I am an old 4-H show person. I have shown dairy goats, horses, pigs, chickens, cows, just about everything you can think to show, I have shown them growing up. The only things I'd never shown were fish, cats, and yes dogs. When my beloved Golden Retriever passed away way too early in his life, I didn’t think I could ever have had another wonderful experience in my life. Enter my liver colored Flat-Coated Retriever. She is a show dog. When we got her I was thinking in the back of my mind that maybe I would like to show again. This is when I met Karen. I have been training under Karen for 2 years. I have 5 of my championship points and am working to finish our championship, and I feel I can accomplish this goal with Karen’s guidance and long time show experience. She is dedicated to her students, very direct, will tell you how it is, and push you to be your best. From the foundation, intermediate, to conformation handling classes, we work hard and have fun. Karen emphasizes being connected with your dog and being consistent. These are core values that you will hear in all her classes. Karen connects with her 4 legged students as well as her 2 legged human handlers. Because of course it’s all about the dogs! My Flat-Coat is not just dog but a member of our family... our kid. And Karen understands this because that’s how it is in her house. If you want to make a new friend and have a great time, new learning experience with your dog you will not be disappointed!

Kathy - Bothell

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Having had dogs all my life I thought I knew all I needed to know in order to raise a happy well behaved dog, but decided that my Australian Shepherd puppy would benefit from formal training classes anyway. Turns out I’m the one that had a lot to learn! I get so much out of Karen’s classes that have helped me be a better dog owner. I used to say I could get my dogs to do anything for me. Now I say I can get my dog to want to do anything for me. It is all in the little tricks Karen has showed me that are making the difference. She really knows her stuff! My 10 month old Australian Shepherd may become a champion in the conformation ring, an obedience champion, a rally champion, or maybe just a happier dog sleeping on the end of my couch, whatever. . . it doesn’t matter. He is a better and happier dog, and more importantly, I’m a better owner for having been in Karen’s classes. Loki and I are so much more in sync than we were before. She has taught us both so much. Thanks Karen!!!!

Mark - Bellevue

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I have been learning from Karen on and off for about 4 years now.  In that 4 years I have achieved things I never dreamed possible.  My first “show dog” and I started going to Karen for help with our conformation handling/showing… mine more than my dogs. It seems he was a natural and I was not. With the help and guidance of Karen and her classes I not only finished my dog with 3 Conformation Championship titles but I achieved ranking him as the #1 Australian Shepherd in the Country at the beginning of 2009 and going on to receive the coveted Best in Show… in 2010.  We also trained in Rally obedience at the same time and were able to earn 6 legs in 6 shows adding the title of RA to the end of his name.  Since then I have finished another Aussie in the Conformation ring with 3 championship titles and I am currently working on my first Bred By puppy and by working on my first Bred by I mean I take her to Karen’s training class as often as a I can… I do believe that I would not have achieved all of this if it were not in part for the help I received from Karen and Eastside Dog Training.   I recommend Karen to everyone. Karen does not hold back she tells you what you need to know in order to be the best you can be.  She helps build a bond between you and your dog she doesn’t just train the dog.

Laurie - Whidbey Island

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Eastside Dog Training classes are fun and fast paced. Karen knows how to motivate challenging breeds for success in the ring, and in the real world everday life. The techniques and insights I learned from Karen helped me earn an obedience title with my rescue Boston Terrier. I recommend Eastside Dog Training without reservation.

Jollee - Bothell

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We have been taking our Irish Setter to Karen's classes for the past 2 years. As an experienced handler, Karen has the ability to train both dogs and handlers at all levels. Using positive training, she demonstrates and works with the dogs consistently to correct errors and behaviors. It is a pleasure watching Karen interact with the dogs. We look forward to learning new techniques in every class.

Gary & Donna - Redmond

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Karen's classes are fun and packed with both good lessons and applying what we learned. The instruction is easy to understand and put in the context of every day applications. We can, and do, use what we learn in class, at home, on walks, everywhere! We've seen improvements in all behavior areas and better focus. Thanks for the education!

Ken & Megumi - Lynnwood

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I've been to lots of dog trainers, and Karen is simply the best. She understands dog and human psychology, and applies that to help you get excellent results. Her instructions are clear and precise. She's patient, helpful and obviously loves dogs. Everything she teaches is about your dog becoming a better pet and you becoming a better owner.

Paul - Redmond

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Shortly after I got my first dog, a Newfoundland, 5 years ago, I discovered Karen's conformation handling classes. Since that time, I think I've taken almost every class Karen has offered, including foundation, manners, rally, and competition obedience. Every class has been a ton of fun for me and my dogs! When I got my second Newfoundland, Karen was more excited about it than anyone. That excitement was infectious and I appreciated that so much because, as cute as puppies are, they can be exhausting. She made me look at the new addition in a whole new way and got me energized again. She is incredibly supportive and helpful in achieving whatever goals you have for your dog - whether that means competing every weekend, or hanging out at home. I am very glad I found that handling class so many years ago....

Alyce - Monroe

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Karen has the knowledge and experience to tailor training to suit the specific needs of the dog and handler. When we added a rescue dog to our family, he needed completely different lessons than our puppy did. Karen's lessons, both private and in class, have helped immensely in our transition to a happy two-dog home.

