Client Reviews & Testimonials
"Dave and Isabela are flat out amazing. From the very first consult with Dave where he perfectly laid out logic and reasoning to their approach, he went into detail on their approach and listened to every goal we had for our puppy. When we finally sent our puppy to training with them we received constant updates via text, pictures and videos. Upon my puppies return home he was a totally different dog in the best way. He knew his commands, was potty trained all while still having his amazing personality. Canine Karma training with Dave and Isabela is the easiest no brainer decision if you’re looking for top quality training while also knowing your dog is in hands of people who genuinely love dogs and love what they do. I will only use Dave and Isabela for my dogs training it was an amazing experience working with them."
Brian S.
"I got a consultation for my puppy Rogers from Isabela. My goal was to have healthy food and supplements so my cute pup is happy, healthy and any of his allergies are taken care of. Isabella listened to my needs, noted everything about Rogers - weight, age, his likings, activity level, ongoing health issues. Then she provided a very detailed diet plan for him, not only with the food I am using, but also the alternatives which would be easy on my wallet and super helpful in bonding with my pet (preparing my own mix). She also provided all needed supplements for his age. And the formula to adjust portions as he grows. I am really happy I found her. She is very responsive, kind and is very very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a good diet for your pup!"
Mugdha K.
"I'm so thankful that I found Isabela! My Great Dane has had terrible gut issues his whole life. He's been on every type of kibble and raw and nothing has worked. Isabela was super thorough in her questions about him and what we've tried and she came up with a very detailed plan of action. She recommended a specific diet and supplements to get his gut back on the right track. She was also quick to respond to my initial inquiry and fast with her follow ups as well. Within 3 days after our call, I had his customized plan. I can't recommend her enough! Oh, and on the paperwork she sent me, there was a picture of a Great Dane that looks like mine. It's the little things :)"
Jessica S.
"What an eye opening and informative experience! I was sad to learn that everything we had been doing for our dog was only adding to his discomfort but I am so excited and relieved that we have now found a solution and he is in the mend. I can’t thank you enough for your time, caring and expertise. 5 stars doesn’t seem enough for all the information I was given!"
Tara Lee B.
"This review is long overdue. I did a nutrition consultation with Isabela in November because I had concerns about my pup who was constantly having the runs/loose stools. My pup was visibly uncomfortable and stressed about her poo. I tried a variety of brands and diets as well as doing my own research to find out how to best feed my dog but I think there are limits to what the average dog owner can find as far as information. There is just too much information out there and every dog has different issues and sensitivities. I had been researching raw diets for quite some time but didn't know where to start or how to start, and was also afraid of the risks. Isabela was so kind and very good at explaining everything. It's clear how much she cares about dogs and about people too - she made great cost-effective suggestions that were practical and thoughtful. She also has great attention to detail. It's been a few months after speaking with Isabela and following her recommendations. My pup no longer suffers from loose stools! She looks so healthy and is now so consistent with her poo it makes my life easier too! As a plus, she has softer fur and even her paws look visibly healthier. We are so happy! I also consulted with David for a possible board and train for my pup, which did not work out due to some unexpected conflicts in my schedule, but he was really funny, realistic, and thorough as well. I will definitely be reaching out to Canine Karma for all my pup's needs in the future."
Yuri
"Highly recommend using Canine Karma Training! Isabela and Dave are both very knowledgeable and took the time to explain and teach me as well as my dog. Even after my first phone consultation with Isabela I learned so much about how to help improve my relationship with my dog. I have a 1 year old Cavaton who stayed with Canine Karma for 3 weeks. I received updates and progress reports throughout his experience and now after having him home for 3 weeks I can confidently say Isabela and Dave worked magic. I was dealing with issues including: basic commands, leash training, stubbornness, fear of objects and chewing/eating furniture and carpet. Since having my dog back I can see a complete difference in my dog's overall confidence, complete understanding of commands, ability to go on walks without pulling and respect towards me. Investing in this program is 100% worth it!!!!"
Annalie R.
"The absolute best!!! It is so infrequent that one’s expectations are surpassed by such profound magnitudes. I gave Canine Karma Training a dog that was eating feces, barking non-stop, chewing shoes, dragging me across my yard, running after dogs, mouthing, destroying furniture, so on and so forth.
They returned to me a dog that was happy, gentle, obedient, relaxed, well-mannered, focused, responsive and quick to follow every command. He was elated in every video shared by Canine Karma Training and It was clear that they bathed him in attention and kindness. I was able to monitor his progress and well-being, as David and Isabela are very generous with their time, keeping you in the loop, constantly communicating and sending footage of your “best friend”.
David and Isabela are some of the most remarkable people I’ve ever encountered and I will be screaming their names from the rooftops to dog owners everywhere.
It’s scary to leave your dog with a trainer. These people are committed, living for the sole purpose of training and caring for your beloved pet with a deep knowledge of animal behavior and a concern for that animal, which will rival your own.
I’m so thankful to Canine Karma Training and look forward to future encounters."
Andrino F.
"I had reach out to Isabela about changing my dogs diet. Nothing was helping her allergies, and I could tell that her joints were hurting her. She has been following her food guidelines now for about two months, and I am noticing a huge difference. She has no hives on her. Also her joints seem to not be bothering her as much. I have reached out to her with extra questions and she so kindly answered them all in a timely matter. I am truly so thankful."
Cayla D.
