I have know Ken since his "earlier life" in law enforcement - he taught a self-defense course for women that I attended!  Over the years I've seen Ken working with his German Shepards at Winn Dixie, amazed at their relaxed behavior as life passed by.  I recently started my two shelter rescued dogs, Hannah and Jasper, in Ken's classes.  Prior to this I had raised puppies myself, so adopting an adult dog was rewarding yet both a risk and a challenge.  Hannah is a high energy 5 year old Weimaraner who is nervous around other dogs.  Jasper is a 2 year old Weim / Lab mix who is a social clown, but lacks even basic obedience.  In just  few short weeks Ken's classes have shown me the potential of my dogs.  Hannah amazed me in her first class when I switched her from the prong collar which I had always needed to control her (I thought) to a regular collar.  The socialization of being around other dogs, yet being relaxed and under control, has been the most important thing for Hannah.  Jasper is learning the basics through Ken's philosophy of positive reinforcement...clickers, praise, treats, "free" time...all of these are powerful teaching tools and Ken directs his students (the humans) well.  Come to these classes!  You will learn that your dog is ready and willing to learn and fix those "problem" behaviors - if you learn to be a good teacher and spend the time with him.  While I train dolphins and sea lions for a living, I wasn't spending the same quality training time with my dogs.  Our relationship is stronger than ever, I can take them out around other people and dogs with confidence now - and these are both dogs who where given up because of behavioral problems!  Thank you Ken and Sue, you do amazing work - building strong human/dog relationships!
Linda, Hannah & Jasper
Big Pine Key
  
I have personally known Ken Araujo since 1996, when I first started with
him training my German bred Giant Schnauzer ( who was basically a very
large juvenile delinquent). Through the training, insight, expertise, patience
and mutual respect that Kenny taught me, I ended up with a companion
whose manners, temperament, loyalty, love and commitment made him
a most wonderful addition to our home and family unit for 14 years.
I have trained a total of 4 dogs with Kenny and because of what he has
taught me throughout the years, each dogs has been a well mannered,
enjoyable member of our family. The effort put into these dogs has paid
me back a thousand times over, knowing I could take them anywhere
and depend on their behavior as good neighbors and well behaved gentlemen.
Respectfully,
 
Cris Lesick & Bernie

 Florida Keys

 

"We never thought we'd get our hyper Wheaten Terrier, Boojie, to calm down and obey commands. We started calling her the "Wheaten Terror." But after going to the Kennel 101 classes for several months, she DID calm down, we learned how to control her better and she became a great dog. Then we got Holly Peanut, a half Pomeranian, half Chihuahua handful. She started out with the classic little dog syndrome -- ready to bark and snarl at other dogs at the drop of a hat and even snapping at us when we tried to get her under control. Taking her to the Kennel 101 classes helped socialize her and allowed us to practice what we learned from our experience with Boojije. Now, even Holly Peanut is as calm and controllable as a little high-strung Pomchi could possibly be. We highly recommend Ken and Sue and their Kennel 101 classes and training techniques to every dog owner, no matter how challenging their dog may seem."

 

  
Bob & BJ Deis
Cudjoe Key, Florida Keys
 
 
 
Buffy and I have been coming to training with Kennel 101 for 6 1/2 years.  Buffy looks into my eyes as I begin to leave the house on my days off.  She seems to know it's time to go to school.  We began with instructional class and continued on through privates.  She also stayed with their family in the kennels for instruction.  We have advanced to rally class during the week and she continues to show progress and interest. Both of us enjoy coming.  You should too!!     
 
 Gayle Kuntz  & Buffy (7 yr old yellow lab)
Marathon,  Florida Keys
 
 
 
Dear Ken....Just a few lines to let you know how much I appreciate all your dog training knowledge that you applied in helping me raise a very energetic German Shepherd. Since he was a puppy you designed a program for him at each stage of his growth. You said he needs to be socialized... take him to constructiion sites walk him through them let him get use to the noise, movement and people. We did that. We also got kicked out of one. You said take him downtown walk him in the crowds. Take him to the restaurants. We did all that. I wanted to make his obedience real sharp you said don't push him. You were right of course. When he got bored you designed things for him to do.  Remember article searching? I have the most loveable and obedient German Shepherd anyone could have. He is almost nine years old and when it comes Saturday you can not believe how charged up he gets because he knows we are going to training class.
>  Thanks for all your knowledge in helping me raise this wonderful dog. And he is because of you.
>
>  Bob Dandeneau & Sagwu
>  Summerland Key FL
 