Lisa - Brier

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Karen is very much straight forward with her training and does not sugarcoat anything. Her prices are very competitive. I have 2 rescues that were very timid and after they both completed their Foundation class, they are less timid and have more confidence than when we started. 

Both have also completed the Intermediate class and one of my dogs is continuously enrolled in the Intermediate class because he needs more work. I thought he would need private training and after talking with Karen, she suggested I enroll him in the regular Intermediate classes, which we have. We are a repeat student and are very happy! 

Karen's training starts off with treat-base but as you advance in the class, she teaches us to wean off the treats and the dogs learn by our commands. I had a bad habit of negative-shushing my dogs (I would pssst whenever I needed them to stop doing whatever it is they were doing) and Karen didn't hesitate to correct my bad habit. So her training is very positive-motivated and she encourages us to be responsible owners and trainers to our pup-kids. 

I highly recommend Eastside Dog Training for your pup needs!

Amy – Bellevue

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This place is phenomenal! I'm now on my third class here, and my dog and I both enjoy it. Karen is definitely a no nonsense trainer and gets right to business as soon as you walk through that door. She has taught me how to be a better dog owner and leader for my dog, as well as making big strides in my dogs overall demeanor and behavior. You definitely get your money's worth from these classes, granted that you put in the work at home. I originally picked Eastside Dog Training because it was the most affordable classes I could find, and I'm so glad I did.

Alena – Redmond

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I have taken both private lessons and classes and I have really enjoyed working with Karen! She is great at working with you at your level in classes. She gets down to business right away and makes the classes fun! My puppy has learned so much, so quickly. We get compliments all the time on how well behaved she is and she is only 12 weeks old. Her prices are also very reasonable and comparable to places like Petsmart but you get much better quality with Karen.

The only downside is that each of her classes are only offered on one night of the week so if you can't make it that night then you have to pick a different class. She is great at working with you at whatever level you are at in any class though so I don't feel that this is enough to give anything less than 5 stars.  I hope to take many more classes with her.

Jenny

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Karen had a Very competitive price so I decided to take my puppy to the foundation class. Karen is pretty straightforward and pretty blunt on what to do. I found she has great drills and a great progression through the class on building on the drills. The classes were pretty small, and she did a good job of going around and addressing special needs for everyone. She also gives handouts for each class so you can go over all the drills and what to focus on. You can even use these when class has ended to keep things going.

Joey – Redmond

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This really is as good as it gets!! Karen, the owner, is a fantastic dog trainer with well over 20 years experience training dogs, people as well as showing dogs. I am now on my second dog training with her and I couldn't be happier! She is fair, fun, fast paced, exciting and always there for you when you have any question whether in class or via email. I very much highly recommend Eastside Dog Training whether you are training your first pup or have goals for the show ring. She is great with trouble shooting specific problems as well.  

Her classes are great and well worth the $. While you are there, your rear end won't find a chair and to me that is a great thing... it is all about the work while in class. She takes the time to explain everything while you are in the process of working and trying new things and I think that is key! As well, she is quick and on her toes to catch you doing something to hinder your dogs training. I love her techniques, the way she explains things, her positive attitude and her general love for dogs. The classes are taught in a very positive way with tons of positive reinforcement for both the dog and the handler.

I am happily on my way to the Obedience ring with both my dogs and I'm am very thankful for Karen for showing me the way and helping me to find all the resources I need to help me accomplish my goals.   She has also been very available to help me with my dog’s health and any other questions I've had. I highly recommend Eastside Dog Training to anyone trying to train their dog whether you have a desire to show or you just have the desire for a well-trained dog! :)

Stacey – Woodinville

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Great advice for training dogs for all types of competition as well as basic manners. Good value overall and helpful tips to teach your dog to do anything.

Shae – Woodinville

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Karen has given me and my dog the skills, confidence, and coaching to build an amazing companionship! Sammy has transitioned from puppyhood to an excellent family dog within months... We do not plan on stopping our training! I started with Foundation class and am now on my 3rd round in the Intermediate course. The first day, Sammy (at 8 months) was barking, pulling, nipping/biting, etc. and I had no sense of how to lead her. After the first class, I was so relieved to know we were in the right hands and only wished we started with Eastside Dog Training when we first brought Sammy home at 8 weeks!

The classes are interactive, fast and very educational. You do not sit around, and your dog will be tired after 1 hour for sure! Many of the skills/drills are structured for showing a dog, but the functionality and use-case of the formal obedience commands are so natural to our day-to-day with Sammy. She has improved tremendously. You feel like a team when you're working together and it's so fun to see the progress when your dog starts to perform the commands outside of the classroom! Some things that are now natural behavior for Sammy are: sitting at a crosswalk, eating food when given permission, stopping at the doorway to wipe off feet, finding toys/balls/food from a distance, standing on a table at the vet, calming herself when attention is not on her, and more!

Eastside Dog Training has changed our lives and helped make our dog even more special. We look forward to training class every week and will bring all of our future dogs to Karen!

Amanda - Kirkland

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