“Kolleen has undoubtedly been the single most positive influence in our life and relationship with our two dogs.
It was clear to us from the beginning that Kolleen was not only a very qualified dog trainer, but that she would also be someone we would enjoy working with. More importantly to us, she obviously loved our dogs and we knew THEY would enjoy working with her!
Kolleen was thoughtful, clear, and unbelievably patient during our sessions. Each session we spent with her was informative…but it was more than that. We left each session excited about what we had learned, encouraged by the clear progress the dogs were making, and energized to spend more quality time working with the dogs on our own. We’ve had complete strangers remark, “What well behaved dogs you have!” If only they knew where we had started.
Kolleen did much more than simply teach our dogs how to walk well on a leash or sit on command. She laid the foundation for a better life for our dogs and for a stronger relationship between our dogs and us. And thats something we can never repay her for.”
Brian & David
See what my past clients have to say…
There is no way he would still be a part of our family without Kolleen.
She helped us every step of the way. We cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She is patient, she listens to you, she listens to the dog, she has a wonderful feel for her surroundings, and is creative in her approach. She is flexible, kind, humble, loving, and firm. She expects the best in everyone with whom she works - canine or otherwise - and gives them back twofold as a result. Kolleen is an incredible dog trainer (and people trainer too) and anyone with a dog would be lucky to have her become a part of their family… just like we were. She changed our lives for the better, for that we cannot be more thankful. ”
Cathy T.
Kolleen is nothing short of a canine wizard. Our dog had a few behavioral challenges, prompting us to turn to Kolleen based on her exceptional reviews. During our initial phone consultation, she demonstrated a deep understanding of our dog's needs and confidence that she could remedy these behaviors.
Fast forward three months, and the transformation in our dog's behavior is truly remarkable. The training experience has been life-changing, and we find ourselves wishing we had started it sooner. Our once leash-pulling, rabbit-chasing dog has seamlessly transitioned into a well-behaved companion who stays faithfully by our side in a perfect heel, even without a leash. She can now roam freely, responding instantly and unfailingly to our calls. Kolleen's expertise has turned our dog into a delightful companion, adaptable to any setting and ever-eager to obey our commands.
We cannot emphasize enough how highly we recommend Kolleen's services. In fact, we are so impressed that we plan to entrust our future dogs to her as well. Moreover, we've already passed on our glowing recommendation to friends who are currently benefiting from her training expertise. Kolleen's gift with dogs is truly something special!
Before working with Kolleen, I was close to feeling like I wanted to give up.
I was up against this incredibly painful thought of "maybe I need to rehome him, I don't think I can do this." Before hearing about Kolleen, I went to a few other trainers who didn't help. My experience with the other trainers only deepened this feeling of total defeat, which was so painful. I was getting to the point that I couldn't take it anymore. When I heard about Journeyk9 I had an immediate gut feeling. I decided to follow my gut and I'm so grateful that I did. This training changed my life.
My dog started developing more aggressive behavior after living with a dog who would bully him and be aggressive towards him. Even when moving out and not living in that situation any longer, it seemed like it continued to get worse. He started becoming territorial when people would come over and I was becoming more concerned that he would bite a person. I felt like he was out of control and the last straw came when he bit the sweet little elderly dog we are living with and left deep puncture wounds. I came to Kolleen with a sense of desperation and right away felt calmed by her confidence.
I would like to tell you about my relationship with my dog now...
I often contact Kolleen telling her my wins with my dog.
How he ignored a rude dog, whereas before he would have fought. His calm and collected demeanor. He plays more freely than he did even when he was a puppy! The way he plays is very respectful of other dogs now and not overly dominating. I feel a great sense of confidence not only in my ability to control my dog, but my instincts and ability to feel the situation and act accordingly. I trust my dog and I trust myself. Kolleen didn't just train Odie, she trained ME. I have friends notice an amazing difference in him and how calm and collected I am now in regards to my dog.
I have put SO much work into my training with my dog, and Kolleen has helped every step of the way. She is always there when I need help or have a simple question. She saved my relationship with my dog. She is HANDS DOWN the best trainer and worth every Penny. If you are at all questioning bringing your dog here, don't. You will waste your money going anywhere else and the pain and frustration you may have with your dog doesn't only limit their life, but it also limits yours. Believe me, I know that from experience and it's not fun.
Words can't express my gratitude.
Out of 5 stars... I give you 1 MILLION! Seriously, you're the best Kolleen.
—Samantha E.
