"I absolutely loved working with Lara weekly this past summer to train my new puppy! She has a great program that meets dogs where they are behaviorally and skill-wise, and works with them until they are truly ready to "graduate". Her expertise and ability to answer all of my questions when meeting each week was so helpful and not only did my puppy make huge improvements while working with Lara, I also was able to walk away with the knowledge to continue implementing what we had learned at home easily."

• A. Gamble

“I will never forget completing the initial client information form to learn more about Quarterback K9, because I was in a place desperate for help with our recent rescue, Uno. I struggled to summarize what was going on with him in a way that captured just how emotionally drained we were with a dog who we loved dearly, but who was causing such a disrupt of our home. I ended up writing that our reason for inquiring was "to restore the peace in our house", and that is exactly what Lara and her program did for us. From our very first phone consultation I could tell that Lara's program was going to be different from anything we had tried in the past (and we had tried a lot of things!) We immediately implemented the recommendations she had, and in turn started to see a shift in Uno's behavior and overall demeanor. Fast forward to today, and because of Lara we not only worked through his unwanted behaviors, but helped Uno build confidence which has made him a much happier, more relaxed dog. We are now able to include him on things that never would have been possible before. She has given him the gift of living a more fulfilled life by helping us to really understand what was going on with him, and more importantly how we could communicate with him in a way he could understand. We are forever grateful for Lara's guidance, and for helping Uno reach his full potential.”

• A. Mincolla

“When we first took Kali home at around 10 weeks old, we were told that she had been "a little grumbly" with her siblings. We didn't think much of it as she was really young and probably just trying to get her share of dinner. We took her home and the problem got worse. She was full on growling at us and our older dog and cat if anyone got near her food or toys. We hired a trainer to do some "puppy training" at home and we worked hard to hand feed her among other things. The problem got worse though and she started to snap at our other dog and show her teeth to us if we tried to take a toy or sock or anything else from her. She was also bombarding our older dog, pushing her out of the way and constantly invading her space. My husband didn't even like being at home with her because she was so difficult. We knew we had a problem on our hands and we had to do something. We searched and searched for trainers and training programs that we felt would be effective and safe. We finally found Lara with Quarterback K9. We had an initial consultation call with her and she explained her methods, heard us out about all of the issues we had been having, and answering all of our questions. Kali went to stay with Lara for her Board and Train program. She stayed for three weeks. We visited after one week and could already see progress. After three weeks, we brought Kali home. She was practically a new dog. She listened, she stayed out of our other dog's business, and she ate in her crate backing away from food or toys or anything else with an "Out" command. We thought it would be difficult to maintain her training at home, but surprisingly, it was not too difficult to fall into a habit. We listened to a book on tape Lara had recommended, which was very helpful in understanding the "why" behind our dog's behavior and the training methods. Now, my husband looks for ways to spend more time at home with the dogs and takes Kali on long hikes on the weekends. Kali, who we once worried would never integrate into our family, is now our sweet baby who we are consistently complimented on for her good looks and good behavior! We are so glad we found Lara and Quarterback K9. They completely changed us and our pup!”

- K. Hill

“Our friend referred us to Quarterback K9 after our almost 2 year old wheaten terrier, Finn, bit someone. I was devastated by this and worried about having our dog around people and most especially children. Lara has given me a new understanding of my dog, what his behavioral issues are, and what behavior I should expect of him. She has given us the tools to train him, and to feel confident in being a leader to our dog, who was sorely in need of just that! He used to jump all over guests, pull like crazy on walks, and lick excessively. He no longer does any of that and we hear comments all the time that he is like a different dog than he used to be. We are so much happier and so is Finn! Thank you to Lara and her team for giving us a well-behaved dog and allowing us to be owners who take good care of our precious Finn!!!”

• M. Holmes

“Before I came to Quarterback K9 my 2 year old Schnoodle, Daisy, had high anxiety around other dogs. She would become very vocal and bark, pull so bad on the leash that she would choke herself, and had a bad habit of nipping and trying to bite other dogs. Due to this behavior we were very limited on the places we could go. The dog park was only an option so long as we were the only dog there. I would have to carry her if we were walking near other dogs for fear that she would lash out at them. Lara helped me understand that Daisy was feeding off of my energy as well and that I needed to show her that I was there to protect her and to establish boundaries as well. I had that fear whenever I would walk Daisy that her aggression might set another dog off and she would get hurt. I learned just as much as Daisy did going through the training program here at Quarterback K9 which is important because you and your dog are a team. Fast forward a few months and we now live in an apartment building where almost every single tenant has a dog. Daisy now sits calmly and ignores the other dogs in the elevator when we leave to go potty outside. We also got a puppy so now she has a sibling that she loves playing with. Thank you Lara for all of your help in getting Daisy to where she is today. We both enjoy our outings much more now!”

