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• ....a huge success •
We were given a months notice that we had to get our dogs to pass the CGC test in order to keep them in base housing
with us. We have had both of our dogs since they were old enough to be away from their mothers. Abby, 2 years, is an American Bulldog/Pit
Bull mix. She is very energetic and nosey. Koby, 1 ½ years, is a Blue Pit Bull. He is very laid back and a big baby. Our dogs are members
of our families and we could not imagine having to give them up. In panic mode, we came across Active Dog Adventures. I emailed David in
hope that he would be able to help us out. He quickly responded saying that he would be more than happy to help. We began working with
the dogs at home preparing for our first meeting with David. Our first meeting with David was a huge success. We pre-tested both dogs for
the CGC and neither one of them would have passed. We worked with David for 3 hours and at the end of the session Abby passed her test.
We were all amazed that our hyper girl had made such progress in such a little amount of time. David gave us some excellent training
techniques and mental exercises to do with our dogs. We worked with them for another week and Koby passed his test in our next session.
We continue to work with our dogs the way David taught us and they have made outstanding progress. We really don’t know what we would
have done if it were not for our experience with David at Active Dog Adventures. We are truly grateful! John, Ashley, Morgan, Abby &
Koby Carraway 
– Written by The Carraways
• ..he was our savior! •
My husband and I have had our rescue dog “Roxy” for years, and we recently rescued “Oreo”
to keep her company and save him from the inevitable. However, we didn’t realize what we were getting ourselves into when we brought a
new dog home! The dogs did not get along, and our new Oreo was terrorizing every dog (including Roxy) in the neighborhood. However,
before we gave up on the situation, we contacted David, and he was our savior! David helped us to understand why Oreo was acting out, and
how to get him under control. We have learned so much about both of our dogs, and ourselves in the process. With a little training and
understanding we are all having a blast. Now Oreo and Roxy get along amazingly and most importantly we are able to walk them through the
neighborhood without fearing we might bump into another dog. The transformation has been a great experience for all. Thanks David – you
are our hero!
– Written by Ron, Courtney, Roxy & Oreo
• impressed with David’s work •
Kai, my Standard Poodle, and I have been training with David for several months now. I’m really very experienced
with training dogs but all that experience took place many years ago and the methods have changed for the better. I am so impressed with
David’s work and there is no denying that it is helping Kai become much more than obedient. He is becoming a “thinking dog” who loves the
challenge of mastering the tasks that David sets for us. I can almost see Kai’s mind working and I absolutely can see the joy he feels
when he understands what I am asking of him. While I sometimes struggle to “unlearn” the old ways, David is patient with me and we share
a sense of humor that makes the most difficult lesson fun. I am so proud of the progress that Kai has made and I know that it has
strengthened the bond between us. We really owe that to David and I can recommend him as a trainer, dog sitter or walker unconditionally.
– Written by Diane & Kai
• calm and knowledgeable approach •
Shortly after we adopted our Boxer, although we loved her, we feared we may be in over our heads with this dog! She was
underweight, unhealthy and was generally not happy. She was very nervous out on walks and would fiercely bark at other dogs. David has
truly served our family as "Canine Consultant". He was able to assure us that she could indeed be the "good dog" that we'd hoped for and
he advised us on everything from food, and exercise to helping her bond with us and feel more at ease with her new home. Stella is now a
happy and healthy member of the family. Thanks to David's calm and knowledgeable approach she is learning her basic obedience commands
quickly and can enjoy a nice stroll around the neighborhood.
– Written by The Reiters
• ..a gentle way of training.. •
Dear David, Thank you so much for turning me into a more behaved and nice dog to live with.
As you know I needed lots of work because I came from the back lot of a job site in Los Angeles and look at me now. I am only 5 months
old but you have me walking on a leash nicely, I have manners when I eat and I am learning to be a lady at the front door. I’m not biting
and pulling on clothes. Actually I am a pretty spiffy pup! Thank you David from me and my Mom for your gentle way of training, please
feel free to have other pups call any time for a recommendation.