"Isabela did a diet consult for my 12 year old dog with hypothyroidism and hypertension. Our goals are to improve her all around health and get her enjoying her food more as she’s a super picky eater. Isa was on time for our scheduled call, extremely thorough in her history taking and very pleasant to speak to. She went over every little detail of my dog’s life and had an idea to help with everything. I’m currently in school to become a veterinarian and everything Isabela recommended is science based, accurate and in line with the most current teachings in animal nutrition. I thoroughly appreciate her knowledge and highly recommend her nutrition consult services!"
Carolina R.
"My wife and I adopted a 1.5 year old dog and basically did everything wrong when it came to raising him until we went with Canine Karma.
We signed up for the 4 week board and train option and the dog we got back was a complete 180. Canine karma fought us how to teach our dog, how to treat him as a member of our family, and how to enable him to be the best dog he could be.
This is a never ending process and my wife and I are fully committed to keeping up the training that we learned at CK."
Richard M.
"I had a nutrition consult for my almost nine month old GSD puppy who has had some GI issues. She was very informative and I learned a lot. She provided several options for me and answered all my questions. I highly reccomend her for any help you may need."
Anna W.
"Did a consultation with Isabella for my underweight Doberman. She provided information in a clear and descriptive manner to help us understand what my Doberman’s issues were. This was followed up with a detailed nutrition plan for us to follow. I highly recommend working with Isabella to address any nutrition concerns you may have for your dog."
T.A.
"Almost a month ago now we had a nutritional consult with Isabela regarding our three dogs. We have three extremely different dogs with different needs and areas that we wanted to address, especially our rescue breed. Isabela made sure that not only did she speak with us within a few days of a request (which was during the week of Thanksgiving, to boot), but she ensured we went over everything regarding the dogs health / goals / issues. Our rescue mutt turned out to be quite a conundrum, but Isabela made sure we not only gathered all of his potential supplemental needs, she wanted to be updated as the time went on with some health issues we have been seeing with him.
The knowledge that she has is immense. I have had recipes listed prior with consults, but nothing this in depth and tailored to the dogs genuine needs instead of a blanket idea. She made sure to also give us ideas on where we could source raw feeding, as well, which is something we'd been really struggling with ourselves.
I highly, highly, highly recommend her and her nutritional consultation work with anyone looking to improve their dog's overall health."
Nichole A.
"I’ve waited a while to post a review because I just wanted to ensure that Isabela’s recommendations were going to work for my boxer. Spoiler alert - THEY WORKED!
First of all, I highly recommend a consult with Isabela. She is super knowledgeable and takes your life circumstances into account as well. Pre-consult, I went through a ton of different diets with my dog to sort out his allergies. None worked. I even had booked a consultation with another nutritionist and was terribly disappointed. The other one recommended things as we chatted but never followed up with how to incorporate or a plan for a new regimen. Isabela helped “diagnose” my dog’s issues and work with me to help him. She gave recipes and a detailed plan laying out supplements, when/how to start, amount of food, along with some tricks for my picky eater.
If you’re like me, and have tried everything you can think of with no success, I highly recommend a consult with Isabela as she is more knowledgeable than just asking for recommendations from people on the internet (which I did with no success). I was tired of pulling at straws and thankfully no longer have to!
My boxer was having bad issues with allergies (he was on apoquel or cytopoint constantly). He was also having acid reflux issues (which before my consultation I wasn’t quite sure what to call it). Isabella was quick to point out that he had some acid reflux issues. She also gave recommendations to help with his allergies to get him off cytopoint and apoquel. It’s been a while now on the new diet and supplements she has recommended and his allergies are near gone! Before, I couldn’t take him off the pill or shot because his skin would crawl - it was terrible. But now, he’s off the pill and shot and doing great. His acid reflux flare ups have lessened as well."
S.D.
"I could be here for hours and write a book about these AWESOME people! Isabela and Dave are just amazing. I bought my dog Gino to their board and train program for a 45 day stay. Gino was aggressive towards dogs and he was in charge of me and we had a backwards relationship. ANYWAY, these 45 days changed my life and Gino’s! He completely ignores all dogs now on our walks, he’s not phased by them what so ever. I’m able to take him places and not stress about him reacting. He respects and listens to me and we have the best relationship! I’m grateful everyday that I met Isabela and Dave, they truly know EVERYTHING dog. Also- Gino had a a lot of stomach issues and Isabela is a wonderful nutritionist and knows ALL about dog dieting and Gino has had 0 issues since switching his diet. It is just amazing and I’m very grateful for them both !!!! I highly recommend them for your dog care needs !!! They are truly amazing!!"
Alessia T.
"A little over 2 months ago I had a nutrition consult with Isabela for my Bernese x Aussie puppy I was bringing home later that week. She made the process of learning to feed a balanced raw diet for my puppy so simple and provided me with lots of tips, guides, recipes, and product recommendations. During and after my consult she was incredibly professional, helpful, and showed a genuine care for her clients and work! Over the last couple months my puppy has been thriving and I can’t thank Isabela enough!"
Priya P.
"I did a nutrition consult with Isabela for my Malinois and my working Dutch Shepherd. During the consult Isabela gave me so much information on different diet options and supplements. With all of the information, Isabela also provided very easy to follow guides with instructions on how to implement her recommended supplements to both of my dogs diets. Since starting only a week ago I have already noticed my Malinois has become less itchy and has not been chewing on his paws. I can’t wait to see how much more he will benefit from his new diet change."
Leah B.
