Karma K9 - Jacksonville, Florida

brandy

As a dog mom, I completely understand the fear of sending your baby to a trainer. However, I assure you that Karma K9 is a lovely team worth your consideration. Although I was extremely saddened that I wouldn't see my baby for at least three weeks (Off-Leash Board and Train Program)- the team's reassurance and the weekly report cards made it so much easier, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. My 3-year-old Aspen (husky-lab mix) used to struggle with a plethora of issues, including leash-pulling, excessive barking, and separation anxiety. After Aspen attended Karma K9's Off-Leash Board and Train program in April, my family and I have continued to be astonished by her improvements. Although I need to note that Aspen still struggles with some things like reactivity, the Karma K9 team has continued to help me tackle them, and perfect behavior resulting from training isn't realistic. Since Aspen's training program, she's had notable improvements with leash, crate, and social manners. Despite my worry that training would break Aspen's spirit, I assure you this wasn't the case. Karma's training style promotes positive reinforcement and correction, two fundamentals of dog training. While some people might be hesitant to correct their dogs, Karma will teach you how to apply corrections that don't devastate your relationship with your dog and don't cause them to be fearful and insecure. Aspen's training and the knowledge provided to me through the Karma team have only strengthened our relationship. Training has been an outlet of joy and bonding for Aspen and me, and she is constantly learning more and more. Also, Aspen's higher obedience levels have increased the number of experiences we can share. While training is very beneficial, it is crucial to note that upkeeping your dog's training is mandatory to their ever-lasting success. Through Karma's handler sessions, you will have all the knowledge and tools necessary to upkeep your baby's training. The Karma K9 team wants to see you and your dog thrive. These kind and compassionate people have answered all my questions and are always up for a handler session, especially Curtis (whom I've had the most interactions with). If you are considering sending your dog to training, please complete your handler sessions; as I mentioned earlier, they are crucial to your dog's success. Although I live over an hour away from the Karma K9 building, the team always works with me on scheduling. While I've completed more than my required handler sessions, the team always welcomes me back to continue improving and elevating Aspen's training, making the venture to Jacksonville more than worth it! I'm so beyond thankful to have stumbled across Karma K9. Aspen and I will always keep in touch, and any future dogs I adopt will undoubtedly be attending the same training program as Aspen. Karma K9 will always have my love and support. Thank you to everyone working at Karma for their passionate love for dogs and dog training.

Margeaux D.

10/10 would recommend Karma K9 & Melissa for dog training! We have a 4yo Shiba who really struggled with confidence overall. He did not do well with people coming to our house, he would bark non-stop- sometimes for >1-2hrs. He had lunged at a few guests and nipped at someone’s leg. This caused us to totally change our lifestyle- avoiding having people at our house and going through great lengths to adjust our lives to accommodate his behavior. After 4 weeks with Melissa, he made incredible progress that I didn’t think was possible! He has more confidence and obedience and listens. With his place command, we’ve now been able to have a few guests over to our house with him on place and his behavior is like a complete 180! He can lay there calmly with guests walking around the house, 6 months ago I wouldn’t have dreamed this was possible. At this point, Melissa is trying to train ME to have some trust in him 😆 because I still am nervous. But he’s proving that if we have boundaries & enforce his training, he makes good decisions. It has given us so much more confidence with him and freedom, and our dogs life is better for it. You WILL have to keep up with the obedience once your pup comes home, but it’s worth it!!

Christina S.

We absolutely love Karma K9 and will be referring their training sessions - specially the Off Leash Training. Every single staff I’ve encountered were phenomenally kind and truly caring for my fur baby. Their knowledge in training is superb as how they answered all of my questions I could think of. I looked forward, every Friday, to receiving a report card full of photos, videos, my pup’s possible feelings throughout that week and a very detailed lesson report of what occurred and how well things went. Once we took our pup home, we noticed a difference, for the better, in her quick obedience and discipline - especially around bustling/distracting/fun locations. Our pup still has her same silly, playful, confident character we left her in before training … she simply is much more obedient when required!

Thank you Karma K9,
- Yara and Christina

Gregory B.

I can’t speak highly enough about Karma K9. Both my dogs went here for off leash training and all future ones will also. My oldest dog was trained by Melissa in 2019 and now she’s the new owner! That right there should tell you how dedicated and passionate she and her staff are about making sure your dog and you have the best experience and memories afterwards. Another bonus is for kenneling: they will only kennel dogs they have worked with.

Patrick W.

