Barkimonials!
This is what our amazing dog owners have to say about us!
Met Michael quite by accident through a friend several years ago.
Both of our dogs “had” similar issues so we decided to give it a try. Previous trainers did not work for us.
We rescued Kanjii when he was 3 weeks old. We already had an older puppy in the family that didn’t get proper training and as a result, he was not a good role model to Kanjii. We did not realize he had behavioral and social issues until he was about 4 months. We were not savvy enough to get help. So we muzzled him on walks and isolated him from strangers.
By the time we met Micheal, Kanjii was two years old, 80 lbs, and had aggression toward strangers and other dogs.
Michael was barely 21 years old when we met. Unlike other trainers who may learn this business, Michael was born with a gift, an instinct towards dogs that I am willing to bet not many people have. The muzzle was off by the end of the first session (and yes, Kanjii tried to bite him a couple of times).
During the initial training, a new dog came into our home and it was war. We had to install a series of gates to keep them separated. Through Michael’s training, the new dog was integrated into the family and all three are the best of friends.
Michael trains with care, kindness, treats and a lot of patience. His partner, Kai, is a well-trained, efficient helper, who also happens to be a service dog, and very instrumental in training difficult dogs.
We now have a peaceful, harmonious household. Kanjii still continues socialization with Michael 3 times a week, constantly meeting new dogs and people. There are times when Michael uses Kanjii as a training example for new client’s dogs!!!
It is a pleasure walking Kanjii (the muzzle came off years ago!!!). He is now the best dog in the house.
It was our good fortune to meet this young man. Our dogs and family are indebted to Michael forever.
Ingrid Trisna
El Segundo
(310)779-4720
Both of our dogs “had” similar issues so we decided to give it a try. Previous trainers did not work for us.
We rescued Kanjii when he was 3 weeks old. We already had an older puppy in the family that didn’t get proper training and as a result, he was not a good role model to Kanjii. We did not realize he had behavioral and social issues until he was about 4 months. We were not savvy enough to get help. So we muzzled him on walks and isolated him from strangers.
By the time we met Micheal, Kanjii was two years old, 80 lbs, and had aggression toward strangers and other dogs.
Michael was barely 21 years old when we met. Unlike other trainers who may learn this business, Michael was born with a gift, an instinct towards dogs that I am willing to bet not many people have. The muzzle was off by the end of the first session (and yes, Kanjii tried to bite him a couple of times).
During the initial training, a new dog came into our home and it was war. We had to install a series of gates to keep them separated. Through Michael’s training, the new dog was integrated into the family and all three are the best of friends.
Michael trains with care, kindness, treats and a lot of patience. His partner, Kai, is a well-trained, efficient helper, who also happens to be a service dog, and very instrumental in training difficult dogs.
We now have a peaceful, harmonious household. Kanjii still continues socialization with Michael 3 times a week, constantly meeting new dogs and people. There are times when Michael uses Kanjii as a training example for new client’s dogs!!!
It is a pleasure walking Kanjii (the muzzle came off years ago!!!). He is now the best dog in the house.
It was our good fortune to meet this young man. Our dogs and family are indebted to Michael forever.
Ingrid Trisna
El Segundo
(310)779-4720
We have two dogs, one Lab named Sadza and one Malinois/Pit mix named Scooby. We adopted Scooby from the Carson pound when he was about 5 months old. He started showing signs of aggression towards other dogs when he was about 2 years old. He was very aggressive at the dog parks and even passing other dogs while walking on leash. After Scooby's first altercation at a dog park, we hired a trainer. She suggested a muzzle and training. Unfortunately we saw no improvement. There were a few more altercations, the last one resulting in serious injury to another dog. We spoke to our vet who suggested a behavioral therapist/trainer. We were seriously worried we would have to put Scooby down. Lucky for us, my daughter remembered a young man named Michael who was a dog trainer. I called him and it was probably one of the best things I have ever done. We could all actually see a difference in Scooby after only one day with Michael. Scooby has now been going with Michael for two and a half years. He is a completely different dog! Very obedient in every way and we can walk him without being nervous!! Both Scooby and Sadza have boarded with Michael several times as well with absolutely no worries.
Michael has a very special bond with each dog he trains. He has such great passion and love working with the dogs. The dogs know this, which is why Michael and the dogs are successful.
Michael and Spectrum Dog Training literally saved Scooby. We cannot say enough kind things about Michael and are forever thankful for his continued support.
