I took my golden here and became the best dog. Bob showed me how to get her to follow my commands and helped to put me on a payment plan since I was going through a divorce and living off from disability of brain cancer. read more

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I'm an Army Veteran.. I have been trying to get a service dog for quite some time now.. I was given Mr. Smith contact info and within 4 days he gave me the perfect dog... Tbh been kinda going through it lately and Athena has been that silver lining... Mr. Smith is understanding and professional.. idk where if be without him or his crew ... I thank you sir read more

Our family was in complete stress with our 1 year old rott we were thousands in and on our third trainer the second trainer actually recommended we have him put down due to his aggression as I cried not knowing what to do we found bob and I was prepared to surrender our dog as he was aggressive towards our oldest and with food! I knew this was a huge concern and family had to feel safe, bob has had our dog for weeks now and has reassured we will be able to get our beautiful boy back with long term training and he offered to come to the house and support us as a family to be able to keep our dog safely with the training! We are forever grateful for bob and his team for helping us and saving our dog! read more

As a business owner that travels often, it was important that I get a protection dog for my family to watch over the home when I leave on business trips. I looked into buying a trained dog. These trained protection dogs cost anywhere from $30,000-$70,000. However, I was concerned that the trained dog wouldn't listen to me, as it was trained by another handler. I visited bob and he helped me get a puppy and also provided me with a training package that was a 1/10th of the cost of a trained protection dog. I've never been very good with dogs or had never been through basic obedience training with a dog. But after 4 months of going to Bob's training, my dog... 1) walks on leash without pulling 2) walks off leash 3) knows all obedience commands 4) stays out of certain areas of our home 5) PROTECTS MY FAMILY AT ALL COSTS He didn't train the dog. He trained me to train the dog... And now.. I can rest assured that my family is safe with my protection trained dog at our home. Any unusual noise in the home, and my dog will check every potential entry point that an intruder would use to enter the home. Now, some people say that Bob's techniques are "harsh" with the use of a slip collar and e-collar, but these protection dogs are beasts. They have the ability to severely injure anyone. As almost any large breed dog can do. Stop and think for a moment... and ask yourself the question... "is using some negative reinforcement worth it to protect society from a dog that can cause severe bodily injury?" If you're a responsible, logical, and realistic person... the answer should always be an astounding YES. It is my responsibility as an owner of a large breed dog to ensure that I am able to control this dog at all times. And if my dog needs to be shocked so that I am 100% certain that I am in control at all times... then so be it. I also cannot risk the liability of having an uncontrollable dog that can cause me financial hardship if I lose control of him. You can go to another trainer that only uses positive reinforcement, but when that dog bites somebody or you lose control... You'll be coming to Bob to fix the issue. read more

Bob Smith- K9 Association - Blackjack my cane corso - Pet Training Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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I personally know of 3 dogs who were boarded and escaped this facility in the past year and a half alone. Which in my eyes, is way too many and is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. I would not trust this facility to take care for my dogs, nonetheless train and/or board them. read more

I hate to sound redundant but if I could give this guy zero stars I would. I don't even know where to start. Maybe I just read his website wrong and he only specializes in big dogs? The way he interacted with my small dog was terrifying. I have a small dog who has a problem nipping at people. He doesn't like kids either. Bob Smith seemed like the person who would help with this problem. That was a mistake. When I arrived, he tried to find what kind of dog I had in a somewhat old book. I assume to understand what breed behaviors my dog had? Well, since it's not a specific breed, he was at a loss of where to start. Ok. I can understand that to a certain degree. But what happened next was appalling. I have NEVER seen a dog owner, never mind a trainer, pull a dog with a choke leash up in the air like a rag doll to demonstrate how to teach obedience. My dog already knows basic obedience. He didn't even ask if my dog knew anything. I had ONE specific issue that I needed help with, which was never addressed. He continued to drag my 13lbs dog up some stairs without any command for my dog to recognize what the ask was. After the "assessment" was done he began to ramble on about how he preferred to train dogs after they were 2 years old. Why? Who knows. His next recommendation was to put an e-collar on my dog. Like he does with all dogs so you can correct them in that way. When I got home my dog was worse than I got there. He was aggressive towards not just strangers but familiar dogs and people. It took about a day for my dog to trust me again. Maybe an e-collar and a choke leash to hold them in the air as a rag doll works for you but it definitely is not somewhere I would recommend for any dog of size or behavioral "assessment". read more

