Testimonials

John Soares came highly recommended to us for our 2 year old German Shepherd, Rocky. We were at our wits end before we called John and had seriously discussed finding a new home for Rocky, as much as that idea broke our hearts. We just couldn't handle his outbursts. Rocky is/was a good dog, but wasn't trained enough to understand that WE were in charge - so it was the "Rocky Horror Show" oftentimes. If we walked him past somebody that was afraid of him he would jump up and bark in that person's face. If we tried to introduce him to new dogs he pulled so hard that we lost all control. And the issues just went on. We, amateurishly, diagnosed Rocky with anxiety, separation issues, aggression and the list went on. Who knew he just "wasn't trained" as John put it the first day he saw Rocky! We signed up for a 3-week, no visitation boot camp, 1-1 training with John Soares and WHAT a difference we see today. Rocky is calm (because we're in charge) and so easy to manage. In fact, what John did was take away all the "fluff" that we were trying with Rocky and broke it down very simply for us. Today, things are much easier for all of us and we are able to stay in control by actually doing less. In fact, I think the training was really for US! John answered all of our questions and completely prepared us for maintaining Rocky's new training. I would recommend him to anyone and would pursue further training with him for any of my dogs.

Sincerely,
Katrina, Alex & Rocky.

Having owned several dogs in my life I realized that, just like people, dogs come with various degrees of intelligence, drive and motivation. They require different methods and techniques to bring them to their ultimate potential. At times, unfortunately, some of our K-9 companions come to us with a serious personality problem which has caused many a good dog to be euthanized or given up to an animal shelter. In my over 30 years of law enforcement, both in the civilian and military sector, regrettably I have seen the havoc and damage in the physical, emotional and financial sense, that these poorly trained, or so called un-trainable dogs, have caused.

Being the owner of several imported high drive, high energy Doberman Pinchers I would entrust their training to no one else other than John Soares. Besides myself, I have recommended many dog owners to John and everyone has been extremely pleased with the results of his training. John is truly a “DOG WHISPERER.” I strongly recommend that if you are looking for the best dog trainer, and the Harvard of dog training, please consider John Soares as both you and your K-9 companions best friend and teacher. John’s methods are humane, proven and effective and in the long run cost effective.

Tony Schiozzi
Retired Sgt. NYPD

At first, our 3 month old Rottweiler, Diesel, seemed like any other rambunctious, lively puppy. He was into everything. No matter what it was, paper, eyeglasses, yard lights, you name it, he chewed it. The older he got, the more dominant he became. His visits to the Vets office right from day one were a nightmare. He tried to bite one vet several different times. I blamed the Vet, thinking that he didn’t like Rotties and “blamed the breed”. So, we switched vets. Diesel seemed to be good with the female vet in the group, so we thought “problem solved”. Next vet visit, he went after the male vet. We were told he was not allowed back unless he was muzzled. We still didn’t think there was a problem, Diesel just didn’t like going to Vets.

As he became older and grew larger (100 lbs.) he became increasingly difficult to handle. He would not listen unless we screamed at him and then only minimally. I had no control over him whatsoever and he barely listened to my husband. Walking on a lead consisted of Diesel dragging me down the street. He also became very dominant towards our German Shepherd that was in the house from the moment he came home. The last straw was when I was giving him a hug one night he just whipped his head around and bit me on the face for no apparent reason ! I did not require medical treatment but he did draw blood. Obviously we were very upset. I have been around dogs my entire life and this was the first time I had ever been bitten.

We came upon John Soares quite by accident. We were originally going to another trainer, but at the last minute that did not work out. That trainer recommended John.

Diesel was evaluated by John and it was determined that he was a Fear Aggressive dog and needed a lot of help. It was decided that Diesel would spend 3 weeks with John at his training facility. I have to tell you, those 3 weeks were very hard for me. No contact with Diesel whatsoever. Just a brief e-mail from John every now and then as to his progress.

The day finally came when we were to pick up Diesel. John brought him out and went through a whole training routine with him. We were amazed………….who was this dog ? Diesel sat at attention, turned on a dime and worked with John off and on the lead. My husband and I both worked with Diesel and he actually listened to us and behaved.
It was a miracle !

Diesel is coming along very well. We still have to keep on him every minute. He’s very smart, if we slack off his training, it definitely shows. He constantly wants to revert back to that “wild, crazy, unruly” puppy. But because of John’s expert guidance we know what to do now. We know how to correct him and to do it immediately. We know how to reward him when he does something good. I think John is truly a miracle worker. He is VERY patient and understanding. I’m sure John would say Diesel actually was easier to train than me ! John taught me to treat Diesel like a dog and not “my little baby”. I would highly recommend John to anyone that has a problem dog or just wants a well-behaved dog. Diesel will be going back to John both in August and then again in November while we are on vacation for “refresher” training and boarding. We already have him booked ! I truly cannot say enough about John’s professionalism, his love of dogs and patience and guidance for the Owners !

