| References
and Testimonials |
Layla is doing great! Her loose leash
training is working wonders. She does not pull anymore. She
is doing well with the treats and other dogs. We can have a
conversation across the street with a neighbor and there dogs
and she will sit and wait for a treat.
Thanks for your help,
Marcella
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My little ones are
doing so well. Peace and harmony are well established in our
home thanks to you.
Love and blessings,
Meg |
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From: Lana O'Brien
Sent: Nov 9, 2009 11:13 AM
Subject: Regarding Mariah
This is just a quick note to let
you know how grateful I am that I took your class.
I practice every day with Mariah on the basics you taught
in class. Today she was barking at the computer door and I
thought the barking dog next
door was barking. So I let her out. Turns out it was a
squirrel that ran across the
yard and up a tree. When I called her to COME she
hesitated a minute and
came right in. If that squirrel ran down the hill I would
have lost her.
Thank you for helping me teach her to come.
Lana |
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You would not believe what a well behaved (well, sometimes...)
young man Einstein has turned into. Hard to believe how far he
has come - thanks for all your help. Look forward to seeing you
in advanced class shortly.
Andrea Luboff |
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Hi Karen,
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Cleo is doing great
and has become the most amazing addition to our family.
We could not imagine how we ever lived without her. She
is just great in all ways. We think of you often and how
you helped train Cleo. Here are a couple of pictures of
our girl. She still only eats food we cook for her but
she is on vitamins and nutrients and although she is at
her maximum weight she carries it like the princess she
is.
Stay well and sometime soon we will show up and you can
see for yourself what a great dog Cleo is.
Stan Mann
(800) 525-2055
MD MFG. Inc.
(818) 674-1966 (mobile)
34970 McMurtrey Ave.
stan@builtinvacuum.com
Bakersfield, CA 93308
www.centralvacuum.com |
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Thanks to Karen's amazing
and successful training, Molly was able to enjoy a snooze
under the table at Quincy's, a cafe in Encino that allows
dogs. This picture was taken at
Saturday lunch hour, probably the busiest time of the
week. Before I started training with Karen, Molly would
have been spinning on her leash and would have probably
knocked over a few tables as well as the waitress if any
other dogs had entered. |
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Dear Karen and Barbara,
Thanks to you, we are the
envy of neighborhood dog owners. They see how nicely our
dogs walk on leash, and respond to our commands if they
start to get rambunctious (usually upon meeting another
dog), and they want to know how we got to this magical
point. Through your methods, we learned how to 'target'
and use treats in a productive way, and I think this has
been the single most important lesson that helps us get
most any behavior we need. The 'girls' aren't perfect,
but they are a heck of a lot better than they were
before your class! I appreciate the personal attention
you give us and every dog in class, I think it really
makes a difference in our ability to get the methods
right. The games and prizes make this sometimes
stressful training more fun, so thank you for that too!
-Denise and Jeff |
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Karen, thanks for
sharing your expertise with us. Bonnie has been very receptive
to my leadership. We have had four walks, including a very long
one that only required 3 treats – just last night.
She obeys the “stay”
command at the door and I have nothing but praise for your
training.
Many, many thanks,
Marjie Wells |
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To: Maggie
Shaw
From: Lisa and Bill Shaw
Dog/Parent Agreement
4.27.07
Dear Maggie,
We
are very glad you are living with us. You are doing a
good job in class.
If
you continue doing well and paying attention we will
take you more and more places.
If
you do not bark at other dogs we will let you visit with
them. If you do bark at other dogs or people we will
give you a squirt of Banaca every time you do it.
We
will continue trying all kinds of different treats to
keep your selection new and appealing.
The
more obedient you are the more freedoms you may have.
We
love you,
Lisa and Bill |
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"I found the
behavior modification and obedience training done by
Karen with My Best Friend Obedience to be outstanding.
The training was done in a way that was fun for both me
and my dog and we both learned. Although we completed
the class some time ago, Karen continues to respond to
my questions and I know she will be available if needed
to help with any issues I have. I would recommend the
behavior modification and obedience training to anyone."
