Alpha K-9 Obedience

We adopted our German Shepherd, Bear, in winter 2022 when we found him starving and roaming around farms in a rural area. He was very sweet and loving so we had to take him home. Once home he started showing aggression towards our neighbors male lab, so we wanted to nip that in the bud being that GSDs are scary to people as it is, and we didn't want him to scare anyone or their dogs. We called Michael and a few other places. Michael had a completely different approach where he worked with understanding Bear as an individual, not as another dog or another German Shepherd. He explained to us what was likely causing the aggression and gave us tools to help it. Michael told us that Bear was likely attacked by other dogs when he was roaming, and reacts aggressively when scared as a protection mechanism. He taught us to show Bear that we were the leader of the pack and that he didn't have to protect us or himself. Since working with Michael we have been able to bring Bear around other dogs and in public without having to worry about him turning onto another dog. Michael gave us tailored tools and processes that he learned from observing and learning about Bear rather than a cookie cutter approach. We felt that Michael really understood Bear and taught us how to work with him accordingly.

Upon retiring, my wife and I rescued an Akita/German Shepard puppy in Aug '22 (thinking it was a Lab/German Shepard but found out otherwise through a DNA test). We immediately realized that this was going to be much more work than we anticipated. Michael was referred to us by friends who worked with him and their two of their German Shepard mixes. Michael is knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate and has a thorough understanding of both dog and human behavior. He taught us how to address our puppy's (now almost 1-year old) behavioral issues. He provides clear and concise instructions and shows us the tools we need to reinforce positive behaviors and correct negative ones as well. He also trains us how to change our behavior so that our puppy/dog looks to us for direction.

Over a year ago I contacted Michael when my German Shepherd began to show aggression to other dogs and was completely ignoring me. I was afraid I would not be able to keep her. Even after one session there was an immediate improvement. At every session following Michael taught me the tools to be a calm and confident leader and in return I have earned the respect of my sweet German Shepherd, and I’ve often had compliments of how obedient she is around other dogs and children when I take her for walks. Unfortunately, I had to move out of state and my backyard backs up to five properties all with dogs! I was able to call Michael and even over the phone He has assisted me in dealing with the fence fighting. My dog immediately recognizes Michael’s voice and responses. Even miles away Michael has once again help me to successfully navigate a difficult situation. I highly recommend Michael. He has truly impacted our lives in an incredibly positive way, and I cannot even imagine where we would be right now without his experience, knowledge, skills and patience!

Working with Michael at Alpha K-9 Obedience has been nothing short of a great experience. His teaching methods of animal behaviors and establishing a trusting relationship with your dog are effective. Our boy, Wilson has come a long way since Michael started working with us and while there is still work to be done, we're very pleased with the results. Michael is very responsive, punctual and he takes the time to really understand the desired outcomes to cater to your training needs.