Jil Pozniak
North Brunswick, NJ

We were having many behavioral issues with our one-year old Lab, Sam. The pulling, nipping, barking, stealing and overall lack of discipline was just too much to bear most days. The basic obedience classes we attended when he was a puppy basically resulted in a dog that would only respond if we had a teat in our hands. We mostly bribed him to get him to do anything.

We knew that we needed help but we both work and time was a real issue for us. We decided to look for a trainer that would board him and work with him daily. The decision to send our dog away was difficult for us and we wanted to be sure that our baby would be treated properly. John Soares came highly recommended to us by another trainer that we know and trust. I have to say that, without a doubt, it was the best decision that we have ever made.

Sam spent two weeks at “camp” and came home a different dog. He walks perfectly on his leash, responds to sit and down without any treats and holds the position until we give a command to get up. I think that we have finally established our proper roles (thanks to our people training sessions with John) and he is responding in a more appropriate way to us.

We were happy to see how Sam responded to John when we went back for our follow-up training. He went to him happily; showed no signs of fear or anxiety at all.

We are so pleased and completely satisfied with John and the changes that we see in Sam that we are sending him back to “camp” for off-leash training. We have no doubt that with John’s help Sam will become a well trained dog that our friends and family won’t dread being around.

Kelly and Steve Ceransky

I am what you would call a lifetime dog training student. I have had many pets and have worked in the pet industry for twenty years. I am always trying to learn more and try my best to improve my pet handling skills. I insist on having well behaved pets. Since I take my Doberman Rowan with me everywhere I go, including work, it is imperative that he be obedient. When Rowan was a puppy we attended two different series of classes with two different trainers. I was not happy with the results; Rowan is a strong headed pup who was going to be quite large. In my research to find a trainer who I could be confident would help foster a successful relationship for Rowan and me, John Soares’ name kept coming up. Though my handling skills were lacking, John's patience was unwavering and the results were immediate.

Rowan is now fifteen months old and more than one hundred pounds! We have been training with John for over six months. John spent many hours working with Rowan and me, giving me the confidence to continue even when things got difficult. John always encouraged me and stressed the importance of making it fun. His expertise is unmatched by any trainer I have ever known. As a result of our successful training, I have set some competitive goals for Rowan and myself. Since it has been such a positive experience, I have started training my seven month old rescue pup Ceili with John.

John trains even the smallest of dogs with sensitivity and enthusiasm. I feel fortunate to have witnessed him in action. From basic obedience to competition, I highly recommend John for all your training needs.

Cheers John to a long, happy, healthy training career!!!
Sandy Hanrahan
Pet Styles by Sandy Mobile Salon
Ringwood, NJ

I began my law enforcement career as a U.S. Army Military Police Patrol Dog Handler in 1975 and ultimately retired as the 40th Police Commissioner for the City of New York in December 2001, some 26 years later.
 Throughout my career, I have seen one K-9 program after another, in various police, military and civilian organizations and have met some of the best trainers in the world, but I have never met anyone as accomplished and experienced as John Soares.
 For the past three years he has trained the German Shepherds that protect my family and me and I couldn’t ask for more. His knowledge, experience and expertise in the field is unparalleled and is only over shadowed by his personal touch that has helped my wife and kids feel more comfortable around working dogs.
 I have, and would recommend John Soares to anyone that requires professional dog training at the highest levels.
You will not find better.

BERNARD B. KERIK
Police Commissioner
City of New York (retired)

My yellow lab, Buddy, has been a challenge to my family and me ever since we got him as a puppy.  We have been through many classes with him as well as several trainers.  He was now three years old, and I realized we were at a turning point in his behavior and training.  I searched the internet and found John.  I was certain from the minute I saw his website and watched his videos, he was our answer.  John evaluated Buddy and determined he was trainable.  I knew the day I dropped him off, he would come home a different dog.  After Buddy completed four weeks of training with John, I was now able to walk him without being pulled down the street.  He was obeying his commands and now had manners.  Jumping had also been an issue in our home as well as on our walks.  However, we recently had a party with 20 people – and one dog!  Buddy walked around the house while we were entertaining.  There was no jumping. 

More importantly, I saw the respect my dog had for John while I observed them working together.  Now it is my job to demand that same respect from Buddy.  John gave us both the tools to work on this together.  I am forever grateful to John and thank him for the time he spent with Buddy.   

Mary Ann Bruppacher
March 20, 2009

Hi John,

I just wanted to let you know that Magnus is still doing amazingly well and Sara is having very little if any difficulties with him. I have mentioned your one-on-one training program to all my friends and neighbors and give it the highest of praise. Thanks again for helping Magnus to become the great dog I always knew he would be and for training Sara to be the great dog owner I always knew she could be.

Regards,
Christian Lee

John is great with dogs and and their owners!

John worked with our rambunctious, headstrong, young Doberman and made an amazing difference. When we went back for a second round of training, off-leash this time, our Bella was so excited to be there. That spoke volumes about his relationship with the dogs he trains. Bella's personality remained the same (playful and always happy) but her behavior and response to commands was dramatically better. The owner of the doggie play school she attends was very impressed with the change.
 His sessions include training the owners as well! We cannot recommend him strongly enough.

