I recently adopted a dog whose previous owner is now in jail. My 2.5 year old hound mix not only had a tough puppyhood in terms of abuse and neglect, her former "dog parent" neglected to give her the requisite monthly heartworm prevention medication. Needless to say, she has been treated and cured. Now, she just needs to gain some weight and some confidence that her new home is safe, consistent, and will meet her emotional, physical, and intellectual needs... This is why I chose Karma Dog Training. I decided to work with them after interviewing other companies. These companies gave me the impression I was silly to adopt - that I was getting a mess to work with. Then, they proceeded to show me their perfect pure bred dog that could do amazing tricks....albeit with a shock collar and having been trained at 8 weeks old. My goal is for my new pup to feel confident not scared into submission; to learn not react; to know the boundaries and rules in my home not to fear her home. After meeting with Kathlyn I felt sure that Karma Dog Training could give me the tools and professional guidance to meet my obedience or dog social skill goals. Kathlyn was positive and easy-going; thoughtful of my dog's needs and our goals; and, clearly knowledgeable about her field. She gave numerous analogies so that I could understand what she was teaching me...i.e., she did not expect me to understand animal behavior/psychology jargon. Anyway, there is lots of stuff out there and some folks will talk up, sugar coat, and make glossy things that are truly abusive training techniques... My pup and I are learning and like any good relationship, it takes time, commitment, and patience. But I know I'm doing right by her and in the end I feel like I haven't compromised my values on humane treatment in order for my dog to not equate me with flying a kite when we go on walks, or bark to the point where my neighbors are ready to storm my home with torches and rocks to get me out of town. I hope my feedback helps others. read more

Milo and I signed up for additional training with Krama Dog Training. We have been fortunate enough to have one on one sessions with Katherine Nybakken. Milo's main issue was remaining calm when someone that he does not know comes into the house. The first session was a real eye-opener to his behavior and my first thought was he can't be fixed. Katherine assured me he was not the worse case she has seen and she felt it would do well with clicker training. After one session, he has engaged with the clicker. He was still barking but not out of fear. We took Milo on a walk and this time, he offered little to not resistance. Half way through the walk, Katherine offered him kneel/side and he leaned into her, took a treat from her hand and allowed her to touch him. Back in the house, he allowed her to touch and offer treats. The best part NO BARKING. He has gone from a glazed-eye to soft direct eye contact. Each session, we have upped the ante and continue to ask more from him. From bringing in another stranger to Katherine taking him into the house and leaving me outside. This is the first time he has let someone lead him away from me. It was also recommended that Milo learn a new trick with the clicker to make it fun for him. After only a few tries, he is already shaking hands and is doing a quarter turn of his full turn dance. The progress that Milo has made in a few weeks is something that I did not believe was possible. He is becoming a much more confident and happy dog. It has not been easy and requires daily work on my end as well. As we have moved into a new home, I have had contractors in during this time period. Each one of them have been happy to participate in his training and he even takes treats from them. Everyone that I have engaged with at Karma Dog Training have been exceptional and truly love animals. I cannot imagine having anyone else with me on this journey. I cannot thank you all enough. read more

Karma Dog is marvelous! This review is a long time coming; the service I received from this company is fantastic! They are great with my dog, but with me, too. Karma Dog's trainers teach behaviors that have mostly improved my dog, Dylan, behavior and made him feel more comfortable with other dogs. I have tried other dog trainers but was unsuccessful with their aggressive methods. I don't believe they were educated at the level they needed to be to understand how to successfully work through his fear. We read Karma Dog's reviews and were hopeful about their positive science-based positive reinforcement-only training methods. I realized on Dylan's first day of training this was going to be a long road. However, we've been only on this journey for two months now and I'm already starting to see him making progress. The training has not only helped Dylan, but it has helped me as a dog parent. I've learned what Dylan's true needs are and how to meet them. It required me to change my rituals about waking up earlier in order to walk him more often. It also made me have set mealtimes and it taught me many of the reasons of why he was doing the things he was doing didn't need my harsh judgment. Dylan and I are excited for each training session, as we have four more left in our package. The sessions are once a week with homework in between sessions. I work with him not only on walks but for ten to fifteen minutes a day. Since we started training, we have increased his circle of friends from two dogs to five dogs. I feel such joy from it! This wouldn't have been possible without our trainer leading the way. read more

