About Empowered K9 Training
How it all started 

I was born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois (right outside of Chicago). Growing up in the Midwest, provided my family and I with a chance to casually own pet dogs. In my search of adventure and a complete change in my surroundings, I jumped at the chance to work as a bartender in Arizona. It was a great living, and I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people in a social atmosphere. In my 15 years of working in the restaurant industry, I have learned a priceless wealth of knowledge about people, which I would not trade for the world. I have always felt compelled to improve the lives of people I encounter, unbeknownst to me, my career journey within the service industry would allow me to transition and improve not only the lives of people, but also dogs! In my quest to add a friend and more adventure to my life, I purchased a 6 week old female Rottweiler and named her Moka. Prior to owning Moka, I had never encountered a dog with any sort of behavioral issues (thinking back now, they all had behavioral issues, just not Moka size). In short order, Moka completely turned my world violently upside down. Her common daily behaviors included growling, lunging, barking, and biting me whenever she was given the chance or didn't want to do something.

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Before she was 5 months old, she had bitten my face and drawn blood on three separate occasions, on two other occasions she went right for my jugular. I knew her dangerous behavior was escalating, when while on leash, she attacked two full grown male pit bull dogs during our veterinary visit. In another frightening moment, Moka nearly killed my friend’s dog by grabbing him by the neck and shaking him, and finally tossing him against a wall (all this is only part of her unruly story). 

I knew Moka and I needed help and I was absolutely desperate for a resolution. These violent experiences were disconcerting and confusing. Clearly, the next logical step was for Moka and I to seek out dog training. I spent a large amount of money in the Phoenix area taking Moka to several popular dog trainers in an effort to resolve her dangerous behavior. The trainers who agreed to work with us provided absolutely no results and ultimately not only was I a completely dissatisfied customer, I was still living with a badly behaved dog and I absolutely refused to give up on her by rehoming or euthanizing her (which was also suggested).

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I knew in my heart, I needed a straightforward leader. Someone who genuinely felt compelled to improve my life by providing a practical path to resolve the very stressful life Moka and I had been enduring. I scoured the internet, determined to find an answer. I communicated with various professional trainers, then learned how to develop, and maintain a training plan for Moka’s rehabilitation. I recognized my need for more knowledge of canine behavior modification, I attended several dog training seminars and was fortunate enough to work side by side with some of the best dog trainers in the country, which has helped me to enrich my understanding of balanced dog training immensely and to become the successful dog trainer I am today.

In January of 2012, Rotten Rottie Rescue asked me to rehabilitate Jedi, an extremely human aggressive 5 year old Rottweiler. During our intense rehabilitation sessions, Jedi would regularly lunge, growl, snarl at me and bite (this is the very short version of his human issues). Over time, along with a consistent balanced training program, Jedi and I built a solid foundation of leadership and with that a relationship of trust. I officially adopted Jedi in March of 2012. While daily obedience training continues with Jedi, I have found he has an excellent aptitude for working along side me with aggressive and even fearful dogs. (Jedi passed away 5/17)

I am truly fortunate to be able to say I am passionate about my career, and about working with two of the most inspirational dogs I have ever had the pleasure to lead and love. Moka and Jedi are excellent examples of how effective balanced training can not only rehabilitate, but save the lives of dogs as well.

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My career as a dog trainer satisfies my ambition effectively to improve the lives of the people and dogs I encounter daily. I look forward to providing you with an excellent dog training experience and empowering you and your dog(s) to enjoy a balanced, happy and harmonious life together!

Thanks for taking the time to read my story!

Dave
Owner and the only trainer at EK9T