The Davis Family
Rancho Palos Verdes
(310)923-1875
Michael has a very special bond with each dog he trains. He has such great passion and love working with the dogs. The dogs know this, which is why Michael and the dogs are successful.
Michael and Spectrum Dog Training literally saved Scooby. We cannot say enough kind things about Michael and are forever thankful for his continued support.
The Davis Family
Rancho Palos Verdes
(310)923-1875
Spectrum Dogs has been a huge blessing for both me and my dog, Peanut. I rescued Peanut about a year ago and she had high anxiety and not properly socialized. Peanut would bark uncontrollably and lunge at other dogs, squirrels, skateboarders, etc. This began to impact the time of day we could go out for walks and just being outside to play without them being stressful situations.
A good friend recommended Spectrum Dogs as Mike had done wonders with her dogs. Mike and Peanut spent a few all-day sessions together and the change was amazing. Peanut listened to commands, improved her leash skills, and developed her socialization skills. Peanut loves Spectrum's weekly pack walks; she has made lot of friends and gets a lot of fun exercise!
Kelly
Hermosa Beach
310-374-4835
A good friend recommended Spectrum Dogs as Mike had done wonders with her dogs. Mike and Peanut spent a few all-day sessions together and the change was amazing. Peanut listened to commands, improved her leash skills, and developed her socialization skills. Peanut loves Spectrum's weekly pack walks; she has made lot of friends and gets a lot of fun exercise!
Kelly
Hermosa Beach
310-374-4835
It has been about 3 years now since our beloved Bentley bear has been going with Michael and the pack.
Bentley was a rescue and one of those many dogs that had social awkwardness with other dogs.
He would pull, tug, not listen on the lead and as a power breed hard to control, we were at a loss for we only
wanted a well behaved and happy dog for our Family. We had heard great things about Michael and soon set up an appointment to meet him. On Michaels suggestion we met at a park a neutral location for Bentley to feel the most comfortable. The kids Nikki, Michaella and Steven and I liked Michaels gentle soft demeaner
And the way he handled our doggie. We were also impressed with his knowledge and experience for such a young guy. He told us that we need training just like our boy, we spent a long time at the park and hired him that day.
Bentley began going with the pack 3 times a week we immediately noticed the change so we in turn were and have been motivated ever since. It takes work on both ends to achieve this kind of respect, we noticed great changes in the first week. Bentley is now a calm, relaxed, trained, well behaved dog to have around and show off.
Bentley now looks forward every week to see Michael and his pack friends for all kinds of adventures
around the South Bay.
You are the Best Michael and Spectrum Dog Training
Love you lots
XO
Sue Bettencourt
San Pedro
(310)308-7241
Bentley was a rescue and one of those many dogs that had social awkwardness with other dogs.
He would pull, tug, not listen on the lead and as a power breed hard to control, we were at a loss for we only
wanted a well behaved and happy dog for our Family. We had heard great things about Michael and soon set up an appointment to meet him. On Michaels suggestion we met at a park a neutral location for Bentley to feel the most comfortable. The kids Nikki, Michaella and Steven and I liked Michaels gentle soft demeaner
And the way he handled our doggie. We were also impressed with his knowledge and experience for such a young guy. He told us that we need training just like our boy, we spent a long time at the park and hired him that day.
Bentley began going with the pack 3 times a week we immediately noticed the change so we in turn were and have been motivated ever since. It takes work on both ends to achieve this kind of respect, we noticed great changes in the first week. Bentley is now a calm, relaxed, trained, well behaved dog to have around and show off.
Bentley now looks forward every week to see Michael and his pack friends for all kinds of adventures
around the South Bay.
You are the Best Michael and Spectrum Dog Training
Love you lots
XO
Sue Bettencourt
San Pedro
(310)308-7241
After we got Luke from a rescue, I wasn't certain we could keep him because of his misbehavior. Luke frequently snapped at us and bared his teeth, and seemingly for no reason. We nearly gave up when Luke nipped at two girls in two weeks. Then someone recommended Michael at Spectrum Dog Training.
Michael helped us immensely with Luke, even during his first free visit. He modeled how we should talk to Luke, showed us exactly what to do when Luke nipped, and explained what Luke was thinking and why he was behaving this way. He taught us how to control Luke with our words and behaviors not treats or shocks.
Following Michael's guidance, we turned Luke into a completely different dog; he is now very obedient and never nips or bares his teeth. Luke also seems happier and he adores Michael. I strongly recommend Michael if you have a difficult dog; Michael won't give up until he helps you succeed.