We hired Katherine Nybakken from Karma to work with us and our 9 month old standard poodle puppy in our home. We had taken Otto to puppy kindergarten and obedience classes elsewhere, but felt we weren't making as much progress with him as we'd like. He also had some "home based" problem behaviors such as pacing, barking, and leash lunging that needed to be addressed outside of a group situation. From the moment that Katherine entered the house, we knew we had found the right trainer. She is calm but assertive in her presence, able to gain our dog's attention with minimal shifts of her posture and voice. We are most impressed by her ability to "read" Otto's body language, to determine whether he is feeling anxious, distracted, contrary, or confused, and to show us what we need to do to redirect him and/or elicit proper behavior. After each session, Katherine emails us thorough, detailed notes (usually several pages) reviewing what we worked on and strategies to practice. She also includes sequential steps for teaching specific commands. These are not generic instructions, but rather personalized suggestions based on an understanding of our specific dog, his personality, and his particular issues and needs. We are quite sure that if we continue to practice and follow Katherine's counsel, Otto will reach his full potential as a happy, well-mannered companion. read more

I couldn't be more satisfied with Karma Dog Training. I hired them to train my Boston Puppy Bobo. He was a handful and knowing full well that I would be on vacation for 2 weeks, I needed assistance with training and boarding. They sent me online tutorials prior to receiving my puppy. This was a great help for me to prepare myself and have an understanding of what I needed. I hired Kathlyn Ross from Karma Dog Training. She came over to meet us and get to know Bobo. My pup was very high strung and chewing on everything in sight! He was teething and biting me to the point I couldn't even hug him. (That's what you want to do with a puppy). Kathlyn picked Bobo up and brought him back to her house. During my vacation, she emailed, Skyped and sent videos of Bobo. I was very relaxed knowing he was in good safe care. He even ended up on a local TV broadcast and she sent me the link!!! When my husband and I returned from vacation, Kathlyn brought Bobo to our home. We were so impressed with his behavior. He was calm and submissive and I was able to hold him without him biting me to death!! He is fully potty trained which was huge as I spent so much time cleaning his pen. He doesn't have to stay in his pen and I only crate him to sleep and night. He doesn't chew anything but his toys. I will say it was worth using Karma Dog Training 100%!!!! Laura & Randal Denver, CO read more

We have had the BEST experience with Karma Dog Training! Our main trainer is Kat and I couldn't say enough about how wonderful and how helpful she has been! I researched quite a few puppy training organizations in the Denver area, but when I reached out to Karma Dog Training with an interest, I was in awe of the fast response, information, and follow up! Within 15 minutes, I had an email from the company, another confirmation email, AND an email directly from our trainer Kathlyn with her direct number if I needed anything. (And thank goodness for that, because I've had to text Kat multiple times for advice or help). I can't say a single negative thing about this company of more specifically, Kathlyn! She is AWESOME! Things I appreciate most are: -Perfect, nice, clean, location for the class -Timely communication at all times -ABUNDANT education; in classes as well as the online portal! -No harsh corrections -Perfect socialization and puppy play times (the puppy play time alone, is worth the class cost) -Super flexible and relaxed when we can't make a class -The overall values of the company -Huge support and encouragement Kathlyn gives Noah, our puppy, absolutely LOVES Kathlyn and coming to class every weekend! Bottom line, I can't speak highly enough of Kathlyn and Karma Dog Training! I could go on and on! read more

