Nine years ago our dog bit my then 15-month old daughter on the face pretty severely. We rehomed her and were scared about ever getting another dog again. About a year ago our kids, now 10 and 8 started asking relentlessly for a dog. Since I grew up with 5 different German Shepherds and my husband had had 3 GSDs of his own we thought long and hard then decided to try again. We adopted 2 8-week old GSD puppies (brother and sister). As my husband and I educated ourselves we realized we gave our first dog lots of love but never any rules, boundaries, or structure. What a mistake! We probably could have prevented the bite. From the minute our new puppies walked in the door we realized that this time needed to be different. We found Dave and Empowered K9 through friends who had adopted their Rottie through Rotten Rottie Rescue. We saw what Dave was able to do with their year old rescue and didn't hesitate to call him up. Dave was very responsive and spoke to me at length about what we wanted to accomplish. I poured through his website and watched all the free videos he has posted. I didn't know anything about balanced training and he was passionate about explaining the benefits. The fact that he has personal experience and success with his own two dogs, who have past aggression issues, was a huge selling point. But the clincher - he LOVES what he does. He gave us some basics to work on with the pups until they had all their shots and could start the full program. The easy work we did with them in the first few weeks set the stage. We've now had our first two sessions with Dave and I am seeing amazing results with our pups who are now just 4 mos old. They walk nicely by our side, we can enjoy both play time and calm time with them using the techniques Dave taught us and we are establishing a lifestyle with our puppies that we can already see will allow us to include them fully in our life. And the puppies are having fun in the process. Raising two puppies at the same time can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I don't want to think about how much harder it would be if we hadn't found Dave. He is the best investment we've made in years. Dave has no idea how integral he's been in putting the trauma and fear that bite created behind me. I finally believe that I can enjoy being a dog owner again! If you have ANY issue with your dog that makes your life stressful, call Dave. And if you're planning on getting a puppy, start early, skip PetSmart and call Dave! You'll never regret it! read more

We are so thankful to Dave at Empowered K9 Training. We were referred to Dave by a local Rottweiler rescue as we were at the end of our rope with a beautiful but rotten Rottie pup. Dave reached out to me after 4 days of working with him and highly recommended to us that given the fact that we have young kids this dog was not a good fit for our family. He generously gave us our money back and refused to take payment for the 4 days he had him. That spoke volumes to what type of man and trainer Dave is. He could have easily kept both our dog and our money and wished us good luck 2 weeks later. Luckily when we reached out to the breeder he was happy to take the pup back. Fast forward almost a year later we came to him with our new 11 month old black Lab, Riggs. What we brought to him was a bratty, dominant, food aggressive, selective hearing jerk not to mention a nightmare to walk. What we got back 2 weeks later looked exactly like the dog we brought to him but certainly did not act like the dog we entrusted to him. The results were amazing. Basically, the 5 negative traits Riggs was displaying were gone. Dave spent 3 hours with us on pick-up to review everything he worked on with Riggs as well as have us perform the training before we left and sent us home with a customized continual training do's & dont's. We have had Riggs home for 5 months now and thanks to Dave we are able to truly enjoy our dog vs dealing with him. We now love taking Riggs on walks as well as to our kids baseball games. This would not have been possible without Dave. We regularly encounter people that are amazed what a calm & well behaved 16 month old Lab we have. Yes, a calm and well behaved 16 month old Lab. Lastly, Dave is there for you after you bring your dog home. I have reached out to him multiple times to inquire on things and he has always been more than helpful to answer questions and lend support. I highly recommend Dave for your new dog's training. We certainly are thankful we found him. read more

Dave changed our world! We have been life long dog owners who were always fortunate enough to have well balanced, social dogs until Gus and Daisy came into our lives. Gus is a 110lb Cane Corso and Daisy is a 60lb red nose pit bull, both rescues. Gus looks like a Roman war Dog and he is one ominous looking specimen. I had a neighbor pick up their 75lb lab and run back into their house once they were so scared. I have owned 2 Rotties and a Doberman and never had behavior issues like the ones below. Pre Empowered K9: -Terrified anyone walking by the house who had a dog. -Terrified anyone who had a dog that was unfortunate enough to encounter our beasts when we walked them -Dragged my wife off the street and scared the heck out of a family behind a 6 foot wall. -Red Zone behavior in the back yard, - Door Bell Bonkers -Counter Surfing -Taking over furniture as their own -24/7/365 Turned on, Alert, ready to terrify. Post Empowered K9: -No more back yard reactive behavior -No more lunging or terrifying behavior on walks when other dogs are close -No reaction to doorbell -My wife can walk them now -Crates, dog beds only - Banned from going behind Island in Kitchen - We now have an off switch for both of them -Rules, Structure, Boundaries! We put in the work and took Dave's training seriously. Rules Structure and Boundaries. Change the state of mind and change the behavior. I thought it was just marketing but two weeks of board and train was the best thing we ever did. We now are complemented on how well our dogs are behaved. We now have these skills for the rest of our lives. Our dogs are not perfect by any means, but we continue to reinforce the desired behavior and they continue to become the best dogs that they can be. If your dog(s) are controlling your life, call Dave, it was worth every penny. Dave, Thank YOU! read more