"Getting a new puppy is an exciting experience! Learning how to work with and build a relationship with a growing puppy is even more rewarding. I reached out to Canine Karma Training to gain knowledge on the best ways to work with my puppy on obedience, boundaries and most of all our relationship. Having Isabella come to our home and work on training sessions one-on-one was such a perfect fit for us because our puppy was starting to show some resource guarding such as growling on the couch. Isabella helped us establish healthy boundaries that have led to increased confidence and a happier puppy. We learned basic commands, walking manners and how to address unwanted behavior such as grabbing food off the counter. In our working sessions Isabella was very knowledgeable, my puppy loved her, she's an excellent listener and non judgmental as we embarked on this puppy training journey. I KNOW we are prepared with a full kit of different techniques to train our puppy because we worked with Canine Karma Training!"
Alyssa M.
"I cannot thank Isabela enough for the nutrition plans she made for my pack. They ranged from starting a puppy off on the right foot, to excessive shedding/not keeping muscle on well, to hair loss and dandruff. She handed each one of my pets issues with ease and was very efficient at making plans that were simple yet impactful. It has been a bit over a month and I am seeing such improvements in all of my pups after implementing the plans Isabela made!"
Haley H.
"Grateful that my trainer referred me to Isabela. I was struggling trying to figure nutrition for my GS puppy. Isabela was very knowledgeable and took her time making sure I understood exactly what to do. She literally went over every aspect of what I was currently doing and layed out (beautifully I might add) what needs to be done. I look forward to working with her thru all stages of my GSD life. The amount of knowledge and support you have access to by working with her is unreal. Definitely a steal!"
Shina M.
"Isabela was kind, professional and easy to speak with. I feel very comfortable using her knowledge to help my dog attain a healthy weight. I would recommend her service to anyone looking to learn more about canine nutrition. Thanks, Isabela!"
Jamie W.
"Canine Karma Training…where do I even begin? Is 1 million stars possible? Because 5 stars don’t even begin to do do these wonderful people justice. Almost two years ago, I contacted Dave about my young Rottweiler I had just adopted, who, was in serious need of behavioral modification and training- reactive to EVERYTHING, bit my husband, couldn’t focus to save her life, no rules, boundaries or structure- this dog came with a truck load of issues. Being in the middle of a pandemic and several hours away, I knew Dave offered online lessons, so I reached out to see if he could help me help my dog.
From the VERY FIRST consultation conversation on the phone, Dave instilled knowledge in me that literally changed and saved my relationship with not only this new dog, but my other dog as well. That consultation had such an impact on me that I immediately set up our first lesson. After only the first lesson, I had knowledge and tools to set my training journey in motion. I thought I knew how to train dogs- and I did, to a degree, but when you learn about having a TRUE relationship with your dog, that is an absolute game changer. We did several lessons for the first year, as I couldn’t believe the progress my dog was making and was so eager to learn more! Dave has ALWAYS been there to help me with any dog training question I’ve had, and guided me through creating a dream relationship with a dog I initially thought was too much for me. The journey I started, and will continue, with a dog that desperately needed help, has lead me into my own dog training business, and that absolutely wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for my biggest training inspiration…Canine Karma Training. You cannot go wrong with GOOD people like this as your trainers."
Heather A.
"I have been putting off writing this review because it’s difficult to express in words what Dave has not only done for my dogs but how he has influenced me over the years.
Canine Karma Training is one of the first dog training profiles that I followed on social media some 4-5 years ago where his methods and training just made sense to me. This made me want to expand my knowledge beyond just training and learn about canine nutrition, protection work, psychology, etc. I spent about 3 years learning from Dave (among many other trainers) “from a distance” until I finally made the jump to contacting him for 1 on 1 sessions online.
I had no idea how much I didn’t know about training dogs until he guided me through so many new concepts and techniques that influence how I train not only my dogs but my clients dogs as well. (That’s right - I started my own dog training business!) Dave has a passion for dogs that is outmatched and he definitely knows a thing or two!
Not only that but my dog, Remi, is a completely different dog from when I first met her. She went from a fearful dog who would lash out at strangers to my personal service dog who was nearly perfect and completely stable in any situation I threw at her. And I trained her myself, thanks to Dave, which creates a sense of accomplishment for sure!
Thank you Dave for everything and especially for sparking my passion for dog training all those years ago - and you didn’t even know it!"
Sierra E.
"We have been working with Dave for the last 4 months, since we first brought home our Blue Heeler puppy. From Day 1, Dave taught us how to train our dog and shared the knowledge behind what he was doing so we understood why certain tactics worked.
From a rambunctious puppy, to a well-mannered, sweet, lovable 6 month old dog - we owe all our confidence and success in training to Dave. He has been nothing but professional, yet he feels like a friend we have known forever. He is well-educated on the behaviors of dogs and his methods WORK!
We could not be happier in finding him and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer for their dog!"
Lisa B.
"It was incredible to have the opportunity to speak with Isabela at Canine Karma Training! She has given us invaluable advice during our nutrition and diet consultation for our dog Henna!
Isabela has extensive knowledge of dog nutrition and health, creating a perfect foundation for a happy healthy pet. She shared how we can manage many chronic health problems such as mast cell tumors, diverticulitis, overweight, allergies and yeast overgrowth. We were provided digital copies of great raw feeding guides after our meeting which helped provide a summary and further details about everything that was discussed.
The value she provided us was far beyond our expectations and for an extremely reasonable - affordable price. She also very generously offered continued communications and support after our call.
We highly recommend Isabela for any nutritional needs for your pets! Thank you so much Isabela for educating us and helping us to give our fur babies the best lives possible! 🐶"
Annie A.
"There simply are not enough stars to rate Dave & Isabela! I've had dogs and been a dog lover my entire life and I thought I knew everything about dog behavior and obedience training. I was wrong. I simply didn't know what I didn't know. I have been working with Dave since my pit mix, Layla, was a puppy. Over the past couple of years, it was becoming more and more obvious that Layla had some deep behavioral issues, including sporadic aggression towards me, among other things.
