Follow the Leader K9

“In January 2015, I took in a stray dog. He had many behavioral issues and had completely missed out on his puppy socialization. I felt alone and lost until I met Amber at Follow the Leader K9. She led me step by  step in helping Desi become a calm, well-rounded dog. Now he’s a happy two-year-old and it’s all thanks to Amber!”

We are so grateful for the work we did with Amber. We adopted our lab/pit mix, Toby, at 10 months old, and while he has always been the sweetest, most lovable boy, we struggled with very strong pulling on walks, constant jumping [on people, counters, etc.], and pushiness.

My husband and I knew we had a lot to learn and Amber showed us the way with patience and ease. We completed her 8 week relationship building course, and what a game-changer that was. Her sessions were structured, focused, and fun–something we all looked forward to each week, Toby too! She moved at a pace that was easy to digest, gave us time to properly practice each command step-by-step, and was always open to any and all questions along the way.

With Amber’s instruction and guidance we have gone from walks that ended in frustration and sore arms, to a buddy who walks at our side and listens [most of the time :)] to our commands. We’ve all learned to embrace movement followed by down time, and in general, we communicate so much better and more effectively with our pup. It’s forever a learning process, and we feel so lucky to have Amber as our guide.

Amber is the absolute best! My dog was struggling with leash manners and socializing with other dogs. After working with Amber and completing her eight week training course, my dog has completely transformed! He no longer gets aggressive with other dogs and is well behaved on the leash. Our walks are so much more enjoyable (for the both of us)! Amber went above and beyond and my bond with my dog is stronger than ever. Highly recommend!

Amber’s practical, applicable training guidelines and her patient coaching in the eight-week, ‘Relationship Building Class’ have transformed my experience as a first-time dog owner. The weekly curriculum built behavioral changes both in Pepper and in each of our family members such that entirely new relationships, ones of trust and connection, began to form. We began to understand her body language and she began to trust us and respond to our new ways of giving instructions. Where I began as an exasperated dog owner with very low expectations for change, I ‘graduate’ with a transformed relationship with our now-beloved dog who is exceedingly responsive, a pleasure to be around and growing in her skills as we continue to work with her each day. I didn’t believe it could happen and owe it all to Amber’s cheerful, steady example and insightful methods. Thanks, Amber!

This business provides fabulous balanced training. Amber cares for the dogs like they are her own. I could not sing her praises any higher!!

I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Follow the Leader K9 and Amber. She taught us how to connect with our new puppy while teaching our puppy to be relaxed and follow directions. The lessons helped us learn how to listen to our pup’s cues, reinforce good behavior, how to walk with our dog, and Amber helped us become a stronger pack leader. Amber is patient, explains the commands and the thought process behind them in a calm and direct manner. You can tell she really connects and understands dogs and how to teach/help them be their best selves!

My dogs — and my family — have learned new ways to be and interact. A whole new level of consciousness, really, as we monitor our energy and theirs.
Like all new habits, it takes work at first, but later the new behaviors become easy and automatic. This means that I no longer have to worry if my dog is off leash and a car pulls in or I encounter a hiker, because I’m aware and engaged with my dogs and they are paying attention to me.
Follow the leader k9 employs mindfulness in everything it teaches, which ultimately leads to healthier dogs, families and owners.

“Amber is magical!! She’s fostered and worked with a couple dogs that were amazing when they were ready for their furever home!!!”

“Not only is she reliable and trustworthy, her knowledge with dog behavior makes her an excellent candidate for anyone looking for a dog trainer. I have a Bull-pei who is as stubborn as a mule and always pulls when we take him on walks.  Amber worked with him for a few days and taught him leash skills. I could already see a difference in his temperament. He was more calm and didn’t pull. He would check in with me. In addition, he absolutely LOVES her and my dog is hesitant around most people.  Highly recommend!”

The owner is extremely knowledgeable and cares deeply about the dogs she’s training.  I would recommend this place to anyone.