Barker's Balanced K9s

We have been loyal clients of Brian's for over four years. Our dog Kona, is a regular member of the Barker's Balanced K9 walking pack and we have benefited from Brian's training tips and tricks along the way as well. In addition to his very reliable and professional approach to the work he does, I have never met anyone so in tune with what they are meant to do - and for Brian, that's work with dogs. In addition to his natural ability, he has worked to learn and develop techniques to shape his approach to working with and training dogs. The evidence of his skills shows in how our terrible terrier" is anything but

Brian was brought into Monty, my poodle' s and my life because at 4 years of age Monty struggled with dealing with social situations. Brian presented a very well thought out program. His structure and expectations set Monty and myself up for success. I'm very happy we chose to participate in Barker's Balanced K9s program. I will continue with the strategies I learnt in this program.

Brain was absolutely incredible with my dog! We have been struggling with reactivity since moving to Calgary and he gave me extremely useful tools and training objectives! My dog has made unbelievable progress in the last few months and we have Brian to thank for that!

If I could give Brian and his team a 6 star review I would absolutely do it. We have had some challenges with our packOf 2 Great Danes aged 1 and 3 and one very senior rescue dog. We initially hired Brian to come to our home and we did several private sessions with him and his team. Within a couple of sessions I was personally able to take both the Great Danes out for a walk by myself which is saying a lot because together they weigh about 250lbs and one is very reactive to other dogs. We also worked on basic commands for our youngest pup. Since then the 2 Danes have joined the pack walks twice a week and we continue to see improvement with both of them in regards to the basics and most of all reactivity to other dogs. We work from home and the pick ups and drop offs are done with little fuss and in an efficient manner. The communication about any scheduling changes is great. Best of all the dogs come home ready for a nap!

Highly recommend Barker Balanced K9s! We are thrilled with the training from Sydney and Brian! Sessions are full of tips for humans to build strong relationships and confidence to become a trusted leadership to your dog. We have learned so many skills and adaptive strategies taught by two passionate people who want your dog to live their best life full of love and adventure!

We have been using Barkers Balanced K9s for the past year for pack walks and recently completed their intro to e-collar conditioning course! Their team has been phenomenal resource for training, and I continually recommend them to all my my dog friends! The emphasis on creating a calm environment has really helped with our high energy, excitable, pushy and young Australian shepherd. The intro to e-collar training has truly been the icing on the cake for our training. The positive condition ain’t and slow approach to properly use the collar has en Alex this tool to be something my dog truly loves. Our bond has grown immensely, and I have been able to better manage some of my dogs reactivity in a way that works for us! Our dog now looks to us in situations that used to make him uncomfortable instead of reacting no this has enabled us to take our dog more places and enjoy time with him! Thank you!!!

It is hard to find the words for the difference Brian has made in our family. We have gone from having one dog who walked us, pulling, barking, reacting wildly to every dog, to a calm guy who walks to heel, no longer barks on walks and knows exactly what is expected from him. Then our other dog, who was so protective and dominant that she could not be walked with her brother because she pulled, cried and insisted on being in front, can now be walked by just me, with her brother, completely to heel and calmly. Our lives are changing from being dominated by our pups needs, to us being in control, calm and informed owners. Brian is incredible and I would recommend him 100%.

Our GSD mix has been attending pack walks 3x weekly with Sydney and Brian for the past 4 months or so. We appreciate Brian’s professionalism, competitive pricing, and dedication to structured, balanced pack walks. Brian has also done some check in visits with our dog while we are out. He is thoughtful, engaging in scatter feeding, walks and structured playtime, exercising her mind to maximize the time he spends checking in on her. We are very impressed by his and Sydney’s dedication to considering our dog’s needs and reporting on actions we can take to improve her existing training. We would recommend Brian and Sydney’s services to anyone looking to offer their dogs additional exercise and/or training, especially if their dog has a high prey drive/special behavioral needs. They seem particularly knowledgeable about GSDs as a breed so we appreciate that as well. Our dog is incredibly excited to see Sydney each time and Sydney is diligent to ensure she maintains our existing walk time routines (such as place training after walks). Thanks Brian and Sydney for all you do!

I sought out Brian’s help with my reactive, 65lb mixed breed pooch a few months ago. Prior to meeting Brian, I have been pulled to the ground several times as she lunged at dogs, people, squirrels, bunnies….etc. Brian is incredibly knowledgeable and I appreciate his straight forward approach. His feedback and direction has made a world of difference for our dog and my safety. My confidence and enjoyment of walks has increased. I only wish we’d met him sooner!

Brian brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and passion to his work, and we are excited that his approach is getting more attention with Barker's Balanced K9s!This summer, my partner and I got our first dog together, Scout, a German Shepherd rescue. She is one confident, curious, and powerful dog! Brian truly is the reason we still have her, are still in a healthy relationship, and are not bruised and terrified to go for walks. His pragmatic and kind training approach has allowed us to confront our own anxieties, equipped us with the tools to work well with Scout, and recognize that our dog's reactivity is going to have its ups and downs, but being a good pack leader for her can be rewarding and fulfilling for all of us.(Oh, and from asking our friends, his training rates are extremely competitive and have been the best investment for us and Scout!)His pack walks have also been a godsend, especially during the pandemic, when trying to socialize a reactive dog is extra difficult.We recommend Brian to everyone. Especially the people who stop us on the sidewalk to comment on how well trained our dog is! Thank you Brian!