I couldn't seem to get a handle on it so we decided to try a board and train to see if Dave and Isabela could build the right foundation that I could then work with when she returned home. I won't lie, I was anxious and apprehensive of leaving my little girl for what seemed like an eternity but there is no one that I would trust more and the results are not only mind-blowing, they are life-changing for both Layla and my family.
Dave and Isabela make an incredible team and their program, if you actually follow it, works. I now know what I wish I knew years ago and my relationship with my pup has grown beyond what I would have imagined. Layla has come from a scared, unhappy, unpredictable dog to a confident, happy and eager to please family member and so have I! I can't thank them enough!"
Susan W.
"If I could give more than 5 stars - I absolutely would!! I cannot recommend Canine Karma Training enough!! Isabela is AMAZING!!! I had 3 sessions with her so far and I’ve learned more about my dog (and myself) than I ever thought I could!! I have seen incredible changes in my dogs behavior and our relationship. We went on our first public walk yesterday and for the first time in 8 years, I was able to walk her without her barking & lunging at other dogs, acting crazy and controlling our walk. Instead, she walked next to me, calm cool and confident! I immediately texted Isabela to let her know (and she responded just as excited as I was!!). If you are looking for a sign to hire an amazing trainer - this is it!! They go above and beyond - Isabela answered every single question I had (there were many), she listened to every concern (without any judgement) and she provided answers with responses that helped me understand my dogs behavior and the reasoning behind it. Again, If you are looking for an amazing trainer - look no further than Canine Karma Training!! 100000% recommend them!! Thank you Isabela for helping Stella and myself build an incredible relationship - it’s only the beginning but the results so far are amazing!!!"
Alex I.
"Dave and Isabella are amazing trainers! I cannot recommend them enough. They are very knowledgeable with everything dog related. I sent my dog Luna for a board and train with them, and they did wonders for her and me. I have learned so much from them and I am also applying that to my puppy. I will forever use their system of training. I am grateful that I was able to find such great people. If you need help they are the ones to contact."
Sabrina L.
"I couldn't have asked for a better trainer!
I have a 5 year old Pitbull, and to be honest I had NO IDEA what I was doing prior to contacting Dave. She never really gave us problems, but recently, prior to me contacting Dave, she developed some behaviors that I was not sure what caused them, and how to fix them. She was super tense around other animals, and would try to jump and nip at people who entered our home, walking was becoming more and more difficult. She would also follow my father around while he was getting ready for work, and then try to bite and nip him upon leaving the house. I thought she was developing aggression and was scared that if it got any worse, we would find ourselves in an unpleasant situation.
After our evaluation, we decided that a 30 day board and train would be the best for her. I prior to her board I had suspicions that she had anxiety (keep in mind clinical anxiety is not common in dogs), which later he was able to confirm. When we met in the beginning, he explain what we should expect from the training and covered some important points, such as "don't be surprised if I identify something that she hasn't presented with at home".
While she was with him, I was receiving updates on regular bases. Those updates consisted of pictures, videos and long explanations of what is going on with her, and what methods he is using to train her. He shared everything in such detail, I never felt worried about her while she was with him.
Once her Board and Train was complete, Dave took the time to teach me how to continue training with her for her results once she is home. Since then, we have hit several MAJOR milestones that I would have never thought were possible before. He has been great at answering any questions and concerns I've had after she came home and I was the one working with her.
My dog came back completely different, and in the best ways possible. Her confidence was WAY up. She no-longer gets tense around other animals. She doesn't jump on people when they walk in the door, she no longer bothers them while they are in our home. She is now able to just relax and "hang-out" without causing issues or making anyone uncomfortable or scared. My father no longer has to trip over her while he is preparing for work, nor gets his shoes nipped as he is walking out.
I'm so happy with the results. I would recommend him to anyone who is experiencing issues with their dog, no matter what the issues are. He is so knowledgable, patient and it is obvious he is extremely PASSIONATE about his craft. 5 starts are not enough to express my happiness with his training and gratitude for what he did for me and my family."
Iva C.
"David is absolutely amazing! I had been researching dog trainers for quite some time, and David's philosophy just made so much sense to me. We have a three-year old French Bulldog, and we felt like we weren't really getting through to him. David has so much knowledge, and taught us how to effectively communicate with our dog. I can tell our Frenchie is more calm, confident, focused, and has so much more respect for me now. David is the ONLY person I would trust to teach me and my dog properly! Round of apaws for David!"
J.K.
"I would give canine karma training 1 million stars if I could! I have followed Isabela and Dave for a while on IG and their dogs always look so happy and engaged. I finally reached out to Isabella after I adopted a new puppy and realized I might be in over my head...and I am so grateful I did! Although I live in a different state, our zoom lessons have exceeded all my expectations!
In our first zoom lesson Isabela provided instruction tailored for this stage in my puppies training, explaining the psychology behind everything which empowered me to apply the training. She answered my million questions so thoughtfully and with explanations based in actual science, and went above and beyond providing support for the training over text. My pup is insecure, and I was nervous about our Christmas vacation because it would be her first time around so many people. I texted Isabela about my worries and she gave me a step-by-step plan on how to turn this into a positive training experience! Christmas could have been a disaster, but using Isabela's instruction, it turned into a great learning opportunity for both me and my puppy. It's only been a couple weeks since we started lessons, but the change in my dog has already been huge and I feel so confident knowing I have a plan and the support of great trainers. Thank you Canine Karma Training!"
Rosie L.