 
When I got my first puppy, a yellow lab, I was so excited. I named her Seaweed. It was not long before old memories came back to me of our childhood black lab. He would run away and misbehave constantly. I knew I wanted a dog that was trained so that we could enjoy our lives together. I called Ken and Sue, and I was hooked. Seaweed and I attended training no matter where it was held or what time it was. I have the most wonderfully trained perfect lab that I ever could have asked for. She has been with me everywhere that I go and I never had to leave her at home. Training with Ken and Sue has given me a treasure in life with my Seaweed.
Captain Donna Fielder & Seaweed
Florida Keys
 

 

 I have been doing business with Kennel 101 for over 10 years, training three different dogs. I couldn’t be more satisfied. The Kennel 101 team, Ken and his wife Sue, have been more than professional. They are knowledgeable, helpful,understanding, and when necessary inventive in methods to help train my dogs,and to teach me to train my dogs properly. Thanks to the great training team atKennel 101 I have not only been able to take my dogs to work with me but theyalso are welcome canine guests where ever I take them. Besides helping me to learn to train and understand my dogs better, Kennel 101was instrumental in helping me obtain thedog of my dreams, a female German Shepherd from Germany. Their knowledge of the blood lines and temperament ofthe German lines is phenomenal. I would recommend Kennel 101 to anyoneinterested in training their work or pet dogs to be good canine family members.

Teri Dickson Marathon, Florida

 

I tell everyone I can that has a dog, that they should get in touch with Ken and Sue. Even though many of us think it is easy to raise a dog, it is, BUT, to raise it right, not just as a dog, but a friend, companion, member of the family, takes some work. Ken and Sue at Kennel 101 help you to do that, and at the same time make you part of their very special family. They give you the tools and confidence you need to raise a great dog, and if you are willing to listen, you will be greatly rewarded with a wonderful pet. I don't believe that Kennel 101 is just a job for them, it is their life, their heart and soul goes into all they do, and it shows. Because of them, I have been blessed with two AMAZING German Shepherds, directly from Germany. They are not just dogs to me, they are my family, as I feel Ken and Sue have also become part of my family, or rather I have become part of their Kennel 101 family. Don't hesitate, do a great thing for you AND your pet, join the family,you won't regret it, and your pet will thank you daily with just being the greatest it can be!
 
 Sincerely,
Judy Sorenson, Ludwig and Sabbel too!
 
 
   I had lost all hope, and was filled with anguish over my aggressive dog.  I could not bring myself to take him back to the shelter as it was a commitment I had made to this animal upon adopting him.  Miraculously, I found Kennel 101!  They taught me that through the proper behavior modification, patience and perseverance, anything is possible.  I am learning to change his negative behaviors, and create new positive ones. I never thought I'd be able to see my dog surrounded by numerous other dogs and remain calm.  The understanding and compassion received from fellow dog owners at training sessions was immense,as many had previously walked in my shoes.  I will continue with Kennel 101 indefinitely as each week brings new rewards and enlightening experiences with my dog.   Thanks-You are my saviour
 
Cindy Luben Florida Keys
 
 
Ken I want to thank you for believing in lucky dog and giving him an opportunity for an new life. I found lucky while on vacation in Tennessee, he was sitting on the side of an old dirt road, someone had abandoned him in the middle of no where , he was starved and full of fleas and ticks. It took months to get him back to health. But he made it. The vet said he was a little over a year old so I don't know what his life was like before he became ours but was about to find out something that I did not expect. He started to show signs of aggressive behavior. First when I had company over he would bark loud and try to bite them. The walks were turning into a nightmare, everything seemed to frighten him, he would charge at about everything from people walking bye to cars . It was getting very hard and dangerous to control him. All my friends and family said that I should either take him to the shelter or put him down because of his behavior. I really did not know what to do. I started to look for someway to help lucky.  A friend of my daughters mentioned that there was a dog training class down on big pine key. I found the phone number and set up appointment to go to there next class. This was lucky last chance. The class give me a lot of information and hope. The first few classes were rough, all my dog did was bark, he actually had a nick name, killer, yep, anyway I slowly saw a change in lucky, with every class he was becoming more calmer and more trusting. Walking was becoming more relaxing and enjoyable. The training that Ken taught lucky and I is a life changing experience . As lucky changed so did I. So its been about three years since training, we moved to New York. Lucky is doing wonderful. I still do my training exercise with him and the best part I like is the walking , when I tell him to heal he stays right at my side. He is such a different dog now .Thank you Ken for not giving up on lucky when everyone else did.
 
