Testimonials
VOTED BEST OF GILBERT AZ DOG TRAINING 2020 2021 2022 2023!
The Empowered K9 Training Experience
(These are just a few experiences, visit my Facebook page for more!)
Jake
Having tried the rest, we found the BEST! After 10 weeks with another trainer, our dog became her poster child for Bad Dogs and deemed untrainable. Then we found Dave of EK9T, different trainer, different philosophies and most of all, hope for both of us. So what's so different about Empowered K9T? Dave is so dedicated and works one on one with your dog and with you as handler. This isn't assembly line training. Dave works with a small number of dogs at a time, making sure your dog gets his focused attention and evaluation and then puts it all together in a plan that works. We recently returned with our second dog. After a Board and Train we are now focusing on the plan that Dave has designed for us and are progressing to make this dog the best version of himself. All future dogs we own, from pups to rescues, will go to him. He truly is The BEST! ~ Sue R, Payson AZ
Zeus
Our son needed a service dog so Zeus joined our family. We did an assessment and started his basic training. Due to his extreme fearfulness he did not respond to the positive training techniques or treats. Based on this he could wash out of the program. Luckily a friend of ours had been posting videos of their dog in Dave's board and train. We contacted him as a last resort to see if he could help. From the first phone call he was encouraging, but honest about the difficulty of a fearful dog. Right after the drop-off Zeus pooped and peed in his house....not a great start! Within 2 days (with the help of Moka) Zeus was starting to trust Dave, learn discipline and rules. Dave even took him out in public to work on his fearfulness of strangers. The training was completely catered to Zeus' needs. Fast forward 6 months and Zeus has passed two levels of his service dog training and spends his days with my husband in a Jr High School. We are so completely grateful we called Dave, who after a 3 week foundation was able to teach us how to work with Zeus to build his confidence and be the best dog he can be. ~ Dale and Amber S, Gilbert
Finnegan
I found Dave purely by chance when one of my friends "liked" the Empowered K9 Training page. Truly life changing!! My Corgi mix, Finnegan, was totally out of control. He was a nightmare to walk, pulling, growling, lunging at everyone/thing he saw. It had gotten so out of control that he was now growling at people in my home. I was terrified that, if we didn't get help, he would eventually bite someone. I had already talked to 2 different trainers and one had even come to my home. Something just wasn't right about them. But once I checked out Dave's fb page and his website and watched lots of his videos, I knew I had to call him! From that first call I felt at ease. Dave explained his story. He was once in my position with his own dog. His personal experience led him to this field. And we're all so fortunate!! Dave gets it, he's been there. Finnegan was behaving the way I had taught him to. He wasn't aggressive, he was fearful. I hadn't assumed the leadership role with him, I taught him and enforced every bad behavior and, as a result, Finn was stressed out and anxious all the time. Dave assured me that we could create a new normal. And that's exactly what he did! Dave laid the foundation so that I could be the owner that Finn needs. Finnegan has been home for just over a month and the changes are nothing short of a miracle! I LOVE walking him now. I no longer have to walk him at 3:30 am and late night hoping and praying that we wouldn't encounter anyone. We walk calmly and proudly in the light of day. I cried the first time I walked him! A total 180 transformation. I've even had a neighbor ask me if Finn is drugged because he's so calm!! Dave walked me through the entire process. He makes himself available to you before, during and after the board and train for questions, concerns and reassurance. I can't imagine that you would find his level of dedication anywhere else. His honestly and integrity are bar none. If you're even reading this review you NEED Dave and Empowered K9. Call him now!! I'm even sending my "well behaved" dog, Penny, to Dave. Since Finn is now a rock star I clearly see Penny's issues. Funny to think that I thought she was the good one! Hire Empowered K9...change your dog, become a leader, change your life! ~ Kathy, Gilbert
Zeena
Zeena's owner had previously sent her to a 6 week board and train and didn't get the results she was looking for, Here's what her owner had to say after a 2 week board and train at EK9!