Sue G |
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Thanks to you and to all of our classes with My Best
Friend Obedience, he has become an outstanding therapy
dog. By taking the techniques that I learned from you
and putting in the time and effort, we were able to pass
the Delta Certification test with the highest rating.
Aside from your extensive knowledge and experience in
training, you also have a great instinct as to what will
work best with each dog. When one technique doesn't
work, you're always able to come up with an alternative.
This was particularly evident when we did sessions to
teach Charley new tricks. By the way, he's now counting
and crawling with the best of them.
Thank you for everything. You're terrific.
Ellen, Charley, and Riley |
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Atlas and Kristin,
soul mates and best friends, (forever).
Kristin started
training her dog Atlas with us 10 years ago, he has crossed
over the rainbow bridge. Although we are all saddened by his
passing we feel privileged to have been part of such an
awesome relationship between these two friends! |
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Hi
Karen,
Easter Sunday was the 2nd anniversary of the day we rescued
Ranger and Mollie. Your visits to our house for personalized
training saved our sanity when they were tiny and they loved
going to your obedience classes with the other pups when they
came “of age.” I’ve had lots of dogs in my life that got
more-or-less “trained” eventually but I never new how quick
and easy housebreaking could be till we found you. I never
knew you could get a dog to do anything with rewards (or
eventually clicks) and never needed to punish. I also never
knew about the “wait” command. Ranger and Mollie will wait all
day on a curb or by an open door until we give them the signal
it’s okay to go. Thanks, Karen.
Bob and Nancy Riley |
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Thanks for
the Valentine, and thank you so very much for all of your help
with POLO. He had his operation on January 19th, and appears
to be on the mend, but it is a long process. We have a vet
appointment for an x-ray tomorrow and will keep you up to
date.
Love,
Polo, Steviann and David |
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Happy
Valentines
Day!
Pugs
& Kisses |
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Hey! I hope
you had a wonderful Christmas and new year! Molly was a
big hit with the kids when they came to the door they
didn't
want candy they wanted to pet her. Thanks for helping my me and my mom
when I was in town.
Elizabeth Gonzales Nelson
Animal Control Officer
San Leandro Police Department |
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Ellie is doing great, she is 80lbs of pure muscle. She
still likes to walk a little fast but she is still a
puppy so hopefully that will settle her down, otherwise
she is very well behaved and I thank you for helping us
with her.
Happy Holidays
Michele Birch |
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I hope you and your family are
well. Our baby is now 10.5 months old! That must make your son
over 18 months, I think. You must be having so much fun with
him! Tristan is so happy and fun and just loves Savannah so
much. They are getting along great thanks to your help!
Take care, just wanted to say that we're still
benefiting from the baby proofing work you did with me and
Savannah (Grate
Dane/harlequin) when I was pregnant.
Leslie
Leslie Godwin sent this to me to show off our pre-baby
training with her Great Dane, Savannah. This is what
happens sometimes when one attempts to socialize a dog
with their new human brood! You can’t tell where the
dog begins and Tristan ends!
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Hi
Karen,
Zeus’ friends say “thank you, Karen.” We were having
trouble getting our buddy to sit for this photo before
he trained with you!
Mavis Leahy
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The last 3 weeks have been
so hard, our healthy year old puppy had
deteriorated at such an alarming speed- with no
concrete diagnosis. today I
made the extremely painful & difficult decision to
have Zeus euthanized. we saw the specialist this
morning, she was able to palpitate some new lymph
nodes, and in her opinion, she felt without a
doubt it was lymphoma. the prognosis was extremely
grim, with his being so young and so large a dog-
this is one of the hardest choices
I have ever had to make-but
in my heart I know it was
the right one, he had suffered enough. thank you for
all your wishes and concerns, thank you to all of
you who were helping him to overcome his many
"issues" -you helped make
him a happy boy.
in his very short time with us he stole our hearts-
he will be missed terribly
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This
is Patti Sundstrom. You probably don't remember me, but
that's okay. I was in one of your classes approximately
three years
ago.