"As a long term follower of David's long before I purchased my GSD, I fell in love with his relationship building methods and knew I would eventually utilize him as a trainer. Being over an hour away and the current pandemic, virtual lessons were perfect for us! In our consultation, David was punctual, professional and ran through a list of questions that would help him better understand how the relationship currently functioned between me and my dog before we got started. David created analogies in the human world that were clear and concise, directly related to how my dog viewed her position in my household.
To end our consult, he told me the relationship I had with my dog was good but needed a bit more structure, with the analogies we had ran through earlier in our consult, everything made perfect sense and we made the necessary changes. Within 2 weeks of consistency, I am receiving more eye contact, less reactivity, and more looking to handler for direction. Theses are all things I would not have fully been able to fully comprehend without David's help. I am looking forward to furthering our knowledge and training with Dave.
All trainers are different, but something that stands out with David, this is his true passion and it shows. You want a coach who pushes you to be your absolute best, one who sits down and challenges both you and your dog. While some might not believe in his methods or approach, I have experienced nothing but professionalism and transparency as well as training plan catered to my specific needs."
"So my dog lucky became reactive after years of having her. It was controlling my life. It was to the point I could not walk her in the daytime because I was afraid something would set her off. My life was controlled by a dog. So I decided it was time to find some help. I contacted a few trainers they basically told me that you can't fix her , you can contain and deal with her. So I did what they said while looking for someone to help me. I finally came across Dave and Isabella after doing a year of research. I looked into them and I came across a post talking about hope. I decided to give them a try I contacted them for a consult they did an evaluation and it was very thorough, he figured out that our relationship was backwards. So we decided on a board and train. They came to get my dog the first time and my dog was very reactive. She was barking and lunging they couldn't safely take her. So he said I could take her now if you want or I could come back after we do a lesson and take her then. He did not have to do this , he could or still took her and wasted 2 weeks getting her to trust them. But he did what was best for me and my dog. I honestly was blown away by this. So me and Isabella did a lesson. Then I had homework. Isabella came back a few days later we took a walk and she was able to take luckys leash. Then they came a few days later and took her. She was there for 30 days and made amazing progress. She is such a better dog , I can control her now. They gave me all the tools to help her. And I have my life back. I actually enjoy my dog now. They also continue to help you with your dog after she comes home. So I can't thank them enough. They are honest and want what's best for you and not willing to waste your money. They are the only dog trainer I would ever go to. They are amazing human beings and were born for this work!"
Deanna M.
"Dave and Isabela are wonderful trainers, and their program has been such a success for our puppy, Chip. Chip is a huge and energetic puppy, and, despite all the books we read and videos we watched, we were struggling with his obedience and separation anxiety. When he came home from his board and train at Canine Karma Training, we were amazed with the unbelievable progress he'd made - he had matured mentally and emotionally, demonstrated self-control, and looked to us for cues rather than doing whatever he wanted. Now we get to enjoy the playful, sweet boy he is but have a great working relationship with clear boundaries, it's a dynamic that's made all of us much happier. Dave and Isabella were so nice throughout the board and train, sending us updates and tips, and their in-person session when they brought Chip home was really thorough and helpful - they set us up with all the tools we needed to keep his training and all his good work going. They're also super helpful if we have any questions about food, products, training techniques, they give us detailed recommendations. We're so grateful to have found them and absolutely recommend their program to anyone looking to improve their dog's behavior!"
Sarah M.
"Dave and Isabela are truly amazing! We sent our 2.5 year old dog Winston to them for a 4-week board-and-train after he started exhibiting extreme leash reactivity towards other dogs. We finally decided to do the board-and-train after finding no success with two other trainers and feeling completely hopeless and overwhelmed by our situation. I was nervous sending him away for a month but Dave and Isabela were so responsive every time we checked in. They sent pictures, videos, explanations, and updates daily about Winston's progress. It was amazing to see how much progress he made so quickly, and was clear that he was engaged and well cared for staying with them in their home. Winston has now been back home with us for 3 weeks and is doing great! His leash reactivity has improved dramatically and our walks feel so much more relaxed. Dave and Isabela have given us a consistent approach to working with Winston so that we feel in control, rather than being controlled by Winston's reactions. Winston's confidence has also soared. His timidness towards new objects has turned into curiosity and he now loves to "place" onto tree trunks, picnic benches, walls, and any other surfaces we find on our walks. Other behaviors like whining for attention, following us around the house, and being unable to settle have completely resolved. Most importantly for us, we have found ongoing support and reassurance from Dave and Isabela that helps us feel confident that we can get through any obstacle with Winston. Even now that Winston is back home, Dave and Isabela are there for us with advice and guidance whenever questions arrive. They are dedicated to their clients and so clearly passionate about what they do. I would recommend Dave and Isabela to anyone and everyone whose dog is struggling with leash reactivity, fear/insecurity, or simply just want their dog to feel more relaxed and confident! We are so thankful we found them!"
Madison H.
"Dave has changed our lives- no joke. We adopted Taylor 2 years ago and brought her into our home with our 2 older dogs. Tay had spent her entire life in a shelter (5+ years) and had very limited social skills with both humans and dogs, in a home setting. Outside, she was fine with our other dogs. Inside? She attacked/reacted to them almost daily, to the point where we had her on a leash inside the house every hour of every day. After 2 days, we knew we needed a trainer. I found Dave on Yelp and decided to contact him. We worked with him for about 6 months and the difference was amazing. Because of Taylor's history, we all felt time was what she needed to truly feel safe and loved. We took what Dave taught us and worked with Taylor for the next year on our own". I text Dave with questions and he always answers, and I text him with updates and progress. It's been about 6 months now that Taylor has been free of the leash in our home and she is doing great. I know 100% we would not be where we are now without Dave. He has helped us learn so much so we could give Taylor the life she deserves. I'm telling you, call him- you will not regret it."
