Testimonials

Testimonials

Our Testimonials

This page lists testimonials from our many satisfied clients. We are still updating it with additional client reviews; more are added regularly.

Our clients have written many five-star reviews over the years. I think the breadth of these speaks for itself. Our testimonials cover a broad range of dog training areas. They include obedience training, behavior modification work, and of course feedback from our service dog clients.

Does a testimonial of our work with any particular client dog resonate with you? Does a case sound similar to what is going on with your dog? We can help you too! Contact us today for your service dog consultation.

We can provide additional references if desired. Many of our testimonial clients are happy to share more about their experiences of working with us.

Sarah lived and trained dogs in Texas for many years and only recently moved to California. As a result, most testimonials are still related to her wonderful Texas clients. California service dog client reviews are added as new service dogs are deployed.

Read more about the ADA Regulations for Service Dogs.

Review Quick Links: Elizabeth Anderson | Ashley Guidry | Lisa Thorne Brazell | Roxanne Schwartz | Lynn Shaffer | Diana Johnson Hightower | Tammy Sellers Cantrell | Connie M. Finley
Elizabeth Anderson
I received my service dog, Harrison, from a program in December 2016. He has been a great dog from the start, but I felt that the program released him too young (he was only 1) and he was not fully ready to start working. I, also, was not trained enough on what to expect and do having a large service dog (I’d only had small dogs) and how much work it would require of me to keep up his skills. Along with that, I was living away from my family for medical treatment and was being frequently hospitalized — all leading to Harrison losing a great deal of his training in only a few years. When my treatment ended and I returned to my family, I was still using Harrison in public, but he was barely, if at all, meeting service dog task criteria and had some behavior problems. So I was referred to Sarah and Ralf who really saved the day. Harrison went back into training, this time boarding with Sarah and Ralf to be retrained. Because Harrison was already 5 and having a few health troubles, we chose one task to retrain and of course lots of retraining for behaviors and manners. Harrison has always made a life-saving difference in my life, and the training he completed in their program renewed his ability to help me completely. He now behaves excellently in public, reliably completes his task on command, and makes me proud, and healthier, every day. He is really a different dog than before they retrained him and my partnership with him now is truly amazing! I would still be a very ill person without the assistance of Harrison and I will be forever grateful to Sarah and Ralf for the kindness they showed us, and the excellent teaching they provided.

Elizabeth Anderson, California

Ashley Guidry
If you are considering collaborating with a dog trainer for a service dog, there is no better than Sarah Gill. For years, I have had the goal of getting a service dog to assist me with medical alerts and mobility assistance. Due to my hectic college and work schedule, owner-training was not an option. I needed an expert. Training programs with pre-trained service dogs didn’t sound appealing either. After all, I am unique and so are my needs. I need a dog trained to fit my specific needs. After months of researching service dog trainers (a specific specialty that not many dog trainers are capable of), a dog trainer friend of mine recommended Sarah Gill. As a person who has had her share of health issues, Sarah understood what my needs were. Together, we traveled hundreds of miles to find the perfect dog, Cinder. Through the process, she was always available for any questions I had. During about a year of training, she visited my office, and my school, and met my other dog children to help see the specific environments in that Cinder would be working in most often. She loves my baby like her own, and she trains dogs like she would train her own service dog- with patience, love, and strength. I cannot say enough good things. Sarah also is not shy about advocating for my needs even when I am scared to! Having a service dog means navigating other human’s ignorance with the right attitude. Through her tireless work and our public outings, we worked together to get both Cinder AND myself ready for being a service dog/handler team. Any questions on how great Sarah is? Text me. Please. I cannot say enough good things.

Ashley Guidry, Master's Student, Communication Studies

Lisa Thorne Brazell
Sarah recently devoted many, many hours of her time helping us with an animal aggressive bite dog. I cannot thank her enough for all the hours of free training time she committed in helping us guide, manage and train. I will ever be indebted to her for all the tips and tools that were provided. I love you, Sarah, and wish you great success as you continue to move forward. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will be sending people your way and will use you someday when I adopt again!

Lisa Thorne Brazell, Auditor for Office of Compliance

Roxanne Schwartz
Sarah is the most amazing trainer. I have four rescue dogs including one with physical challenges and one that was abandoned in an alley and very scared of people. All my dogs were taught basic obedience, tricks, and proper behavior by Sarah. People always compliment me on my well-behaved dogs. If you are looking for a trainer to help with behavior modification, puppy training, or higher-level performance; contact Sarah.

Roxanne Schwartz, Director of Retail Chains

 

Services and Area

We are located in Southern California and train service dogs nationwide. Hence, Total K9 Focus currently offers local service dog training in several areas. Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. In addition, we offer our service dog board and train program and all virtual training services nationwide.

Are you looking to get your own service dog? You came to the right place! We are experienced service dog trainers. Consequently, we can help you with any service dog request. For many of our clients, we train a service dog from puppyhood. However, we also evaluate the service dog potential of existing pets or rescue dogs. Our flagship product is our board and train program. In addition, we offer owner-trained service dog support. Further, provide virtual service dog training worldwide.

Further, we can add tasks to an existing service dog you already have. Or help you solve a tasking, training, or behavioral challenge you may face with your current service dog. We offer several service dog financing options to make it possible for you. We recommend you start by reading our article on what makes a good service dog. Next, review the Service Dog Consultation page to understand the high-level process. Finally, once you're ready to move forward, please use our service dog contact form to schedule your free consultation.