Connie Pechmann
Manhattan Beach
(310)892-0619
Michael helped us immensely with Luke, even during his first free visit. He modeled how we should talk to Luke, showed us exactly what to do when Luke nipped, and explained what Luke was thinking and why he was behaving this way. He taught us how to control Luke with our words and behaviors not treats or shocks.
Following Michael's guidance, we turned Luke into a completely different dog; he is now very obedient and never nips or bares his teeth. Luke also seems happier and he adores Michael. I strongly recommend Michael if you have a difficult dog; Michael won't give up until he helps you succeed.
Connie Pechmann
Manhattan Beach
(310)892-0619
I just wanted to tell you how much we are in awe of what you have accomplished with Stella is such a short period of time. Prior to working with you, she was extremely excitable and aggressive around other dogs. In virtually no time at all you have completely eliminated that behavior and made her a pleasure to walk in public.
Mike, you are truly a magician with dogs and we look forward to working with you for years to come!
Best,
Jim
Palos Verdes
(310) 377-7205
Mike, you are truly a magician with dogs and we look forward to working with you for years to come!
Best,
Jim
Palos Verdes
(310) 377-7205
Chance and Luna love Mike. They walk with him 3 times a week. Chance was a runner. We would open the front door and he would be gone. This is a scary thing when you have a black dog who disappears into the night onto a busy street. And Luna was a jumper. She would pounce on you when you walked through the door. Now, Chance and Luna sit patiently by the open door and wait for permission to go. Their manners around other dogs have improved immensely. They will sit and stay when other dogs go by. And boy are they exhausted after a trail, off-leash adventure with Mike. We have even had them stay with him while we were on vacation. We trust Mike with our doggies and that is saying a lot.
Sue
Palos Verdes
(310)567-7465
Sue
Palos Verdes
(310)567-7465
Our Ridgeback has been part of Michael and Kai's pack since he was a puppy. Michael has taught him so much respect for people and animals, as well as how to walk without pulling on the leash - which has been a godsend given the size and strength of the breed. We are so grateful to have Michael as a part of our family!
Simona
Redondo Beach
(714)717-8811
Simona
Redondo Beach
(714)717-8811
We've only been working with Michael a few weeks and our pit-mix puppy, Kai, is like a totally different dog. Not only is Kai a better dog, but we have a much better understanding on how to keep training Kai to make him be the dog that everyone wants to be around. We've learned how to make him respect us as his pack leader. We will continue to work with Michael/Spectrum Dog Training!
Jenny
Redondo Beach
(310) 546-3406
Jenny
Redondo Beach
(310) 546-3406
It has been such a blessing meeting Michael. He is the best dog trainer I have ever encountered. He works amazing with ALL dogs but it is truly amazing that it seems that he specializes in big dogs with behavioral issues. There is not one dog i believe that he cannot train. i would recommend him to anyone. He has really helped my Mya, who is crazy, out of control 2 year old pit bull. With only the few times we have met to train he has really helped me to help her. Some people were born to do their jobs and that is exactly who Michael is. He is professional, kind, understanding, and 100% a dog love who only wants the best for you and your furry friend. He really helps you to help your pet and I believe he gives fair pricing for the work he puts in! I would go to him over and over again. I cannot say one negative thing about how he trains. Worth every penny!!!
Thank you so much Michael for all that you have done so far.
Very excited to continue to work with you.
-Nicole C.
Torrance
(310) 200-2898
Thank you so much Michael for all that you have done so far.
Very excited to continue to work with you.
-Nicole C.
Torrance
(310) 200-2898
I met Michael while I was walking my puppy of 6 months. My dog was beginning to push his boundaries with me and although he was an angel when I first adopted him, he soon became comfortable with his new surroundings and started barking more frequently, chewing up anything left within his reach, and acted up by going to the bathroom in the house.
With Michael's help training my puppy, we were soon able to squash these behaviors. During the training not only did my dog learn his place in the house, but I learned as an owner how to establish dominance and make my dog listen to commands. I used to "dog proof" my house, now my dog understands the difference between my belongings and his toys. When I take my dog for a walk people always comment to me that he is so well behaved, and when I bring him around my friends they praise how my dog listens to me.
