Balanced Obedience

Sabrina is the best trainer we’ve ever encountered and we tried a few before her. Our dog, Ellie, a German Shepard/​border collie, did not get along with other dogs and also had severe separation anxiety. Those two problems are now gone. After Sabrina’s boot camp she was noticeably better. We also have Sabrina board her when we go on trips. She is the only boarding facility I could find that also trains your dog and gives them the highest quality food and even gives you equipment if you need it (leash, collar etc). She is such a sweet person and really knowledgable. You will not regret going to her for your training needs. She is a true professional and expert in her field. Thank you Sabrina!

I am commenting on the communication I received with the owner. I found it interesting that once I mentioned that I was not interested in doggie boot camp or the on-​leash course (both costs thousands of dollars and the two most expensive training she offers), I received a message from the owner that she no longer drives to the area I live (not a remote area at all). I had my coworkers read the e-​mail exchanges we had and they all agreed that it seemed like something was not right. Her response on my dog’s problem was a bit rude and I would not want someone like that handling my dog.

Sabrina and Dan are absolutely amazing. If you’re looking for a dog that is well trained or looking for someone to train your dog you’ve picked the right place! I recieved Keala today, my new ‘puppy’ and first dog on my own! I am beyond grateful for the training they have provided for Keala which specifically met my needs. Along with the new bundle of joy I received other treats, her favorite toy, leash etc… Sabrina & Dan are so easy to contact and are always there for advice. They also provide great hand off training so you know exactly how to handle your dog! Keala is so amazing and I’m so grateful to have found Sabrina! Mahalo for everything!!!

We sent our 17 week old labrador, Koa, to Sabrina’s boot camp when we realized that he was pretty much the boss of the house, despite our best efforts at training him. When we sent him, we were dealing with these issues:
— He wasn’t crate trained
— He would fight walking on a leash because he was obsessed with smelling everything
— He would jump constantly on people upon greeting them despite our attempts to keep him down
— He would moan/​growl if we tried to move him off the couch.
— He wouldn’t lay down if he wasn’t going to get a treat.
He was the boss, and he knew it. Upon getting him back, basically all of the above issues are resolved. He doesn’t dare to get on the couch because it is off limits now, he heels on walks and lies down on command (not 100% perfect, but pretty close). He doesn’t jump on people when meeting them. He doesn’t moan or growl when I move him around. He doesn’t expect treats.
Sabrina did a phenomenal job. She trained us as well on how walk him, behave around him, and how to continue his training. We plan to continue with some off leash training in a couple weeks.
A couple other points:
— Although Koa came home a more humble dog, he was still happy, loving, and playful… his personality was still the same, he was just much, much more obedient.
— Balanced Obedience is Military Friendly. Thanks, Sabrina, for supporting our troops.

Sabrina has been amazing and she helped us out when we got a little puppy who had major abandonment issues and potty issues. I tried several trainers and my dog seemed not to flinch on her issues. Sabrina had a way a doing that calm obedience training, like a dog whisperer. My dog went to bootcamp and came back so much more calmer and more self assured. The dogs aren’t ever crated and are taught to not be barkers and staying calm on their beds. All her other dogs she watches are trained so they are all teaching each other too. She is all about the dogs and can really read what the dogs are feeling. She’s wonderful.
Well, when she brought our dog back, she then had to work on us. Our dog was trained and training us gave our dog the ability to now understand what the heck we are trying to tell her. Yep, we all learned alot from her.
I think another good sign is that whenever my dog sees Sabrina, she’s so happy and excited. Its assuring to see that.

I am not here to comment on the services, but the communications leading up to potential services. I was excited to send my dog to a 2-​week bootcamp and was communicating with the owner on getting that set up by email. I had requested and got approved a date to begin services. After asking for a total payment amount in my last email, I received no response. I followed up with another email and still received no response one month later. Needless to say, weve since moved on.

I am finally writing this review after roughly 2 years since sending my doberman (Bentley) to Sabrina @ Balanced Obedience. Long story short, I was on the brink of giving away my Dobie many times & Sabrina was his last hope. He had every problem: separation anxiety, leash pulling, destructiveness, defiance, aggressive, you name it… He’s a big dog and I am a small girl so even if I smack him on the butt he thinks I’m playing, when I’m not. Anyway, I started with the behavior modification which didn’t work on him very much. I called her back and gave the bootcamp a try. After a few weeks, it was like I had a brand new dog. He sure wasn’t perfect, and it’s been a long road, but I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Sabrina I wouldn’t have this amazing lovable dog! He’s so great and I know he learned a lot from Sabrina, he came back more moral and calm, not this crazy psycho dog that needs to destroy everything in sight. Even Sabrina thought he was a tough one because he’s a smart Dobie that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. I learned so much with her and would recommend her to anyone that has a troubled pup/​dog. She is truly amazing at what she does and is very accommodating with schedules & whenever you need a little extra advice/​assistance. Thank you Sabrina!!!

