We adopted Snickers in June 2020. She was a 7 month old rescue from a high kill shelter. Due to Covid, we met her and her foster family in a parking lot and she came into our lives. Snickers spent the 35 minute ride home in my lap as calm as can be. However, once Snicker's feet hit the ground, our world became unmanageable! She bit me drawing blood her first few minutes in our home. During the next few weeks she drew blood from me another five times. She often attacked our very laid-back 3 year old Shihtzu to the point he would hide to stay safe. When my 4 year old niece came to visit we watched Snickers closely but she found a way to nip at her. That was my final straw. We decided Snickers was not a good fit for us and decided to surrender her to our local ASPCA (from which I had adopted several dogs in the past) I have raised 10 rescue dogs in my lifetime who were treated as my children. All of them lived very long, wonderful lives in our home. Deciding to surrender Snickers was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. As I sat sobbing during the intake process, my husband sat sobbing in the car with Snickers. I was told Snickers would probably be euthanized due to her biting history. Neither my husband nor I were able to accept this fate for this terrified little girl. We brought her back home wondering how we were going to live with this little "Kujo" We called a trainer whom my husband had worked for in the past. This trainer also told us to "put her down". I then began my google search and search and search. I decided to contact Karma Dog Training because their gentle approach to dog training appealed to me since I'm a pretty cool, laid back high school teacher of 44 years. Viviane Chen came into our home for multiple sessions and did her "Karma Magic" Her gentle and calm method of positive training was exactly what our Snickers needed! Viviane was able to "read" Snickers and with positive gentleness, taught Snickers to sit, go down, be gentle with our other dog, greet strangers without aggression, and finally be able to get a collar over her head!! Viviane gave us homework and often checked in with us to give us more suggestions and encouragement. Viviane's gift of connecting with Snickers extended to us too. Viviane was able to "read" my anxiety and feeling of failure. Viviane had a heartfelt talk with me praising me for my commitment to Snickers. Again, Viviane's magic happened and it seemed as if that talk helped me begin to love Snickers more and more everyday. We have extended our training program with Viviane so we can continue to learn how to help our former Kujo on her journey to becoming the sweet girl we have seen emerge with Karma Dog Training and Viviane's expertise. read more

Before I got my puppy earlier this year, I did a lot of research on what were some of most important things to do for her early development. The thing that kept coming up for me was socialization. Once I realized this, I went on the quest for the best puppy socialization classes in the Monterey Bay Area. I found that in Karma Dog Training! I immediately enrolled her in Karma Puppy Kindergarten at Capitola Veterinary Hospital on Sunday afternoons. The class was held in the vet clinic and the room was sterilized before each class to minimize any exposure to disease. All puppies had to have their first round of vaccinations. All this gave me the confidence that this was a safe environment for my eight-week old precious puppy. Beyond that, the instructors were fabulous! Aiyana, lead trainer, and Brooke, assistant trainer, were very knowledgeable and you could tell that they both just love dogs! The classes were 75 minutes each session and went for seven weeks. The first session was a free trial, so you actually got eight sessions in all. Karma has structured it such that if you miss a lesson, you can make it up. We were so excited to go each week that we never missed a session. The number and breeds of puppies varied each week, so each session seemed new and fresh. Watching the puppies play together was just so cute, there's nothing like it. Wished we had taken some pictures. In addition to the fun playtime, we learned a new skill each week. We learned the basics: sit, come, loose leash walking, socialization, leave it, down and go to bed. The style of training Karma uses is all positive reinforcement and reward based. There are no harsh corrections. Aiyana and Brooke always made themselves available to answer questions during and after the class and by phone or email outside of class. Best of all, my puppy was so tired after class. She would come home and sleep for hours afterwards. I think this was the best experience for my puppy and me. I give Aiyana, Brooke and Karma Puppy Kindergarten the highest rating possible. I highly recommend this class for any new puppy owner! read more

My family and I had a wonderful experience with Aiyana and Brooke at Karma puppy kindergarten. I highly recommend this class for anyone with a puppy! We learned so much about our puppy and dog behavior in general. Aiyana has so much knowledge and skill, we feel lucky to have her as a trainer. We learned why our puppy exhibits certain behaviors and also specific commands that can she can learn to be a good canine citizen. The training focuses on positive reinforcement for a desired behavior. Through this approach, our family's relationship with Emi (our puppy) is built on trust and positive experiences. People are always amazed when she comes right to us when off leash at the beach and are always commenting on what a sweet, calm, dog she is. I honestly attribute her exceptional behavior to the great experience we have had with Aiyana and Brooke. And if Emi could write a review, she would say..."The first time I went to puppy school I was not sure about the whole thing, I was shy and decided to sleep the whole time. The second visit I discovered that I could play with the other puppies, now that was some good fun! We puppies made a puppy pile! We nipped and rolled and jumped! I also listened to the teacher human who taught me all kinds of tricks, she made me feel like a champion!" read more

I've been taking my dog "Mocha" to Karma Dog Training since she was four months old. She started in "puppy kindergarten" which she graduated from with honors! We are now in the next level of obedience training which is basically an extension of what we learned in puppy class and reinforces everything we learned there. Mocha just loves going to class cuz she gets to be with her new friends and gets lots of puppy treats. And she learns to be a good puppy without even realizing it. Their training method is all positive reinforcement which allows the dog to make the decision to do the desired behavior without any harsh corrections. The trainers are all excellent and much of the time there will be three trainers for just half a dozen "students", so though it is a group class, you get a lot of one on one time with each trainer. Taking your dog here will not only train your dog the basics of good obedience but will also teach you a lifetime of skills to teach your dog other tricks and good behaviors. I've never taken any of my previous dogs to obedience school before but now sure wish I had because it makes life with my dog so much easier and fun. Mocha always looks forward to and enjoys our training sessions. I highly recommend Karma for training your dog to be a "good puppy!" :) read more

