References

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, MacKay Kennels

We use Karen because she is a conscientious trainer, a good 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. All training is done by Karen, with some help from her daughter. 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 3473 St Rt 5 (Elm Road), Suite D, in Cortland, OH, next to Super Tire of Cortland and Handyman Supply.

A Personal Reference from Barclay Farms Rottweilers

Karen’s experience with dogs provides a well-rounded training program. She can provide training for Obedience and Show, as well as Search and Rescue. I also know I can trust Karen to take good care of my dogs and puppies while they are in her care.

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.