Wow, Just wow. I don't know what Dave from Empowered K9 Training did with my dog, but he swapped her out for another one. I dropped off a dog that hated kids, was difficult to walk, and was... absolutely never going to be off-leash. Saturday I picked up a dog that looks a lot like her, but this one is amazing! We just walked to get the mail and she was BRILLIANT! She stuck by my left leg like Velcro while we walked through the park, next to 2 kids and their Mom, and she didn't even care. I put her in a "down" (out of sight of the kids) and walked about 30 yards down the sidewalk while she stayed there and waited for the "Here" command. I don't know what Dave did with Zeena, but I'm in love with this new dog! Thanks, Dave! ~ Lynn, Gilbert
Wow, Just wow. I don't know what Dave from Empowered K9 Training did with my dog, but he swapped her out for another one. I dropped off a dog that hated kids, was difficult to walk, and was... absolutely never going to be off-leash. Saturday I picked up a dog that looks a lot like her, but this one is amazing! We just walked to get the mail and she was BRILLIANT! She stuck by my left leg like Velcro while we walked through the park, next to 2 kids and their Mom, and she didn't even care. I put her in a "down" (out of sight of the kids) and walked about 30 yards down the sidewalk while she stayed there and waited for the "Here" command. I don't know what Dave did with Zeena, but I'm in love with this new dog! Thanks, Dave! ~ Lynn, Gilbert
Ada and Gracie
If it had not been for Dave and his training techniques, I don't know where i would be with my girls. 140 lbs of Newfoundland and 100 lbs of Rottweilter out of control, can easily walk me. Tearing around my house with no stop button, fighing in the living room with no regards for my yelling at them. Dave has taught us all how to live a much calmer, happier life. The place command and daily walks have turned my girls into well behaved, happy, well disciplined pets. Boundries, structure and discipline - that's what we live by now - oh and play time !!! (not in the living room). Thanks for all you have done for us Dave! ~ Linda, Gilbert
Daisy and Gus
Dave changed our world!
We have been life long dog owners who were always fortunate enough to have well balanced, social dogs until Gus and Daisy came into our lives. Gus is a 110lb Cane Corso and Daisy is a 60lb red nose pit bull, both rescues. Gus looks like a Roman war Dog and he is one ominous looking specimen. I had a neighbor pick up their 75lb lab and run back into their house once they were so scared. I have owned 2 Rotties and a Doberman and never had behavior issues like the ones below.
Pre Empowered K9:
-Terrified anyone walking by the house who had a dog.
-Terrified anyone who had a dog that was unfortunate enough to
encounter our beasts when we walked them
- Dragged my wife off the street and scared the heck out of a family behind a 6 foot wall.
- Red Zone behavior in the back yard
- Door Bell Bonkers
- Counter Surfing
- Taking over furniture as their own
- 24/7/365 Turned on, Alert, ready to terrify.
Post Empowered K9:
- No more back yard reactive behavior
- No more lunging or terrifying behavior on walks when other dogs are close
- No reaction to doorbell
- My wife can walk them now
- Crates, dog beds only
- Banned from going behind Island in Kitchen
- We now have an off switch for both of them
- Rules, Structure, Boundaries!
We put in the work and took Dave's training seriously. Rules, Structure and Boundaries. Change the state of mind and change the behavior. I thought it was just marketing but two weeks of board and train was the best thing we ever did. We now are complemented on how well our dogs are behaved. We now have these skills for the rest of our lives.
Our dogs are not perfect by any means, but we continue to reinforce the desired behavior and they continue to become the best dogs that they can be.
If your dog(s) are controlling your life, call Dave, it was worth every penny.
Dave, Thank YOU! ~ Jack Morris, Mesa
We have been life long dog owners who were always fortunate enough to have well balanced, social dogs until Gus and Daisy came into our lives. Gus is a 110lb Cane Corso and Daisy is a 60lb red nose pit bull, both rescues. Gus looks like a Roman war Dog and he is one ominous looking specimen. I had a neighbor pick up their 75lb lab and run back into their house once they were so scared. I have owned 2 Rotties and a Doberman and never had behavior issues like the ones below.