What a transformation!!!! We own 2 dogs - a 3 year old F Pit bull and 6 year old F Aussie shepherd mix. We recently moved and with our new neighborhood came new and BAD behaviors. Barking was out of control, listening was out of the question and walks were a struggle - with the pulling I was practically skiing down the cement. One incident finally broke my nerves and we called Dave. With just one session our girls were walking at our side and energy levels were more than controlled, they are angles! People gawk at how well behaved a pit bull can be :) Meet and greets have also always been a struggle with our Pit - she is a very high energy yet anxious dog which always presented as aggression with new K9 friends. Dave welcomed us to his home and worked on introductions with his Rotties - their working and teaching nature and Dave's expertise proved a greeting could be calm and controlled without a gritting of teeth. I was so pleased with the performance of my Chloe and feel ready for any new adventure - none of which I would have felt comfortable trying on my own. Dave and his pack are excellent and a great asset to the dog owner community. His knowledge and caring character can help with ANY situation and prepare you for the unexpected. I recommend him to everyone in need of behavioral changes or basic training - he is amazing, you won't be disappointed! read more

Dave has allowed myself and my fiancee establish a relationship with our dog that we had never thought possible. We had adopted Morty from a rescue facility with no idea what his background was. He was a spaz, but a lovable spaz and we instantly knew that he was coming home with us. Three weeks later, we were at the end of our rope. Morty was becoming aggressive, snapping at me and bearing his teeth. We were completely lost, had no idea what to do and were even considering giving him back to the shelter. And then we found Dave. After interviewing with a few different trainers that were either cookie-pushers or totalitarians, Dave outlined to us his measured but firm attitude towards rearing one's dog. We were sold. After a three-week board and train session with Dave, Morty had the foundational structure and tools for being the companion that my fiancee and I had dreamed he could be. The best part, Morty isn't a completely new dog with some soul-crushing regiment to keep him in line. He's still our lovable spaz. With Dave's guidance and training, we've grown to have a dog that we can understand. You'll develop a truly communicative relationship with your dog that one would think impossible. If you are at all considering dog training, whether it be for fundamental behavioral problems or for developing some basic obedience training, look no further. read more

Move over Cesar Millan, because Dave Caramico should have his own show on Animal Planet. I am the proud owner of a boxer/pit-bull mix that I took in from a rescue shelter. While my little Elsa is a bundle of pure joy and excitement, that joy and excitement often turned into high anxiety, insecurity, and aggression issues which were extremely difficult to manage on walks, hikes, and when meeting new people. After reaching out to and vetting several different dog trainers in the Mesa/Phoenix area, Dave at Empowered K9 Training was the only trainer I felt listened to, understood, and went above and beyond in addressing my concerns. After meeting with Dave twice thus far, the immediate impact he has had on Elsa is nearly unbelievable. We just finished a hike this morning with no issues whatsoever when encountering other dogs, loud children, and groups of people. The progress that has Elsa has made due to Dave's assertive and effective training techniques is mind-blowing - I only wish I would have known someone like Dave existed months ago! To anyone out there looking to find a trainer that is truly capable and efficient in working with your dog(s) for obedience training, do not hesitiate to reach out to Empowered K9 Training - I very highly recommend Dave! read more

When I adopted my German Shepherd from a local rescue, I was told that she was great with people (including kids) and other dogs. She turned out to be a terror around toddlers, snarling and lunging while trying to bite any child in sight. I took her to another training facility for a SIX-WEEK board & train, but found out that they only trained her within their 4 walls and never took her outside of their facility. After wasting a lot of money, I found that she knew her basic commands but didn't know how to function in the "real world". A friend told me about Empowered K9 and it was worth a 2nd investment for me to try to help her get to the mental place she needed to be in order to enjoy her life and not put others at risk. Dave worked wonders with her in only TWO weeks! He had her around kids, in parks, off-leash, and in many real-life situations. I live next to a park and can now be comfortable taking her for walks without her reacting to the kids. Everyone who visits comments on how well behaved my 2 dogs are (I sent the other dog to Dave as well). Don't give up on your dog or your harmonious life - good training will open the door and Dave holds the key! read more

