A Personal Reference From Rose Copeland
I am so grateful for Karen and Elite K9 classes. Even though I’ve raised dogs all my life, I realized how many things I’ve been doing wrong all these years. Talk about teaching an old dog new tricks!
I appreciate Karen’s honest, genuine, straight from the soul experience.
I’m not sure who has learned more – the puppy seems to have better listening skills than I do!
Thank You so much for your wealth of wisdom and tolerance and patience!
A Personal Reference From Brain Gerber
Elite K9 taught us how to handle our dog and how to relate to her in a way we didn’t know was possible, with the issues we had before we would have gotten rid of her.
Thanks Elite K9! Without you we would have lost our baby.
A Personal Reference From Kim from Williamsfield
We brought our 5 month old puppy “Sam” to Karen’s class for Basic Obedience. Not only did we learn basic commands, Karen also gave us a lot of tips on correcting behaviour, nutrition, and finding resources.
My 8 year old daughter and I took the class together and not only learned a lot but had fun doing it.We would definitely recommend Karen’s class to anyone interested in owning a “pet” instead of a “pest”.
A Personal Reference From Debbie Caldwell
About 1 year ago my family got two Northern Siberian Huskies from the same litter. I had problems when both dogs got bigger, stronger, and older. Don’t get me wrong, both dogs are very loving. I called Elite K9 and talked to Karen and learned a lot. I enrolled Bella, I call her the leader, in the class. After the first class she started to listen and behave. I would come home and work Nikki, I call her the follower, and she changed as well. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of work to do with both dogs keeping up with their listening their skills. I would recommend elite K9 to anybody. Thank you Karen and Barb for all the hard work you taught me in teaching Nikki and Bella in becoming better dogs.
A Personal Reference From Paula Humason
Our puppy Zoey is so energetic and just wants to have fun. At Elite K9 training we have learned how to calm her down, teach her to obey and still have fun. Thanks Karen!
A Personal Reference From Johanna Click
What a difference! Amazing! I wish we had done this when he was a puppy. We went from feeling e had no control to knowing we had control of him and how to handle situations as they arise. I really enjoyed the classes and the other owners and their pets as well. I think Karen is very gifted at what she does. Thanks Elite K9 & Karen 
A Personal Reference From Sherry
I would highly recommend Karen’s classes at Elite K9. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge to share and it’s obvious she loves to teach others. She takes time to teach canine instinct and natural behavior so that you understand what your dog needs.
I was very lucky to find Elite K9. We are learning to correct our dog’s behavior and ours. Without her help we would’ve given our dog away.
A Personal Reference From Nancy Starkey
Valuable lesson learned! Excellent. Learning skills for the human. Loved the small classroom. As a groomer I cannot stress the importance of basic obedience for every dog and every breed!
A Personal Reference From Nancy Montagna
It amazes me to see our Jack Russell “Terror” now listening to our commands and being an obedient dog thanks to Karen’s instructions from Elite K9 Training. Being 5 years old he was out of control, he is now a new dog and makes our lives easier! She definitely proved the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” to be untrue. He is no longer a “Terror”. Thank You so much for helping us learn how to train our dog! Now we behave better too!
A Personal Reference From Gary Montagna
We never thought we would see so much progress with our dog, Jack. Thanks to Karen and Elite K9 Training, we can have people over and leave him out of his crate for visits.
A Personal Reference From Theresa Brock & Bailey
Karen and Barb did us wonders and showed me the correct way to teach and say the right commands with our puppy. We went to Karen’s classes when we got our new Boxer pup Bailey. She was 7 weeks old when we started. Knowing the proper way to train Bailey has been great. The kids and my husband are on the same page in training her. I would recommend Elite K9 Training to anyone. Thanks again, Theresa Brock & Bailey
A Personal Reference From Devon Booth
Karen took my foster dog Jessie (who spent his entire life on a chain) and turned him from a heathen to a gentleman. I am sure he now will find a forever home. I’ll bring more dogs to Karen and Barb.
