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I just wanted to take a quick minute to say what a fantastic experience I had with Sean and KoruK9. Eight weeks ago, I was sobbing because I was afraid I may have to give up my beloved mutt, Cupcake. Now? She is the best possible version of the dog I always believed she could be.

Before training, Cupcake was sweet and loving with my family, but uncontrollably reactive to outsiders. She would dash out the door to chase people walking by. I couldn’t walk her because if she saw someone across the street, she would lunge and bark and lose her mind. It was humiliating and dangerous, and I was terrified she would bite someone.

I hired a purely positive trainer last year. Cupcake wouldn’t work with her. She just stared and refused to move. No amount of treats would convince Cupcake to walk a step, and it eventually felt like she only stopped barking in terror long enough for me to stuff more chicken in her face. At the trainer’s suggestion, I talked to my vet about medication. Medication got me a dog that was both stoned and reactive. Finally, the trainer gave up, suggesting more drugs, more chicken, and more of the same.

After a few months of increasing medication without any behavioral improvement, I realized that I needed to do something to help Cupcake or we were going to lose her. I knew she could be a great dog because she was sweet and loving with us. I just had no idea how to help Cupcake or manage her behavior.

Enter Sean.

Immediately, he was unphased by Cupcake’s reactive tantrum. Sean just exuded confidence–of course he could help us; of course I could have a dog who behaves. His confidence helped me be confident.

Cupcake’s behavior began to improve during our first training session. You could see the gears turning in her head as she began to sort out what was expected of her. Soon, Sean had us practicing in public–taking her to dog friendly stores. Sean provided constant, regular feedback and coaching, teaching me to be a better trainer for my own dog. I felt like I was able to communicate expectations to Cupcake in a way I couldn’t before. Her training was overwhelmingly positive, but Sean gave me the tools I lacked to correct Cupcake when needed.

Eventually, I took Cupcake back to a park where we had once attempted a miserable walk while she lunged and barked at every passerby. This time? She walked and sat and practiced “down” while completely ignoring everyone around us. In consultation with her vet, I’ve been weaning her off her medication. She’s a happier and healthier dog, and she’s no longer stoned off her face. I feel confident taking her places, so she gets to live a more full life and I get to enjoy the dog I always wanted.

Hiring KoruK9 and Sean was the best decision I could have possibly made for Cupcake and I. I’m confident in my ability to help her progress even further, and I’m also confident that I can better introduce any future dogs into our family and avoid the issues we developed with Cupcake. I cannot say enough good things about Sean, and would recommend him and KouK9 without hesitation to anyone whose dog needs training or behavior modification.

Kate Hinklin
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