Jen S.
"I wish it were possible to give more than 5 stars, because if anyone deserves them, it's Dave. My little maniac dog, Luna, and I have both benefited dramatically from our Skype and Phone sessions with Dave, and I simply cannot say enough good things about my experience with him. He's incredibly professional, patient, and so kind. Whether you live on Long Island, or have to do skype sessions like I do, give him a call; I promise you and your dog will be happy you did! I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a miracle worked in their dog's life!"
Victoria K.
"Amazing!! What wonderful people! Our American bully Thor couldn’t be walked, he actually did the walking. He came back being the most well behaved pitbull we ever met. He’s known in our neighborhood as the gentle giant. He stops on command and makes eye contact on our walks. He makes our walks so much more fun now! Thank you Dave and Isabella for bringing the best out of our Thor!!"
Jonafe V.
"As a long term follower of David's long before I purchased my GSD, I fell in love with his relationship building methods and knew I would eventually utilize him as a trainer. Being over an hour away and the current pandemic, virtual lessons were perfect for us! In our consultation, David was punctual, professional and ran through a list of questions that would help him better understand how the relationship currently functioned between me and my dog before we got started. David created analogies in the human world that were clear and concise, directly related to how my dog viewed her position in my household.
To end our consult, he told me the relationship I had with my dog was good but needed a bit more structure, with the analogies we had ran through earlier in our consult, everything made perfect sense and we made the necessary changes. Within 2 weeks of consistency, I am receiving more eye contact, less reactivity, and more looking to handler for direction. Theses are all things I would not have fully been able to fully comprehend without David's help. I am looking forward to furthering our knowledge and training with Dave.
All trainers are different, but something that stands out with David, this is his true passion and it shows. You want a coach who pushes you to be your absolute best, one who sits down and challenges both you and your dog. While some might not believe in his methods or approach, I have experienced nothing but professionalism and transparency."
Kristy K.
"Great Trainers! I sent my Boston Terrier Ruby to Dave and Isabella for a board and train. I had previously worked with a trainer and had a negative experience so I was very hesitant about sending her to another. I was so impressed with Dave from the first phone consultation were he asked me 200 questions and wanted to know everything about her. Maybe an exaggeration! Throughout the whole process they were in constant communication with me including videos and pictures. The day Ruby came home they showed me what she learned and explained what I needed to do. Honestly I think Ruby wanted to go home with Isabella she loved her so much. She is such a great dog and our understanding of each other has improved because of their work. I would HIGHLY recommend Canine Karma!"
Donald B.
"Training with Isabela has changed not only my relationship with my dog but my quality of life. I had first contacted her for help on making my dog into a service dog. As someone who suffers from bad social anxiety/PTSD, Isabela has made these sessions extremely comfortable for me and has helped me gain confidence in the ability to train my own service dog. Words can not describe how much she has improved my life by only a few sessions. She is understanding and has a way of making things just make sense. I recommend canine karma to anyone looking to train their dog!"
Samantha P.
"My dog and I love the FaceTime lessons. It’s difficult to find a trainer with good methods, especially where we are located (in another state). His FaceTime lessons are the perfect set-up. Dave has done wonders in helping me to not only continue to build a strong relationship with my dog, but also define boundaries, learn how to correct unwanted behaviors in a fair and consistent manner, and improve his engagement with me. My dog’s engagement has gone through the roof. I took him with me to Lowes a few days ago and he was literally staring so hard at me a lady actually no joke asked me if he was allowed to at least relax and not look at me when we are at home. There were so many distractions and people and he could have cared less about those people. This is a dog that literally thinks everyone is going to pay attention to him and pet him. He was always so into strangers....so this is huge!! I wasn't even asking for the constant engagement the whole time but he was hanging on my every word. I initially felt a little sorry for all the strangers who were so into him and wanted him to come up to them so they could pet him. He wouldn't even look at them. I was so happy with how much he was focused on me. It felt so good to have my dog be all about me.
This isn’t a one off occurrence either. I have had consistent engagement now since we started working with Dave on FaceTime. It’s natural to my dog to now focus on me. I am constantly complimented on how attentive he is with me and how well behaved he is. People have started to ask how they too can have a dog like mine. I never hesitate to recommend Dave at Canine Karma Training. You will get results and your relationship with your dog will be so next level that strangers will be envious. Absolutely recommend!!!"
Melinda L.
"Dave is a great trainer and a patient, gifted teacher who really knows what he's doing. He relates well to both his human and his canine clients. We learned a lot from him, our dog loves him, and we recommend him highly!
Another trainer had told us that our dog Webster was, at 4-1/2 years of age, "the dog we were going to have," nothing could really be done to modify his aggressive, dominant behavior. After only two sessions with Dave, Webster was calmer...and we knew much more about how best to handle him. Now, after six session, we are pleased with the results we see in (smart and trainable!) Webster and we're encouraged and confident in our own new skills as owners.
If you're having any problems or questions with your dog, Dave is the person you should call!"
Debbie J.
Massapequa, NY
"Excellent, Patient, Professional and Very Experienced Dog Trainer.
I would give 24 stars if it was an option. Dave has helped me more times than I can count and is the reason that my dog is an absolute angel. I am a better owner because of all he's taught me. Dave takes the time to really explain why your dog is behaving a certain way, making sure you as the owner understands it completely, and fixes it.
I would VERY highly recommend Dave to any dog owner that is having even the smallest issue."
Danielle P.