                                                                                                 Love Lucky  (aka killer) and Kathy Fisher
                                                                                                  Dunkirk New York
 
 
 
After having the heartwrenching experience of losing our beloved 10 year old German Shepherd who had been a delightful member of our family and always the most eager to please dog we had ever had we decided to get something different.  Boy, did we!  We got an adorable (to look at) Golden Doodle.  We have had good experiences with Golden Retrievers and I had had a Poodle years ago and knew how smart they are but nothing and no one had prepared us for this high energy challenge.  Rebel fits his name and we are very grateful to have found the help of Ken's classes and individual support.  He makes the effort to talk to each of us and address our individual issues each week and the socialization for this puppy has been a wonderful experience for the 3 of us.  We would recommend this class and especially Ken & Sue who make all of us feel like a big family with Christmas party and gifts and the wonderful pictures on the website.  I have to say Rebel is a work in progress but we feel very grateful to have the support and training of Kenl-101. 
Rich & Adele Warner & Rebel
Big Pine Key
 
 
 
 
Recently, my best friend, Kia, died and as sad as I am to have lost her, I’m consoled by having been a part of the Kennel 101 family for over a decade.
 
I’m consoled by knowing that my regular participation in training classes helped me become a better friend to Kia. The classes provided the opportunity to be with like minded people who are responsible and caring pet owners while providing another venue in which Kia  and I bonded even more.
 
Kia loved going to “doggie class” which provided us with the socialization, lessons, stimulation and confidence to enjoy a  wonderful relationship. A bonus in “doggie class” became the professional quality of delightful and expressive photography made by Sue and Ken over the years.
 
Thank you Sue and Ken for your dedication, and caring.
 
Sincerely,
Anita  Florida Keys
 
 
 
Hi Ken & Sue, We brought our Golden Retriever puppies, Keilee and Koi, to you over 3 years ago.  They are almost 4 years old already!  They are brother and sister; our girl was so distracted by the other dogs in the group and was so difficult to handle, that it was discouraging.  Life intervened and we were not able to continue with you, but we did not forget the principles that you taught us.  We now walk with them on the bicycle trail near Curry Hammock, and they are so well-behaved that for the most part, we allow them to accompany us off-leash (can you believe it?)  We allow them to explore, but if we have walkers or bikers approaching we have them stay close to our side.  Often, especially when there are children, we ask the dogs to sit and wait - and they do!  They even will look to us for direction.  We have received many positive and appreciative responses that they are very well-behaved.  They sometimes have their exhuberant moments (especially the aforemention little girl), but the leashes are always handy!  Our one difficulty is bikers who come up from behind with no bell or warning, so we have to always keep checking behind us.  Most realize that if they give us a heads up, we can "curb" the dogs, but some are clueless! 
 
It was the best thing we could do for them to get them off to a good start with Kennel 101!  They are good doggie citizens and we thank you for that.  You also taught us to be good dog owners and gave us the tools we needed to enjoy our dogs. 
 
Jeri & Keith Michalak  

Happy and Safe Running...........DON'T LET THE WEATHER STOP YOU!

Keith and Jeri Michalak
                  305-395-6626            
                  877-677-3567            
Check us out at: www.icespike.net
 
 
 
I am the happy owner of a 3 1/2 year old Jack Russell Terrier. The dog was a rescue animal through
Grateful Paws Dog and Cat Rescue. One of the stipulations of this rescue group is that the dog and his new owner are to attend Obedience training. I was referred to Kennel 101 by a close friend who took her dogs through the program, and continues to do so. My dog, named Elvis, was somewhat difficult to manage at the beginning, but with the use of a training aid lead, consistent training methods, and encouragement of his owner, me,  by Ken Arujo, Elvis has become a great companion.
Thank you Ken and Sue. Elvis and I look forward to continuing "our" training. 
 