Kathlyn Ross's brilliant and nurturing spirit touches those who come into her circle. She is helpful, ever sharing her time, knowledge, and passion for animals with those around her. Kathlyn is involved in the community, lending a helping hand whenever and wherever she can. I have come to her several times with questions about my dog and animals in general. She has answered with expert and helpful knowledge that, because I trust and believe in her abilities, applied directly to the situation and have been the appreciative recipient of outstanding results. Being active, very athletic in her personal pursuits, Kathlyn is able to keep up with the demands of active animals who need and deserve a higher level of energetic play in their daily lives. Kathlyn is a wonderful mother to her family, including the furrier members. This kind of nurturing shows in her work as well. She plays an active role in challenging those who can use the nudge, encouraging those who become discouraged to keep trying and she overflows with joyous pride when the challenge is met with success. I highly recommend Kathlyn Ross to anyone who is seeking someone as close to family as they can find for someone to instruct, understand and care for their pet with fairness, kindness, respect, creativity and resolve. read more

I found Karma Dog Training through Google. I am new to Denver and liked what I saw on their website. I brought my 12 week old golden retriever puppy to the puppy kindergarten class and really enjoyed it! We had Kathlyn as a trainer and she was great! She not only showed is how to teach our puppies basic commands but also explained the theory behind it. Class is structured well, she demonstrates the different techniques, and then gives plenty of time to practice, giving you lots on "in the moment" feedback. There is also plenty of play time at the end for the puppies to socialize and for you to ask questions about the training or any concerns you have. You also have access to educational materials (articles and videos that demonstrate the training techniques) all the training is through positive reinforcement! Will definitely be enrolling in their other classes as my puppy grows! read more

Michael Lewark from Karma Dog Training was the only person who was able to successfully train my dog Sam, who was out of control. The lack of basic obedience from my dog resulted in scenarios where he would be the one walking me, leading me all over my neighborhood, or barking incessantly and jumping on my furniture and not listening to me. Other dog trainers proposed really harsh methods to instill obedience. But Michael reassured me that it could be done through positive training methods that still reinforced basic obedience. Michael's love of animals and passion for training really impressed me. He went above and beyond to show me that my dog was capable of great things. His one on one sessions with Sam were wonderful, and resulted in a perfectly well behaved dog that now listens to me and impresses me daily. Thanks again Michael. read more

I have successfully kept several dogs in my lifetime, but Dottie is a special challenge. When I adopted her from Dumb Friends League she was not a puppy, but at 18 months she is not fully mature, either. Her actual history with humans was unknown to DFL, yet it soon became clear that she does not like some of them. Social graces were lacking, tho' she quickly bonded with me, and her behavior showed signs of past abuse. For the first time ever, I sought professional help and I'm very glad I found Karma Dog. Dottie is a rescue with hang-ups. Niki came to MY rescue by teaching me the tools needed to bring Dottie to her potential. It will be a long haul, testing my own patience and determination, but if she becomes the fine dog she is meant to be it's from Niki's efforts, and I'm grateful. read more

Kathlyn, the trainer, at Karma dog training is great. She's friendly, knowledgable, and makes herself available via e-mail or phone should you have any questions. Her knowledge on dogs is extensive, and even though you're just paying for the class, she'll gladly offer up advice on any issues you may be having with your dog. She's very thorough, and always explains why she does things the way she does, and why it works. So there are no questions, and it's always made perfect sense to us. With the quality of service, and the knowledge that you get to tap into while you're training with Kathyln, you just can't find a better deal out there. Her rates are competitive and she offers the best experience around. Oreo and the Hernandez family would like to thank you, Karma Dog Training! read more

I cannot say enough positive things about this service! Specifically Niki! She was amazing and my pups love her! I opted for the reverse boarding and I highly recommend it. I would definitely recommend it over just single sessions because the constant reinforcement at many hours per day. I can't imagine it working a better way. She worked with my 2 puppies who are 7 months old. It took her a week to potty train them after i had struggled for 4 months. They know all the necessary commands now. We are continuing to practice and they are still getting it. Walking 2 puppies together was really challenging before. Now they are walking together easily and I'm not tripping over leashes. Definitely get in touch with Nicki. You will be blown away! read more