Dave is the best dog trainer in Phoenix! We recently adopted a five year old Rottweiler who was reactive to cats and other dogs. He also got very excited when our kids were playing in the pool (barking, nipping, and running all over the yard). I called four trainers before we finally found Dave. Two of the four trainers asked me why we adopted a Rottweiler; they told us we should take him back and adopt an easier dog like a lab. (True story!) I told Dave about our dog and he was more than willing to help us correct some of his bad behaviors, regardless of age and breed. We worked with Dave for five weeks and we could not be happier!! Dave has shown me, my husband, and even our kids how to correct and teach our dog boundaries. He no longer lunges or goes after other animals and our kids can swim in the pool while he calmly sits on the patio. He is a much happier dog now. Dave was very professional and was always available for questions and guidance. We are so grateful we found Dave and for everything he has done for our family. He really is the best trainer in Phoenix! read more

We have had 5 Rotties in the past 12 years. All have been couch potatoes for the most part, except for the one male we adopted several weeks ago. Dillion is a smart, high drive male Rottie that's just too smart for his own good and much higher drive than we are used to. We were not prepared to handle a high energy dog and how to direct his energy in a positive direction. In comes Dave from Empowered K9 Training. We spent roughly 2.5 hrs at our first meeting and I can honestly say within 2-3 days we had a new dog. His high anxiety was almost non-existent, his behavior while on walks (reaction to other dogs and other critters along the way) was a total 360degree change for the better. Our walks are much more enjoyable and we now have him on our treadmill since the heat of the summer is here. Dave is great to work with, has a great personality and would recommend him to anyone with any breed and with any issue. If you like to contact me directly send an email to monzi@netscape.net, I would be happy to give Dave my personal recommendation... Rob and Jayne M. Mesa AZ read more

Look if you are looking for a trainer to sell you a bunch of fairy tales then go somewhere else. If you want a trainer that will listen to what is going on and give you a realistic idea of whats been going wrong and what can be done then you need to call Dave. I went through several trainers over aggression, leash reactivity, and resource guarding myself and had no luck. In fact over time it just got worse and worse. When we spoke, he didn't make me feel dumb rather he explained some areas I may be missing things that are not helping as well as paths we could take to solve the issues. He was more than willing to talk till he was blue in the face and I never felt embarrassed or "dumb." Best of all and in the end, we got results. My dog is blending in well and after she came home. I actually enjoy walking my dog now and it doesn't feel like such a roller coaster, emotionally, in my home because of past resource guarding. I actually get compliments at how well behaved she is and what a difference they see. I absolutely give all 5 stars! read more

Dave is the best! We took our Rottweiler puppy to Dave in 2016 for some serious bratty behavior. Not only would our Rottie chew, disobey, lung, tug, jump and nip but would actually throw temper tantrums like a two year old child for no reason. He was with Dave for a 2 week board and train. He came home an entirely different and perfect dog. It was like magic. Seriously that good. Fast forward to the end of 2017, when we decided to rescue an 11 month old Boxer that had been in the shelter for several months due to injuries sustained from another dog. He would bite, growl, have vicious freak outs and was horrendous on a walk. My husband considered returning him to the shelter more than once. Instead, we sent him to Dave. We had seen Dave work his magic before and hoped he could do it one more time. Once again, the change was spectacular! I can't recommend Dave enough! People watch me on a walk or a run with my two large breed dogs (even off leash) and ask why they are so good. I tell them because Dave is a miracle worker! read more

I am a GSD owner that felt hopeless before I found Dave with Empowered K9. My girl Star had lost out on the opportunity to be properly socialized and had two separate negative events with dogs on walks. This turned her into a dog aggressive dog. She also was fearful of people and I started to feel like I had a hazard on my hands. I tried two different trainers previous to her board and train with Dave. I don't want to knock them but it the training was not efficient enough to help my girl. I took a dive and tried Empowered K9, and found peace in my household since then. He has a no B.S type attitude, confident training skills, and taught me a ton as well. He has been available since the training and two years later I can say I am glad because I still have my dog. She is happy and as she ages she calms down even more. I know that if we hadn't gone with Dave, she would have wound up being put down. read more