– Written by Jelly Roll & Louise
• you know you are in great hands •
We have definitely had our share of dog trainers work with our dogs, Shiloh and Oliver. While we knew our dogs were
smart and great learners, nothing could have prepared us for what David would teach them and us. From the minute you meet David, you know
you are in great hands. You can instantly tell the level of training you will get with him is like no other. Within 24 hours of David's
visit, we noticed a change in our dogs. We are amazed by the progress we have seen. We see the future as endless as to what he will be
able to train them to do. We can't thank David enough for coming out to our house.
– Written by The Vilanders
• made me feel at ease •
David recently sat for our kids (akemi- lab/pit & kireina neko-feline) for the week
while we went on vacation. every visit he posted a log usually typed from the girls' perspective for me to sign into his website &
read. they were hilarious! he's got such a great sense of humor! he really made me feel at ease while being so far away from my kids. AND
besides taking care of my precious babies, he didn't kill my plants! :) i recommend him to anyone looking for a great, trustworthy pet
sitter in south oc! jady & mark laguna niguel
– Written by Jady & Mark
• Outstanding personal training •
Dear David, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the outstanding personal
training series my dogs Dorothy and Douglas and I completed with you over these last 6 weeks! I feel our lessons were well worth the cost
in benefit to my dogs over their whole life. They are so much more polite and well behaved. I liked your idea of substituting a bad
behaviour (barking at the door and doorbell) with a good behaviour : "sit!". We ALL learned so much! Dorothy and Douglas love you! I
liked learning to use the clicker for training. The results for so fast it was unbelievable! You were very clear in each lesson with your
directions both for me and my dogs. When I didn't understand a training concept or was nervous you modelled the training segment so that
even a grandma (me) could do it! Our goal was to prepare for the canine good citizen test and ultimately have Dorothy and Douglas qualify
as therapy dogs. I would say we are more than half way to our goal and I just want to say thank you again. I would recommend you as a
trainer to anyone. I have already recommended you to all my friends. Dorothy and Douglas send their WOOF.
– Written by Colleen Samion, San Clemente CA
• David is the best •
David is a great guy and an excellent dog walker. I have had other dog walkers before and by far David is the best.
He is very confident and skilled in his abilities. I was very impressed the first day we met and continue to be with his professionalism
and courtesy – not to mention funny. He is a great asset to any dog owner. I highly recommend him, not to mention he looks and acts just
like Caesar Milan “Dog Whisperer”. Thanks for everything David
– Written by Troy, Irvine CA
• incredible way of relating with dogs •
We rescued Lucy, a young female pit bull, from a shelter in Los Angeles. She needed some
serious socialization and training. We happened to meet Dave in the park working with his pit bull Kai, and we were so impressed with his
Kai’s behavior that we instantly knew that Dave was our new trainer. Dave has an incredible way of relating with dogs and teaching them
the valuable behaviors they need to know. Dave uses positive reinforcements and praise to train your dog, and we saw instant changes with
Lucy’s behavior. Not only does Dave teach your dog, but he coaches you on how to work with your pet to get the desired the behaviors you
want. After each training session, Dave sends a detailed training log that you can review, so you don’t forget what you covered during
each session. Overall, Dave has an amazing rapport with dogs, and he uses sound training methods that produce positive changes in your
pet’s behavior.
– Written by Kurt, Dawn, Dino & Lucy
• We needed an experienced handler •
We wanted to go on a weekend getaway, but it is difficult to go on vacation because of our
two dogs. Dino, in particular, has numerous medical problems and requires several medications twice a day. We needed an experienced
handler who was familiar with dogs with special needs. We asked Dave to do a “Slumber Paw’ty” at our house because of his great rapport
with our dogs. He kept us updated on our dogs’ behaviors and activities throughout the weekend, which allowed us to relax and enjoy or
trip. When we returned, Dave left a detailed journal and account of all activities and important events that took place during his watch.
If you need to get away, but are concerned about leaving your dogs behind, then you need to consider having Dave come over for a “Slumber
Paw’ty”!