Lynn Goodwin & Elvis
Key Colony Beach, FL
 
I sought out Ken for dog training because my 2 yr old Austrian shepherd mix, Jack, had nipped two of my children's friends.  I didn't think locking Jack up in a room when we had visitors was best-what if someone accidently let him out and plus it would always leave Jack out of the activities and it made the rest of the family feel bad to lock him up.  Jack is wonderful with his own kids but gets nervous around other little kids.  Needless to say, Ken made it clear that crate training had to start back up again and we have been going to Sat morning classes for about 4 months now.  The wonderful thing is that now I can leave Jack in the crate when people arrive at the house and he is calm when we let him out.  I had 4 busy kids at my 1100 sq ft. house on Wednesday-so 6 kids (counting my own) from ages 3-10 and Jack was wonderful.  It is a huge improvement and I am so glad that I can feel safe with kids around Jack.  We still teach the kids how to pet Jack and we make sure he has space to get away if he looks  uncomfortable-but it is good to know we can keep our family intact, and visitors and Jack safe.  K-9 training has taught me how to train my dog and brought out the best qualities in my dog, Jack
Tabble & Jack Florida Keys
 
 
  Kaiser was 6 month old when he started puppy school at Kennel 101.  Through Ken's intuitive and positive teaching, he quickly learned two things especially important for a big German shepherd dog - - to obey basic commands and how to socialize with other dogs and people.   Training together strengthened our bond and mutual understanding.

   Now he is almost seven and this early training laid the foundation for a very friendly and protective companion who seems to understand almost everything I say, and more.  Last summer I was vacationing in Utah and took a late afternoon hike with a friend to the rim of a canyon.  The trail was hard to follow over rock marked only by little stacked stone cairns.  It took us a couple of hours to find the rim as we got lost and wandered off trail a lot.  We were watching the sun set behind the mountains across the canyon when we remembered how quickly darkness falls in the desert and that we had no flashlight.  I turned to Kaiser and said "find the trail".   He shot off at a fast trot and didn't stop once, following not our meandering route, but apparently the stone cairns that marked every turning of the actual trail.  It was as if he'd been waiting his whole life for me to give him an important job.  Breathlessly we arrived back at the parking lot in only 20 minutes.  Once he knew we were safe, Kaiser calmly resumed his usual stopping to sniff and pee routine.  I had no idea he could do something like that, to realize the danger in a situation and know how to get us to safety.   Thank you Ken and Sue for your help in building a wonderful relationship that enriches both our lives every day. 

Joan s. Borel Florida Keys

 

Kennel 101, through their knowledge and expertise in training techniques and animal behavior, have given me the learning tools and opportunity to train my dog into a polite, well-behaved and obedient pet.  Proper handling and working with Belle, with guidance from Kennel 101, has resulted in a closer bond between myself and my dog.  We are a team!
 
Thank you Ken and Sue of Kennel 101 for caring.
Sharon and Belle (aussie :) )
 
I started with Ken's training classes when my dog, Bruno, ( a Havanese) was just 4 months old. It was the best thing I could have donw. We started with the Other End of the Leash class (giving me much-needed education on how to be a good dog owner), and then progressed to the Saturday classes. It took Bruno a long time to "get it", but in the  meantime, he had a great time interacting with so many other dogs, socializing both in the class and on our class walks through the Big Pine Shopping Center. Now, two years later, Bruno and I just finished our first Rally class. It is really amazing how much we both have learned.  Bruno is a very well-behaved, trained dog, who loves the stimulation of learning new tasks. I think even Ken was surprised at how good Bruno got at obedience training, considering how "not so good" he was for so long!
 
The key to Ken's training is the care and concern he has for every dog and owner. He really knows dogs, and knows training, and makes it all fun and interesting at the same time. Sue is also wonderful, quietly making Ken's classes smoother and easier.
 
I highly recommend Ken and Sue and their classes.
 
Victoria Ho
Big Pine Key, FL
 
Yukon is still doing well.  He will be 12 in May.  He can't hear very well and has cataracts but still loves to kick sand at sunset.
 