This was my first time in Bob's protection training class. Bob and his trainers are excellent. They are alert. They know dogs and are well versed in dog behavior. They are really knowledgeable and able to teach that knowledge. Within two minute of walking into the training facility, I knew I came to the right place based on how my dog behaved and reacted to the trainers. I am excited for continued progress. read more

I found Bob through a friend on Facebook, a couple years ago I had two Corso's that I had bought from a not so reputable breeder who gave me the wrong information and my dogs developed some signs of littermate syndrome and my male had aggression issues with children. Bob did WONDERS! Granted, it's a little harsh for some but you're teaching your dog through the pressure of the leash and consistency. After a couple repetitions they do understand. I built so much trust and such a great bond with my dogs after doing this training that I put them into protection training and for being 8-9 months old they were the BEST dogs we ever had. A situation happened and my dogs were stolen from me. I was heart broken for months. My husband and I recently ended up taking in a retired breeder and taking in a bait dog that Bob had rescued and he is so amazing with always helping us with questions we have or making sure we have the proper training for our dogs to be the best dogs they can be after everything they have been through. Bob is such a kind person and always so willing to help the people he has around him. I will always support this business because I know he truly has a love and passion for helping people and their dogs and is doing it for the right reasons. read more

We went to take Bo to see Bob Smith. On the way out of the front door she nearly pulled me to the ground. While we were having her assessed, she was listening to them as they put her on a string collar that tightened if she was pulling too much. We decided to purchase the shock collar to help train her to leave the cats alone. As we got home, we let them outside. She likes to jump up on the sliding back door. I zapped her in mid jump. She went back on the lawn and came up to the door twice, sniffed the handle and didn't jump anymore. She came in and went to sniff behind the couch, where the cats have been hiding. I gave her a good zap. As she passed the area that she likes to sniff for the cats, she looked at it and kept going. I had to leave for a few minutes, and Paula had to zap her once more to remind her to leave the cats alone. Later in the night she was up on the couch and one of the cats came out and walked through the living room. Bo just looked at him. read more

I currently brought my pit Bull here for training because I heard good recommendations of their training. I have worked with Robert and appreciate the help and guidance given for my dog. As a pet owner how someone acts to my princess and me is important in the type of training she receives. I would highly recommend choosing them to help with your dog. read more

Bob Smith is awesome. He loves to train the untrainable. Bring your dog (Dominant/Aggressive Dog) to Bob Smith so he can help you get control of your life by taming your furry friend! We harmonize not euthanize! Bob also breeds one of the best Malinois blood lines so if you're looking for a working dog, sport dog, or just companion, be sure to contact him to come down and check out his availablePups! Bob also offered working dog classes. If you want to see if your dog has what it takes to be a working dog,(protection dog) bring him to the studio. You will not be disappointed! read more

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If you're looking for a dog trainer, Bob is your guy! I brought Chopper in for basic training when he was about a year old. We had a baby on the way & just wanted to make sure we could control the puppy in him. Within one session, we were blown away. He listened & reacted so well to every command. We ended up doing protection training as well because I like to go to parks, hiking etc. It didn't take much training there, Chopper loves his mama & knew exactly what to do. He knew when to protect & when to release. Bobs methods work amazing. I'm so happy with Choppers accomplishments thanks to Bob! He's such a well behaved, people friendly, dog friendly boy. But don't mess with his baby! Highly recommend Bob Smiths k9 Association if you want control of your dog, want to feel safe or just looking for a well behaved companion. read more

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Not recommended if you have physical issues. Felt belittled when I was there. Definitely not for everyone. A few things happened that shouldn't have happened and no one corrected it. Dogs have ran a muck. I'm going to find a better trainer that I can get the training I want. read more

Okay for basic training. Not so good for one on one training. I think their mostly In it for the money and don't care if you fail.

Our family was in crisis because of my 1 1/2 yo Ole English Bulldoggies aggression toward our younger, much smaller puppies. Called Mr. Smith at 9:40am and he met with us at his studio at 11am that morning. He truly has a gift for communicating and training dogs. 10 minutes in my partner and I were both crying, our puppy could be helped! He was like a new dog! We won't have to lose our dog! We work at home twice a day and he improves every session. We return to see Mr. Smith on Friday, so looking forward to it. Don't give up on your dog, Mr. Smith will help you turn your dog around. I'd recommend him to anyone! read more

