“I will never forget completing the initial client information form to learn more about Quarterback K9, because I was in a place desperate for help with our recent rescue, Uno. I struggled to summarize what was going on with him in a way that captured just how emotionally drained we were with a dog who we loved dearly, but who was causing such a disrupt of our home. I ended up writing that our reason for inquiring was "to restore the peace in our house", and that is exactly what Lara and her program did for us. From our very first phone consultation I could tell that Lara's program was going to be different from anything we had tried in the past (and we had tried a lot of things!) We immediately implemented the recommendations she had, and in turn started to see a shift in Uno's behavior and overall demeanor. Fast forward to today, and because of Lara we not only worked through his unwanted behaviors, but helped Uno build confidence which has made him a much happier, more relaxed dog. We are now able to include him on things that never would have been possible before. She has given him the gift of living a more fulfilled life by helping us to really understand what was going on with him, and more importantly how we could communicate with him in a way he could understand. We are forever grateful for Lara's guidance, and for helping Uno reach his full potential.”

• A. Mincolla

“I live in California and have two mixed breed herding dogs, who I take along when riding my horse on trail rides. I was really struggling with being able to effectively communicate with them that I needed them to stay with me and not take off after small interesting animals! My friend recommended speaking with Lara about using an E-collar for off leash training. She was incredibly helpful - educating me on how to begin training with the collar and use it for my situation. I was able to introduce it in a clear and understandable way to my dogs and their running off has become a thing of the past! Having Lara as a resource when I have questions with my dogs training is so helpful - even across the country! I would highly recommend consulting with Lara about your dog, even if you are not lucky enough to live close enough to work with her in person.”

• M. Vega

“When I got Enzo as an older puppy, he was fearful towards people and strange dogs from the instant I brought him home and only continued to become more fearful, and eventually, severely reactive.  For the first two years of having him, every walk and encounter with other people, and especially dogs, were so stressful for me and Enzo. While I ensured Enzo got his exercise, knowing that he would bark, growl and lunge on every walk also made me reactive on walks, exacerbating Enzo’s issues. Enzo’s reactivity dictated my life.  After going through two rounds of a basic obedience class with a local trainer and trying to find an appropriate trainer in Atlanta specifically for reactivity, all while attempting to learn how to decrease Enzo’s reactivity from information available on the internet, I expanded my search to other cities, and found Lara at Quarterback K9.  

Without even meeting Lara, I instantly knew via her transparency and calm demeanor that she would be able to help Enzo and me. My initial thoughts were confirmed from our first telephone conversation and though I was definitely sad leaving Enzo for his board and train, I was fully confident (and never had any reason to doubt) that he would be treated with fairness and kindness. Lara helped Enzo in ways that I could not, by teaching him a clearer line of communication via the e-collar, providing positive, controlled interactions with other people and dogs, and by coaching Enzo to become a better version of himself.  The most important aspect that Lara helped with, was teaching me what leadership and structure looks like to a dog, and by helping implement such actions into my daily life with Enzo. Lara gave Enzo a great foundation that I am able to continue and grow from, and is always available for questions and follow-ups.  We are also able to attend group class, which is integral to our growth as we build positive experiences with other Quarterback K9 clients that know “the rules.” Choosing to train with Lara has been the best decision I have made since getting Enzo.  Our quality of life has increased substantially and will continue to grow with the guidance of Lara’s expertise and experience.”

• A. Baughman