Dave at Empowered K9 Training has been helping with our dog since he was under a year old. He's 5 now and we stay in touch, especially when a new situation pops up, or reinforcement is needed. Does your trainer know your dog that well? Our dog recently had surgery and the vet advised we would need a cone. We didn't. We used commands such as "place" that turn the dog into a relaxing, chill animal, and "leave it" and he's now 3 weeks into substantial bandaging protocols and hasn't disturbed it. He's getting around fine, and we're not using injury as an excuse not to behave. When you have more than 100 pounds of high drive doberman, you cannot afford to have to ask them twice to listen. We're proud to have an excellent companion, a welcomed guest at the vet and boarder, and overall responsible joy to own instead of a jumping, barking, destruct-o-matic. read more

Dave changed the game when it came to truly understanding dogs and their behaviors. We sent our 8 month old German Shepherd Paisley for a 3 week board and train in January and we were blown away with her results. Before she used to react to other dogs by barking and sniping, she would chase our cat, and did not listen to simple commands. We knew changes had to be made and Paisley came back home being with all her issues being managed in a productive and simple manner. She also is now off leash reliable with she never thought would happen! From the beginning, Dave made us feel super comfortable and kept us in the know throughout the whole process. Paisley is gonna be going back for boarding in April and May when we are out of town and we could not trust Dave more! Thank you so much for everything!!! read more

There are not enough stars available to accurately represent the quality of training we received from Empowered K9! Dave was professional, patient, knowledgable and caring. From my first contact by phone through our last session of training, I felt supported and optimistic that we could improve our situation. Our 18 month old Weimaraner was out of control and ruining our family dynamic. Dave taught our whole family the simple, yet imperative fundamentals of a healthy dog/owner relationship. Now we marvel at how smart she is and how well behaved she has become. Even our vet noticed! I can't thank Dave enough for turning us around and getting our now delightful dog to fit into our family. I will recommend Empowered K9 to anyone who needs a reliable and trustworthy resource for dog training. read more

WOW what a difference Dave has made for our family and especially for our boxer who is nine months. I found Dave after seeing one of his clients, an eight month old Rottie walking/behaving very well - I contacted Empowered K9 immediately! We have spent two sessions with Dave and cannot wait until we see him again. Not only is our boxer walking well on the leash but he is also learning to behave within our home. Dave has given us the tools to turn our very active naughty puppy into a well behaved adult. Next on our list is off leash training so we are able to enjoy the outdoors together camping/hiking. I believe that Dave has very effective techniques - he is the BEST at what he does. Check out his website....empoweredk9.com and see for yourself - he is amazing! Moss Family - Glendale, AZ read more

Where do I begin? Is there 10 stars? Cannot say enough good things about Empowered K9 Training. We started working with Empowered K9 Training about 4 years ago when we rescued a fairly young Rottweiler, and had some very major issues with him. Luckily we found Empowered K9 Training and we ended up with a brand new dog! 4 years later we are still enjoying our Rottie. If it had not been for Empowered K9 Training I think the dog would have ended up back at the rescue. We were just uneducated on how to handle the aggressive behavior. We had 3 Rotties previously, but they did not have the issues that this new guy had displayed. He changed the dog the first session! He provided us with the tools and knowledge that we needed to actually be the pack leader that the new guy needed. read more

Dave is amazing! I met him through his work with a Rottweiler Rescue in the valley, and he had already started some great ground work with then foster Hilo. Hilo was a super timid, feral rottie with no training and manners, and every time I have a question Dave is a phone call or text away. Hilo would have most definitely been euthanized if Dave didn't step up to the plate and set him straight, my other two dogs have never met Dave in person but they have 100% benefited from the things I have learned. If you are looking for someone to sugar coat the problems and him to do all the work and you do the same old same old move on to someone else. He keeps it real and if you wanna to become the best version of yourself and your dog hire Dave ASAP!!!! read more

Dave is the Dog Whisperer of the Phoenix area! We have worked with other trainers in the area and saw no results. Some trainers even told us our dogs were a lost cause. Then we found Dave! He has helped bring peace into our pack of 6 dogs- 4 pit bulls and 2 huskies. Before we found Dave, we had two separate packs that literally wanted to kill each other. Our house was complete chaos. With small changes, we have seen huge results. In one short month, not only have our dogs' manners greatly improved, their aggression issues are vanishing. Dave has been a joy to work with, and he is always available to answer my training questions and give advice. If your dog has severe issues or just bad manners, Dave is the trainer for you! read more