Client Testimonials
Welcome to Balanced K9 Training, where we believe that every dog deserves a well-balanced approach to training, built on trust, respect, and effective communication.
As a Veteran-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned, and faith-based business, we are dedicated to serving our community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
"I meant to send this 3 months ago but totally forgot! When I say Abby was amazing! Nico is our first and only pet as a family. He’s a toy poodle who came into our life and flipped it upside down. He’s the best thing ever and stole our hearts, but we were clueless and I mean clueless as to what to do. It was like having a newborn. Abby got us right in like 4 meaningful sessions she spent time getting to know Nico, us, and our environment. I’d recommend Abby and her company to anyone. We are even planning on calling back to schedule a “now that he’s 6 months” we need more help follow up. 😃♥️ Abby taught us how to potty train, feed, crate train, basic commands and even recommended the best pet cameras, leashes and training tools!" -Nish Embry, GA
"Adam Sutherland, trainer extraordinaire! He and Taylor are remarkable, both in training our dog and us! Our dog spent two weeks with them and worked very hard to overcome some undesirable issues. These included: jumping up on us whenever, jumping over furniture, pawing at us, opening lever door handles, pulling on the leash during walks and very, very reactive to other dogs. As retirees, we were nervous on walks because of the pulling and possibly causing us to fall!
Enter Adam and Taylor.....my heroes. They worked with Max and made it all right. There was just kindness and care to change the dog's mindset. After our two hour training session with Adam and Taylor, we learned how to continue their prescribed methods, we were soooo impressed with our dog's result.
I would recommend Adam and his training to anyone and everyone for his excellent dog training abilities. Great job, great people, great facility."
-Pam Johnson, OH
"Austin is a great dog trainer, so knowledgeable, patient and affectionate with our little Henry. We are amazed at what our boy learned. Austin has been a great teacher, helping me and Dan understand Henry better. Going on walks is now more enjoyable and Henry doesn't react to every distraction like before. We will ask for Austin's help and guidance if we run into roadblocks. Thanks so much, Austin."
-Deborah Carnett, OH
"We could not be more pleased with Balanced k9 and our trainer Orlando!!! Orlando was a fantastic trainer to both Millie and us!! We could not have asked for a better trainer! He truly transformed Millie into an incredible non reactive dog! His attention to detail and how much he truly cares about Millie was so amazing to see!! So many happy tears have been cried today with our baby being home! We look forward to working with Orlando again!! Thank you so much and especially thank you Orlando!!!!! 🐾💕🐾"
-Samantha Morrow, OH
"I can’t say enough good things about this program. My trainer was Janine and she was literally awesome! I have a 3 year old Yorkie who never ever did her number 2 outside only on a pee pad and inconsistently peed outside. She improved so much in the short 4 weeks she was with Janine. Janine posted updates (videos and pictures everyday) and texted me all through the day. I felt like it helped the time go by faster and missed my yorkie less. She also worked on come when called and leave it for her excessive barking. Janine sat with me for almost an hour when she came to pick her up and went through all the areas we needed to work on and also spent time on her return to walk through how to reinforce the things that my yorkie learned. I highly highly recommended!"
-Priti Patel, PA
"Janine was absolutely amazing for Harry. She figured out that he had a hearing loss and taught him signs to communicate. He was returned often in foster care for biting and now he understands gentle touches. Harry loves her too. We are very thankful for her patience with our little man."
-Marie Pelonero, PA
"Every step of the journey with this team was outstanding — from my very first phone call with Sarah to my most recent check-in with Emily days after Tilly’s return. I can’t speak highly enough about the experience.
Emily kept me constantly updated with texts, calls, photos, and videos, which gave me complete peace of mind. Tilly received the absolute best care, including a vet visit and daily treatments. I was amazed to see her progress within the very first week, and even more thrilled that she became part of the family. Thank you all so much for your dedication and support. I know Tilly misses her time with Emily and her family, and I’m so grateful for the love and attention you gave her."