Took my 4 month old to Karma just to try to get a baseline with obedience. He left there with so much confidence, while retaining his funny personality. I cannot recommend Karma enough. We worked with Ryann and she was amazing! She answered all my odd questions and helped me out as a first time owner immensely with her continuous support. Anytime I'm in Jacksonville I will continue to use their services.

3 Year Update: I have still one of the best trained dogs, and grt told this almost daily. The base training I got from Karma, that I kept up with myself, has led to having a dog who is super predictable and well behaved. Any behaviors he has that aren't the "best" are due to a lapse by me. They still continue to be one of the best locations in Jacksonville. I recommend them to everyone I come across with the note that it takes work from the owners to keep your dogs well behaved.

Carol-Lauren R.

Karma K9 saved my dog. I rescued a 60lb dumped dog in my neighborhood and quickly realized he was extremely reactive toward men and other dogs. He was a walking liability and because of that I had to leave him home in a crate all day every day. That is no life for a dog, especially one as active as my boy Koda. The minute I met with Middie and Melissa, I decided to sign him up. They gave me realistic expectations and clearly explained how the process worked. I sent my dog for their off-leash board and train program. I received updates with videos and pictures every week, and the first set I received relieved any doubt that I had about my decision. He is a changed dog for the better. His fear and anxiety were crippling whenever we left the house, and now he is thriving in new environments. He goes to work with me every day and is constantly making incredible strides in his progress. Also shout out to Kyle! He was amazing with Koda and answered the million questions I had once I picked my boy up. They saved my dog and gave me the tools and knowledge to give him the life he deserves. A fun, exciting life filled with new experiences we can now enjoy together.

Peter ". M.

I cannot speak highly enough of Karma K9 and the exceptional team behind this fantastic dog training facility. My experience with them has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to share my gratitude through this Google review.

My beloved German Shepherd, Apollo, spent a month at Karma K9 for advanced off-leash training, and the transformation I've witnessed in him is truly remarkable. Apollo's newfound confidence, obedience, and overall behavior have exceeded my expectations.

The family-owned and operated nature of Karma K9, led by the dedicated duo Middie and Melissa Alley, is what sets this place apart. Melissa's background in Veterinary Tech and Middie's lifelong passion for rescuing animals create an environment where dogs thrive not only in terms of training but also in health and well-being.

Curtis Johnson, the Training Director, is an absolute master in his field. His diverse experience with different types of dogs, from pets to police and military dogs, brings a wealth of knowledge to the training programs. Curtis's commitment to understanding and addressing behavioral issues in dogs is truly commendable.

Apollo's journey through the Off Leash Board and Train program was nothing short of incredible. This program goes beyond obedience training; it focuses on behavior modification and building confidence in dogs. The weekly report cards filled with pictures, videos, and detailed updates were a delight to receive and showcased Apollo's progress beautifully.

What's even more impressive is the lifetime trainer support offered after completing the program. Apollo and I now have access to unlimited brush-up lessons and assistance whenever needed. This level of commitment and support from Karma K9 is unparalleled.

Training with Apollo at Karma K9 has been an absolute joy. It's not just about commands; it's about strengthening the bond between us and having fun together. The team's dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on our lives, and I couldn't be more thankful.

If you're in Jacksonville, Florida, and searching for top-notch dog training with guaranteed results, Karma K9 is the place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to transform their dog's behavior and strengthen their relationship. Thank you, Karma K9, for everything you've done for Apollo and me. You've truly changed our lives.

Brandi

Melissa at Karma K9 has trained both of my girls, Mavis and River. She has helped me learn more about both of my dogs personality, their motivations, their favorite things to do and she truly treated them like her own.

Both of my dogs are rescues, River came from a very traumatic and abusive past prior to me and is tremendously sensitive and she took to Melissa immediately and returned the exact same sensitive loving dog but with wayyy more confidence! Mavis celebrated her first birthday with Melissa and the Karma K9 team and they even sent me birthday photos! She went in with no care in the world to listen and returned very eager and excited to listen and perform her commands.

I am excited to keep working with my dogs and building bonds with them following the great baseline Melissa created for me and I love knowing Melissa is dedicated to my pups success for the rest of their lives!

Update;I moved out of state just a year after sending my girls here and I needed some support and direction to reenforce what they had learned because the environment here in CO and the wildlife and new experiences apartment living vs house caused regression. I got initial response from Melissa but then ghosted which I didn’t feel delivered the lifetime promise.