I moved to Tacoma unexpectedly and was having issues training my Rottweiler and suffer from social anxiety. I've now been with Bob since May of 2017 and he's opened up a huge new world for me and encouraged me every step of the way. It's not just training for your dog but, you too!! Thank God for people like Bob. read more

Bob Smith- K9 Association - Pet Training Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Our puppy is a German Shepard/Husky mutt. When she is full grown she will be bigger than I am. I knew I had to take her to obedience training. Bob Smith K-9 Association was excellent. All of the trainers were patient (did not laugh at my incompetence) and guided both me and Lily. Two practices a week and practicing at home were very beneficial. She has been on two road trips and stayed at hotels. She is very obedient and well behaved. Bob Smith is very helpful, from housebreaking a puppy, to staying on command. If you want an excellent companion and well-trained dog, Bob Smith K-9 Association is fantastic! read more

I stated training with my German Shepherd about 7 months ago. Things were going along well except I expected more one on one guidance for the price I paid. Mostly we work with our dogs alone. However, recently I have noticed less and less time is given to one-on-one training. Rob, one of the trainers, is usually under the influence of marijuana, loud and verbally abusive to me and older individuals. I have medical conditions which currently has me limited in my abilities...instead of helping me, they put me in situations where straining in the only way to restrain my dog. When asking for help, I am told, "Its your dog you have to control him." I am there to learn to get that control, so I don't have to strain to restrain him. The verbal abuse by Rob had me in tears yesterday. I will ask again for help in with my dog... There are way to many dogs in this training school. Favoritism is apparent and even though I have repeated mention I can't strain my body right now...they put dogs next to me that are aggressive or what they closely past my dog to see if he will react to the dog being tested. I have asked them not to do this and I am Yelled at by Rob for insulting the dog and his owner. read more

I brought our dog here on Sunday July 12th, 2020 for an evaluation. If I could give zero stars I would. When I showed up for my appointment time no one was inside the building. I had to track someone down outside and let them know I was there. I was asked to bring a couple of his toys and his treats for the evaluation. Bob immediately put a shock collar on my dog and tied a rope around his neck. Then took him outside where all the other dogs were and shocked him every time he looked at another dog. Then brought him back inside after about ten minutes and had another trainer take over while Bob met with another client that had an appointment. This Trainer then pulled on my dogs neck rather hard each time to get him to go to each box and sit and lay down, and repeat. (Not a big deal if that's where this ended) unfortunately Bob came over MULTIPLE times to correct how the trainer was "training" my dog and even said "we don't do it like that anymore" as the trainer was yanking on my dogs neck. They were pulling the rope over his eye that was open and bulging to where I intervened and said they were going to hurt my dogs eye. They then told me they didn't notice the rope over his eye Bob also had to tell the trainer to praise my dog when he did the right thing.... I'm no expert but pain with no reward system? I use a basic praise reward system for everything else and it works. No praise or reward, what does that teach your dog? Just to fear me? This Trainer obviously shouldn't have been training on an evaluation or possibly in any other aspect. And an evaluation? They didn't see if my dog knew any other basic skills such as walking, sit, lay down, etc to even see where he was in terms of training. They just wanted him to do the little box routine. Which they had my dog do from 11:30-1:30. My dog was panting and tongue curled, it was warm in the building with no AC, they finally let him have a water break at around 1:30 when they were drawing up my contract for his classes. I also asked about the 20% military discount listed on line after I was quoted $1350 for 18 classes. He only gave me $200 off. So false advertising which just peeved me further. With no prices online, and Bob wasn't the one evaluating my dog I was unsure how this quote is appropriate based on each individual dog like he said. I just felt like he charged what he wanted to charge. Which is fine, his business. But not getting my business for lack of transparency. We are welcoming a baby into our family so I brought him here to brush up on our dogs manners and listening. By the end of our few hours here my dog was petrified of a pitbull puppy and wouldn't look or go near another dog, as well as four days later as I type this my dog still has a rope burn across the bottom of his neck from being yanked around repeatedly. I don't want to teach him to be fearful and aggressive, they didn't praise him or even acknowledge his ball and treats as a training method. If you love your pet and value their safety and we'll being don't take them here. I called and talked to a few other local trainers who were appalled by this experience. read more

Bob Smith- K9 Association - Rope burn still present 4 days later - Pet Training Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I thought this was great for my dog. It wasn't completely bad. My dog knows I'm "boss", aside from that his insecurities and issues increased. He was terrified while there and while he's a bully breed he's really a baby. His insecurities worsened, I couldn't get help and after being told three times I would get the support I needed, I quit going. I'm now working to undo what has been done and working with my dog gaining the confidence he needs. While they were very accommodating to a degree, I didn't gain the skills I needed as they were to busy selling the training to new people they forgot the ones who were paying. I don't think fear is how to train a dog. read more