Pre Empowered K9:
-Terrified anyone walking by the house who had a dog.
-Terrified anyone who had a dog that was unfortunate enough to
encounter our beasts when we walked them
- Dragged my wife off the street and scared the heck out of a family behind a 6 foot wall.
- Red Zone behavior in the back yard
- Door Bell Bonkers
- Counter Surfing
- Taking over furniture as their own
- 24/7/365 Turned on, Alert, ready to terrify.
Post Empowered K9:
- No more back yard reactive behavior
- No more lunging or terrifying behavior on walks when other dogs are close
- No reaction to doorbell
- My wife can walk them now
- Crates, dog beds only
- Banned from going behind Island in Kitchen
- We now have an off switch for both of them
- Rules, Structure, Boundaries!
We put in the work and took Dave's training seriously. Rules, Structure and Boundaries. Change the state of mind and change the behavior. I thought it was just marketing but two weeks of board and train was the best thing we ever did. We now are complemented on how well our dogs are behaved. We now have these skills for the rest of our lives.
Our dogs are not perfect by any means, but we continue to reinforce the desired behavior and they continue to become the best dogs that they can be.
If your dog(s) are controlling your life, call Dave, it was worth every penny.
Dave, Thank YOU! ~ Jack Morris, Mesa
Max
Dave is the man!
After going through FOUR different trainers from Petsmart to a Buddhist trainer (don't ask) and who knows how much money, I finally found Dave. Max, my Akita, was male dog aggressive. I did the first two programs with Dave and the results were near instant. I would recommend Empowered K9 to anyone who wants the best for their animal. I will definitely be continuing on to the ecollar training. ~ Phil, Mesa
After going through FOUR different trainers from Petsmart to a Buddhist trainer (don't ask) and who knows how much money, I finally found Dave. Max, my Akita, was male dog aggressive. I did the first two programs with Dave and the results were near instant. I would recommend Empowered K9 to anyone who wants the best for their animal. I will definitely be continuing on to the ecollar training. ~ Phil, Mesa
Daisy and Diesel
Dave- you truly are a miracle worker!!! You have changed our lives in such a positive way and we cannot express our gratitude enough for everything you have done for us! Diesel and Daisy are doing fantastic and our friends and family can't believe their eyes at the amazing transformation!!! EK9 training rocks!!! You are so good at what you do and truly have a gift that few dog trainers have! The type of help that so many pet owners desperately need is hard to find these days. Don't waste another minute if you're frustrated / stressed out with your dog(s) and call Dave!!! After reading several books and trying everything under the sun, we continued to struggle daily with our misbehaved dogs. It's absolutely amazing that everything that used to drive us crazy has completely stopped. It's as if our dogs have been trained from puppyhood to be the wonderful dogs they are today. You would never know that Diesel spent the first 11 years of his life calling the shots with very little to no supervision... And Miss Daisy isn't at all the blood thirsty pit bull everyone thought she was. Daisy is so calm and sweet she is a wonderful representation of the most misunderstood breed in our country! The calm energy that thrives throughout our home is incredible. It truly has impacted all areas of our life in a positive way and we owe it all to EK9 training!
