John Soares came highly recommended to us for our 2 year old German Shepherd, Rocky. We were at our whits end before we called John and had seriously discussed finding a new home for Rocky, as much as that idea broke our hearts. We just couldn't handle his outbursts. Rocky is/was a good dog, but wasn't trained enough to understand that WE were in charge - so it was the "Rocky Horror Show" oftentimes. If we walked him past somebody that was afraid of him he would jump up and bark in that person's face. If we tried to introduce him to new dogs he pulled so hard that we lost all control. And the issues just went on. We, am-maturely, diagnosed Rocky with anxiety, separation issues, aggression and the list went on. Who knew he just "wasn't trained" as John put it the first day he saw Rocky! We signed up for a 3-week, no visitation boot camp, 1-1 training with John Soares and WHAT a difference we see today. Rocky is calm (because we're in charge) and so easy to manage. In fact, what John did was take away all the "fluff" that we were trying with Rocky and broke it down very simply for us. Today, things are much easier for all of us and we are able to stay in control by actually doing less. In fact, I think the training was really for US! John answered all of our questions and completely prepared us for maintaining Rocky's new training. I would recommend him to anyone and would pursue further training with him for any of my dogs.

Sincerely,
Katrina, Alex & Rocky.

We were having many behavioral issues with our one-year old Lab, Sam. The pulling, nipping, barking, stealing and overall lack of discipline was just too much to bear most days. The basic obedience classes we attended when he was a puppy basically resulted in a dog that would only respond if we had a teat in our hands. We mostly bribed him to get him to do anything.

We knew that we needed help but we both work and time was a real issue for us. We decided to look for a trainer that would board him and work with him daily. The decision to send our dog away was difficult for us and we wanted to be sure that our baby would be treated properly. John Soares came highly recommended to us by another trainer that we know and trust. I have to say that, without a doubt, it was the best decision that we have ever made.

Sam spent two weeks at “camp” and came home a different dog. He walks perfectly on his leash, responds to sit and down without any treats and holds the position until we give a command to get up. I think that we have finally established our proper roles (thanks to our people training sessions with John) and he is responding in a more appropriate way to us.

We were happy to see how Sam responded to John when we went back for our follow-up training. He went to him happily; showed no signs of fear or anxiety at all.

We are so pleased and completely satisfied with John and the changes that we see in Sam that we are sending him back to “camp” for off-leash training. We have no doubt that with John’s help Sam will become a well trained dog that our friends and family won’t dread being around.

Kelly and Steve Ceransky

John is great with dogs and and their owners!

John worked with our rambunctious, headstrong, young Doberman and made an amazing difference. When we went back for a second round of training, off-leash this time, our Bella was so excited to be there. That spoke volumes about his relationship with the dogs he trains. Bella's personality remained the same (playful and always happy) but her behavior and response to commands was dramatically better. The owner of the doggie play school she attends was very impressed with the change.
 His sessions include training the owners as well! We cannot recommend him strongly enough!!

See this review on Teachstreet

I began my law enforcement career as a U.S. Army Military Police Patrol Dog Handler in 1975 and ultimately retired as the 40th Police Commissioner for the City of New York in December 2001, some 26 years later.
 Throughout my career, I have seen one K-9 program after another, in various police, military and civilian organizations and have met some of the best trainers in the world, but I have never met anyone as accomplished and experienced as John Soares.
 For the past three years he has trained the German Shepherds that protect my family and me and I couldn’t ask for more. His knowledge, experience and expertise in the field is unparalleled and is only over shadowed by his personal touch that has helped my wife and kids feel more comfortable around working dogs.
 I have, and would recommend John Soares to anyone that requires professional dog training at the highest levels.
 You will not find better.

BERNARD B. KERIK
Police Commissioner
City of New York (retired)

My yellow lab, Buddy, has been a challenge to my family and me ever since we got him as a puppy. We have been through many classes with him as well as several trainers. He was now three years old, and I realized we were at a turning point in his behavior and training. I searched the internet and found John. I was certain from the minute I saw his website and watched his videos, he was our answer. John evaluated Buddy and determined he was trainable. I knew the day I dropped him off, he would come home a different dog. After Buddy completed four weeks of training with John, I was now able to walk him without being pulled down the street. He was obeying his commands and now had manners. Jumping had also been an issue in our home as well as on our walks. However, we recently had a party with 20 people – and one dog! Buddy walked around the house while we were entertaining. There was no jumping.
  More importantly, I saw the respect my dog had for John while I observed them working together. Now it is my job to demand that same respect from Buddy. John gave us both the tools to work on this together. I am forever grateful to John and thank him for the time he spent with Buddy.

Mary Ann Bruppacher
March 20, 2009

I have been training and showing dogs in conformation, obedience and agility for 30 years. As a professional trainer I know the importance of working with the right trainer. Our search for the right trainer took us throughout the tri-state area. After watching many trainers work with dogs we chose John Soares. We love working with John, he not only trains the dog but takes the time to explain dog behavior in a way that helps owners to better understand their dog.

Looking forward to our next level of training, Linda Resch
The Country Canine
West Milford

I’ve been training with John Soares for approximately two years now. From the time I met John, I knew he was the right person to help me excel with my dog; not only in sport but in my working relationship with my dog as well.
  Since training with John, Emma and I obtained our Schutzhund III title on 6/16/07 with an 85-90-88, taking High Obedience. We then moved on and earned our AKC Companion Dog Title in 2/08 with the following achievements:
  We passed 4 out of 4 shows, taking trophies or ribbons in all 4 and qualified for the All-Stars Performance Competition in August 2008.

10/6/07 Port Chester Obedience Club with a score of 193 out of 200 (1st place)

10/14/07 Northern NJ German Shepherd Club with a score of 195 out of 200 (1st place) & High in Trial

2/22/08 Wallkill Kennel Club with a score of 195 out of 200 (3rd place out of 20 dogs)

2/23/08 Rockland County Kennel club with a score of 195 out of 200 (4th place out of 31 dogs)

We will be continuing on with our training with John as I can’t thank him enough for all the insight he has provided me not only to Emma but in my learning as well.

Lori Minardi

Hello John,

I just want to THANK YOU again for your help with my Fever. It was not a easy decision to leave her with you for a month. It was a LONG month for me! When I came to pick her up,I was very happy to see the bond that you developed with her. I know that she was treated with the best of care during her stay with you! I can now look forward to her future long term training with you, with complete confidence, knowing that my girl is in great care , both physically and mentally!!!!!!
Best Regards , Mitch