See this review on Teachstreet

I have been training and showing dogs in conformation, obedience and agility for 30 years. As a professional trainer I know the importance of working with the right trainer. Our search for the right trainer took us throughout the tri-state area. After watching many trainers work with dogs we chose John Soares. We love working with John, he not only trains the dog but takes the time to explain dog behavior in a way that helps owners to better understand their dog.

Looking forward to our next level of training, Linda Resch
The Country Canine
West Milford

I’ve been training with John Soares for approximately two years now.  From the time I met John, I knew he was the right person to help me excel with my dog; not only in sport but in my working relationship with my dog as well.

Since training with John, Emma and I obtained our Schutzhund III title on 6/16/07 with an 85-90-88, taking High Obedience.  We then moved on and earned our AKC Companion Dog Title in 2/08 with the following achievements:

We passed 4 out of 4 shows, taking  trophies or ribbons in all 4  and qualified for the All-Stars Performance Competition in August 2008.

10/6/07  Port Chester Obedience Club with a score of 193 out of 200 (1st place)

10/14/07 Northern NJ German Shepherd Club with a score of 195 out of 200 (1st place) & High in Trial

2/22/08  Wallkill Kennel Club with a score of 195 out of 200 (3rd place out of 20 dogs)

2/23/08  Rockland County Kennel club with a score of 195 out of 200 (4th place out of 31 dogs)

We will be continuing on with our training with John as I can’t thank him enough for all the insight he has provided me not only to Emma but in my learning as well.

Hello John,

I just want to THANK YOU again for your help with my Fever. It was not a easy decision to leave her with you for a month. It was a LONG month for me! When I came to pick her up,I was very happy to see the bond that you developed with her. I know that she was treated with the best of care during her stay with you! I can now look forward to her future long term training with you, with complete confidence, knowing that my girl is in great care , both physically and mentally!!!!!!
Best Regards , Mitch

The Pine Barrens Schutzhund Group hosted a very successful Schutzhund Seminar on October 27th & 28th. with National & International Schutzhund / IPO trainer, handler, and helper John Soares. The teams & spectator attendees for the seminar ranged from novice to national hopefuls and past national level competitors.

John has over 20 years experience with training dogs and has had the unique opportunity to have lived in both the U.S.A. and Europe. His ability has brought him recognition in both continents. He has experience training and trialing different breeds; he has also experienced many styles of training.

John started off the seminar with an introduction to the Schutzhund dog; he explained the Process of Domestication, Predatory Sequences, and Domestication of Aggression/Defense, which provided us with a better understanding of our dogs. We then proceeded to the tracking phase of the seminar. We had 5 tracking teams on the first day ranging from novice  intermediate and experienced trackers. One of the most valuable points John made on the tracking was we need to connect with our dogs before reaching the track, concentrate and focus on that track, feel the connection with your partner through the line. It is a common mistake to assume that your dog is tracking by looking at it but when there is no connection through the line that assumption can not be validated. He provided us all with some advice and things to incorporate within our tracking regime, so next time we are out there we should clearly have nothing else in mind other than our partner and track!

We proceeded with the obedience phase of the seminar which was also very beneficial to see dogs of all levels do a routine or two and how each dog & handler team is different! Based on observation all of our dog training problems results from the dog being confused. The dog should have a clear understanding of what behaviors are expected in certain situations. There were a few handlers who have had their dogs showing some unwanted behavior on the training field who were heard to saying, "My dog never did that before, after just 30 seconds of John giving the right signal."

The protection phase of the seminar, again varied in all levels of experience. Each dog maintains a different drive, different approach, some in defense and some in prey. Just like everything else we do within the sport we should apply the necessary discipline within the protection phase as we do in the tracking and obedience and focus. With focus, preparation and repetition you and your partner could connect and be a team!

We had approximately 12 Handler / dog teams each day. All participants enjoyed the seminar and everyone walked away with something new to utilize within their own training. The weather was wet on Saturday but the rent a tent came in handy and Sunday was a perfect day to train! Tracking conditions were good and overall the weekend was pretty awsome!

John Lattanzi was in charge of our concession for both days, grilling up some awesome lunch! We also received a number of generous donations from the Kong Company, Dr. Charlie Greco, Total Pet Care, John Browne's K9 Center, Servpro Restoration and Luv a Pup in Farmingville.

We had an awesome dinner J&R's Steak House in Calverton Saturday night! Good friends, good company, good times!

The entertainment for the weekend was an unforgettable skit with the Field Mouse vs Roberta on the A Frame  Field mouse won!!! Never thought I could jump that high! LOL


Thank you all again for attending the seminar  we hope to see you all at our next event!

Special THANKS to John Soares for coming out to the Island and sharing your knowledge, methods and techniques!

HAPPY TRAINING TO ALL!

Regards,
Roberta J. Lattanzi, President
Pine Barrens Schutzhund Group