Where do I start... I contacted Steve to inquire about training. This took place in mid-summer, mid-Covid pandemic. He was very thorough from the initial contact, all the way through training and post training contacts. I enrolled my 2yr old JRT, Olive in Steve's 4-week Bootcamp Training Program. Olive was separated fro her mom a bit too early and she has had issues with fear-aggression. To make matters a bit more challenging in her young life, I went thru the death of my husband and 4 foot surgeries in her young 2-year life, during a crucial development and training time for a rambunctious JRT pup, (which is normal for the breed). My training with her was inconsistent and ineffective. The last straw was when I couldn't get a recall for her to come in from outside in the boiling Palm Desert heat. Steve treats his students with the love and care as he would his own pup. His training methods are very positive and reward based. He teaches the human the crucial components of training to help keep the pup safe and out of mischief. He makes the training fun and introduces tricks that aid in behaviors for the dog to have successful interventions for vet treatments and the like. Steve is also published and has a great book that I reference frequently, "Dog Bites". It contains training basics, addressing problem behaviors, and some great recipes for dog & human "bites". For me, it serves as a reference textbook, to supplement our training. Toward the end of her 3-week Bootcamp, I had my last foot surgery scheduled a few days after she was scheduled to come home. With more understanding how prepared I needed to be to have an effective transition home, Steve was agreeable (as his schedule would allow), to board Olive for an additional 10 days & her training would continue. It was so important and helpful to have that extra time to recover and be the best for my girl. With the challenges of Covid and the heat of the summer, Steve's training was very effective. When Olive struggles with success, I look at MY behaviors on how I'm continuing to manage her training. Steve is very generous with his time in follow-up FaceTime & Zoom follow-ups when issues arise or I feel the need for support. Besides the progressional integrity, Steve is a great human being who absolutely loves dogs! I give Steve Brown K-9U 10 stars out of 5! read more

Steve Brooks K9U - Olive's Bootcamp Graduation Photo - Pet Training Near Me

Look, guys. I can't not give five stars to K9U. I mean look at this: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/steve-brooks-k9u-los-angeles?select=zMg3CkIksC7xGRv8wBwRQw#zMg3CkIksC7xGRv8wBwRQw I'm a little embarrassed to call Duke a college graduate when he is such a goof, but I know he got a great education with Steve Brooks. Duke is my son, and he is a basset hound. Matt B. and I first got him around ten months ago, when he was about a year old. Like many bassets, he suffered from a pretty persistent strain of separation anxiety, and for a while before we came to see Steve, he was going potty on the floor every time we left him home alone. That was our main issue with him, but I'll also admit that he wasn't the best trained dog in the world. He only knew "sit" and "down," and would only really do either if he thought he could get food out of the bargain. He was also a nightmare to walk because he would pull constantly and he is very strong. (All this said - he is and always has been a delightful boy, who is just full of love and without a mean bone in his wiggly basset body.) We got K9U's card at Duke's vet when we mentioned his separation issues. A couple months ago, we called Steve and set up our first meeting. We were a little stunned by the prices (I think they go $175 for the first session, $150, $125, and $100 for the second, third, and fourth sessions, and $100 for any additional sessions after that), but decided to give it a shot. We did four lessons, which were supposed to add up to five hours. We probably got closer to eight hours of training. Steve is not stingy with his time, and we got the most out of our lessons. Over the last two months, I have seen a marked improvement in Duke's behavior and general demeanor. He is more relaxed than he was before we met Steve, and though he still gives us problems, we are better equipped to address these now that we're a bit more educated. Steve's methods are based in positive reinforcement, and he taught us how to train Duke using a variety of rewards. He talked us through some of Duke's behavioral issues, and suggested a crate training regimen to help his separation anxiety, which has been largely successful. Duke learned to stay, and to come, and to walk better on a leash. The four sessions were very comprehensive, and pretty enjoyable, too. All three of us like Steve, who is a warm, friendly man who clearly loves animals. On the last day, Steve put Duke in a cap and gown and took pictures and printed out a diploma. This was wonderful. Going forward, we have the option to take more private lessons, and Steve also leads a monthly group class that is free to K9U graduates. We will most certainly be attending those. Matt jokes that our basset has been socially promoted - Duke still counter surfs and jumps on people, and is not quite a dog show quality dog. Even so, he is better behaved, and we know how to reinforce good habits. I'm happy we took him to K9U, and I'd recommend Steve Brooks to anyone. read more

