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September 2023 by dM
After tons of research, meeting different trainers, and asking around about the best place to take my new puppy, I ended up here. It's the biggest operation in SB for a reason. On top of that, the other trainer that was recommended to me by the vet also trains here. Awesome facilities, awesome people. Thanks for everything!
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October 2022 by JF
K-nine Solutions is absolutely amazing! Eric, took time to explain the Program, helped us make it work with our schedule, and made us feel comfortable and at ease! We did our first Board and Train when our lab was three months old. The beautiful care, love and knowledge that Madison took with our puppy; not only while boarding but also while training is incredible! Her loving care is felt by our whole family. The entire team at K-Nine Solutions is completely impressive. Their ability and talent to beautifully train is life changing. We cannot thank them enough!! Cora, now 5 months, will be heading back for another 2 week program of board and train. We are truly thankful for their inspiring outlook, talent and love. Thank you!!
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October 2022 by Emma Dillon
This is quite possibly the best money we have EVER spent. This review is dedicated to all five people in Santa Barbara living on a budget, haha.Our one-year old retriever puppy was super destructive despite his heart of gold. We held out on training for so long because we didn't feel we could afford it. Finally, after two hospital visits (both from the puppy eating things he shouldn't have), we realized we could either spend the money on vet bills and replacing broken items OR we could invest in a well-behaved pup.After four weeks day training at K-Nine, our dog is almost unrecognizable; all of the good, none of the bad. He's almost entirely stopped jumping and counter surfing. He sits in place while we're cooking and eating. He has amazing recall off-leash at the beach. It's incredible.To Adam, Eric and everyone at K-Nine who helped us with Pismo, thank you. We are grateful. And if you are considering training at K-Nine, we highly recommend Adam. I was intimidated by him at first -- he's approximately 6'10 with a military background -- but I'm pretty sure that's part of what makes him a dog whisperer, haha. Dogs know he means business!!!! Our puppy worships him and we really enjoyed working with him.One additional note, in case it's helpful to anyone doubting: I had some real hesitation and anxiety about using the e-collar as we went into training. I got over that quickly. If you are worried about it, just know that our dog seems much HAPPIER now that we use it. He's eager to please and loves doing a good job, and now he actually understands how we want him to behave. It's given us clear communication with him - a language he understands. I am so glad I buckled up and went for it because it has made all the difference.
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August 2022 by Vito Skidmore
Fantastic, friendly, professional service that lives up to being voted the best in Santa Barbara for six years running. The training spaces are massive and very well equipped for dogs of every need, from puppies to older dogs.
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July 2022 by Devin Bachmeier
Our trainer Madison is heaven sent!!! She's great with dogs in general, but has a heart for pitties much like we (now) do❤️ My boyfriend and I have learned so much, but mostly that our pup's behavior starts and ends with us. We too have been "trained"-trained to better understand and deal with our pup. Madison once told us "We don't always get the dogs we want, but the dogs we need." This has never rang more true. We were ready to give Lemmy up before coming here. It's been a lot of work, but she's worth it! Thank you Madison for loving our girl like she's your own, showing us the power of tough love, and educating and reassuring us along the way. We literally cannot thank you enough!!!
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February 2022 by Justina Dattilo
I feel so compelled to write this review. I have a 12 month old Labrador named Cash, that was successfully slowly but surely making me loose my mind! He was an unruly 85 pounds of puppy that basically had me crying in a corner. Actually, I'm pretty sure I cried during our evaluation with Eric just based on the fact that I was at my whits end. We signed up for the 3 week train w/ E Collar. Wow, the dog I have now is making me cry happy tears! Let me just tell you.. this weekend was our first weekend to really utilize his new set of training skills. I mean, I really put him to the test. We went out to lunch first (inside I was freaking out a little I'm not going to lie, I usually have some sort of distraction or chew for him) he blew my mind. My husband said, can you believe we are actually eating in peace?! He was calm and laid perfectly in his place as a million distractions and other dogs passed by (mind you, he was VERY reactive to both). If this was 3 weeks earlier, he would have been trying to aggressively get to the other dog across the street that he thought he saw. Next we walked him down state, again, a million distractions and chaos and he was right by my side listening to each command I gave. I had us backed up against a wall watching everyone for 30 minutes just to see (his impulse control was non-existent before) he eventually just laid at my feet while dogs were literally lunging/barking etc. People were stopping and commenting on him. My mind was blown. I have never felt so confident EVER and so in control and K-Nine Solutions gave me that gift. THANK YOU GUYS! If anyone is out there and struggling on how much of a financial investment this is, I get you. Let me just save you that money you're going to spend elsewhere, because this team is seriously the best. We had friends in shock and awe all weekend as we continued on. This is something you will not regret, I am so thankful I now have a new leash on life!
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September 2021 by Lynn S.
