Wag Time Dog Training - Don Kirkish - Antelope, California

Terry Mitchell

I called Wag Time because we relocated from a country environment to a suburban one. Our 100lb dobie wasn’t used to all the excitement in his new neighborhood and he became reactive towards other dogs.

It’s been a long hard road for us but I’d have to say we finally turned a corner thanks to Don’s help. He has given us the tools to redirect our boy.

When he had a vet appointment they asked me if I’d sedated him because he was so calm. That is huge for us!

Don has alway kept our line of communication open between visits and that’s been very helpful. I would highly recommend Wag Time to anyone considering dog training.

Kelly Grass

Don has done amazing work with our 2 very strong pulling pit bulls. It was hard just walking 1 dog without feeling like an anchor. I can now walk both dogs at the same time with them at my side. They still get a little excited when other dogs come by, but nothing I can’t correct. I use to get so anxious when I see another dog. I now walk with confidence that I can redirect them and keep their attention on me. He provides you with the tools and equipment you need to help correct both owner and dog bad behaviors.
Thank you Don
Kelly Grass

Katie Norton

We called Don when we needed help after some fights with our newly blended dog family. He immediately helped us put tools in place to keep us all safe in our home while providing training that was logical and easy to follow and practice between sessions. He helped us to realize that our situation wasn’t hopeless, and with attention, focus and consistency, we can safely manage our brood with less stress. Our dogs have responded well to Don and his training methods, and we are grateful to Don for helping us when we desperately needed it.

Diane Edwards

We met Don at a home and garden show at the Expo Center in Sacramento - we hired him to come out and do an intro for us - we have an 8 month old Labrador puppy "Zoie" and she is an entirely different dog! When she is on that leash she knows how to behave and we get compliments - even from the vet! They couldn't believe how good she was - It is because of Don's training techniques, his love for the dogs and his passion to truly make this work - and of course, he does this in the comfort of your home!

Jose Cervantes

This should almost be required for new dogs and new dog owners. Don takes his time to build a relationship with your fur children (dogs) and has never ending patience. He trained my Zoey as a puppy and she’s still so well behaved! Also training that doesn’t demean or shame your dog and so anti abusive training tactics. Your dog shouldn’t fear you. Just obey. Don will observe and train you wherever he sees area for improvement without saying it’s wrong... Don might even be a good kid trainer, but dogs love you more and longer.

Mari Galloway

I love my little border collie very much, but he is a handful ! He can be very sweet, but his high anxiety lead him to viciously bark at every person, dog, and squirrel on the street, and made our walks and other situations distressfully tense. At one point, I had to realistically consider the possibility of putting him down for his seemingly unmanageable behavior.

I initially took Bodie to a beginners obedience training course with Albree dog training. During those sessions he would completely shut down (kept laying down with ears pinned back staring at the ground), and no progress came from it (if anything he was a bit worse). Upon pressing the instructors for assistance, they told me Bodie likely had bad genes (and/or eye problems?) and that there was basically nothing I could do.

I had a hard time believing this was the case because he is incredibly smart and loves to please. In desperation after a few escalating incidents, I reached out to Don at Wag Time dog training. I was initially concerned by the cost of instruction, but after literally the first lesson, I saw my dog make incredible progress. I was able to make him heel (which I hadn't been able to figure out in the year I had him), and now, he actively ignores anything that would normally be a huge distraction.

I still don't trust Bodie with new people and don't think I'll ever be able to, but Don's techniques showed me tools and ways I can manage him in almost any situation. He is a way happier and confident dog for it, and I a much more fulfilled dog mom !

Mark Montgomery

Don is an honest and empathetic provider who has serviced my parent's dog, Gracie, for the better part of 2017. He has socialized Gracie with other dogs and trained my folks, now on their third Beardie, his best practices for fantastic results. Don has managed to bring my parents, who recent celebrated 50+ years of marriage, closer and joy. Later today I'm making a video of Gracie exercising on my folks treadmill so she can remain fit during inclement weather. Thanks Don.

Wag Time Dog Training - Don Kirkish

This is Judy Musgrove - and I have to say that Don is the best trainer ever - his gentle but firm way of handling the dogs is commendable. Sophia isn't an easy dog - in the respect that she is not submissive - I am learning just as much if not more each and every time Don works with her. It definitely helps that he comes to our home, and that takes the anxiety down completely (on the part of Sophia)