We sent our chocolate lab puppy, Charlie to Sabrina and her team for a three week boot camp a little over two months ago. We have been extremely happy since he first came home. She did a great job in every aspect in training our pup and our whole family. She gave us tip and suggestions on everything… food, toys, leashes and of course every aspect of training. You can tell she truly loves what she does and is amazingly good at it!
We are currently getting ready to vacation off island and are going to send our puppy back to Balanced Obedience for boarding. We have had to change our dates on her multiple times with short notice do to weather issues and Sabrina has been able to accommodate our needs. It is so comforting to know our little guy will be in great hands while we are gone.
We truly cannot say enough great things about our experience with Sabrina and Balanced Obedience as a whole.

I just got my Australian Cattle Dog Murphy back from the Doggie Boot Camp program yesterday after he was gone for three weeks. Let me just tell you — the dog I sent with Sabrina was a nervous, highly reactive nightmare that had zero manners and walked all over me. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a total sweetheart and an awesome companion but it got to the point where I didn’t even want to walk my dog anymore. :(That’s not what’s supposed to happen! Well, after months of trying it my own way (I tried click to calm training, behavior adjustment training, and counter conditioning) I finally emailed Balanced Obedience. After a quick email exchange, Sabrina was at my home evaluating Murphy, Sabrina immediately knew where I went wrong and what he needed to get back on track.
During the training, she sent me lots of texts and reassurance that my dog was on his way to being a model citizen. When he got back, he was so much calmer and well behaved. She taught me everything I needed to know in a quick and simple way so that I couldn’t mess it up. It was so wonderful to be able to walk my dog and feel like I was in control and could expect him to behave appropriately. After so much time avoiding everyone and everything on walks, it was the most amazing thing to feel liberated like that! I just got back from Day 1 of Murphy’s post-​boot camp walk and it was such a pleasant and empowering situation. I can’t recommend Sabrina and Danny enough. Thank you so much for teaching me how to be pack leader! :D

When we adopted a rescue puppy, we knew we’d have our hands full as he matured. Training was an absolute must for us – an obedient dog is a happy dog and happy owners! We worked with him for a few weeks prior to the Holidays and started to notice a few areas that needed extra attention. Knowing we were leaving to the mainland for the Holidays, we decided to not only find a boarding facility, but to find one that would provide a training camp at the same time (two birds with one stone, yay!) Google brought us Balanced Obedience and I immediately sent an inquiry e-​mail. At first I called with no response, but reading deeper into her website she clearly states e-​mail is preferred.
Sabrina’s response was extremely detailed. Yes, the price was high (sticker shock), but you have to understand what you’re getting. Sabrina and Danny provide a full on, no joke, the real deal, training camp for dogs of all ages. They do this out of their own facility on their own property. We decided Puppy Boot Camp was the right choice for our dog and luckily, Sabrina had space available during the time frame we requested. She even gave us multiple discounts and accepted half the payment in the beginning, and half the payment at the end. Very considerate business practice.
Sabrina updates her Facebook page and sends text messages during the training time, because let me tell you you’re going to miss your pooch while he/she’s gone! I really appreciated the updates.
She picks up and delivers the dog. Upon delivery post his training, we had a new dog on our hands. It was extremely overwhelming, I’d be lying if I didn’t include this fact. He had just completed a very strict training program and as the owner, I had to learn the new techniques (she trains the owner too, otherwise what’s the point of it all?) and I had to learn how to interact with a trained dog, nervous that I might «undo» all the hard work. I probably put more pressure on myself then I needed to, but again, just saying what I went through. WOW, what a difference. Everything he did impressed me. On walks, he didn’t pull on the leash (and he’s still a pup, they want to explore everything!) If I stopped walking, he sat. He was using the bathroom on command. Not jumping on furniture unless invited. Kennel trained (by far the one area we needed the most help on!!!) Not saying he likes his kennel still, but he tolerates it with NO barking. The list goes on and on for what Sabrina and Danny helped us and our dog with.
Sabrina also delivered a variety of training tools upon his return. Each and every tool has helped continue our dog’s training to this day. Sabrina’s services are continual. She’ll respond to e-​mail questions, and will provide «tune up» sessions if necessary. Now that our pup is getting to his defiant teenage stages, we may send him back for a tune up. But all the initial training he learned at Balanced Obedience has stuck with him.
I’ve also used Balanced Obedience to board our dog for the weekend when I took a trip. He loves Sabrina.
Maybe her rigorous training regiment isn’t for everyone, but it sure works. If you’re serious about training your dog, Balanced Obedience is the way to go. I get compliments every single day on our little guy. I am a VERY happy pup Mom!

After reading all the rave reviews my boyfriend and I decided to email this group about training for our 13 week old puppy. We wanted to set up training for him, and both had high hopes that they would reach out to us within a short time to get things set up… unfortunately I am disheartened to say that a week later we still have not received a call or email back. That’s a disappointment because we really want the best trainer that we can get for him… finger crossed that we hear something back this weekend. otherwise, we will just have to go with someone else.