We hope you know how much you impact the lives of those you choose to work with! Not only do we have a much better relationship with our dogs we also became good friends with you throughout the process. You are the BEST! With all the things someone can choose to do for a living you have chosen to better the lives of misunderstood dogs and bring balance into people's lives and homes. God bless you Dave and keep Empowering K9's and owners to be the very best we can be!!! ~ Brittany Andrus, Chandler
We hope you know how much you impact the lives of those you choose to work with! Not only do we have a much better relationship with our dogs we also became good friends with you throughout the process. You are the BEST! With all the things someone can choose to do for a living you have chosen to better the lives of misunderstood dogs and bring balance into people's lives and homes. God bless you Dave and keep Empowering K9's and owners to be the very best we can be!!! ~ Brittany Andrus, Chandler
Jessi
I want to thank Dave for helping us with our Springer Spaniel, Jessi. She went for a 2-week Board & Train with EK9 and our household has been so calm and peaceful since she returned. Prior to Dave’s help, our house was far from peaceful, it was full of chaos and craziness. I seriously can’t thank you enough. If we ever get a new dog in the future, he/she’s going straight to EK9! ~ Erin Kelley-Bezozo
Jackson
Dave has rehabbed my male Rottweiler prior to me adopting him and then came over to the house to introduce him to our female Rott. We've had him back to teach me the prong collar and proper walking techniques. Our walks and house dynamic are awesome. Calm and structured. I am fostering a Rott and was having some problems with his anxiety and behavior in the house. Dave came over worked with him and I and our Foster boy is now calm and listening to instruction. I walk three Rotts at a time (I'm 110 lbs!!) and people stop me on the street asking how I got my dogs to behave so well! I started carrying Dave's business cards on my walks! I think everyone with a dog with any annoying issues up to major behavior issues should contact Dave so you can enjoy your dog at all levels. ~ Karen, Mesa
Daphne and Chloe
What a transformation!!!! We own 2 dogs - a 3 year old F Pit bull and 6 year old F Aussie shepherd mix. We recently moved and with our new neighborhood came new and BAD behaviors. Barking was out of control, listening was out of the question and walks were a struggle - with the pulling I was practically skiing down the cement. One incident finally broke my nerves and we called Dave. With just one session our girls were walking at our side and energy levels were more than controlled, they are angles! People gawk at how well behaved a pit bull can be :)
Meet and greets have also always been a struggle with our Pit - she is a very high energy yet anxious dog which always presented as aggression with new K9 friends. Dave welcomed us to his home and worked on introductions with his Rotties - their working and teaching nature and Dave's expertise proved a greeting could be calm and controlled without a gritting of teeth. I was so pleased with the performance of my Chloe and feel ready for any new adventure - none of which I would have felt comfortable trying on my own.
Dave and his pack are excellent and a great asset to the dog owner community. His knowledge and caring character can help with ANY situation and prepare you for the unexpected. I recommend him to everyone in need of behavioral changes or basic training - he is amazing, you won't be disappointed! ~ Stephanie N, Tempe
Meet and greets have also always been a struggle with our Pit - she is a very high energy yet anxious dog which always presented as aggression with new K9 friends. Dave welcomed us to his home and worked on introductions with his Rotties - their working and teaching nature and Dave's expertise proved a greeting could be calm and controlled without a gritting of teeth. I was so pleased with the performance of my Chloe and feel ready for any new adventure - none of which I would have felt comfortable trying on my own.
Dave and his pack are excellent and a great asset to the dog owner community. His knowledge and caring character can help with ANY situation and prepare you for the unexpected. I recommend him to everyone in need of behavioral changes or basic training - he is amazing, you won't be disappointed! ~ Stephanie N, Tempe
Paparottie, Bane, Champ and Cami
Thinking back to a few months ago, we were bringing food and ice to this male Rottweiler on someone’s property that was caged up and when we would approach him he would run and hide, he would hide behind this board and he would growl and never come out. A few weeks later he was rescued, it was one of the most heart breaking moments watching a wild three-year-old dog put up a fight thinking that humans are only there to harm him. This dog was pure wild, never had human contact for over three years including ever seeing a vet, didn’t know what a leash or collar was, didn’t know what the inside of a house was, or what it was like to be given fresh water and food daily.
