Karin is wonderful - we brought our (at the time) 4 month old King Charles cavalier for training. Karin quickly deduced that WE needed to take back the control and helped train us while training our pup. I cannot say enough good things. Karin empowered us with the tools to continue training after our session so much so we only went for one session. Cue the puppy teenage angst and we're going to meet Karin this weekend so she can help us continue the foundation she worked on with us. I recommend all new dog owners to work with Karin! read more

Karin was absolutely amazing! We brought our 2 dogs who are 9 months old to Karin for a 2 week board and train. The dogs didn't listen or come when called and always jumped on people and furniture. After 2 weeks there was an amazing turnaround. She also gave my wife, kids and I a 2.5 hour training session on everything she had covered with the dogs so we could implement it at home. The dogs have been amazing and truly respond to our commands now. She was very reasonably priced, flexible and accomplished more in the 2 weeks than I thought was possible. Highly, highly recommend her! read more

I highly recommend Karin at Fresh Start for Dogs. Her results are amazing! My wife and I just adopted a golden retriever puppy and have been working with Karin on training. We elected to have Karin board our puppy and do training - we got a totally transformed puppy back and are so happy. My family has worked with Karin for many years. She first trained my parents' coton about 12 years ago and still boards her when they go out of town. read more

We have known Karin for over 12 years and can not say enough about how grateful we are to have found her. She started training our dog Sheila when we got her at 6 months. Sheila is a Catahoula and they have extremely high energy but Karin worked her magic. Sheila is now and always has been a fun, sweet, well behaved (on voice control) dog that everyone loves. We board her with Karin whenever we travel whether it's for the weekend or a month. Sheila loves it there! We don't worry for a minute that she is not well cared for and happy while we are gone. Then we got the real challenge. A 1 year old dog (Kate) that was born deaf with some behavioral problems. Karin worked with us in training her and now she sits, stays and comes. The "come" command is difficult as she can't hear you, but she takes Sheila cues and follows her. Kate absolutely adores it when she goes to Karins. Too much fun with the other dogs and the comfort of being with Karin. One more thing to mention - We live in San Rafael and drive an hour to get to Karin. We would never even consider leaving our girls with anyone else. Thank you Karin! read more

Karin is wonderful! My mom and I ended up with three Yorkie puppies: a full litter, because how do you leave one behind. One stays with me at my home and the other two at my mom's. We called Karin and made an appointment for her to meet the brood. We decided that each of the puppies would stay with her for a week of boarding and training, separately and consecutively. We are so happy with the outcome of her training! She was able to teach them to stay on their bed (separately or all together on the same bed) until we release them. Kids, other dogs, cats can wonder around and up to them and they will stay on their bed. This is absolutely wonderful as we can take them over to friends' houses, just bring their bed, and watch as our friends and family are amazed at how well behaved they are and immediately start asking for Karin's info, They will wait at doors/thresholds or in their crate (with the door open) until we tell them they are allowed to come through/out. They walk without pulling and stay at our side. When we stop walking, they sit down. One of the most valuable outcomes of the training is that they understand a verbal cue for when they are doing something they aren't supposed to be and therefore understand who is really in charge. :) A simple "uhh-uhh" gets them back in line quickly and efficiently. It has been about 2 months since the last one completed their week of training and they are doing great. Having the structure and understanding from the training has really brought out their individual personalities more. Karin's expertise is truly invaluable. Don't hesitate to give Karin a call! read more

Id would give Karin a billion stars if i could. Our experience with Karin was with dog training, specifically puppy classes. What i loved about Karin was her style in training. She is gentle yet firm. Gives clear instruction, and has an ease about what she is conveying to the animal/guardian. The way she approaches her training is almost a common sense kind of technique, put the effects are powerful for the guardian and dog. There was no clicker, no nothing, simply leash, commands and energy. She teaches energy work really.... Chaco (our dog) is now 10 years old, and wherever we bring him people always comment about how well behaved he is.... Thank you Karin for teaching us the ropes! Karin Grahn is someone who clearly enjoys what she does and it shows. read more

Exceptional. That's the word to describe Karin's approach to training dogs and their families (owners, ok...). We have a 4 month old Russell Terrier, and we are building this relationship from the ground up with her patient, intelligent assistance and instruction. The results in just 2 visits have been quite remarkable and most welcome, in light of our adding a terrier to our small family. Another post said it well - "The way she approaches her training is almost a common sense kind of technique, but the effects are powerful for the guardian and dog." In short, what she teaches, works. It's great to know that she's a phone call away for the Bay Area; one of Sonoma Counties best. Thanks Karin! We will see you again soon for Ozzy's next session! read more