I started using Michael for training sessions, now that my dog has "graduated" I use Michael for weekly pack walks and boarding when I leave town. I know that when I leave my dog with Michael, he isn't just getting a walk or a chaperone for the weekend, I have peace of mind that my best friend is in good hands. Michael trains while he watches my dog so I know my dog isn't getting away with bad behavior, and Michael doesn't use crates either. I'm so glad I ran into Michael on that walk 2 years ago, thanks to him I can take my dog anywhere (dog parks, dog beaches, in stores, to the pier, on plane rides) with confidence that he will behave.
Anna
Hermosa Beach
(860) 227-9112
With Michael's help training my puppy, we were soon able to squash these behaviors. During the training not only did my dog learn his place in the house, but I learned as an owner how to establish dominance and make my dog listen to commands. I used to "dog proof" my house, now my dog understands the difference between my belongings and his toys. When I take my dog for a walk people always comment to me that he is so well behaved, and when I bring him around my friends they praise how my dog listens to me.
I started using Michael for training sessions, now that my dog has "graduated" I use Michael for weekly pack walks and boarding when I leave town. I know that when I leave my dog with Michael, he isn't just getting a walk or a chaperone for the weekend, I have peace of mind that my best friend is in good hands. Michael trains while he watches my dog so I know my dog isn't getting away with bad behavior, and Michael doesn't use crates either. I'm so glad I ran into Michael on that walk 2 years ago, thanks to him I can take my dog anywhere (dog parks, dog beaches, in stores, to the pier, on plane rides) with confidence that he will behave.
Anna
Hermosa Beach
(860) 227-9112
I found out about Mike from my friend Sue. I have a 5 year old Basset hound named Gilbert, who has lots of energy. I also have an 11 year old Basset but she just wants to hang out and she is happy. Gilbert would always pull me when I walked him and was very high energy in the house.
I first had Mike come to help me with walking Gilbert . He just told me a few things to change and it was like night and day. Gilbert now is a much better walker.
Mike also takes Gilbert with him on his walks/off leash hikes. On the walks, Mike walks them, socializes them and trains them. Gilbert absolutely loves Mike... He is much calmer at home and better behaved. I think Mike has magical dog powers. It is amazing what he does with the dogs. They all listen to him and love him.. Gilbert sometimes waits at the top of the stairs in the house and howls for Mike to come.
Lynn Edson
Redondo Beach
(310) 918-4378
I first had Mike come to help me with walking Gilbert . He just told me a few things to change and it was like night and day. Gilbert now is a much better walker.
Mike also takes Gilbert with him on his walks/off leash hikes. On the walks, Mike walks them, socializes them and trains them. Gilbert absolutely loves Mike... He is much calmer at home and better behaved. I think Mike has magical dog powers. It is amazing what he does with the dogs. They all listen to him and love him.. Gilbert sometimes waits at the top of the stairs in the house and howls for Mike to come.
Lynn Edson
Redondo Beach
(310) 918-4378
My name is Brittany, and I have a cuddly soft-coated wheaten terrier named Brody. When he was around 2 years old, Brody became very aggressive. Walking turned into an embarrassing headache with Brody lunging and barking wildly at every dog we passed.
With Mike's training and advice, I can now walk Brody stress free, knowing he will stay seated as other dogs pass by. He even makes new friends on walks which would have never been possible before. Mike came to our rescue and turned our little monster back into a cute teddy bear.
I highly recommend Mike to anyone who needs help controlling their dog. I am always impressed to see how he handles a large group of dogs. Thank you Mike!!!
Brittany
Redondo Beach
310-465-9926
With Mike's training and advice, I can now walk Brody stress free, knowing he will stay seated as other dogs pass by. He even makes new friends on walks which would have never been possible before. Mike came to our rescue and turned our little monster back into a cute teddy bear.
I highly recommend Mike to anyone who needs help controlling their dog. I am always impressed to see how he handles a large group of dogs. Thank you Mike!!!
Brittany
Redondo Beach
310-465-9926
I couldn't believe it when my cute, fluffy golden retriever puppy, Hudson, bit me for the first time. He was just four months and as I attempted to remove his bowl after his evening meal. He growled and bit my wrist. Everyone in the house heard him growl, and blood was flowing from my wrist. That was the beginning of his aggressive behavior as I recall. A few weeks later, I handed Hudson a bone while watching my son play baseball at a nearby field. As I reached down to pick up my water bottle, he growled and bit me again. All of my friends were astonished, after all, golden retrievers are supposed to be the ultimate family friendly dog. As time passed, Hudson became more than food and toy aggressive ... he was now lunging at dogs he would see on our walks and redirecting at his handler - me. At this time, Hudson was 8 months old, and had his adult teeth. Not only was I bruised from him biting me, but my heart was broken because I did not know how to deal with Hudson's issues.