• S. Hall

“I live in California and have two mixed breed herding dogs, who I take along when riding my horse on trail rides. I was really struggling with being able to effectively communicate with them that I needed them to stay with me and not take off after small interesting animals! My friend recommended speaking with Lara about using an E-collar for off leash training. She was incredibly helpful - educating me on how to begin training with the collar and use it for my situation. I was able to introduce it in a clear and understandable way to my dogs and their running off has become a thing of the past! Having Lara as a resource when I have questions with my dogs training is so helpful - even across the country! I would highly recommend consulting with Lara about your dog, even if you are not lucky enough to live close enough to work with her in person.”

• M. Vega

"We loved working with Lara! She was so understanding of our dog's individual needs and helped us learn all the ways we needed to change our behaviors to help our dog. She was great at teaching us the skills and then making sure we could demonstrate them back which was also helpful in being able to implement the strategies when she was not there. She is extremely kind and gentle and truly cares about every dog and person she works with. I would recommend her to anyone looking to train their dog!"

- K. & E. Kelley

“When I got Enzo as an older puppy, he was fearful towards people and strange dogs from the instant I brought him home and only continued to become more fearful, and eventually, severely reactive.  For the first two years of having him, every walk and encounter with other people, and especially dogs, were so stressful for me and Enzo. While I ensured Enzo got his exercise, knowing that he would bark, growl and lunge on every walk also made me reactive on walks, exacerbating Enzo’s issues. Enzo’s reactivity dictated my life.  After going through two rounds of a basic obedience class with a local trainer and trying to find an appropriate trainer in Atlanta specifically for reactivity, all while attempting to learn how to decrease Enzo’s reactivity from information available on the internet, I expanded my search to other cities, and found Lara at Quarterback K9.  

Without even meeting Lara, I instantly knew via her transparency and calm demeanor that she would be able to help Enzo and me. My initial thoughts were confirmed from our first telephone conversation and though I was definitely sad leaving Enzo for his board and train, I was fully confident (and never had any reason to doubt) that he would be treated with fairness and kindness. Lara helped Enzo in ways that I could not, by teaching him a clearer line of communication via the e-collar, providing positive, controlled interactions with other people and dogs, and by coaching Enzo to become a better version of himself.  The most important aspect that Lara helped with, was teaching me what leadership and structure looks like to a dog, and by helping implement such actions into my daily life with Enzo. Lara gave Enzo a great foundation that I am able to continue and grow from, and is always available for questions and follow-ups.  We are also able to attend group class, which is integral to our growth as we build positive experiences with other Quarterback K9 clients that know “the rules.” Choosing to train with Lara has been the best decision I have made since getting Enzo.  Our quality of life has increased substantially and will continue to grow with the guidance of Lara’s expertise and experience.”

• A. Baughman

"Lara helped us gain peace in our house and we could not be more thankful!    She helped us with our two dogs who had total opposite personalities and very different issues.  Our new puppy was jumping, pulling on the leash, counter surfing and being very vocal.  Our older rescue dog had become very reactive on the leash and aggressive towards other dogs.  This was causing stress in our house especially with a baby on the way. 

Lara went above and beyond giving each of our dogs the individual attention they needed to help them learn.  She gave us the tools and taught us techniques on how to effectively communicate with them.  She also helped us set rules and establish structure in our home.  This made all the difference especially with our older reactive dog who initially ran the house when we first met Lara.  My husband and I can now enjoy walks without being pulled in a million directions as well as not having the fear of seeing another dog along our walk.  We couldn’t have done it without Lara!  I would highly recommend QBK9 training to anyone!"

- C. & C. Groseclose

"My little Beau did not have the best start in life. When I adopted him from Greater Charlotte SPCA he was terrified and confused. This manifested itself in negative ways, such as leash aggression and severe reactivity to other dogs, even passive dogs. We had several altercations with other canines that left us both shaking and afraid, and left me in tears. Indoors and out, Beau was unsure of what was expected of him. My lack of knowledge and self-confidence did not make him feel secure and calm in his new home. His indoor manners were terrible and my daily life was a constant but fruitless refrain of “no, Beau,” and “don’t do that!” Trying to “love him through it” with affection and positive rewards did not work. At my wit’s end, I wondered if I had made a mistake in adopting him.

Then I found Lara with Quarterback K-9 and everything began to change. She understood my particular issues with Beau and my frustrations in trying to deal with them. She showed me that my dog needed structure, faithful guidance and a firm hand. He needed clear, consistent signals of communication as to what was acceptable behavior and what was not. He needed authority and leadership far more than affection. He needed to know that he was safe with me in any environment and that I “had his back.”