A Personal Reference From Ciarra CaPito
I really enjoyed the Elite K9 classes and so did my dog Bella. These classes taught me and Bella very valuable lessons like sit, down, heel, look, and stay. If we didn’t go to these classes I don’t know what we would’ve done because Bella will jump on anyone or just about anything.
A Personal Reference From Deborah Lee
I love the classes. I feel they helped me just as much if not more than Clyde. He enjoyed the classes. Also he would go sit by the truck when it was time to go to class. The trainers are great with the dogs in the class. We learned a lot.
A Personal Reference From Betty Switzer
Karen was very patient and caring about the dogs. Very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the class very much and refer her to everyone.
A Personal Reference From Donny, Joanne, & Minka Componation
Our 8 week old puppy wasn’t the only one who learned something from our training classes. My husband and I haven’t owned an animal in over 25 years, so Elite K9 taught us how to understand the newest addition to our family. Karen and Barb are patient, knowledgeable, & exceptional at what they do.
The classes aren’t just about learning obedience, it also teaches your dog socialization skills, how to interact with people and other animals. It was a real joy meeting everyone, sharing stories and tips, I would highly recommend Elite K9… and I already have!
A Personal Reference From Leann Martin
We were so lucky to have Elite K9 come into our lives. We adopted Rosie from Shelter Puppies and we went through Basic Obedience class. Everyone who meets Rosie comments on how well she listens. I think we learned more from class than Rosie.
A Personal Reference From Cathy Joseph
Your classes were wonderful. The things we learned in class and the suggestions you made for working with Bailey at home made such a huge difference in her behavior. The things you taught me (as a “puppy parent”) have made life with Bailey so much better! I can’t thank you enough.
A Personal Reference From Fran Hernandez
We had a great experience going to Elite K9. Our new dog Buckeye learned his training with a lot of patience and working with him. I want to continue his training, he is such a good dog and family member.
Thank You Karen!
Fran Hernandez
A Personal Reference From Heather Ann Hann
It was almost seven years ago that I met Karen. Back then I knew nothing more about canine obedience than the commands “sit” and “stay.” And although I had grown up with dogs, not one had ever been through a formal class. I thought obedience classes were for show dogs and working dogs. But seven years ago I brought home a pit bull. Having been a longtime fan of the breed, I felt I knew what I was up against: breed-specific legislation, undeserved stereotypes, public discrimination. But I had done my homework, and I was ready for the challenge because I was convinced my effort would be rewarded with a dog that represented the breed’s best qualities: sweet, silly, sociable. I was determined to raise an ambassador. With Karen’s help, I did. And it wasn’t even that difficult. Call it beginner’s luck; call it a “good dog;” call it the benefit of having a great trainer – in no time I had a sitting, staying, heeling champ who did his part to brighten the tarnished reputation of his breed.
So it was a no-brainer to call Elite K9 Training when, seven years later, I found myself beginning the challenge again. This time I’m not a lucky beginner; this time you can’t always call him a “good dog;” this time I am extra grateful for the benefit of good trainers. I’ve only just completed Basic Obedience with my dog, but we’ve already learned so much more than “the basics.” And that is the best thing about Elite K9 Training: Karen doesn’t just teach your dog to “do stuff.” Instead, she teaches you how to communicate with your dog so you build a relationship that gives you the results you want. The classes are not cookie-cutter because Karen realizes each dog is different. I’m determined to mold my new pound pit into a second ambassador, and I am both proud and relieved to have the encouragement and expertise of Elite K9 Training on my side.
A Personal Reference From Joy S. Knapp
I attended Elite K9′s CGC 8 week class with my dog Riley and found it to be a wonderful course to train my dog basic obedience skills. She is a much better behaved dog now that she has gone through this class. Karen is very knowledgeable about dogs and the best ways to train them. I would definitely recommend this class to every dog owner out there who wants a well behaved pet!
A Personal Reference From Cheryl Pearson
I have gone to other obedience classes in the past and this class really shows results. I have learned so many things I never tried before and that really work. I highly recommend Elite K9.