Kathlyn has been terrific helping us and teaching us to train our Havanese. Our biggest scare was his dashing out an open door at our new townhome. He was used to a house with a dog door and dog run (so were we). Plus, the hundreds of rabbits were very exciting. After working with Kathlyn, he now sits until we take a step out (FIRST) and we give him permission to walk with us. Recently, we worked on our patio and purposely left the screen door open. He watched us. Hooray Kathlyn! He had other needs (eating food on counters, not responding to some commands, and others). But he has passed his "Good Canine Citizenship" since working with Kathlyn and now can be a volunteer dog at hospices and with children. We are all excited to put him to work. read more

We rescued a 4 year old great dane that had some significant behavior issues and reached out to Karma Dog Training who paired us with Niki Hetrick as she had worked with severe cases like our Coop before. Im not sure what magic Niki has but after working with her for just two sessions and following her instructions Coop was more receptive of people and walking on his leash better. 4 sessions in and Niki was able to stay at our house while we went out of town for 3 days of at home board and train. We came back to a truly rescued dog, one that knew all his commands, and was more confident in who he is, allowing us to continue his progress after our session ended. Niki is way more than a trainer to us and our family! Thank you Niki!! read more

I was so extremely pleased with the training. When I first took Noah in he wouldn't even sit. Kathlyn you are such a good and observant trainer. You see without looking (not sure how you got that talent :-) and you always ensure that you explain in detail what is going on and how to correct it or promote it. At the 2nd class Noah was sitiing by the time we left. I just finished my 6th class and he is again sitting, laying, leaving it, looking at me, walking on a leash, STAYING!!!!! Ok, all my excitement is coming back. Thank You SO Much Kathlyn you are the best, I mean it, you make it hard to even consider working with anyone else but I know I have to because I will continue to pursue more classes through Karma. read more

I'm am beyond impressed with Katherine from Karma Dog Training. I went from feeling hopeless about my dog Alli, who had recently bit a delivery man, to feeling relieved and motivated after just my first session. Needless to say I booked 10 sessions immediately. Each session has left myself and Alli less anxious and with more tricks in our bag to keep Alli calm and responsive. The training techniques Katherine has taught me make sense and have been easy to implement. I feel closer than ever to Alli and I think Alli now knows she has a leader who knows what she's doing ;). I highly recommend Karma and Katherine. It has been well worth the investment! read more

Karma Dog Training has been nothing but wonderful for our heeler/lab puppy, Woodsley. Nici was the perfect fit for his board and train session (and for puppy kindergarten). She immediately recognized that our pup needed some extra attention and helped him to overcome his social anxiety with other dogs and reenforce those basic training techniques (sit, stay, down, etc.). Karma has provided my boyfriend and I the tools to help shape our puppy to become a really good dog. We truly appreciate their prices and overall support through the puppy-process! read more

Katherine was amazing and instrumental in helping us integrate a new big dog into our two little dog home. Our little dogs are not well socialized and we had failed with two dogs prior. Katherine told us to give the existing dogs tons of treats and affection so they thought being near the new dog was the best thing ever. Beyond our wildest dreams our younger small dog and the puppy are now best friends and play all day, and the older dog is calm and fine around her. We highly recommend Katherine's services! read more

We feel very lucky to have found Karma! Taking our 4 month-old Golden Retriever, Waylon was a extremely positive experience. It's a gentle instructive approach, allowing for the pups to gain important educational training but also invaluable socialization and play time. The facility is comfortable and well kept, the staff is so friendly and their professionalism and qualifications are obvious. We expect Waylon to continue his education and are thankful for Karma Dog! Highly recommended! read more