The Quarterback K-9 method is straightforward and uncomplicated in its basic philosophy and practice, and it has certainly proven its efficacy. Yet Lara did not simply train Beau. She trained me, educating me on why Beau behaved and reacted to things the way he did and what my role as his owner (and my responses to his behavior) should be. I must deal with Beau from a position of strength and self-confidence, not from emotion and uncertainty. Lara is unfailingly patient, always willing to answer my questions and concerns with knowledge, insight, frankness and personal understanding. As a result of her skill and guidance, my Beau is a changed dog. He is confident, obedient and well-adjusted. And much happier in his new home and on his daily walks! Lara’s training never really ends though. Once a client, always a client. She continues to answer my frequent questions and to provide practical guidance and resources to keep Beau (and his owner!) on the right path." - R. Anthony

"I just got my first puppy, Teddy, and had never had any experience training a puppy -- even after reading many dog training books, I needed help! Lara came highly recommended from one of my friends and she has helped set a great foundation for success! Lara came to my house to help train Teddy in his element and gave me the building blocks for house training and teaching new tricks when she was not around. Many of my friends are so surprised at how well-behaved Teddy is at such a young age. Lara still checks in on Teddy's progress and offers helpful advice along the way and both Teddy and I are so grateful for Lara at QBK9! - M. Moffatt

"Meet Chief, a Staffordshire Terrier/Boxer Mix with tons of energy and probably the friendliest dog you'll ever meet but definitely uneducated. Chief came from a sad and unfortunate situation like many of these dogs who have a bad reputation. He didn't have the best manners when we adopted him but he was ready and eager to learn! I searched all over Charlotte for what would help my pup be the best pup he can be. I signed him up for training with another program which he aced the basic commands. But, that's wasn't the problem, he was the boss of me in the house. I knew that wouldn't end up positive for me, he was pulling on walks to see other dogs and letting me know what it was time do. He was in charge - not aggressive - just in charge...this was not going to be work long term so I knew I had to find help! 

Lara and Quarterback K9 came as a recommendation to me from another success story. At our first meeting we set up goals and a game plan. Every week Lara came with a lesson to review and a new things to learn. It helped us stay on task and guide the learning process. After just the first few sessions Chief was making great progress and my husband and I were seeing improvement. It didn't take much time at all to learn how to guide Chief in the direction of success. He is able to run, walk, go to breweries everything I wanted him to achieve with little guidance! When our sessions concluded Chief was a much happier and relaxed pup! Thanks Quarterback K9!!"

- E. Dengler

"When we came to Lara, our new puppy Winslow was reactive to other dogs and people and was pulling on the leash, making it impossible to take him anywhere. Lara made training simple by breaking it down and giving us simple steps to practice each week. Lara was very patient and understanding and we could tell that she genuinely cares for her clients.  Now I am able to walk Winslow on or off leash and he stays by my side with no pulling and no more lunging at passers by. Even after the training is complete, she is still here for us whenever we need her help. Thanks Lara!"

- E. VanBlon

"WOW!  What a difference we saw in Derby’s recall after he participated in Lara’s board and train program.  Derby would not “come”. EVER.  Under no circumstance... unless we had a treat in hand.  Lara was loving, patient and firm with Derby.  She taught him (and us!) who was in charge and how to better communicate with one another.  Since then, we have so much more fun with Derby.  He responds to the whole family.  We are so grateful we found Derby and that she taught us how to parent one stubborn pup!"

- A. Mauntel

"Our family was grateful to meet Lara with our new rescue dog Buddy. She put us all at ease with her supportive, informative techniques on how to teach Buddy some structure and basic commands. Lara guided us step by step and left us homework that we could continue with until our next session. We now have a solid foundation to achieve good behavior, maintain house training and continue obedience training which has helped us build a good relationship with Buddy and build his trust with us. We want to thank Lara for starting us off on the right foot and knowing we can reach out to her at anytime!" - K. Karakus

"We met Lara in June. When she came to our house our little Maltizu Lily was running the show! Through establishing leadership techniques we now have a dog who listens to commands and feels safer in her environment. Lily has always been extremely social, but now is social in a more appropriate way!  It's a lot like raising a child, you need to lead, set rules, and have consequences to maintain a positive environment. I highly recommend Lara and QBK9!" - A.McAllister
 

"We adopted Rooney from the GCSPCA when he was about 10 weeks old . As experienced owners, we thought we could train on our own and use, Gonzo (our 5 year-old Jack Beagle mix) as Rooney’s mentor. That plan went out the window when he was about 11 weeks old.