Bob Smith is the man to go to, If you are having behavior issues or just need some training Go to Studio 51. Bob knows how to training and fix every behavior problems. I first contacted Bob Smith because i was interested in learning his training system. I drove up to Tacoma Washington from Rialto California. Bob took me under his wing like i was his son, he taught me many different training techniques on how to use the stump method also work the remote. Bob Smith taught me how to properly train protection dogs in each drive, how to work their grip and also how to take bite with the bite sleeves. If you are interested in getting your dogs train you should contact this man. He will get your dog right! read more

Bob knows his stuff and has a wealth of information and experience. I visited one of his training sessions and was impressed what was accomplished on the first day with new pups. I feel confident with his skills and techniques in training my well invested k-9. He also told me the recommended age to bring my pup to maximize the training experience. Bob also is super flexible with my schedule. When its said and all done I'll be able to take what've I learned from Bob and pass it on down thru the generations to come. This post is just from observing about 20mins of training and 30mins of conversation. More to come!! read more

I took my dog today for a evaluation. I was very impressed would definitely give this place a ten. My dog has fear aggressive issues in the evaluation my dog sat with other dogs in the room and people without lunging at all ! I previously took my dog to so call positive approach I paid a thousand doll I wasted my time and money. If you are desperately looking for help I would come here. They spent extra time with my dog gave me a reasonable plan to pay. read more

I am extremely grateful to Bob and all the other helpful folks at the K-9 Association. I had multiple trainers refuse to even work with my dog, because I reported she was exhibiting dog aggression. Bob welcomed us with open arms, with no judgement, or exclusion. Bob offers a Saturday class which has been very convenient, and gave me a great deal on a package of 7 lessons (much more reasonable then other trainers.) I drive over an hour to attend this classes with my dog.We receive one on one training in the beginning and then are given space and time to practice. I always leave feeling confident and in control of my dog. Bob and his team maintain a very controlled and safe environment. I am thoroughly impressed and thankful to this group! read more

Not a place for training a dog with high anxiety. I basically watched my dog get tortured and hurt to do what they wanted my dog to do. They were drinking alcohol and talking crap to other people about my dog. I overheard them talking about a time they were hitting another dog on the head with a bamboo stick to get it trained. The owner told me he was going to give me a discount if I went in to try them out. Don't fall for it! I was charged $100 for an evaluation fee and found out that it was only supposed to be $75. I never got an explanation why or a refund when I brought it up. My dog came home bleeding with scratches and bruises on her body. I will never take my dog back there again. read more

OMGosh! Where do I start? Bob Smith saved me and my dog. I have/had a German Shepherd puppy who I knew how to love, but did not know how to train. I will not give a lot of details due to personal reasons. However, Bob is the man. My dog Sage was in training with Bob when we first got him at 8 weeks. We went to Bob "sporadically." That (of course) didn't work. By the time Sage was 9 mos. old he was "out of control." Sage is supposed to be an ESA. I was given permission by my HR dept. to bring Sage to work with me. I did the first few mos. but by the time he was 9 mos. old I could barely take him anywhere as he was so hyper. He jumped on people, barked, and basically just didn't listen. I went to Bob crying. He took my dog and is keeping him for 3-4 weeks or however long necessary to get him in check. We go every other day to see him and after only 1 week there is such a big difference. I can not wait to get my boy home. I promise to follow thru with whatever Bob tells me/us to do to have a healthy, happy dog. read more

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If I could give more stars I would! This man is AMAZING! I have been taking my pitbull to him just 3 weeks now and I have already seen a complete 360 in my dogs behavior! I never thought I would be able to walk my dog without him pulling or going crazy and barking when he sees other dogs and now I walk him no problem and no barking. He also trains you to train your dog. He gave me absolute confidence in training my dog! I wish I would have done this a long time ago. I am just doing basic obedience and have seen awesome results! read more

Bob came out and did home visits to help us train our wild Labradoodle. In 1 week of training we have a well behaved, manageable dog that I never thought would be possible. I'm amazed how quickly the dog learned with Bob's methods. Bob also helped me gain confidence and made me enjoy training our dog. I would highly recommend this training to anyone looking to train your dog. read more