A Personal Reference From Mike Roche
This is our second dog we have trained at Elite K9 and we have had great results both times. Karen is very knowledgeable and a great teacher. Thank You! Mike
A Personal Reference From Matt Chronister
I brought my American Bulldog/Pit Mix to Elite K9 a very nervous dog. With Karen’s help, I learned that I was the number one problem. With her help with my handler skills, Sarge has become more confident and obedient as well. Thank you very so much, you guys are great!
A Personal Reference From Chris Pitts
Elite K9 is an excellent course and I recommend it to anyone.
A Personal Reference From Jenny Foulk
I would absolutely recommend Elite K9. There is a noticeable difference in my dogs.
A Personal Reference From Tony Raught
I would recommend Elite K9 to dog owners of any age dogs. Both owners and dogs benefit from classes. It is such a pleasure to have dogs that are well behaved. Thank You Elite K9.
A Personal Reference From Maureen Cole
I would recommend this training program to everyone. I have a very energetic 6 month old puppy. We both learned a lot during training and also had fun doing so.
A Personal Reference From Christina
After attending the Basic Obedience Training Class at Elite K9 Daisey behaves better than ever. She also is more confident around other dogs and people. Also the trainers are great and have a lot of knowledge.
A Personal Reference From Jennifer Stocker
Karen Lutz is a gret trainer. She trained my 3 year old Rottweiler and helped train me to work with him. My new Rott I didn’t wait so long, we started socializing right away which has been wonderful. I’m not scared to take my big dog around others.
Thank You Karen!
A Personal Reference From Dave Karr
I was extremely pleased with the training we received at Elite K9. Not only did our dog learn all the basic obedience commands, we as owners learned how to “read” our dogs and understand many reasons dogs display some of the many behaviors that they do. Our dog had some fear issues, the confidence and socialization she got from training helped her immensely. If you are looking for somewhere to train your dog, look no further!
A Personal Reference From Brian & Sheila Wistar
We are so pleased with Elite K9 dog training. Our dog Max is so much better and we would recommend this training to our friends for their dogs.
Karen is a wonderful instructor and we can’t thank her enough.
A Personal Reference From Christine Crosby
I learned so much from Karen & Barb at Elite K9! Although I’ve had many dogs over the years, I’ve never been through formal training with any of them until Tucker. Tucker & I started class when he was 10 weeks old. I couldn’t believe how quickly he picked up the commands! I’m proud to show him off to family & friends & confident that we will continue to learn together!
A Personal Reference From Robert Wait
It was a great class. My dog can finally walk with me, without dragging her around. Now she is more obedient.
A Personal Reference From Lisa Keeney
This class was the best thing I could have done for my dog. It has made a complete difference in her behavior. She is much more confident and obedient.
A Personal Reference From Carol Sturgeon
What a wonderful experience! Karen and Barb made the classes both fun and educational for the dogs and their owners. Our dog went from lacking control and direction to being a well-behaved dog (a CGC dog). I look forward to continuing to work with my dog – and to continuing with advanced training with Karen and Barb.
A Personal Reference From Patricia Powers
My dog Jack was insecure around other dogs and other people. Not only did the class give him confidence to not only be around strange dogs and people but we had a great time bonding as well.
A Personal Reference From Ken & Tina Heck
Our puppy went from being out of control and not even knowing how to be potty trained or listen, to being potty trained, thanks to many helpful suggestions from Karen and Barb, to being able to sit, down, and stay. We’re looking forward to the next class.
A Personal Reference From Jacquie Watkins
This has been a great experience. Ozzie is too large not to behave. Attending class has improved his attention and listening skills.
A Personal Reference From Lorie Hunter
We have brought both our dogs to Elite K9 and we are very impressed with the knowledge and support they have given us. We have a 4 month old Rottweiler and a 7 year old Mix Breed. They both learned a lot and are absorbing more every visit. I would recommend Elite K9 to any dog owner!