– Written by Kurt, Dawn, Doni & Lucy
• I wouldn't trust anyone else! •
When my work schedule changed and I was going to be gone over 10 hours a day I was so nervous to have someone come
let my dog out. David is the only person I would ever trust to come into my home and take care of my pride and joy. He follows every
direction I leave to the T. And when I get home Brandi is happy and relaxed. I love coming home to find out from her daily progress note
how she did and what they did together. Sometimes they go for a short walk, or lay in the sun or do doggie puzzles; apparently her
favorite thing is her daily massage! I think she has a better life than I do. I know I don't have to worry and that's priceless! I
wouldn't trust anyone else. Thank you so much David.
– Written by Stacy & Brandi
• Cat-Tails •
For the last 3 years, David has cared for our cats while we are away. We are always confident our cats (all 5 of
them) are well cared for: fed, watered, & litter boxes cleaned. Thanks David for giving us the peace of mind we need to be able to
relax while we are away from home and keeping our babies happy so our house is not in a shambles when we get back!
– Written by Sunni
• Love at first sight! •
David is flexible, reliable, honest, and most importantly for my Dog Kona, it was love at first sight! Dogs are very
intuitive and they know a dog lover when they meet one. My dog Kona was instantly smitten with David's calming yet fun personality!
– Written by Tracey Elliott
• really made a difference •
What I loved the most about the training program is seeing my dog improve and being
able to communicate with my dog in a way that we will both be happy.
As a first time house dog owner with two young children and a husband, I am amazed that our 7-month-old Cackapoo
is so well behaved that you wouldn't know his real age. Thank you David for being so knowledgeable and for being such a great trainer for
Winston and my family. I would encourage any dog owner who is having trouble training there dog to give you a call and to sign up for one
of your classes. You have been a pleasure to work with and I know that I will be signing Winston up for another one of your adventures!
– Written by Mark, Celeste, Morgan, and Jordan
• WONDERFUL COMPANION - GREAT TRAINER •
Karan and I recently lost our beloved Bichon "Bear" of 16 years. Who could "fill his paws?"
Along came "Emma" a 10 month old Cairn Terrier. In just a short few weeks we knew we had another "wonderful
companion."
We are pleased that we were recommended to David, as just in our initial first training session David presented
new commands to "Emma" which she quickly learned and we continue to use. The result is a more obedient and better pet.
We are pleased with the results and will, and already have, recommend David and his training techniques and
services to those we know.
– Written by Karan and Dick Nagel
• enjoyed every aspect of the training program •
My name is Darlene Hall and my pup is Molly. We are from Ohio and came out here to enjoy the winter weather in
California! Molly is a 2 year old "morkie" (yorkie/maltesese mix) who had no formal obedience training. She was very strong minded (the
terrier in her!) and would pull me along when I tried to walk her and completely ignore me. My daughter had met David through Active Dog
Group Adventures and told me of his training program. I was a bit skeptical but set up a private training session with David. Molly
really responded to him and I found David to be so very knowledgeable in the training of Molly. He was able to help me work with her with
positive rewards training to achieve the behaviors that I felt were impossible! He also gave me very specific written exercises to do
with her and it is hard to believe she is the same dog!
Molly and I enjoyed every aspect of the training program. I can now enjoy walking her (as opposed to her walking
me!) in a very calm manner. She enjoyed the training sessions as much as I did and I plan to continue to work with her in Ohio and show
David her progress when I return next winter.
I would highly recommend David to anyone who is looking for training for their dog. He was very thorough in his
program and the written instructions really helped me.
– Written by Darlene Hall
• the best training I have ever experienced •
A few years ago, my wife and I decided it was time our children experienced the joy of owning a family dog. I was
hesitant about having a puppy around three small children. I took our chocolate lab Lexi to Active Dog Adventures and that's where we met
David. David was incredible with Lexi. At 12 weeks old, I wasn't quite sure that Lexi would be able to learn much. With David's guidance
Lexi learned the basics as well as advanced commands. More importantly, David house trained & crate trained Lexi! David's training is
so simple and fun that my children participated in the training. This is the best training I have ever experienced and I recommend anyone
with a dog visit David and see how good your dog can be.
– Written by Mike Coleman
• outside with our favorite furry buddies •
We think that David's gatherings are a great thing to do for the community. We enjoy meeting other people in our
community socializing in such a healthy environment; outside with our favorite furry buddies!
– Written by Ken and Leigh
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