If it weren’t for Dave (Empowered K9), PapaRottie wouldn’t be laying here next me as a type this. I met Dave thru fostering thru Rotten Rottie Rescue, I knew that I wanted to help PapaRottie but how, I am from a positive training background, and have worked and mentored with a lot of positive trainers. This is something completely out of my comfort zone. Dave’s hard work, dedication and drive has changed not
only PR’s life but my own. Dave has given me not only the right tools (prong and remote collars) but all the
knowledge to open my eyes into a new world of dog training. Dave spent days in 110 plus degree weather, just teaching PR what a leash was. This was just the start of PR’s intense two week rehab, not only did Dave have to teach PR was a leash/collar was, but to trust humans, basic commands, and to give him the confidence to be a dog. Within that two weeks of rehab, PR was trained to walk on leash, sit, down, place, crate trained, be bathed, and was introduced to living inside of house, no less with three other dogs.
One of the days during PR rehab, Dave worked with my boys, Bane and Champ with “Place” and seeing how that changed my dogs; I knew I wanted to do more for my dogs. I started with the Walk Doctor Program with Champ, he was leash aggressive towards other dogs and needed some help on the walk. Champ changed in less then ten minutes with the help from Moka and Jedi (Dave’s four legged assistances). I knew Champ was/is capable of anything, and I knew I wanted to start remote collar training. Now I have never seen a happier Champ! He is doing amazing!! He even can walk around the neighborhood with me, with no leash just his remote collar, if necessary. Dave has taught me, I can change my dog, but I have to change myself to be come a better owner to my boys. Dave set out a plan and if you stick to it all, your dog can truly be the dog you’ve always wished for! Without Dave my dogs would be the crazy unruly dogs that use to control the house. I still have two more boys to remote train, but I know that they are capable of doing anything! PapaRottie, could still be in the hell hole he lived in, and not laying in place next to me, if it wasn’t for Dave and all his dedication to helping him, and giving me the tools to help him become the dog he deserves to be. Now I have three amazing boys in my pack who live a balanced life. Thank you for this life changing experience!! ~ Stacey, Karen, Champ, Bane, Cami, and your biggest fan PapaRottie, Phoenix
If it weren’t for Dave (Empowered K9), PapaRottie wouldn’t be laying here next me as a type this. I met Dave thru fostering thru Rotten Rottie Rescue, I knew that I wanted to help PapaRottie but how, I am from a positive training background, and have worked and mentored with a lot of positive trainers. This is something completely out of my comfort zone. Dave’s hard work, dedication and drive has changed not
only PR’s life but my own. Dave has given me not only the right tools (prong and remote collars) but all the
knowledge to open my eyes into a new world of dog training. Dave spent days in 110 plus degree weather, just teaching PR what a leash was. This was just the start of PR’s intense two week rehab, not only did Dave have to teach PR was a leash/collar was, but to trust humans, basic commands, and to give him the confidence to be a dog. Within that two weeks of rehab, PR was trained to walk on leash, sit, down, place, crate trained, be bathed, and was introduced to living inside of house, no less with three other dogs.
One of the days during PR rehab, Dave worked with my boys, Bane and Champ with “Place” and seeing how that changed my dogs; I knew I wanted to do more for my dogs. I started with the Walk Doctor Program with Champ, he was leash aggressive towards other dogs and needed some help on the walk. Champ changed in less then ten minutes with the help from Moka and Jedi (Dave’s four legged assistances). I knew Champ was/is capable of anything, and I knew I wanted to start remote collar training. Now I have never seen a happier Champ! He is doing amazing!! He even can walk around the neighborhood with me, with no leash just his remote collar, if necessary. Dave has taught me, I can change my dog, but I have to change myself to be come a better owner to my boys. Dave set out a plan and if you stick to it all, your dog can truly be the dog you’ve always wished for! Without Dave my dogs would be the crazy unruly dogs that use to control the house. I still have two more boys to remote train, but I know that they are capable of doing anything! PapaRottie, could still be in the hell hole he lived in, and not laying in place next to me, if it wasn’t for Dave and all his dedication to helping him, and giving me the tools to help him become the dog he deserves to be. Now I have three amazing boys in my pack who live a balanced life. Thank you for this life changing experience!! ~ Stacey, Karen, Champ, Bane, Cami, and your biggest fan PapaRottie, Phoenix
Tao