We would like to thank you for saving Yukon.  You taught us all of the things that we were doing wrong.  Had we continued the way we were, we would have had an agressive, undisciplined and unhappy dog.  People often tell us what a good buy he is.
 
Thank you again,
Jim, Jane & Yukon Watermolen
    

Since my English Cocker Spaniels and I started training with Ken, we've seen marked improvement in all of our behaviors.  That's really the core of training -- that the dogs and their people learn together how to achieve their goals.  Ken understands dogs and people.  Even in a group setting, he focuses on each of my dogs as individuals, assesses what is needed and then teaches me how to accomplish the training.  By working with his methods and consistently practicing both in class and at home we're making great progress.  The dogs respond better in all of their activities and we're all happier and more confident.
 
All of this is accomplished through positive methods and reinforcement, not harsh, physical dominance.  This approach is not only effective and successful, but also a lot more fun for all of us.  The dogs light up and are genuinely excited to participate in class and in sessions at home.
 
We look forward to continuing classes beyond basic obedience and are checking out the Rally Obedience sport as another fun activity we can enjoy together.
 
Thanks Ken and Sue!
Mary Stella
Marathon, Fl. Keys
 
 
Kennel 101 is the place to be if your serious about helping your dog learn and, in turn, developing a bond between you and your dog.  My new found experience with Kennel 101 is the best place to receive hands on training with your dog and learn different skills in shaping your dog to achieve good canine behavior especially in a public setting, as well as home too.  Ken will actually show you in class, either with one of his dogs, or your own, how to do the skill he’s teaching, and then we practice during class what he’s shown us to do, it is a working class, you do not sit.  It’s a lot of fun to work and watch your dogs learn.  I have a very over-responsive yellow lab (who I should have named “Marley”) and he’s come along way in a short 6 weeks of classes, and we still go for more, I am a “forever” student, I love school!   My only regret is having not found him sooner but it’s never too late and dogs can always learn in a positive way.  If you have never used the “click-n-treat” positive reinforcement training method, you’ll learn miracles happen with your dog, as I have with my lab.  Also, I’ve learned how to use the Gentle Leader and I am no longer afraid to walk my lab, whose pulled me down more than once.  I’ve even gotten one for my other lab as well.  It has given me back the confidence to walk both of them again.   Ken is very spirited and enthusiast about helping your dog succeed and teaching your how to work with your dog to make that success happen.  He is focused on making the most of each class and believes in giving you a lot for your money.  I think the best kind of dog trainer is one who cares about the dog and he makes your dog the first priority, then the owner, because he can’t help you, the owner, until he observes your dog’s behavior first.  I love the fact that he’s more interested in my dog learning and tapping into all the talents, drives or senses my dog might have, that I otherwise would not have known had I not gone to Ken’s class.     I can’t say enough about Ken and Sue and Kennel 101.  They are the best the Keys has to offer for good, positive training for our dogs.   
 
 
Cheryl Ingrham
 
 
My dog Rossi and I started working with Ken when Rossi was 8 weeks old. Rossi is a Pit Bull Terrier, and I was determined to have a well behaved dog, that would break the standard stereotypes of this much maligned breed. For the first year things went along well with Rossi progressing nicely through the training. When Rossi turned 1 year old, it seemed a switch had been flipped. He had always been rowdy and loved to play, but the play became aggression. He is a wonderful dog around people and even children, learning quickly and loving to perform his behaviors, but if you have four legs and fur, he is not the friend for you! Ken helped me work toward modifying this behavior and how to watch for the signs that my dog displays that indicate that he is “targeting” on another dog. While this behavior is obviously not what I wanted or expected when my dog was a puppy, it is in his genes, and will always be. I will continue to attend classes with Ken and Sue, because exposing Rossi to all of the other dogs and the activity that goes along with class helps him learn to control his impulses, and makes him a better “dog citizen”. Of course if he is ever unattended he dons his shiny basket muzzle, which Ken calls his “Hannibal Lector” look. Without Ken and Sue to guide me through the process of learning to train, control and modify the behavior of my dog, we would not be able to function outside my fenced yard. Thanks Ken and Sue! Jamie Smith and Rossi Big Pine Key, FL