Steve Brooks K9U - Duke's graduation. - Pet Training Near Me

Steve is very passionate about what he does and speaks to dog owners at their level and meet them where they're at. He helped me out a lot when I was new to being a rescue dog dad. I look forward to doing more work with him in the future. He made it fun and easy and was very sympathetic. And affordable. Thank you Steve read more

Steve Brooks K9U - 2 happy customers - Pet Training Near Me

Steve is a truly gifted trainer and I feel fortunate that he was recommended to me for my 2 year old, very spoiled Yorkie. I have had Tiger back just about a week now after leaving him with Steve for his 3 week bootcamp. Choosing to go to Steve was a great decision, and I am certain I will be bringing Tiger back for more training, as well as boarding. Tiger has stopped a lot of bad habits thanks to Steve, including going to the bathroom indoors. He has learned to walk on a leash without pulling, how to heal, and how to be a generally enjoyable walking partner. One improvement in particular is his reaction to other dogs passing by- he is much more controlled and less fearful. My dog has also learned several tricks, starting with the basics of sit, lay down, and stay- even mid run, he will listen to a command to lay down and stay. He has also had a great introduction to some fun tricks including learning to play the keyboard, wave "bye bye" and roll over at the command of "bang bang." The most important trick... Steve was able to train ME on how to train and require obedience from Tiger. I have a better understanding of how important it is for him to have the opportunity to please me rather than spoil him to the point of disaster. As a result, he is a much calmer, happier dog who is not only eager to please but seems much more confident. He spooks much less and frequently "checks in" with me by looking at me mid-action to be sure his behavior is acceptable. Once he realizes he has my approval, he has 10x more eagerness moving forward. It's amazing the difference just 3 weeks with Steve can make! I'm extremely grateful to Steve for training both me and Tiger. I am grateful my friends recommended him and I would eagerly recommend him to others! Thank you so much Steve! read more

5 Stars are not a high enough rating for Steve's Professional and compassionate assistance with Roy, "The Beagle". Roy was involved in a "1 in a Million" biting incident where he was manhandled and completely provoked into snapping by a stranger. The stranger admitted being at fault but still filed a claim with my insurance company. Of Course, it is all insurance company's standard policy to cancel or not renew a homeowner's policy if a bite claim has been made. My only options were to remove Roy from our home or lose our insurance. Removing Roy was not a choice we could ever have made. I desperately searched for a "miracle" solution. I was hopeful that requesting an additional review of the circumstances regarding Roy's incident and furnishing a certified / experienced professional evaluation of Roy's demeanor was the only possible option for a change in the insurance policy cancellation. I did a lot of "Googling" and found several experts on Dog behavior and propensity to bite again after a self-defence provoked incident. They recommended Steve as he was close enough to come to the house and evaluate Roy. Steve spent 2 hours reading the Animal Control Reports, getting to know Roy and challenging Roy's demeanor in multiple situations like taking food away, physically moving him, playing with him and trying to provoke a negative / aggressive response. Steve was professionally satisfied that Roy's incident was truly a 1 in a million response to extreme physical provocation by a stranger. He wrote a 5 page thoroughly professional report which I submitted to the Insurance Company. After a 10 day multiple stage review by the Insurance Company I was ecstatic to learn we would not be cancelled and Roy could remain at home with us. There is no question that Steve's professional evaluation is the reason for our policy's re-consideration and positive outcome. There is simply no higher praise than we can give to Steve Brooks. Randy Palm Desert read more

It's been several years since I had a dog when we got a new puppy. I did some internet research and found Steve at K9U for dog training. We had our first private lesson with our new dog this past week and it was a great experience for me, my husband, my young son, and our new pet. There was so much information, all presented in an organized and interesting way. Crate training and housebreaking are going really well based on several suggestions that Steve made. With Steve's help, it is much easier than I thought it was going to be. (except the getting up in the middle of the night part!) We are practicing the tips that Steve gave us with great results in just a very short period of time. (Who knew I would be the one who needed the most training!) Steve has a great set up for training and boarding dogs. My dog loved exploring in the outdoor play area. Can't wait for our second lesson next week. read more

I came to Steve on a recommendation from my vet at Laurel Hospital. A one year old rescue, she was a dream at home and a nightmare outside. Every single walk was a battle. The second she would spot a dog she turned into a bucking bronco, snarling and scaring pretty much everyone. For me, anxiety was at an all time high, and it kept me from placing her in social situations. I enrolled her in Steve's 3 week immersion course and I literally got back a new dog. Today was our first walk and we passed her other puppy pal. Normally this is a nightmare as both dogs quickly become uncontrollable. This time my little pal sat quietly at my side, listened to all my commands, and was a perfect little angel. I can't tell you how good it felt, and I have Steve to thank for it. He also does boarding and grooming, which is great if you want your dog coming back better behaved then when you left them. Steve earned every one of those 5 stars. I'm overwhelmed with all the knowledge he shared, and I intend on continuing courses to keep up with the training. Thanks again Steve, and I encourage anyone who needs it to sign up! read more