A Personal Reference From Kelli Welton; Poland, OH
I just want to thank everyone at Elite K9 for helping me feel more confident with my dog! Mickey was not socialized at all and now he is in a room full of strange dogs and people and sitting calm as ever. He has done wonderfully! This has enabled me to keep my dog and and control him better. Thank you so much! Sincerely, Kelli Welton, Poland Ohio
A Personal Reference From Diane Carr
Karen did a great job! I would highly recommend her classes for any age dog. Diane Carr
A Personal Reference From Laura McCleery
Karen totally changed our dog. When we first rescued her, she was unruly and definitely didn’t know who was boss. After a 30 minute conversation on the phone with Karen, I discovered all the things we, as owners, were doing incorrectly. With a few changes in our routine, we had a different and much better behaved dog. I would recommend Karen and Elite K9 to ANYONE! Laura McCleery
A Personal Reference From Erma Moy
Karen is a great trainer. I would recommend her classes to everyone. Erma Moy
A Personal Reference From Lynn Shockey
You know the phrase, it’s me or the dog? Well, that wasn’t just a television show, it was becoming a reality in our home. Last August my fiance and I bought our first house, so of course we needed our first dog. Both of us had dogs growing up so it was a must. We went out and found Lucy, a sweet and then small Great Dane. She quickly grew and even faster than that she took over our house. She was still sweet but completely unruly. Her size made it even worse. “But she is so cute” I would hear. At the end of my rope, I began to look for a trainer. Not as easy as it sounded at the time. Those who I had talked to just didn’t seem to offer what I was looking for. Then I found a flyer posted that would change forever how I felt about my dog and about dog trainers.
Today I love my dog, and I want to keep her. Karen and Barb have not only trained Lucy, they have taught me how to be a good handler and an even better owner. They go beyond the basics. Karen’s passion is beyond words and Barb’s knowledge is always expanding. They don’t just want you to walk away knowing how to teach your dog to sit. You walk away knowing more and how and why your dog thinks the way she does, how you can bring the best out in your dog, and how you can be an owner for your dog. They are an amazing team. So now, not only is Lucy maturing into a wonderful dog, we have had the confidence to take on a new dog, Spike. He is a rescue Bulldog with issues all his own. But with time and the guidance from Karen and Barb he is coming out of his shell and getting a chance at a new better life. In short I cannot give enough praises to the Elite K9 team, you have helped bring peace to my home again. Thank you, Lynn, Lucy, and Spike
A Personal Reference From Debbi Smith, Warren, Ohio
My dog Storm and I are taking a Basic Obedience class from Elite K9 Training. We both have learned so much, and have fun too. It’s much more than just basic training. You learn about the dog’s instinct and pack behavior.
Thank you Karen and Barb. I hope to continue with more advance classes.
A Personal Reference From Kathy Dolan, Shamrock K-9
I met Karen in 1997, when we both became involved with Search and Rescue. Her dog training philosophies are sound and progressive. Karen has always turned out the best dogs, whether in obedience, SAR work or as great family pets. Her techniques vary depending on the dog she is working with at the time. She does not use a “cookie cutter” training method, but instead individualizes her training to meet the needs of each and every dog. Karen has honed her skills through the years to know how to get the best out of a dog, making them perform happily and willingly.
In addition to the talent she has working with dogs, the people around her benefit as well. Karen is often heard reminding handlers not to get frustrated when things aren’t going perfectly (I can hear her now…”Happy, happy handler!”). She encourages everyone to trust their training and their dog, and she is quick to recognize things that could be done to make things a little clearer or easier. Anyone participating in the Elite K-9 Training Program will get satisfaction at BOTH ends of the leash! Karen’s ambition, hard working attitude and enthusiasm will help anyone form a great working relationship with their canine companion!
Karen is a great friend and colleague. She inspires me and everyone else around her to increase their knowledge, improve their training and reach for the stars…personally and professionally.
Kathy Dolan
Shamrock K-9
A Personal Reference from Leisa Storey
I first heard of Karen Lutz several years ago when I took my gang to the vets office I noticed her business card and asked my vet about her and her training and his response to me was…she is a good hearted person and a excellent trainer and knows what she is doing when it comes to training the dogs.