I had the dog ABBY a collie, and she's turned out to be
the most wonderful dog, beautiful, well behaved, and such
a loyal companion. Thanks to you and your helpful
training. I must say, I was remiss at times in training
her about getting on the beds and sleeping with my boys...
but that's the worst of her behavior. She loves to cuddle
with my littlest one who is 12 now.
Anyway, your picture was great, and a late but well
deserved THANK YOU for your help in training my dog.
I am well. Thanks.
I also wanted to let you know. Remember my new dog Pelusa
n/k/a Puddles. How she was sooo cat aggressive? Well, you
are a miracle worker. It took a little time but she and my
cats now all live together in harmony. Sometimes even sleep
together. I never thought I would see the day or feel like
I could ever leave them alone together but she has turned
into a big cat lover. Thank you for your help with her.
"Great news! I can't
overemphasize how much me and my dogs are enjoying training through your
group and Barbara."
Michelle Sherman
From:
Tifaniee
To: karen taylor
Subject: Re:
Boarding, coming soon/New Classes!
I just want to thank you and let you know that I have no idea
how but I have trained my dog which
is a Yorkie well...I have no idea
how it happened she dose everything right I guess she knows
use the doggie door to go out when she has to go and things
like roll over, sit, lay
down....she very well behaved....I did
I guess what you told me to do and it
worked...Thanks....
Snoopy is
doing very well. Thanks to your recommendation of Dr Parks we
now have his arthritis under control, the thyroid is under
control, he's lost a lot of weight,
and we're working on his asthma (food allergies are suspected
so he's on a raw diet). He gets complimented wherever he goes
for his good manners. We owe it all to you.
All the
best,
Cate
(see the
graduates section under what’s new)
Cate Bramble & Snoopy
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Thank you Karen. Snow is
doing really well and is well behaved. We owe that to you!
Also Karen, I wanted to invite you to look at our website
www.wethepeoplelosangeles.com We do lots of legal
document preparation including Living Trusts and
incorporation. Check it out and let me know if we
could be of any help to you or anyone you know.
Wishing you the best.
Thanks,
Reza Jadvar |
The
training Brinks received with your organization was fabulous
and I always recommend you. Thanks.
Best Regards,
Courtney
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Thanks, please keep me on your list. I haven't seen you
for a while but Kukla, my Am Staffie, is still the love of
my life ---- yes she does stretch out full length if Paul
dares to take up too much room!! I'm not doing special
training with her now but she learned so well from you and
has been a very well mannered little girl (most of the
time!!)
I just wanted to say Hi, and thank you again for being
such a great friend to the animals.
Love,
Jonne-Marie |
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I just
wanted to let you all know that I had to put my best friend in
the entire world down yesterday. I wanted to give you all a
special Thank You for helping me make Duke the Best Rottweiler, Best Friend
and my the light of my life. We've had so much fun in all of
your classes Through your training and communication I've
learned so much. . It gave me the strength to hold him as he
passed through to the other side.
As
teachers you really add so much to our lives with our
animals. You are very special. I still remember the picture
we took with you when we graduated from your advanced class.
He had a bone in his mouth and I had the certificate.
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Thanks
again for all you do. Through all of your work and dedication,
you taught us so much and I will always have a special place
in my heart for all of you.
Love,
Susan Gonzales and Duke |
“I
am just calling the thank you for all your help with Cruiser
(10 year old lab). We did everything you told us to do and he
is not having any accidents in the house! I did not want him
to go to a new home, but
with kids around there just didn’t
seem like any other way.
Thanks again……” Monique Brown
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Raisin is now
three years old and quite a character. He is handsome
as well and stops people dead in their tracks wanting to
know just what he is. He is well behaved and a pleasure
to own, thanks to you. He still will only let strangers
pet him if I tell him it is okay. I guess that is not
so bad. He does not have an aggressive bone in his body
and is really a big baby, although he likes to bully
Polo who just gives in to him.
Lynne Cloobeck |
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Dear Karen:
Thank you for
helping us all get along. Sometimes being brothers is
hard and we get into arguments and hurt each other.
