Connect K9 Training

Karen, Dean, And Cooper

"Mark gave us solutions that worked."

- Karen Ash

"If you work with it just a little each day, 5 minutes, 10 minutes throughout the day then he is willing to do the things we demand."

-Dean Ash

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Celia and Pasty

"Mark always listened to my priorities and focused on what I wanted to get out of training. I feel completely confident that I can handle any situation that arises now that I have better tools."

-Celia Hanley

Heather and Mango's Story

"These "tricks" all serve a purpose . . ."

Puppy Dog Training Dog Trainer Obedience The Dalles Hood River White Salmon Bingen

What were your main problems before working with Connect K9 Training?

We were providing our puppy with lots of exercise, socialization experiences, training and stimulation, but we felt overwhelmed with the amount of energy she had despite this. Before working with Mark, she lacked impulse control, manners and did not have a consistent recall. We did not know how to manage her and we needed guidance as to how to help her grow and thrive, while also integrating into our family in a way where we could all do the things we needed and wanted to do.

How did those impact your daily life?

Our daily life was completely defined by entertaining her, taking her on long hikes, playing and waiting for her to take a nap before we could get anything done outside of dog care. She would whine in her crate, but also have a hard time settling down outside of the crate. She had no interest in sleeping or being in a dog bed. We had raised other dogs, so we knew what the time commitment would be, but this felt like a whole new level! She was very hyperactive and we needed help in order to make sure she would grow into an awesome family member, while also maintaining our lives in a way where there was more balance.

What benefits have you experienced as a result of using Connect K9 Training's service?

It is hard to quantify the benefits and turn around that we experienced after working with Mark! By learning and implementing all that he taught us and her, she is an absolutely amazing dog! We started to see results after our first session working with him, and it was all consistent improvement after that. Our individual sessions taught us everything we needed to know in order to structure our days and manage her. That was huge! We got balance back immediately. Right away, he taught us learning games to play, how to teach manners, and answered the lists of questions I would show up with. He provided all the guidance and counsel we needed in order for her to grow in all the areas she needed to. The effects on our lives, and hers, were immediate.

As a result, she developed an incredible recall, amazing impulse control, complete calm in the crate (she now LOVES her crate time and puts herself in it!), settles outside the crate, sleeps in a dog bed in our room at night, goes on loose leash walks, off leash hikes and adventures, greets without jumping, and some even refer to her as the "circus dog" because of all the fun tricks she learned that Mark taught us. These "tricks" all serve a purpose outside of just being very cute.

She was also taught how to wait at thresholds, "out a toy", and many, many other practical skills.

Mark helped us raise her to be the awesome dog she is in every compacity! And, he always made it fun and manageable.

What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about using my services?

We were so surprised about how much she enjoyed impulse control games/play, and it's still her preference when it's play time. We were so happy to have such a variety of options to do with her that gave her the mental and physical stimulation she needed while not being overwhelming to us at all. We were also so happy that Mark helped us build such a solid connection with her. Her joy and happiness radiates off of her. She's so trainable, loveable and eager to learn new things. Now, she also has an "off switch" that we all needed! The whole program with Mark was so incredible, and simple. After each session I'd be so excited and look forward to our next one. It was my favorite day of the week, as well as Mango's! She would be SO excited to get to see Mark, that it was the perfect time to practice impulse control! With Mark, we felt as if we worked with a trainer who was as invested in our dog as we were (are)! He was always incredibly responsive, and provided such practical guidance. He also did a few mini board and trains with her, where we knew she was in the best hands ever, and she'd come back with new skills that were incredible for the time she spent with him. We always felt as though he loved her as if she were his own, and that's just the best feeling as a dog owner! His model of: Management, Manners, Play, and Obedience truly works, and it takes all the overwhelm of raising a puppy into a fantastic dog away.

Cherri and Kody

"My golden retriever Kody has always been a handful and I was constantly yelling at him for one thing or another. Every chance he got, he would bolt. He would not kennel, pulled on the leash, jumped on the furniture, and would not recall. I'm so lucky Connect K9 Training was able to help us."

-Cherri Crafton

Toril and Del

"I can’t believe how much Mark was able to accomplish with Del in two weeks! He went from have NO commands (not even his name) to knowing his name, sit, wait, come and more. I’m able to communicate with my dog!"

-Toril Milbrath

Gail and River's Story

The biggest benefit is the ability to have a much more positive, trusting relationship with my pup.

What were your main problems before working with Connect K9 Training?

As River reached his first birthday, he became more unmanageable. We had him pretty trained to walk on the leash and could distract him with treats when another dog approached. However, at about 10 months, when on leash he began to lose his head and would lunge and bark intensely at other dogs. Also, as a puppy we played fetch, but as he got older he stopped bringing the toy back. This made it less fun to play with him. Finally, we were trying to train him for off leash hikes on the trails. He refused to come back when called, which lead to many stressful situations.

How did those impact your daily life?

We began to resent River's disobedience as it became more and more challenging to live the lifestyle we wanted to with River. We tried hard to train him, but it wasn't working. Hikes became stressful and we were beginning to feel hopeless.

What benefits have you experienced as a result of using Connect K9 Training's service?

After training with Mark, River was transformed. He fetches and he will walk by dogs without lunging and barking. We can walk the trails with him off leash, and when needed we can reliably call him and leash him without any fuss or stress.