and let me try it so I would be comfortable with it. Training: It was hard leaving Clover for two weeks but I felt completely confident that Maria was going to take really good care of him. She sent at least one video and picture each day (sometimes more!) of what they did that day. She took him to parks, hikes, beaches, malls, and restaurants. It was amazing to see him walking nicely in the videos, sitting when told even with multiple distractions, listening to whatever she said, and running over to her for hugs and pets. I could see the progress he was making in each video and I loved seeing how she could be strict and firm with him and how he was responding so positively. After Training: Upon picking him up, Maria spent 90 minutes going over everything. She explained everything in-depth and showed me how to do the commands.Clover is still the completely sweet and adorable puppy, but with more control, understanding, and regulation. The change is absolutely incredible. Everything with him is a hundred times easier. He walks nicely, sits when told, waits to go out of the door, drops whatever he has on command, doesn't bite my hands when wiping his paws, and doesn't bite or tear up the furniture and walls. He is more cuddly and affectionate (he was pretty standoffish before). I can leave things out (remotes, clothes, bags) and he ignores them. He hangs out when I'm cooking or watching TV (prior he would never just relax). His behavior is completely different. The training was absolutely worth it. It allows Clover to do more things because I know I can be in control of him and he feels calm and comfortable in new situations. I can't thank Maria and her team enough for everything they did for him and me!

Our fur baby Hercules (a male 6 lbs toy poodle) is the love of our life but he was having some behavioral issues that was causing stress for my husband and I. The main issues we were having with Hercules was his barking at home, his pulling on the leash whenever taking him out for walks and his barking at strangers and other dogs while outdoors. We were desperate to find a professional that could help us with Hercules’ issues and thankfully our prayers were answered when we found the perfect person and that person was Maria at Island Dog Obedience. We signed up for the 2-week Board and Train session with Maria who promised to send us videos, photos and messages to ease our anxiety and to update us on how Hercules was doing. As promised, Maria sent us videos and I couldn’t believe my eyes; 1) was that really our Hercules walking along side Maria instead of pulling her around like he did with us, 2) was that really our Hercules walking by another dog without barking and lunging, 3) was that really our Hercules walking leash free and riding a skateboard at the tennis court (how cool is that). Needless to say, the change in behavior that we were witnessing was truly amazing. Judgement day arrived (the day we picked up Hercules from Maria’s house) and Maria welcomed us into her house where she explained steps we needed to take to maintain the new and improved behaviors instilled in our beloved Hercules. Maria mentored the both of us as we practiced on her lawn outside and headed back indoors once we were comfortable with her instructions where she then patiently answered any additional questions we had. About 3-weeks have passed since we picked up Hercules and I can honestly say that Hercules is doing awesome! Walking Hercules with a “loose leash” and not having him constantly bark at home or at strangers or dogs when we’re outdoors is a joyful experience for my husband and I. Thank you Maria…we are truly grateful for the work you and your team provided for our fur baby Hercules!

We adopted a one-year-old reactive and under-confident Chihuahua mix. We tried a few different training methods ourselves, with only minor progress. We eventually found Island Dog Obedience, and did their board-and-train while we were away on a two week trip. Our goals were to have a dog better trained on the leash, and one we could take to places like restaurants and parks, and feel confident he could chill and not cause a scene. This is a Chihuahua we're talking about here, not a German Shephard. And he was leaving the puppy stage of his life where training seems to get harder, so our expectations were lower than they should have been. Well our expectations were blown away! I was not expecting to come home to dog that not only does all of the above, but is also fully off-leash compliant! We can walk around the park with no leash, stopping to play with other dogs or throw the ball, and I know he'll come back to me with a command, and walk along side me without getting distracted by every little thing. He's also able to chill out on his bed, or any area we designate, and he'll stay there until we release him, without having a constant eye on him or give constant corrections. He'll sit under a restaurant table for example, just chill, and be happy with the occasional pets and fries given to him, instead of constantly begging and pulling to get to other tables. Of course two weeks isn't enough to cement all these behaviors for the rest of his life, and he does try to test his boundaries from time to time. Kristi spent about an hour with us after his board and train, going over all his commands, answering our questions, and letting us practice. So as long as we stay consistent with the training, I'm confident we'll have a dog that is more confident, obedient, and we don't have to leave at home all the time or keep away from other dogs because we can't trust his behavior. This creates a better life for all of us. I feel our dog is now a true companion, and not just a pet.