Things are much better since our Mom and Dad called you,
and we even won a Halloween contest!
Tigger, Shaq and
Dante |
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From
Maureen (and David) Williams
We
have learned how to teach Ringo to follow our commands.
The class was very helpful. We learned a lot and know
that we still need to continue to practice with Ringo.
Thanks for all your help.
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KATIE AND
CHARLA MOORE |
DOG/OWNER AGREEMENT
Dear Katie girl, together we will learn good manners and
commands.
I promise, we will go on long walks, everyday. Our walks
will be so much more enjoyable for both of us when you
don't pull. When you watch me, it tells me you are
paying attention, and that will make me more comfortable
and confident in us. The more comfortable I am about my
being able to control your actions, the more freedom I
will give you. I will let you stop and read all the notes
the other dogs have left, and give you time to write some
notes of your own.
Good manners will make it more enjoyable for our guests.
When you don't jump up on our guest as they come in the
door and you don't try to play with them, unless they ask
you to, they will like coming over and will come more
often. They will also come to dinner more often, if you
don't come and beg at the table. After we have finished
eating, we will reward you, maybe with treats and
play, but always with lots of praise and love.
For having good manners, and obeying my commands, we will
go out more often, to the pet store, out for visits and
more walks. Most importantly, we will go to visit your
cousin, and favorite Yellow Lab, Bailey, as much as
possible.
I promise you, both of us will enjoy our time together
much more, when you trust me to always be there for you
and I trust you to always be there for me.
Your rewards will be: more walks, more trips out, and more
visits to Bailey's house. We will play more and
sometimes, I will give you treats. I will always give you
lots of love and praise.
Love,
Your Mom, Charla
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Karen,
I just wanted to let
you know that Matt, Megan and I are doing good here in Santa
Cruz. I also wanted to let you know that what you taught us
with Megan is always in use. I often find myself passing on one
of your training tips to another dog owner in need. It's kind
of the Karen Taylor Dog Training Ripple Effect! So even though
we haven't gotten to see you in years now, you are still having
an effect on dogs across the country.
Take care and much laughter,
Lisa Benson
"It
is such a comfort to have such a knowledgeable and
competent trainer to refer my clients to!! They
all thank me after they've been working with you,
and I'd like to thank YOU for being there for
them!"
Jamie Lewis, Pet Guardian and Zip a Dee Doo
Dog
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your email. I was enlightened by your message
regarding our patience. I wanted to share that Tizbud has
been doing very well. We owe it to you for helping us
learn how to communicate with our dog, and train him so he
can be an enjoyable pet - and that is exactly what he is.
I am interested in taking the next level of classes and
will look into it after the holidays. Thanks again for
sharing with us.
Happy Holidays,
Shalisa
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Maggie, the
hyper little Westie pup I brought to your classes about
2 years ago, has turned into a fabulous dog. She's
very sweet, and still remembers the commands we learned
in class. "Leave it" really works when
we go for walks. Thought you might like to
see what she looks like all grown up! |
| Take care. We'll
call you if we need some refreshers!
Sincerely,
Karen Stern
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Shirley
Kahn's dog Romeo is now enrolled in our intermediate level
class. Everyone is asked to critique the class at the
end, of course the option is always to do this anonymously but
Shirley decided to share! Here's what she said:
"It's good and goes at a nice pace and your enthusiasm is
really catching. You have made things easy and I never
expected my dog to following my training! Also I like
the way you really explain cause and effect -- what is
happening in the dog's mind when we are doing or not doing the
training correctly. (the written) Homework (assignments
have) really been helpful because it makes one rethink what
has been done in class and your input on the returned homework
is terrific. Thank you for training me.
Thank you Shirley Kahn <rskahn@earthlink.net>
for the comments! We are glad to help!