I then met Karen myself a few years later. I started training my German Shepherd Pacino for search and rescue work through Mecca’s fire department. Karen had actually started the team many years ago but she was not on our search team when I joined. Well a few years went by and we got into a rut and our Chief asked Karen to come and take a look at our team and low and behold I had some serious issues with Pacino and she noticed right away and was willing to help us fix the problems. It wasn’t until that point that I put two and two together and found out that she was the trainer from my vets office. And after a few trainings and getting to know Karen as a person and a trainer I just can’t say enough good things about her. She actually came back to our search team and got us all back on track. I never in my life would of thought of the different types of methods of training to help fix the problems. She has made such a tremendous impact on me and showing me different ways of training.
On a personal note what can I say.. once you meet her you will have total trust in her as a person. She has taught me so much in the past year. With Karen she’s just not your trainer she is your friend and I think that’s what makes her so loyal and true. If you have problems she is there for you and the same with the dogs, you need any extra help she is there and willing to help you out.
A Personal Reference from Sue Treharn
In the summer of 2000 I went to the pet store in Niles, and there was a group of people there with dogs. The dogs had Search & Rescue vests on. I purchased a Tee shirt from them went home and hung it in my closet and forgot about it. Years later our paths would cross again.
July 2003 I was at the gas station when a guy came in and asked if anyone wanted a puppy, the runt of the litter. No one wants her I am on my way to drop her off at Angles for Animals. She is a little black ball of fur, seven weeks old, and I name her Hayley.
Three months old and Hayley is out of control. She jumps and nips at my face. I walk her on a leash she pulls and yanks. I get the shirt out of my closet that I hung there 3 years ago and called the Mecca Fire dept. for the k-9 team. Maybe someone from there can help me. Two days later Karen Lutz called me we talked for 45 minutes. And now the journey begins. Little did I know the life changing experiences Karen would have on me, the people I would meet, the places I would go, the friends I would make, the knowledge I would obtain, and a whole new way of life would begin.
Hayley is now 6 years old and if it wasn’t for Karen- Hayley wouldn’t be the dog she is today. I owe a world of thanks and appreciation to Karen.
A Personal Reference From Tiffany Collello
I do not even know where to start, Karen, Thank you! My dogs and I are so much happier!
I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to work with her first hand. Karen has an undying passion for what she does, and it is phenomenal! Her knowledge is vast and I have learned so much from her. Even if my dogs and I do something wrong, I have never felt offended from it. Karen can stand back and watch, proceed to explain why it is wrong or right, and teach me how to fix it if it was wrong. My dogs absolutely love her!
When I hear people talk about their troubled dogs, I always tell them about Karen. I can definitely hold my head up and say that I am a “happy handler” because of Karen! I will always go to Karen for any of my dog handling/obedience needs.
A Personal Reference from Barb Darbey
We use Karen because she is a conscientious trainer, a friend, and she is also a Christian. Training is tailored to each individual dog, and I can trust Karen to take the very best care of my dogs and puppies while they are in her care. She is an excellent judge of puppy character and knows what field of training (eg: Show, Search & Rescue, Protection) will best suit each puppy.
Elite K-9 Training is also a private training facility. Being a lower volume in-house training center means more time and individual attention for your pet!
*Added Note: With the addition of Elite K9 Training Academy, her new indoor training facility, Karen is able to expand her business to include the new Group Sessions, as well as indoor Private lessons, which will extend the training season to include cold and rainy weather.
Elite K9 Training Academy is located at 7150 Love-Warner Road, Cortland, OH 44410.
A Personal Reference from Lou Ann, in Cortland, Ohio
Karen has a God given talent to be as good as she is with dogs, and her love for the Lord shows in her work. My dog, Precious, absolutely loves her.
Karen did a total overhaul. She house broke her, trained her off-lead, and taught her social skills. Precious is good with people and other dogs. She has never snapped at or bit anyone, and fits in anywhere, with any age or gender. I can take her to visit my mom in the nursing home because of how well behaved she is.
My vet and dog groomer also compliment me on her behavior. She knows her limits. I let her run off-lead and she looks back to see if there are any commands. Karen also gave me a feeding schedule to go along with the housebreaking.
You can’t help but smile when Karen is working the dogs. God has truely blessed her with this talent, because you can’t teach this in any school. My dog is truely who she is because of Karen.