-Samantha Archey, VA
"I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Balanced K9 and our trainer Terry! We found them when we started having some issues with our, at the time, four month old pitbull puppy. We had some concerns about some behaviors she was showing and we recognized we did not have the training ourselves to navigate these issues with her and needed professional help. Specifically some aggressive behavior during outside time and play time. We lovingly deemed her our “piranha” because of her behavior. My first interaction with Balanced K9 was with Sarah. She took the time to walk me through their programs, addressed all of my questions and concerns and helped determined the best course of action for our puppy. She was so kind and understanding of our situation! She recognized the urgency of our situation as we have young children and Minnie’s behavior was rapidly worsening. We were able to get Minnie started about a week after our first phone call! We were assigned Terry as our trainer for the four week behavior modification program. Throughout the four weeks we received daily communication and video updates most days. He always took the time to answer any questions we sent in depth and really personalized our pups training to fit what she needed and for what her home life with us looked like. We have two young children and live next to live stock and other dogs and he made sure to expose her to situations similar to those. We’ve had our puppy Minnie home now for several days and it’s a night and day difference from before she began her training! Choosing to do this training was a difficult choice for my husband and I financially as well as missing a whole month of her growth but we firmly agree it’s the best thing we could have done for her. We are forever thankful to Terry and his family for helping us achieve this level of training for we could never have done it on our own. Thank you Terry for helping to get Minnie’s behaviors under control and for exposing the sweet girl we’ve always known she is capable of being!
If you are looking for a company that’s understanding, passionate, dedicated and successful then please give Balanced K9 a call!"
-Nikki Adams, VA
"I've rewrote this review several times trying to make it reasonably short, with no success!
I've had German Shepherds me entire life. I'm well aware how high drive, energetic, strong, stubborn & smart they are. IMO they are the best dogs EVER. HOWEVER.....
My current GSD is 4 yrs. old & the most reactive dog I've ever had. She was totally out of control both inside & outside. Just getting her to the car to go to the vet was terrifying as I'd been pulled to the ground, slammed into trees & physically hurt multiple times. I literally spent an entire night outside trying to get her to come back in the house! I knew I had to do something as this was no life for her or for myself. I also knew it was going to require someone exceptional to get her under control & (hopefully) bring her to the well balanced, enjoyable dog that I knew she could be.
I don't let my dogs go ANYWHERE without me ever, much less to a board & train. The very thought made me sick to my stomach.
After MUCH research I came across Balanced K9 Training of VA & spoke with them extensively. We decided "Terry" would be a good fit for my girl with his extensive experience with GSD'S. To say I'm impressed would be an incredible understatement. I believe Terry went above & beyond anything even dreamed of. My girl Moxie lived with his family for 4 weeks. I.received daily texts & videos of their training sessions which was great not only because having her gone was excruciatingly hard for me, but most importantly so that I could easily follow their training methods once she returned home. That's so very important. Terry worked his magic for sure. Over the course of 4 wks. he had her walking calmly, obeying commands, having manners & being respectful without losing her spirit! He had her in stores, around other animals & people & even took her to a rodeo! There were people, kids yelling, horses & bulls & she did GREAT! I still cannot believe that was my girl! Upon return Terry continued the training with ME both in my home & out. I have a new dog! We went & walked down main Street with people & cars. We went out to a store & walked with the buggies, forklifts, people & lots going on. Moxie was PERFECT! I couldn't ever ask for better results. I now have a companion that I can take anywhere. Our world is certainly opened up & the adventures are just beginning. We're going to have so much fun & we'll be doing it safely! I am forever grateful for the care, training & expertise of Terry. He loves what he's doing & that flows through to all he works with.
If you need help with your dog, don't hesitate for a minute with Balanced K9. It's worth every penny to have my girl go with me everywhere!"
-Judy W, NoVA