Rooney was high energy, into anything paper-based, and relentless at barking out the window at anything that moved. We’d initially tried reward-based training, but quickly realized Rooney was working for treats – not us – and when you’re out of food, well, you’re out of control. A neighbor and the GCSPCA both recommended Lara and QBK9, and they were 100% correct. Lara was able to teach us how to be leaders and communicate with Rooney in ways he understands and responds to. Rooney still has his same personality, but we’ve gained his respect and he’s assuming his place in the pack as a follower. He still needs leadership and guidance, but Lara’s given us the tools and techniques needed for us to communicate with him, and that’s made all the difference.

But the true magic of Lara and QBK9 is the positivity and confidence that Lara brings to the training. There’s never an issue that can’t be surmounted, there’s never a situation that can’t be resolved. She works with her clients to figure out mutually agreeable solutions and makes them feel assured that it will work. And if it doesn’t work, she’s got another idea lined up, and another, and another. No other trainer we interviewed earned our confidence like Lara did, and she’ll do the same for you." - J. Carey

"When I started fostering Neo, I knew very little about him. He came into the shelter as a stray where the GCSPCA pulled him for rescue. When I first took him out on a leash, he star-fished and would not move. When I started taking him to adoption events in public he was experiencing severe leash reactivity. He seemed like he was always on edge. He was growling, barking, and lunging aggressively at other dogs but seemed very friendly off-leash with other dogs. When I first met with Lara we talked about changes in his routine and household structure that needed to be implemented. Through many sessions with Lara and her e-collar training system, Neo is a changed dog! It was a lot of work and I later decided to foster fail on him.. oops! :) Now I take him and my german shepherd mix for walks and they are both calm and happy. They often get complimented by strangers for their cool, calm and collected state of minds! Other dogs lunge, bark and growl at them daily. However,  Neo now keeps moving right along. He has come such a long way with Lara’s help, I have learned so much with her and I am forever grateful!!" - A. Uppal

"We already had a rescue dog in the family when we decided to adopt a rescue puppy. We were unsure of how they would get along, so we decided to hire Lara at QBK9. Our older rescue dog had been to dog training before, but needed a little more assistance in adapting to the new family member. The puppy also needed all around training. QBK9 really helped our dogs learn how to get along and now we are the perfect pack!" - M. Revels

"Pulling on the leash, jumping on people and giving LOTS of kisses, sprinting around in circles, jumping on the couch …you name it, Pearl did it. And then came Lara! Lara is like magic when it comes to working with dogs. Within a few sessions, Pearl was able to relax and enjoy quiet time in her “place”, sit and let friends pet her without jumping in their face, and walk more calmly on her leash. After we completed Lara’s training program, I hosted a cookout at my house – my friends who knew Pre-Training Pearl were shocked at the new Well-Behaved Pearl and could not believe the transformation. Thank you for everything, Lara!"  - K. Hays

"We are so thankful for everything that Lara has done for our family! Our dog Ace has developed from a wild high energy puppy to a calm and obedient dog in the house and out in the park. The training methods are highly effective and easy to implement into your daily routine. After only a few sessions, our friends and relatives were amazed with Ace's progress...Ace remained in "place" during family meals, took steady walks on a leash and sat on command. We have made a lot of choices since adopting our dog, but choosing Lara Cassidy for training has been the most rewarding decision by far." - C. & L. Snook

"I volunteer as a foster for a rescue and I decided to take in a sweet little pup in 2015 named Santana. Within a week, I realized I was over my head. I had two jobs and found myself with a foster dog who had behavioral issues that I didn't know how to address -- and very little time to devote to the endeavor. I spent a few exhausting months trying to find the time to work with her on my free evenings and it just wasn't working. She was snarling and snapping at other dogs and my neighbors in my apartment and I was terrified something would happen. I contacted Lara as a Hail Mary, and I couldn't have been happier. She agreed to take on Santana and I genuinely still tear up when I think of the transformation that happened. She came to Lara as a very angry caterpillar and emerged a beautiful butterfly that now has a happy life with her new family, including another dog. Thanks to Lara, she now has the second chance at life I know she deserves. Thank you Lara!!!" - M. Moses

"Lara to the rescue' (pun intended)! I had expressed frustration with leash training my large breed, high energy foster and without hesitation Lara stepped up to help Ancil and me learn some new techniques to help us both. Ancil was always on the move when we got out in public, pulling and jumping everywhere. He really gave off the impression of being a hyper and out of control dog that was too big to handle. In reality, he had nervous energy coupled with excitement and neither of us knew how to harness that energy. Lara assessed his needs prior to helping us and was also very patient with both of our learning curves. Within 20 minutes I had a newly focused, relaxed and attentive foster dog walking on a slack leash. We've both been tremendously helped by her simple, impactful training tips and I would recommend anybody to see if she can help resolve their training issues." - J. Kulik