We are so grateful to Eric and the crew at K-Nine Solutions. The pack walks have transformed our traumatized, reactive, fearful rescue to the confident, happy and well-socialized herding dog she was meant to be. And I am a much more confident leader and dog owner. The walks are structured to provide learning challenges in a safe and supportive way. We saw significant gains very quickly - within 2-3 pack walks. If you or your dog stress about interactions with other dogs - do this! It works!
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September 2021 by John Cobalt
Great job helping a 1A auditor make some additional money by providing interesting content.
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August 2021 by Virginia L.
The team at K-Nine Solutions is truly wonderful! We have been doing private training lessons with Val and attending the PAL (Play and Learn) puppy classes a couple times each week. My 5-month-old black lab, Harper, has already passed the AKC "Star Puppy" course and will have her evaluation for the "Canine Good Citizen" test next week. As a three time lab owner, I never imagined having a young puppy able to achieve so much so quickly. The entire K-Nine team knows Harper by name and they make us feel welcome every time we come in. They also have a new, huge facility that provides plenty of room for dogs and their people to learn together. Looking forward to continuing Harper's training with Eric and the team as she grows!
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July 2021 by Nancy L.
Eric and all of the trainers at K-Nine are truly the BEST! Henry graduated from his day-training program and my hope was that wherever we went together, I could count on Henry (with my consistent direction) to have good "manners!! The other day we went to the bank, a place that usually gets him amped up because he knows they have treats. There was a line and I had a few banking things to do so the errand was going to require Henry to be patient. The entire time Henry stayed at my side, sitting down or laying down when he figured the line wasn't moving. And this is what I couldn't believe: TWO (yes, TWO) different people came up to me and said, "What a beautiful dog! And he is so well-behaved! " One person said she wished her dog was so well-behaved and the other said she was going to tell her daughter about him! And both asked me where/who had trained him! And, remember I mentioned the bank treats? Well, when they asked me if my dog could have a treat, I said that yes, he could have a treat (he certainly deserved it!), but that he must sit nicely when they walked over to give him the treat. He was already doing that, but I knew the offer of the treat might distract his calm and relaxed demeanor. Well, except for a butt wiggle (and I think a bit of a butt wiggle is acceptable behavior), Henry once again demonstrated his new skills! The best part was that when we left the bank, and I told Henry just what a wonderful dog he was, I think he was really proud---he had a big smile on his face! I really believe Eric when he says that dogs are truly happier when they can just "chill out" (as Eric would say), knowing that someone else (me!) is taking care of everything! Thank you, Eric and Daniella and all of the wonderful trainers at K-Nine
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May 2021 by Lauren Bragg
We took our 1.5 year old Portidoodle to Eric and the team for a 2 week day train package and ecollar training. Our goal was to have Penny (and us) comfortable with her off leash and to stop jumping on people when they came over (corona puppy and no one was ever over so she just got way too excited). I kid you now, she’s like a new dog! It’s unbelievable actually!! We’ve walked up and down state street several times with her completely off leash! She even switches sides on her own when another dog approaches. I can’t thank you guys enough, we’ll be in gratitude forever!!! If you want a well behaved, happy, balanced dog, stop waiting and pull the trigger on this training!
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March 2021 by Sara L.
K-9 solutions is the real deal! I cannot thank Daniela the trainer and Eric the owner enough!! I rescued a 4 yr old German Shepard/ husky and before finding k-9 he was VERY reactive to other dogs and people. I worked with other dog trainers in the past and was told my dog was unfixable. Daniela did the impossible and completely transformed my dog! She is hands down the best dog trainer in Santa Barbara. Don't hesitate to call, they are the best!!!
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February 2021 by Tamara P.
I came upon this place over Facebook. We booked a series of puppy classes and after 3 private classes our golden is so amazing. He responds to our commands and they are the most loving, caring trainers out there. Our Goldie is coming along with his basic manners and we owe it all to these guys. Thank you! BTW Natalie is awesome. So thankful for this business.
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February 2021 by jacqueline blackman
We sent our new pup here for their board and train due to her have some behavior issues. They are excellent kept us updated with pictures and videos daily. Treated our pup like their own dog. Would 100% recommend them. The staff are awesome and very knowledgeable.
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January 2021 by Claire F.
K-nine solutions is THE BEST investment we made for our terrier, Ginger! We did the 8 private lesson training with Madison (who I highly recommend, she is wonderful and Ginger loves her) and now Ginger is a completely different dog-- in the best way possible. She was extremely shy and completely untrained before we started training with K-nine, now she's a model dog! We have really enjoyed the Saturday morning "Pack Walks" included in the package. Everyone at the walks is so friendly and helpful, it it has been great exposure for Ginger who was very scared of others dogs. Thanks Eric and team! We will be recommending K-nine to all our friends and family.