Karin is a wonderful dog trainer! I was struggling with my 4 month old puppy's pulling, biting, and jumping -- Although he understood the command to "sit" -- We were really struggling with understanding each other. After a week with Karin my puppy is now a well managed puppy -- he waits at thresholds until he's told "okay". He goes to bed and stays until he's released. He now walks beside me, instead of pulling me. My puppy is now a true pleasure to have at my side. I really can't say enough good things about Karin's dog training abilities. If you employ her services, you will be impressed too by the quick results. read more

Karin truly was a life saver and a marriage saver. January 2012 we picked up our baby Puli from Grants Pass Oregon. Our puppy, Zeke, proceeded to bite three people in the first week we brought him home. Our vet said Zeke had fear aggression and we should consider returning him to the breeder. Our groomer, and friend of many years, said the dog is unbalanced and to return him. Of course by that time I was in love with Zeke. The vet recommended that for a dog with Zeke's problems she could only recommend one dog trainer. Karin Grahn! I called Karin, the first time she came to the house she had Zeke's number. As in number one drama king. When she found out that I was sleeping with Zeke in the guest room (instead of my husband) she gave me a funny look and said "you want Zeke to think you are his girlfriend" Argh, no. I thought it would help him not miss his mother....wrong. To shorten what is a much longer story of having to retrain -- me _ Zeke is doing fine. While Zeke is probably never going to be the therapy dog I had envisioned at least he is not a dog in need of therapy. If you want a happy, obedient, well trained dog. Don't mess around see Karin. The life you save may be your dog's. read more

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me the other day about our newly adopted french bulldog Elsa. The advice you gave me regarding her chasing my cats has helped tremendously. You were a huge help and i appreciate the fact that you gave me 1/2 of your time, did not seem to rush me, and you answered every question i had. Not everyone would have done that. Thank you again! Sheila read more

Karin is a wonderful person and very effective dog trainer. I am thrilled we have found her! Poppy, our 18 month old golden retriever, is a sweetheart 75% of the time, and causing me huge stress the other 25%. A regular kennel did not work for her because she has anxiety. She's only stayed with Karin twice(once 5 days) and we are already SO happy with the results and tools to now work with her. We plan to bring Poppy to her for several sessions over the next few months and I am sure it will benefit our family greatly. Karin certainly knows what she is doing, is kind to the dogs yet firm and clear. I love that Poppy is in a home environment when we are gone on trips instead of in a cement kennel. I'm looking forward to learning more from Karin...she trains the whole family so we are all learning and supporting each other to stick to the rules! We are learning how to teach Poppy that she is the dog, not queen of the house. :) read more

Karin is amazing as a trainer and person. She has worked with two of our dogs with wonderful results and has been training for many years which shows. We now have a 1 1/12 yo mini poodle who came to us as a rescue and was not trained. As Karin says, "come to him meant "run away", and now he comes, doesn't pull on the leash and is well behaved. Karin has come to the house and worked with me 3 times and most recently kept our dog for 9 days for a more complete training. I feel our dog not only was trained but also had a good time with her and her dogs. She is extremely intuitive about the dogs, and I call her "dog whisperer". What I especially like is that she trains without choke collars or electric shocks so the dogs are treated kindly and are not traumatized. I cannot recommend her highly enough! read more

Karin helped me out with my little doxie mix stray that I found roaming the streets. I doubt she'd had any previous training before but Karin gave me the tools I needed to show my new companion obedience and above all respect for me (the boss!). Karin is patient with both humans and canines and it's evident that she truly cares about her clients and, above all, dogs. I would highly recommend Karin if you need help training your pup! read more

My springer spaniel has boarded with Karin off and on for the past eight years. Most recently he spent 3-1/2 months with her due to illness in our family. Jakey Boy loves Karin and I appreciate how sensitive she is to his personality traits. She is great about putting dogs together whom she knows get along and making sure the dogs are happy in their environment. Karin takes the time to get to know each pup and treats them as individuals. Premises is kept very clean and dogs have multiple spaces that are safe for them to play in. I trust her and know she cares about each pup. read more