I grew up with dogs - all kinds of them - dachshunds, dobermans, and labs as a kid -- Hudson is my 5th golden retriever since my husband and I have been married (we have 3 teenagers). I have dealt with many common issues -- barking, digging, jumping, counter surfing -- you know -- the typical behaviors that are annoying, but harmless. Hudson's aggression was hard for me to understand and deal with since I had never laid a hand on him, or treated him unkindly. I began reading books and taking advice from a neighbor who trains dogs for the blind.
When Hudson was 9 months old, he bit my neighbors dog -- which cost us over $1,000. After that - I literally had to hide behind cars, trees, etc., while out with Hudson when other dogs were around. At this time, Hudson began fighting over toys with our other dog, who is senior. My kids certainly couldn't take Hudson out, even though they are all in their late teens, and when they accompanied me on walks with Hudson, they couldn't believe how reactive and out of control Hudson was -- they were embarrassed.
The first trainer we hired told me that Hudson would never be able to get along with other dogs, in fact, during a training session with her, Hudson became so agitated when he saw another dog that he redirected and bit me in my stomach. The pain was so severe that I ended the training session - and today, I still have a scar. I tried her type of training for four months - which involved giving Hudson treats all the time. I hand fed Hudson every meal, I took him to busy locations and fed him treats when he did not react towards other dogs. When the food was gone, so was Hudson's attention span. This type of training did not work for Hudson.
Michael first observed Hudson's behavior while out walking his pack of dogs on the green belt. He told me that Hudson was young - which was a good thing - but that he needed to begin a new type of training (one which did not include bribing (treats), and did include gaining respect and confidence in his handler. We began weekly training sessions and slowly Hudson began to come around. Michael explained that Hudson's aggressiveness towards other dogs was fear based, and that when he was confident in me and my leadership, he would eventually come around. I can't say that we had one training session or a few, and Hudson was fixed -- it took lots of training sessions, time, failure, and a positive attitude on my part. Eventually, Hudson was able to attend group hikes and pack walks with Michael and the Spectrum dogs.
Vikki M.
Manhattan Beach
(310)245-1238
I grew up with dogs - all kinds of them - dachshunds, dobermans, and labs as a kid -- Hudson is my 5th golden retriever since my husband and I have been married (we have 3 teenagers). I have dealt with many common issues -- barking, digging, jumping, counter surfing -- you know -- the typical behaviors that are annoying, but harmless. Hudson's aggression was hard for me to understand and deal with since I had never laid a hand on him, or treated him unkindly. I began reading books and taking advice from a neighbor who trains dogs for the blind.
When Hudson was 9 months old, he bit my neighbors dog -- which cost us over $1,000. After that - I literally had to hide behind cars, trees, etc., while out with Hudson when other dogs were around. At this time, Hudson began fighting over toys with our other dog, who is senior. My kids certainly couldn't take Hudson out, even though they are all in their late teens, and when they accompanied me on walks with Hudson, they couldn't believe how reactive and out of control Hudson was -- they were embarrassed.
The first trainer we hired told me that Hudson would never be able to get along with other dogs, in fact, during a training session with her, Hudson became so agitated when he saw another dog that he redirected and bit me in my stomach. The pain was so severe that I ended the training session - and today, I still have a scar. I tried her type of training for four months - which involved giving Hudson treats all the time. I hand fed Hudson every meal, I took him to busy locations and fed him treats when he did not react towards other dogs. When the food was gone, so was Hudson's attention span. This type of training did not work for Hudson.
Michael first observed Hudson's behavior while out walking his pack of dogs on the green belt. He told me that Hudson was young - which was a good thing - but that he needed to begin a new type of training (one which did not include bribing (treats), and did include gaining respect and confidence in his handler. We began weekly training sessions and slowly Hudson began to come around. Michael explained that Hudson's aggressiveness towards other dogs was fear based, and that when he was confident in me and my leadership, he would eventually come around. I can't say that we had one training session or a few, and Hudson was fixed -- it took lots of training sessions, time, failure, and a positive attitude on my part. Eventually, Hudson was able to attend group hikes and pack walks with Michael and the Spectrum dogs.
Vikki M.
Manhattan Beach
(310)245-1238