Little Ferry, NJ
"Our one year old cockapoo Winston developed some bad behaviors which were getting increasingly worse. He would rip peoples socks off their feet, jump on the dining room table during dinner and was all around becoming increasingly disobedient. Within a few lessons with David, he was a different dog. He now finally responds to us when we give commands without any treats and he is much better behaved around company. David has a profound knowledge and understanding of dog behavior and really took the time to explain to us the reason behind all Winston's bad habits. We really enjoyed working with him and now we can enjoy our dog even more."
Anthony D.
St. James, NY
"David is a great trainer and canine behaviorist. He did great things with me and my German Shepherd dogs. I highly recommend him for any behavior or training needs."
Travis T.
Centerreach, NY
"David Herbert is a wonderful dog trainer. He was very good with my Akita puppy and trained her to be a very well-behaved dog. She was shy to start but he was patient with her and worked hard to help her. She learned all the basic training skills that I needed and pretty quickly too. I also got a lot of great advice when I asked questions or wanted information regarding my dog. I would definitely recommend David to train any dog. He truly understands dogs and is pretty much a dog whisperer."
Rachel H.
Huntington Station, NY
"I called Dave on an issue for my 3 pit bulls in which 2 of them were not getting along. That was 3 months ago and they could not be together at the same time. I had baby gates everywhere, to the point where if Dave didn't do what he has done with them, one of them would have had to find a new home. Since their dramatic progress they now get along beautifully and they are always together, especially the puppy Diesel, and Jasper, which were the 2 that definitely could not be together, are forever laying down next to each other or playing together. He has also trained them for obedience training. Even the 7 year old - who I was told was too old to train and had never had any previous commands - now obeys me beautifully. Words cannot express what his ability with dogs and training has done for my 3 babies, they are sooo much better now, it's like a brand new pack of dogs."
Lenore D.
Shirley, NY
"My father had said to me that my dog Marc had to be given away. He was fed up with his behaviors and he just had to go. The same day I'm driving to work and saw a flyer for Canine Karma. I desperately sent an email! David responded within a day and we set up a consultation. At the consultation Mark would not even let David get near him. He would growl, hide, and show his teeth. Within a few lessons, Marc went from trying to bite David to becoming his star student (I have 3 dogs). Marc let David pet him, touch his mouth, and they would play together. I was so amazed that he was able to get Marc from such a bad behavior to being so well behaved and obedient in such a short time. I really recommend Canine Karma. I had such a great experience and can still feel comfortable to call him for help with my dogs!!"
Leslie Z.
East Northport, NY
"Our 4 year old Beagle/Jack Russell mix, Penny, was giving us a lot of trouble lately. We just had a baby and it caused for a lot of stress when new people would come over to visit. Penny would get so excited (jumping on them and barking...among other things). We had tried many training techniques before and even another professional trainer, but nothing really worked. I decided to give David a call and he got back to me that same day. We set up a consultation and from the moment he walked into our house it was like the dog whisperer had arrived :) After a few sessions, Penny is a different dog thanks to his tips on how to correct her behavior and sensible training techniques. David is very professional and his rates are fair for the amount of time and extensive information he provides. He did recommend a different collar for Penny and really took time to explain how it worked and why it was better than others out there. That alone made a huge difference with our dog! He even spent time finding out what food we were feeding Penny so we could fix another problem. You can tell he loves dogs and is passionate about what he does. We were very pleased with David and the results he brought with Penny. I highly recommend him."
Carina N.
East Northport, NY
"We contacted David to help train our 4 month old Goldendoodle puppies. He was fantastic with the dogs, very caring and seemed to genuinely love what he was doing. The dogs are very well behaved and listen to our commands. David showed us the proper way to train them and gave us pointers which really worked. I have recommended David to others and it was definitely a worth while investment."
Kathy H.
Nesconset, NY
"I normally do not take part in testimonials, however after all David has done for our family and our dog, it is the least I can do. I've grown up with dogs my entire life, and have attended my fair share of classes, and met several different trainers throughout the years, so to say I am a tough critic would be quite an understatement, when I say David is the exception to the rule in several aspects, I truly mean that.
When we adopted our two year old Pit bull, Kaiya in September 2014 I quickly realized that while she is by far one of the friendliest and most loving dogs I have ever met, she lacked an understanding of basic commands and manners, and was displaying some very normal (but not acceptable) puppy behaviors. Unfortunately for my family who had never owned a Pit bull before, Kaiya's lack of training could have potentially been a deal breaker, and ended in us having to re-home her. I knew she would be an exceptional dog if just given the chance, so I was desperate to find a trainer to address our concerns. I spoke with about ten different trainers on Long Island, but for one reason or another none of them seemed to be the right fit for us, I was about to give up when I came across Canine Karma Training on Instagram, and immediately knew I had to contact David. I sent him an e-mail and within an hour he replied to me, he was professional but extremely kind in his e-mail, he reassured me that the concerns we were having, were the type of issues that he was very experienced in dealing with, for the first time since being told Kaiya may have to be re-homed, I felt a huge sense of relief, which for me was priceless. When David arrived for the consultation, he had a very positive energy about him, he was professional, and immediately began bonding with Kaiya. David did the evaluation, assessed Kaiya, educated us on a type of collar that he has found to be beneficial and safe, established goals with us, and created an objective for our work with him, I truly felt confident and reassured after David left. We have been working with David now for three months and Kaiya's progress is phenomenal. Kaiya now has an understanding of basic commands, she has learned manners both on and off her leash, she is no longer displaying puppy behaviors and she thoroughly enjoys each and every time David comes over to work with her, as much as we do. David has formed a bond with Kaiya that is remarkable, and humbling to see, and he is always friendly towards us as well. I think one of the most important pieces to the puzzle when it comes to training, is educating the owners. If the owners aren't well educated then the dog is not going to be successful with his or her training. David has worked tirelessly with our family, constructively but supportively educating us on everything and anything possible so that we can provide Kaiya with the structure she needs. I can honestly say that without David's training, guidance, assistance, and support, I am not sure Kaiya would still be part of our family.