Dave has made a significant difference in Tao's world as a calm dog and our world as calm owners. He has never once met us. His impact on a friend's pack started our dialogue. His philosophy, his theory and his ability to share and transfer... knowledge are strong enough to cross distance. He explained clearly, listened to questions and feedback, understood our commitment to be a breed ambassador with a responsible, calm dog. The combination of techniques has yielded a dog frequently complimented on his manners though still learning, and owners that get to take their dog lots of places. All without the constant people-tricks of clickers and bags of treats. This is a calm, disciplined approach that lets Tao live up to his name being about mindful presence. All without compromising his natural drives. He is becoming more and more consistent on and off leash. It would be our privilege to work with Dave in a one on one environment if we lived closer and believe Tao would be coming along even quicker but we are delighted with the relationship and obedience results using this philosophy. ~ LM Clark, Oklahoma
Sierra and Titan
Nine years ago our dog bit my then 15-month old daughter on the face pretty severely. We rehomed her and were scared about ever getting another dog again. About a year ago our kids, now 10 and 8 started asking relentlessly for a dog. Since I grew up with 5 different German Shepherds and my husband had had 3 GSDs of his own we thought long and hard then decided to try again. We adopted 2 8-week old GSD puppies (brother and sister).
As my husband and I educated ourselves we realized we gave our first dog lots of love but never any rules, boundaries, or structure. What a mistake! We probably could have prevented the bite. From the minute our new puppies walked in the door we realized that this time needed to be different. We found Dave and Empowered K9 through friends who had adopted their Rottie through Rotten Rottie Rescue. We saw what Dave was able to do with their year old rescue and didn't hesitate to call him up.
Dave was very responsive and spoke to me at length about what we wanted to accomplish. I poured through his website and watched all the free videos he has posted. I didn't know anything about balanced training and he was passionate about explaining the benefits. The fact that he has personal experience and success with his own two dogs, who have past aggression issues, was a huge selling point. But the clincher - he LOVES what he does. He gave us some basics to work on with the pups until they had all their shots and could start the full program. The easy work we did with them in the first few weeks set the stage. We've now had our first two sessions with Dave and I am seeing amazing results with our pups who are now just 4 months old. They walk nicely by our side, we can enjoy both play time and calm time with them using the techniques Dave taught us and we are establishing a lifestyle with our puppies that we can already see will allow us to include them fully in our life, and the puppies are having fun in the process.
Raising two puppies at the same time can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I don't want to think about how much harder it would be if we hadn't found Dave. He is the best investment we've made in years. Dave has no idea how integral he's been in putting the trauma and fear that bite created behind me. I finally believe that I can enjoy being a dog owner again! If you have ANY issue with your dog that makes your life stressful, call Dave. And if you're planning on getting a puppy, start early, skip PetSmart and call Dave! You'll never regret it! ~ Kim, Mesa
As my husband and I educated ourselves we realized we gave our first dog lots of love but never any rules, boundaries, or structure. What a mistake! We probably could have prevented the bite. From the minute our new puppies walked in the door we realized that this time needed to be different. We found Dave and Empowered K9 through friends who had adopted their Rottie through Rotten Rottie Rescue. We saw what Dave was able to do with their year old rescue and didn't hesitate to call him up.
Dave was very responsive and spoke to me at length about what we wanted to accomplish. I poured through his website and watched all the free videos he has posted. I didn't know anything about balanced training and he was passionate about explaining the benefits. The fact that he has personal experience and success with his own two dogs, who have past aggression issues, was a huge selling point. But the clincher - he LOVES what he does. He gave us some basics to work on with the pups until they had all their shots and could start the full program. The easy work we did with them in the first few weeks set the stage. We've now had our first two sessions with Dave and I am seeing amazing results with our pups who are now just 4 months old. They walk nicely by our side, we can enjoy both play time and calm time with them using the techniques Dave taught us and we are establishing a lifestyle with our puppies that we can already see will allow us to include them fully in our life, and the puppies are having fun in the process.