We were referred to Karin from 2 friends in SF and are forever grateful for her expert training and guidance. I called Karin in the early puppy days when it felt like I turned my whole world upsidedown bringing home a 10 week old Cavalier King Charles. I was about to return her to the breeder, but Karin talked me through some strategic plans to work through the first month and survive. At 16 weeks we brought Lucy to Board & Train for three weeks with Karin, in that time she turned Lucy into a puppy we absolutely love to live with, that is well mannered and is a champ at loose leash walking! Karin sets clear expectations and taught us how to set clear boundaries and reinforce what she taught Our pup. When you consider the ingredients of successful training....consistency, repetition, correction, praise, patience and -- possibly most important -- humor, Karin will lead you and your dog to success. We have continued to board Lucy with Karin and she always greets Karin with her whole body wagging and we come home to a well mannered, happy pup. Much respect and appreciation. read more

We first hired Karin to help train our labradoodle, Hailey, based on a high recommendation from two families in town. Karin's ability to relate to dogs, understand and guide their behavior, and in turn help owners to work with their dogs is amazing. Since then, we have boarded our dog with Karin for short stays and several extended stays (one month or more). When we leave Hailey with Karin, we know that she is in excellent hands. Hailey always comes back to us even better behaved. She loves the outdoor "run" space at Karin's and appreciates the consistent attention and structure that Karin provides. (The other dogs to play with are, of course, a plus). We cannot recommend Karin highly enough: she is a great resource! read more

We found Karin through a friend 13 years ago, she has trained and cared for our dogs ever since. Our first dog loved Karin - she was always thrilled to attend puppy class. When we introduced a new puppy to the family, 11 years ago, I sadly thought we would have to give him back. He was so cute, just 8 weeks old and Maya could not stand him, she was mean to him and she even stopped eating in protest - I didn't know what to do. I called Karin and told her the situation, she came over and spent time with the two of them and the next day they were sitting in the kitchen together, albeit not best friends, but she was tolerating the puppy and over the next few months they became the best of friends. We continued lessons and boarding over the years. Most recently we had Karin take care of the "puppy" who is now 11 years old, he is a senior and I was very worried about leaving him alone (we lost Maya a few years ago)... I knew Karin was the one to care for him. If you're looking for dog training and/or boarding, I highly recommend Fresh Start Dog Training and Boarding. read more

Karin is by far the BEST dog trainer around. My boss who has been friends with her and boarding his dog with Karin for years recommended her to us. We have a 10 year old shi poo that thought she was the queen of the household until she trained with Karin. Mia was extremely territorial and aggressive around her toys, our Mom and her food. She would bark at us from the moment she woke up until she went to bed at night to play ball, which was completely obnoxious. She wouldn't walk correctly on leash and had no manners when around other dogs. We soon learned we were doing everything wrong from day 1 and that led her to be entitled and act the way she did. We didn't think it was possible to actually teach an old dog new tricks, but Karin proved us wrong. Karin taught Mia how to act like a dog again instead of a princess and we are forever grateful for that. Mia is so much happier and so are we. We love you Karin and so does Mia! read more

My two young labradoodles are so full of energy and enthusiasm that I was really having problems getting any kind of control, which meant that they were confused and I was angry with them too often, a vicious cycle that just was making life with them not as much fun as it should be. Karin was able, in three sessions, to give me the tools I need to have them obey commands and pay attention. The result is that EVERYONE is happier ! They enjoy pleasing me and knowing what to expect, and I enjoy their company without the frustration! Karin teaches a gentle but firm way of establishing your role as their leader which reduces misunderstanding and chaos, much better for my dogs than the method we were taught at puppy class which involved constantly shoving treats at them for correct behavior but no real way to stop incorrect behaviors. SO glad we found Karin---she's good at seeing what needs to happen and then teaching you practical ways to get there. Thanks, Karin! read more

Karin is both a wonderful person and terrific with dogs. She has trained and boarded both of my Havanese. The dogs respond well to her. They like her but they respect and obey her. Karin trained my first Havanese Obie as a puppy and then boarded him throughout his life. He died of congestive heart failure and she cared for him several times when he needed complex medication and he was staying with her when he died. I would never have left him with anyone but Karin because I knew that she would care for him as I would. It was a difficult situation for all of us but she did everything that I could ever ask and more. My current Havanese Nemo is healthy and sociable, and loves Karin. I feel like he's going on vacation when he stays with her. I know he will have fun with the other dogs, and I know that Karin can and will deal expertly with any problem that might arise. She really is the best. read more