I have never met a trainer that is more compassionate, competent, and in tune with the dogs he works with, as well as their owners, than David, furthermore David is extremely professional, kind, outgoing, engaging, and patient beyond words, it is always a pleasure working with him. David has a remarkable amount of knowledge when it not only comes to training, and behavior, but several other topics such as nutrition, and health, as well. He is constantly willing to share his experiences, education, and thoughts with us all the time, in an effort to provide us with a better understanding of Kaiya and what she needs to be happy and healthy. David uses only the most positive techniques when training Kaiya, and constantly provides her with encouragement, and praise along the way. There are some trainers that train because it is their profession, but not because it is a true passion of theirs, David is not one of those trainers. Whether he is walking Kaiya, working on basic commands with her, or simply just giving her love, you can see the amount of passion and love that David has for what he does, and the special students he works with. There are very few people I trust when it comes to Kaiya, and I am proud to say David is most certainly one of them. We look forward to continue our work with David, and words cannot describe how grateful we are for coming into our lives. David goes above and beyond what his technical job description is, and I truly believe his unique approach to training is what sets him apart from others in his field. I encourage anyone who is looking for a trainer, to reach out to him, I can confidently promise you, you will not be disappointed."
Alanna C.
Hicksville, NY
"Outstanding! Extremely helpful and excellent training for both us and the puppy! I was at my wits end with my 6 month old Border Collie who had basically "taken over" my house! Maggie was barking incessantly, not listening to commands, and running wildly all over the house. Within the first two sessions with Dave, Maggie was a different dog. She learned commands easily and quickly. Dave has really changed our lives. Maggie is happier, listens, and follows commands. Teaching us how to walk her properly was not only good for her, but also for us! I highly recommend Canine Karma, and Dave - he is very knowledgeable, patient and an amazing trainer! Thank you Dave!!! For everything!!"
Christopher C.
Hicksville, NY
"After owning two female Brittanys, we rescued a year-old male which we appropriately named Boomer. He basically lived outdoors most of his young life, had no house manners and wouldn't obey commands other than "sit". He treated our home like his personal playground, and was basically out of control. We were at wits end and decided to call in a pro. After one session with Dave in which he also retrained us, Boomer was a different dog. In following sessions, we worked on the "come" command and walking all three dogs together. All I can say is "life changing". All of my dogs walk so well on a leash now that I have no problem taking them by myself! We had a frightening experience when Boomer bolted out of the front door. I immediately yelled out to him "Boomer come!" he stopped on a dime and ran back to me! Being we live on a fairly busy street, it's very possible that something terrible could've happened. Thank you Dave!"
Lori H.
E. Northport, NY
"To whom it may concern,
I am writing this recommendation letter to share with you the positive training experiences I have had and continue to have with David Herbert. David has been training my two dogs (one being a large mix breed 11 months old – Dixie and the other a 12 week old border collie/lab mix –Bella.) He is a dedicated professional and is truly dog’s best friend. You can just see the love and passion he has working with them. He immediately formed a positive, trusting relationship with both our pups. At first, David came to our house for an extensive interview. He was able to recognize the concerns we had by talking with us at length and spending time with the dogs.
He motivated us to work with the dogs and follow the training plan, and we always look forward to each session. We saw great improvement almost immediately. Dixie now sits, lays-down, stays, comes, and drops whatever is in her mouth at every command. Bella is on her way with sit and down. He shares his enormous knowledge and understanding of dogs, making it easier for us to understand the process and work toward the ultimate goal. David not only taught us what we needed to do to train our pups but he also explained the logic behind the actions with patience and many hands on demonstrations.
David continually emphasizes on a consistent, positive, confident approach and continual training sessions by us 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes. I am exceptionally satisfied with the results. My dogs have responded amazingly and I am certain that David’s ability in teaching both us and the pups are the main reason.
I have recommended David to my friends and my family. He has always been available every time we needed him. I could go on and on but basically if your goal is a well-trained dog/pup and you are committed to the process, I would whole heartily recommend working with David.
Regarding Dixie's fear...
We adopted Dixie at 7 months old from a rescue group who obtained her from down South. Not knowing her history, we noticed she exhibited very anxious behavior while entering any vehicle. At 7 months and 40 plus pounds we were able to pick her up and put her in the truck….this changed rapidly as she grew in size and stature. At this time we realized it was absolutely necessary to find a trainer to work with her for this issue and other behaviors that needed to be addressed.
Trying to get a dog into a truck may not seem like a monumental task, however, not only did Dixie bow down in fear at the sound of a car, she would vehemently pull to try and get away from us while attempting to get her into the truck…..living on Long Island surrounded by beaches it is one of our passions to go 4-wheel driving and having our pups with us.
We tried different avenues such as a dog ramp to coax her into the truck….nothing worked….David worked with Dixie for approximately 20 minutes while showing us techniques to get her in and out of the truck. After this short time, she mastered the skill and her fear of vehicles disappeared. All we have to say now is “Dixie in” while pointing to the truck….and she goes effortlessly.
Because of David’s calm and loving demeanor, along with his teaching style we are now able to take Dixie everywhere. Thanks David for all your hard work!! Our lives are so much better because of everything you do."
Donna K.
Ridge, NY