I am not the best dog-​mommy in the world. I am definitely not the best dog-​leader. But Sabrina is helping in training me and my dog.
I have a Baussie, a neurotic, adorable, mix of Border Collie and Australian Shepard. She is super smart, super hyper, super loving, and super neurotic. The dog attacks her reflection in the screen door, you open it, she runs outside to try and find the dog that was just there a moment ago.
Winter had problems. She was a jumper, she attacked people she thought were hurting me or my daughter, she herd children, she nipped, she pulled on a leash… I mean if there was a problem a dog can have this one had it. I would be in tears because of this dog. I love her dearly but she tried my patience more than my four year old.
I think Sabrina mentioned once that at least I had a toddler that listened well because my dog doesn’t.
I e-​mailed Sabrina and set up a consultation to go over just what my dog needed. It turned out to be puppy boot camp. Sabrina took Winter for three weeks. She kept her a little longer than the time we agreed on just to make sure I got a good dog back. Or at least a good base. Puppy Baussies, like I said, are worse than toddlers.
Winter came back a changed dog. A semi-​good dog. She needs work, constantly, and I’ve failed at always pulling my weight to making her a good dog. Sabrina still has patiences with me too and always comes out to my house whenever I need her to go over the proper techniques to showing Winter who is the boss.
Anytime I’ve needed her she has been there. I’ve sent Winter multiples time to her dog camp. She provides not only training but the tools you’ll likely need for it. For example she let us try a bark collar (that didn’t work) has brought a holt, a training collar, a muzzle (because Winter decided to bite someone) and numerous other things.
And I found out my neighbor uses her. My neighbor came out while Sabrina and I were working with Winter. They talked briefly about a problem my neighbor had with her Poodles ears and Sabrina told her how to fix it, got ear drops from her car, just like that! This woman is amazing. I think she has an entire dog-​store inside her car…
Anyway, Sabrina is remarkable. I can’t wait to send Winter back to her for some more doggie-​bootcamp. She truly cares about your animal. She wants you to have a long and loving relationship with your dog and will do all she can to accomplish this.
If you need dog training on O’ahu make sure you go with Balanced Obedience!

Our dog went from Cujo to Amigo.
Five minutes after bringing home Puka from the HHS, there was blood. Don’t get me wrong, there were other bodily fluids flowing too, like dog urine, children’s tears, and feathers. (Plumes may not technically liquids, but my point is that things were flowing and flying and I thought our lives were already maxed-​out on drama).
Sabrina and Danny retaught our very alpha dog who the boss really was at the boot camp, and gently and firmly removed Puka of that role. Then both of them followed up with myself (I am technically the alpha bitch in my household as a single mom, but never really lived up to the name). The very dedicated follow up was the thing that empowered me to really be the leader in my family in terms of the pawed-​ones and even the slippahed ones.
We are still a circus every time we move from point A to point B but I really have the control in the group and we get around a lot faster and with a lot more pride and unity. And the fighting like ‘cats and dogs’ in the household has been curbed, in both the metaphorical and literal senses.
Thank you so much Sabrina and Danny! It was a dream of mine to have a functioning menagerie in my adult life but I didn’t really think it was possible given the already complex dynamic of my family. Everyone has now adapted beautifully. We still have minor challenges with the animals but I am confident that I have the support and knowledge and courage to handle most of them. Life is going great! So glad I adopted them and reached out to you guys for help too.

My dog was (is) crazy. Super adorable, SUPER hyper lab/​golden mix. As a puppy, we tried other obedience schools and none worked; my dog continued to be a terror. A terrible, terrible terror. Think Marley & Me.
Sabrina is amazing. After 3 weeks at the farm, pup came back a thousand times better. Every time we go out of town, pup goes back to Sabrina and comes back a little better every time. I now have an adorable, hyper, but well trained dog that is no longer a terror. Best thing? She LOVES going to visit with Sabrina.
I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about Sabrina. She’s so good with the dogs and so good at explaining to you how to keep up training at home. Don’t waste your time or money on other places, Sabrina is by far the best!

This is a great place for people who love their pets!

I called Sabrina regarding a question I had about getting my dog certified as a Therapy Dog. Although she could not personally furnish the certification I was looking for, Sabrina went out of her way to help me connect with Tails of Aloha, an NGO which works with therapy dogs here on Oahu. Based on her positive energy and willingness to help me out even though she gained nothing personally by doing so, I am giving her a 5-​star review. It is so nice to encounter business people who go above and beyond to truly serve not only their clients but the community at large. Sabrina and Balanced Obedience certainly is a business who can say «Aloha Served Here.»

With Sabrina’s behavior modification methods and obedience training I’ve been able to gain control over my pack of dogs. Through observation and conversation she is able to gauge how much (or little) control you have over your dog (s) and picks up on what sort of personality you have as a pack leader for your dog (s).
From her I learned hand signals, the correct tone of voice to use when executing the commands, the correct «words» to use when correcting a non-​compliant dog. She also showed me how to implement time-​outs using a tie-​down, how to control barking using a muzzle (to be used like a time out and ALWAYS supervised), etc. Her methods have worked wonders with my pack… sadly she wasn’t the first trainer with whom I’ve worked. I’m sure if she was I would have saved myself a lot of time and me and my dogs and I would have had a much more structured, relaxed relationship for a longer time.
Sabrina is great! I am a believer of her methods!