They try so hard and love dogs.
I have been a foster of dogs, mostly pit bulls for years and have trained more pit bulls than I can count (it is not hard with pitties), but I never had a St. Bernard before and thought I was over my head. Heidi is my personal dog. We tried one trainer for a few days and she was so bad I fired her. I then bit the bullet and hired Dog Training Elite in Los Angeles. They were a little more expensive than other trainers, but Heidi was impossible for me to train, despite all my efforts. Jon, the owner came to the house for a free consult. At that time he was the only trainer at Elite as they had just opened in LA. He later got another trainer, Clayton. Both worked with Heidi and pretty much failed, but they helped her with a few things. Now, you would think I would write a bad review, but no. No one, I don't think will ever be able to get the most stubborn, spoiled 120 pound monster to do a thing, but I love her. Jon and Clayton were never late, not once and that is important to me. Both could see my frustration, but they kept trying and trying and they did mange to get her to do a couple of things. They kept their appointments as they should. I could see all the effort they were putting into getting Heidi to cooperate. They would teach stay and the next day she would refuse. They taught heel which she has never done for me. Nothing lasted more than a day or two and I did all my assigned home work--yes, they give homework to help your dog succeed. They even went so far as to give me a couple extra sessions at no cost because she was such a pain. They did everything they could. But Heidi was just not having it. But, she loved Jon and Clayton so much. She would get so excited when they came to the door. She especially loved Clayton, sorry Jon, but a girl gets a crush and what can you do. She loved them both though and they were so good to her. They kept their promises (the inability to get Heidi to do much is not their fault). There are only a few dogs that just won't or can't be trained and I have one under my feet as I write. They never broke her spirit-so important. She is loving, never would bite and is so very sweet. She is great with other dogs. That said, I have had to hire a dog walker because I am older and Heidi will just knock me over and no one should ever walk a dog they can't control at all times. I know she misses her time with Jon and her crush Clayton and if for a second I thought they could train my big beast I would hire them again. But she is fully grown now and I don't see what anyone else could have done. They tried it all. I work with her everyday and she just looks at with a "No, not doing that" face. She is wonderful, just the most stubborn dog I have ever seen in my many years. They did show her such love, that I do think they helped her be the happiest dog. What I love about Jon and his company is how professional they are. They keep up with the latest training tactics. They are kind. They clearly love dogs. So, I do recommend them. They know what they are doing, but they are not going to hurt a dog and make her depressed just to get the result they want, I won't either. They just love dogs and I bet never fail. Heidi is just, well, a rare exception. And I also think she has a tad bit of brain damage for what reason we don't know. Had nothing to with Jon or Clayton. So hire them. Unless your dog's name is Heidi, then just give up. Jon and Clayton, Heidi says hi.
By Elizabeth