Fritz is my first puppy. He is a Pomeranian with a great personality and soooo much energy. I knew he and I (mostly I) needed some training to make him the perfect companion I was certain he could be. So off we went to Karma Kindergarten class for a wonderful experience in puppy training and socialization. Fritz's teacher was Brook and she also had 2 additional trainers assisting. They were all amazing teachers and so much love and patience for the puppies. Due to a medical problem i had to miss a few classes, but no problem, they allowed me to come back and make them up when I was able. Fritz absolutely loved the class and he learned all his lessons!! He even received a diploma on his last day. The classes are structured with class lessons and play time when needed. The entire time was a great experience for Fritz and me. So much fun! Now Fritz is enrolled in the next class. Hope to see you there. Fritz loves to meet new friends. Thank you Karma. I could not be happier with Karma and the teaching staff!! read more

I would like to acknowledge the Karma Dog Training we received from Aiyana Chapin, dog trainer. We took the 7 day Puppy Class when he was about 10 weeks old. We experienced the best possible training and also 'dog socializing'. They were held at an open park, where they socialized the first 15 minutes, then one on one training. Because of this class, he is an excellent dog, using their techniques for training, we have been able to continue at home. The most important things he learned was being on a leash, listening to commands and following through. We also had 'homework'! Aiyana went above and beyond and we are so impressed that we give them 5 stars! Our friends and family are also impressed with his behavior. No jumping, biting, barking or other bad habits some dogs have. They ask 'where did you get him trained'? We tell them that Karma is top of the line, the very best!!!! read more

We had a wonderful experience with Aiyana and Brooke at our kindergarten puppy training. We learned a lot about our dog's behavior and how to implement positive reinforcement and reward for training purposes and to build up trust in our dog, Luke. We learned the basic commands at the classes and with dedication and repetition at home, Luke has gotten better. Aiyana is very knowledgeable, patient and accessible for any questions you may have to ensure you and your dog are in the right track for a successful relationship with your dog. During class not only dogs learn the command but they also get to play and socialize with the dogs at class. We strongly recommend using Karma Dog Training and specially Aiyana. We are looking forward for the next set of classes. read more

Karma does it right! Took my puppy Ella to the Puppy Kindergarten class, Aiyana and Brooke were the trainers. They did an amazing job creating a safe, fun, and nurturing experience for all the pups regardless of size or confidence level. They were constantly aware of each pup's state of mind and body language, and teach you how to read both as well so you can get the most out of socialization. Laid a perfect groundwork for consistent, positive reward based training that makes it easy to take home and continue on your own. My little girl is constantly getting compliments on how well-behaved she is for her age, and we couldn't be happier! read more

I'd like to thank Aiyana Chapin for her knowledge and support and love of animals throughout the Puppy Kindergarten class we attended. We adopted a 4 month old German Shepherd mix from a rescue and Aiyana has been positive, upbeat and encouraging the whole time. With her help we have learned how to teach Kaia the basic commands and even overcome her food obsession. Every day she gets a little better. Aiyana really cares and goes above and beyond to make sure you and your dog are getting what you need, and more! Come check it out, we have so much fun!!! read more

Mayra was just all-around GREAT! Our 10 month old beagle Peanut absolutely LOVES Mayra! We did a hybrid of group classes with private sessions. Both my wife and I are NEW dog owners and didn't know where to start. Peanut has shown tremendous improvement! Ashley and Mayra in the group classes were so attentive and ready to answer any question we may have had. We were having "potty" issues and those were eliminated within the first two weeks of the recommendations from Mayra. I highly recommend Karma dog training to anyone seeking some great trainers! read more

I have never written a Yelp review before, but was so impressed with Karma that I wanted to acknowledge them with 5 stars. I had a private, in-home lesson with Aiyana Chapin to help me with my feisty puppy and it was so incredibly helpful. Aiyana could not have been more professional, personable and effective. She put me at ease immediately, focused on my dog's problem issues and gave me confidence that I could actually succeed in my own training. Aiyana is awesome and the home training session was worth every penny! read more

2 paws up! As first time puppy parents, we needed some support! We have been using Karma Dog Training since our labradoodle puppy was in "kindergarten" class, and now that she's graduated, we're on to some basic obedience training. It has been overall a great experience. The trainers we've worked with most often- Katie and Branka- are organized, timely, patient, knowledgeable, and great with the dogs and dog owners. We are excited to continue training with them and highly recommend them. read more

I did puppy training with my pup moose with Brooke and Brandi and had a fantastic time. Not only did moose learn so much but I myself learned a ton. Dog training takes commitment, patience, and time and they had all three. Wish I could get another puppy just to do training with them again, had so much fun. I recommend Karma Dog training to any owners I come across with a puppy! read more

Aiyana helped me and my GSD prepare for AKC k9 good citizen certificate. I was very happy with her professionalism and acute awareness of my dogs behavior and environmental responses. The general philosophy to animal training was very healthy and positive. I would highly recommend! read more