Raising two puppies at the same time can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I don't want to think about how much harder it would be if we hadn't found Dave. He is the best investment we've made in years. Dave has no idea how integral he's been in putting the trauma and fear that bite created behind me. I finally believe that I can enjoy being a dog owner again! If you have ANY issue with your dog that makes your life stressful, call Dave. And if you're planning on getting a puppy, start early, skip PetSmart and call Dave! You'll never regret it! ~ Kim, Mesa
Nikita
I contacted Empowered K9 in the hopes I could get help with my 4 year old German Shepherd, Nikita. While she is a super sweet dog to me, when guests came over she would bark and lunge, making them very uncomfortable, and it was very embarrassing. How could my sweet puppy be so aggressive? When I met Dave, I was impressed with how passionate he was about my dog, and he was truly excited to work with her. Dave explained that her problems were due to lack of boundaries and structure, which caused her to be anxious, not necessarily aggressive and mean. It was interesting to me because besides the greeting issue, Nikita had no other issues that bothered me, and I had thought (keyword “thought”) she was pretty well trained. Dave showed me that although certain things didn’t bother me, to Nikita it was lack of structure (sitting on the couch, demanding play/attention). This was eye opening to me because not only did Dave address the issue of guests in the house, but he got to the root of the problem, so we could change Nikita’s mind set. With lots of hard work utilizing the prong collar (which wasn’t as scary as I had thought), treadmill and e-collar with Dave’s method, the result is a dog with a calm mindset who can walk off leash and doesn’t stray, recalls with distractions, can find her way out of the pool (he taught me to show her how to swim) if she falls in, stays calm inside and outside of the house, and yes, a dog that is calm when guests come over! She now lays in her “place” in her calm state of mind until I release her to mingle. She is now a great hostess!! I highly recommend Dave for the most severe issues, and also for the dog owners who feel the issues are more of an annoyance. He is super passionate and excited to help you and your dog be successful! ~ Jessie Keating, Gilbert
Gator, Lolli And Graham
I cannot say enough good things about Dave Caramico and Empowered K9! We hired him to help us with our foster pit bull, Graham. At his first (and only) adoption event, Graham completely shocked us by suddenly turning into a terror on his leash, lunging and snarling and acting crazy at all of the other dogs. At home he was fine but after that day he was horrible on a leash. What's worse is that my own dog started to pick up his leash behavior. I dreaded our daily walks. At best they pulled constantly to they point that my entire body was in pain. At worst they would both lunge and snarl at other dogs they saw while walking. I researched several trainers and decided to give Dave a try even though I was apprehensive about the prong collar. But I quickly became a convert when I saw how fast Graham's behavior changed on the leash. I was also surprised by how gentle Dave's techniques were and how easy they were to learn. Within just an hour Graham was calm and relaxed while walking. My own dog responded positively too. Now my partner and I take all 5 of our dogs on daily walks all together. Our walks are actually enjoyable now and our neighbors no longer look at us as though we are the scourge of the neighborhood. We are also working on the 'place' command in the house and can easily hold 4 dogs in a place command for up to an hour. The skills Dave has taught us are literally life saving because since we are able to have greater control over our dogs we are able to open our home to other fosters that would otherwise be put down. And although we hired Dave to help us resolve Graham's issues and make him more adoptable, in working with him we've seen what a great dog he is and we have decided to keep him! We are so thankful to Dave for helping us with our own dogs and our fosters. We would recommend him to anyone with issues or anyone just looking to get a bit more peace with their dogs. Before Dave, I was struggling to stay positive and had lost hope that our Graham would ever find a home of his own. Thanks to Dave, I do truly feel empowered and we've become the kind of dog owners our Graham deserves to call his forever. ~ Beth, Mesa
Dillion