“My two pups (both~3 yrs old) just graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kolleen's amazing training program (SCL due to an amazing teacher!). As you can see from their picture (which Kolleen took!), they are two very different breeds. Kolleen helped me understand how the breed reacts to various training routines; she really is a dog whisperer. As other reviewers have said, the improvement in their behavior has been dramatic and wonderful.
Kolleen has such a kind and gentle manner with the dogs and I would watch them walk off with her, tails waving, every morning of "school". They now come when called, even when chasing ducks or deer. They heel beautifully on our walks. They go to their "place" when the doorbell rings. My little hearding dog walked calmly within inches of some cattle which I never thought she would be able to do. These are all behaviors that they learned. But their overall behavior is also improved; the process of learning to obey specific commands seems to have leaked into their everyday behavior which has been terrific. Best of all, they seem to enjoy being "good dogs" and are so proud of themselves which is a joy to witness.
Kolleen is phenomenal at dog training but, as I soon realized, I also needed training and I think this is where she really shines. She was so patient and understanding and such a good teacher to ME, that it made me truly appreciate how she handles the entire spectrum of dog training.”
—Kate K.
“My husband and I adopted a one year old boxer from a local shelter. Neither of us had ever had a dog before and knew nothing about caring for, let alone training one. We met with Kolleen and she quickly assessed our situation and needs, immediately beginning work to help bring the three of us together in a healthy, happy, successful relationship based on respect and love. She helped us learn how to be great leaders for our dog and taught us habits that continue to serve us in what she made clear is a lifelong training process for our dog. She helped us understand our dog and taught us how to communicate so that our dog could understand. Kolleen also trained our dog!
She was able to take her from crazed mess on the end of the leash to the perfect heel with or without a leash.
Our dog’s manners are complimented every day and she is a joy to be around because of the work Kolleen did with both us and the dog. She was a total professional and I would not hesitate to recommend her to train any dog or their human.”
Meg & Jeremy W.
“When we searched for a dog trainer, we wanted a person who had both exceptional personal characteristics as well as professional training experience and skill. We needed a trainer who could not only train our dog, but who could train us as well. Kolleen exceeded our expectations in every way.
She always acted towards us with supreme patience and understanding, never giving us reason to feel awkward or irresponsible as dog owners. Kolleen showed remarkable patience and empathy for Oliver, always appearing relaxed, gentle, and confident in her handling. As a retired high school teacher, I was deeply impressed with not only her ability to teach our dog, but just as importantly, us.
Our dog is responsive and well behaved now, and he is providing us so much fun now that he is trained.”
Jessie A. & Susan S.
“Kolleen is a delight to work with - professional, pleasant, and patient. More importantly, she is really, really effective. Sammy is now a celebrity in our neighborhood because he is so well trained.
People will literally stop us on the street to ask us how we got our dog to be so obedient. I always tell them it takes two things: consistency and Kolleen Raitz. We cannot recommend Kolleen highly enough.”
Kelly B.
Kolleen is the BEST! Our 5-yr old Aussie mix, Emmitt, has struggled since he was a pup. We've been through lots of training - good training, but nothing has worked to help with his anxiety. After 2 near bites, we had to start considering re-homing him. Kolleen was recommended by a friend. I was skeptical. But after just the first session, it was clear she understood Emmitt and knew exactly how to handled him and help him. I am blown away by how successful the training has been. We still have work to do, but HOPE is back. JourneyK9 has given us HOPE! My husband and I are incredibly grateful.
—Becky S.
If I could give Kolleen and Journey K9 more than 5 stars, I would! We spoke with several trainers before we met Kolleen, and after our conversation with her...we knew she would be the perfect fit! She was easy to work with, professional, flexible, attentive, and SO effective with our fur babies! We were having some serious issues with fence fighting aggression and looking back on it now, it almost seems as though it was a blessing in disguise since it led us to training. Not only did Kolleen train to completely get rid of the fence fighting, but she also completely changed our relationship with our pups. She was truly a HUGE blessing in our lives! We can go on enjoyable walks and take them OFF-LEASH hiking! They love their "places" and their lives are stress-free and full of fun! A few months after our training, we had a full house of people for Christmas with complete chaos and our babies just sat on their places like little angels! This would have NEVER been possible prior to Kolleen. We are also expecting a human baby in May, and my mind is completely at ease because of the training that my husband and I (and the pups!) went through! Can't say enough great things about Journey K9!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
—Morgan A.