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My husband Ron & I picked
up our new puppy 7 years ago with anticipation and
happiness. He was a cute, cuddly 5 week old
rottweiler/retriever mix, and had HUGE paws! We knew
he'd grow up to be a big boy. 7 month's later (and
70lbs) after one chewed up pager, one chewed up portable
telephone and several large holes in the ground, we knew
it was time to call a trainer. Sure, we'd taught him
to sit.. but he'd sit for a few moments then go on his
merry way without so much as a by-your-leave!
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calls, one after another, and left many messages, but there was
one person who actually picked up the phone and talked to me;
Karen Reardon Taylor. She was up front and
straight-forward with me, which I truly appreciated. I set
up an appointment with her, and the moment she entered our home,
Sampson did his usual run-around-the-new-person-like-a-crazy-dog
dance. Well, inside of 5 minutes, Karen had him
sitting quietly like a good boy, and Ron & I were sold.
We hired her for 10 sessions of private lessons and worked very
hard with her and the techniques she gave us. It's now 7
years later, and Sampson remains a gentlemen-dog who is a
pleasure to be around, whether it's an infant child, whom he's
so gentle with, or rough-housing with an older adult, and
knowing when to stop. Karen also helped us find a
companion for Sampson, of course we named her Delilah, and Karen
helped us train her as well. Karen's become more than just
a dog trainer we hired, but a friend as well. When Sampson
became ill with Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia, she was there with
us as we fought for Sammy's life. I'm happy to say Sammy's
100% cured and healthy as a horse! |
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I would (and have) recommend her to anyone in need of positive
training for their pet(s).
Thank you!
Anne & Ron Craig and Sampson & Delilah
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"Being
a Veterinarian with my own practice, I spend very
long hours at work. Unfortunately, I don't have a
lot of time to spend on my hobby, breeding and
showing Champion Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is
crucial that my dogs are comfortable and obedient
in the show ring. I'm very happy that I found
Karen & Jeff at 'My Best Friend' dog training.
Since I've had them working with Stella and
Crawford, Crawford has become a show champion and
Stella is on her way! Thanks Karen & Jeff."
Dana
Bleifer, DVM Warner Center Pet Clinic
"Just
wanted to thank Jeff for helping us out with Max
our 9 month old golden last night. A lot of what
he teaches us is so easy to understand! It just
takes him to explain it. So much can be tied into
our experience raising children. (Which we think
we've successfully done so far twice!) I guess
dogs are people too sometimes. Jeff is also good
with the kids. Thank you too to Karen for her
phone dog psychoanalysis! I tried the plastic
bottle stuffed with kibble and peanut butter, it
worked! We plan to attend repeats in March in
Toluca Lake."
Thank
you again! Polly
"Just
a note to thank you and your staff for the past
eight weeks of beginning obedience for my dog
"Chief," who I lovingly refer to as
"Cujo." When Chief first dragged me
into the class, I was covered with fresh wounds
over about 80% of my hands and arms, and holes in
every sweatshirt I own. He had bitten my 6-year-old
son's penis while trying to remove his pajama
bottoms, and had chewed up several beds, blankets
and rugs. I had offered him for lounging purposes.
All this, in spite of my constant vigilance and
diligence in what I thought was "training."
Lucky I found you, Karen, or my son John would
probably be undergoing completion of sex-change
surgery by this time. We sincerely appreciate
your professional approach to training, and the
difference in Chief is remarkable!"
Respectfully,
Margaret Dolin
A letter from Bernie Kopell of
Loveboat:
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"Dear Dog Owner,
OK, I think
it's safe to say that you love your dog or dogs. I,
personally, have had a love affair with dogs since I was a
little boy. I'm a senior citizen now and have a little boy of
my own.
Aside from the
cuddly, "always happy to see you" qualities, we also
have to recognize that our dogs can be destructive, badly
behaved, and nuisances. This is where my friend Karen
Reardon Taylor come in. She is a magician in the very
vital area of obedience with dogs and will easily teach you,
the dog owner, simply and clearly how to make your best friend
an obedient, well mannered part of your family.
Our dogs are a
lot more loveable now that they are responsive to how she
trained us to train them."
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www.berniekopell.com - Bernie Kopell of
Loveboat
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www.kissonline.com - Famous rock group
Kiss
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