Building Bonds - Tucson, Arizona

Gregory Witkowski

So I have nothing against my trainer. Where my issue lies is in the setup to training. I wanted to work on play by getting my pup to stay. They recommended me go through the 6 week classes, and playful biting. After I went a couple times I found that most things that were taught didn't apply to my pup. When I commented about my concerns the person in charge (not the trainer) replied, providing me with more general advice and pointing me to handouts and videos (not helpful at all). There's a TON of free handouts and videos online. I didn't pay money to have something I can get for free. They did offer me 2 private classes in lieu of continuing the general training which I did. But again, the teachings weren't really effective. Nothing against my trainer Kim but the person in charge Michelle was very invalidating by responding to my specific concerns with broad brush strokes. I would never use this company again and would recommend all to save their money by just getting free material online.

Victoria Begoun

A big thank you to Kim at Building Bonds!
I had in home training sessions for my new rambunctious dog that did not understand sit at first. Through weekly sessions I learned how to anticipate my dog’s needs, learn more about my dog’s behavior, and how to promote good healthy behaviors that I wanted him to display. By our last session, my dog was much more calm, not jumping on people and learned that sitting or staying on the ground would get him better attention that he wanted. Thank you!

Victoria Blute

Kim Silver is an absolute wizard.

Our two rescue littermates, Quimby and Huggins, are delightful. But they were also very fearful. Born at the height of the pandemic, they hadn’t had a lot of opportunities to socialize with the rest of the world.

Add in the twins’ factory-installed anxiety settings and we found ourselves with two dogs having regular meltdowns. A visitor to our home, the neighbors in their yard, taking a walk, an empty box – just about anything could trigger incessant barking and alarm.

To top it off, the twins were attached at the hip: They couldn’t stand to be separated, even if it was just a few feet of distance. And sometimes, when one was frightened, it would trigger the other.

I enrolled the twins in Building Bonds’ Fearful Fido course – and what a difference it has made!

I wasn’t sure Kim would take on two anxious dogs at once, but she didn’t bat an eye: Two completely separate personalities? Two completely separate sets of triggers? No problem.

To us, it seemed like an impossible situation. To Kim, it was a challenge she was totally up for.

We are so impressed with her work, which is clearly a labor of love. She did a thorough pre-visit diagnostic to get to know the twins, their environment, and their distinct personalities. Her observations during home visits were equally as thorough – and very interesting.

From day one, Kim made it easy for us to understand what our dogs were trying to communicate, and how to make simple adjustments to our environment that help the dogs feel less anxious and build their confidence all at once.

Based on her observations, we started working through a variety of strategies and systems to introduce the dogs to novel stimuli in a way that felt safe to them – and their confidence has increased markedly. We’ve learned so much more about what our dogs are thinking or feeling at any given time. (If you’re a person who wonders, “Why does my dog do that?” or “How do I know if my dog is happy?” her coursework is for you.)

The best part is that so much of the work we did involved play! It turns out dog training can be cleverly disguised as fun activities for dogs and owners. (We’ve really enjoyed putting together scent training games and other enrichment activities that the dogs go crazy for. And there’s always something new to try!)

We’re also deeply thankful that Kim believes in (and fights for) force-free training methodologies, the efficacy of which continues to be proven time and time again. Training and behavior modification not only *can* be achieved through force-free methods, but are best achieved that way. Positive. Reinforcement. Works.

Kim is a brilliant instructor who accounts for lots of different learning styles. Between working with her one-on-one and all of the great training assets she’s put together (videos, infographics, lesson plans), you’ll have lots of different ways to make sure that you always remember (and can reinforce) what you learn in her coursework.

The name “Building Bonds'' hits the nail on the head. If you wanted to, you could measure the success of Kim’s hard work by the sheer number of incredibly happy clients she has. But even better than that is the improved quality of life her dog-clients achieve, and the lasting bonds built between dogs and their owners.

We're sorry to say goodbye to Kim as we move out of state, but along with building the dogs' confidence, she's given us confidence that we have the tools and skills to help our pups navigate the new environment ahead.

We cannot thank her enough for her incredible insight, patience, and expertise. She has a rare and important skill set that can benefit any pet owner. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with her – and Quimby & Huggins would agree!

Matt Kane

We have worked with Building Bonds several times to help with a wide range of behavioral issues for foster dogs. The training methods Kim uses are excellent and have always produced lasting changes that helped our foster dogs live happier lives.

Jacky D

Puppy kindergarten was the best thing we’ve done for our new pup! My husband and I learned so much and Michele was very helpful at tailoring specific training to his problem areas. So looking forward to taking additional classes here

Kaitlyn Killy

5 stars just isn’t enough to describe this company. My two Standard Poodles have done numerous classes and the structure is perfect, what you get is worth every penny. The trainer will not only guide your dog but will guide you on how to have a better relationship and understanding of what your dog specifically needs from you. You also get access to additional information through Google classroom along with what you’ve learned in each class incase you may have forgotten a thing or two. The class times are so convenient as well. I am a life long customer now and I recommend Building Bonds every opportunity I get!

Mari Volante

We took Puppy Preschool and Kindergarten and Kona loved it so much! Michele was a wonderful teacher. Each week we learned fun new enrichment activities but she was also wonderful about taking questions and offering suggestions for each specific puppy based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Anna Alderman

Our family had the best time in puppy kindergarten. Learning skills/games was super fun and engaging. The instructor was very positive. We learned so much!