We have had 5 Rotties in the past 12 years. All have been couch potatoes for the most part, except for the one male we adopted several weeks ago. Dillion is a smart, high drive male Rottie that's just too smart for his own good and much higher drive than we are used to. We were not prepared to handle a high energy dog and how to direct his energy in a positive direction. In comes Dave from Empowered K9 Training. We spent roughly 2.5 hrs at our first meeting and I can honestly say within 2-3 days we had a new dog. His high anxiety was almost non-existent, his behavior while on walks (reaction to other dogs and other critters along the way) was a total 180 degree change for the better. Our walks are much more enjoyable and we now have him on our treadmill since the heat of the summer is here. Dave is great to work with, has a great personality and would recommend him to anyone with any breed and with any issue. If you like to contact me directly send an email to [email protected], I would be happy to give Dave my personal recommendation... ~ Rob and Jayne M, Mesa
Vader
Dave is the best dog trainer in Phoenix! We recently adopted a five year old Rottweiler who was reactive to cats and other dogs. He also got very excited when our kids were playing in the pool (barking, nipping, and running all over the yard). I called four trainers before we finally found Dave. Two of the four trainers asked me why we adopted a Rottweiler; they told us we should take him back and adopt an easier dog like a lab. (True story!) I told Dave about our dog and he was more than willing to help us correct some of his bad behaviors, regardless of age and breed. We worked with Dave for 4 weeks and we could not be happier!! Dave has shown me, my husband, and even our kids how to correct and teach our dog boundaries. He no longer lunges or goes after other animals and our kids can swim in the pool while he calmly sits on the patio. He is a much happier dog now. Dave was very professional and was always available for questions and guidance. We are so grateful we found Dave and for everything he has done for our family. He really is the best trainer in Phoenix! ~ Tia F, Mesa
Brandi and Bronco
Dave is a MASTER at his craft!! Within minutes of working with our dogs, he made some big changes in ours and their lives! Our dogs started out with some imbalance and bratty behaviors. We finished with confidence and respect. With some new structure, rules and guidance on creating specific boundaries; our household is forever changed! Dave was very generous with his time, and went above and beyond his contractual obligation. There was never a doubt that his technique was proving absolute results! Everything that we earned and learned was worth every penny!! Can't thank him enough! ~ Cori Allen, Tempe
Copenhagen
Words cannot begin to describe the impact Dave has had on our lives. From the moment Dave walked into our home, our world changed and our lives were brightened! The knowledge and support he has given us will forever change the way we lead, train and love our dog (and future dogs to come). The quality of training and information Dave shared with us will forever resonate in our lives. He introduced us to a lifestyle that presents ample opportunities to experience the enjoyment we have sought after, with our dog Copenhagen. We are now confident leaders for Cope. We would not have known how to assume that role, if it weren’t for Dave. We felt (and continue to feel) more than comfortable using the various training techniques and methods Dave introduced…we knew we were in good hands. Dave thoroughly explained his interventions, along with the prong collar, E-collar use and benefits. He taught us how to use them safely, appropriately and we immediately saw positive results. Cope loves his collars and has responded so well to them! He also loves the leadership we have provided him (he can now focus on being a dog and leave the rest to us). My husband and I talk every day, and count our blessings (Dave being one of them). We will always recommend his services to anyone we meet! Dave is remarkable, he will forever change your life and your dog’s life too. We are so grateful for Dave and for Moka, seeing her work and socialize was jaw dropping- she is amazing! We will forever cherish the knowledge, skills and lifestyle they gave us!
~ Randi Gennaro, Glendale
~ Randi Gennaro, Glendale
Rottie Rescue
I can't say enough good things about Dave. I have seen him work some miracles! I own a Rottweiler rescue and I pull rotties straight from the euthanasia list at the pound. You never really know what you are getting until after you get them home. One things for sure, I have pulled some really tough ones to rehabilitate. Without Dave's expertise, I am not sure what I would have done. Dave is the best when it comes to aggressive, fearful dogs, even big strong stubborn ones, like a rottweiler. If you have a dog that needs an mindset change, give Dave a try, you wont regret it!
~ Shelly F. Owner Rotten Rottie Rescue, Gilbert
~ Shelly F. Owner Rotten Rottie Rescue, Gilbert