References

References and Testimonials

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

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.

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

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

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

"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

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

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!

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

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

Happy
Valentines
Day!
Pugs & Kisses

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

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

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!

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

dear friends & family,

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

xo mavis

Hi, Karen,

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.

Sincerely,
Patti

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.

Carla

"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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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!

I made the phone 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!

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

"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:

"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."