Steve has trained both of my rescue dogs with great success. Jazmine is a healthy, happy, obedient 14 year old lady who's training has stuck with her for 12 years. Cody is a playful, sweet, cuddle boy that has been improving every day from Steve's guidance. I would go back to Steve in a heartbeat with another dog. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Steve. He is incredible. I enrolled my stubborn American Bulldog, Sloan, in Steve's three week course. Steve worked his magic! Sloan learned more commands than I thought possible. The best part was Sloan was happy. He still loves going to Steve's for boarding and touch-up training. read more

Steve came highly recommended when I was looking for a dog trainer for my 2 year old rescue. My hesitation with dog training was either that I wouldn't find someone who could get results, or that the trainer might be too harsh and "break" my dogs spirit. I was instantly at ease with Steve from our very first training session. He is a kind, gentle dog expert who with patience, understanding and persistence guides you and your pet in the right direction. By listening to your specific needs, he provides you with the necessary tools to address and overcome your weaknesses and get on track in building a strong, healthy relationship with your pet. I have signed up for the 4 session program and am happy to report that my dog is responding very well to the exercises Steve has shown us and is surpassing my expectations! Thanks, Steve! read more

I've had two dogs go through training with Steve. A rescue white German Shepherd and a Jack Russell that we got as a very young puppy. In both cases we had challenges with behavior. The German Shepherd went in for two weeks and came back a different dog. Before he went in he was afraid of cars and didn't know how to heel and had many other problems as a result of being abandoned on the street. Steve not only trained him but gave him pride. This dog turned out to be extremely intelligent and so well trained you could leave him a "down" for as long as you needed. We were blown away. The Jack Russell was given to us far too young. Steve was the first person we called and he came over to help us figure how to deal with an extremely scared little girl pup. She eventually went in for training for 3 weeks and is now 5 years old and going strong with what he taught her. Her training gave her a great foundation and we feel very lucky to have found someone like Steve who really cares. Another great thing is the boarding he does when we leave town. Our dogs run to his gate when we get out of the car they're so happy to go back and get some refresher training. It's really comforting to know we have a place to kennel them that we know is going to be safe and fun. Thanks Steve! read more

I have worked with Steve for 4 years. I have had many dogs over the years but 5 years ago I took on Isaak... A great dog but challenging in so many ways. I hooked up with Steve when Isaak was almost one. Steve has worked with Isaak and helped establish a core training program that has provided Isaak with training I thought impossible before Steve. Steve is the only place I will board Isaak... I trust him and Isaak respects Steve and responds well to his approach. He is an amazing trainer and truly loves the dogs he works with. read more

I had a beautiful and stubborn Chesapeake Bay Retriever that I needed alot of help with. My good friend told me to call Steve because he had done such a wonderful job with her Jack Russell Terrier. So I called and felt so at ease when I met with my dog, Grady. I had been in the Veterinary field for awhile so I had alot expectations from Steve. He met them all, she became this loving and respectful dog with my husband and I, and amazing to the 3 boys that I had later. I now have 2 new puppies and I decided to try a new trainer that was much closer where I live, and boy was that a mistake I made, should trusted my gut instincts!!! Calling him ASAP! read more

We rescued a young German Shepard and after trying one trainer and several weeks of training we were still getting nowhere. She would lunge at other dogs and bark like crazy when passing them in the street, even gnashing her teeth against the car window. We were so discouraged, but decided to give Steve a try as a last ditch effort, and are so thankful we did. He taught us how to work with her to get past these issues and now she's the dog everyone compliments and notes "how well trained she is!" Thanks to Steve we have a great relationship with our dog that will last a lifetime. WORTH EVERY PENNY!! read more

We took our unruly terrier mix to Steve and I swear the man works miracles. We rescued our pup at about 8 mos. old and tried to train him on our own, but we couldn't get him to stop pulling on the leash, mouthing, and just being too excitable. Over four sessions (and with a lot of practice at home), Steve helped us turn our crazy puppy into an obedient dog. Thanks to Steve, he sits and lies down without treats, stays forever (even when we walk out of the room), comes when we call him, and does several fun tricks! Steve gave us the tools we needed to deal with our dog. We can't wait to take advantage of the group classes! read more