John Holian Receiving IPO III under USA/SV Judge Mike Hamilton in 2008.

Joseph 5x IPO III

Testimonials:

John Mulvey

I served 36 years in the military and have severe PTSD and traumatic brine injury (TPI).

Paws of War let me adopt a puppy Storm and set me up with what I feel is the best trainer and teacher around, John Holian.

From day one John has been not only training Storm to be a service dog but he has been teaching me. Knowing that I rarely leave my house John has set up training sessions in all different locations. With Storm and John, I was able to leave my house. Storm was 10 weeks old when I adopted Storm and now, she is a little over a year old. John has trained Storm to be one of the best service dogs and my companion in the world. I am no way cured of my PTSD but with John and Storm, I am now able to leave my house and go to the store, parks and even golf courses. John has even taught Storm to bring me tools or other items I drop due to my TPI. I would HIGHLY Recommend John as a Trainer for any type of dog and whatever type of training. I look forward to continuing our training for the next year and I wish John all the best at the Nationals for the (I can’t remember the German clubs name)

Carol J (CJ) Orlando

I was fortunate enough to find John Holian when it became obvious that I needed help with Kora, my Australian Cattle Dog.

I had no idea when I rescued this tiny 5-week-old 2.5 lb. sick baby, what I was in for. She began terrorizing my family almost right away and it became clear that although I had had dogs my entire life that this one was going to test every single attempt at having a good companion. She was totally out of control and fearful of everything and everyone.

I hired a trainer at a few months old but all he was interested in was telling me how wonderful he was. He was very good at that. I was happy when he moved to another state but didn't know where else to turn. I then heard horror stories about trainers from everyone that I knew.

My husband found John in a field training his dog Tony and the rest is history. My Kora was eager to work with him and a few short months later, Kora is learning how to co-exist with everyone and is so happy when she pleases me. John is patient and kind. He is training me as well as Kora as I am the one that is her person. I am walking almost everywhere with her off-leash and she is a totally different dog and she is joyful, especially when she sees John and when I ask if she wants to work. Kora and I have learned so much and very quickly. John makes it fun and keeps it simple. Everyone that I know sees the difference in her and asks for my trainers' number. I am so blessed to have him and so is my Kora.

Dan McWilliams

My name is Dan McWilliams and my golden retriever's name is Lindsey.  Lindsey and I were connected through the Paws of War organization.  John Holian's training services were part of the package offered by Paws of War.  i was reluctant to accept these services because my Family was interested in having a pet, not a service animal.  My perception of training was that the dog would lose its personality and become a functional piece of equipment.   I couldn't have been more wrong.  John educated me on dog training emphasizing that the most important aspect of training is developing a bond of trust, between animal and owner.  Lindsey is a rescue and came to us with an extremely timid, skittish personality.  My training experience was life-changing for both dog and owner.  Lindsey was transformed from a head down, tail between legs, eyes shut nervous animal to a confident, bounce-in-step, playful, and obedient dog whose whole world revolves around me.  Lindsey is off leash alot and is constantly monitoring me and my movements to stay close to me.  This bond allows me to bring her to work, and restaurants, ride public transportation and make her presence pleasurable for everyone.  I work in the area of mental health and Linsey brings calmness and peace to clients suffering from addiction and anxiety.  I can't thank John enough for correcting my perception of training.  John's training has given me a new best friend and like any worthwhile relationship, it was fun getting there.

Toya Winfield

What can't I say about John and what all his years of experience and working with Dogs has done for me?

A new friend told me about John and she spoke with such vigor and enthusiasm about what he does, how he trains and the incredible results she has achieved with her Rottie.  I asked her f or his contact information and I immediately called.  I was a new owner of Cane Corso and I needed expert help and guidance.  I trained my dog myself and intermittently employed a trainer but it wasn't quite what I was looking for.  You see, i really wanted to learn to train my dog myself and i didn't ant to take the DOG out of my DOG!!!

At that time my Bruno was five months old.  I called and left a msg and sent a text x2 .He responded and said Id love to meet your guy but I'm really busy and I don't have any openings.  Call me in a few weeks and we will get started.  Well, I called every week because I wanted to make sure he secured my spot.. I was serious!

The first meeting two months later, we met at my home.  Immediately he came in and Bruno sat at attention, he took my leash and commanded such a presence to both me and my dog, I was in awe.  We walked outside with the dog and he assessed him.  In one visit I felt confident that i would obtain what I needed to become a thoughtful responsible handler.

John has such a confidence that it brings me joy every time we meet.  I feel empowered and capable!  He addresses your concerns in a manner that I cannot explain.  I learn about my dog, Im educated in behavioral theory about dogs during my lesson so I know why my dog responds in certain ways and what best ways to train him.  With John there is no cookie cutter pattern , he believes every dog is different.  His style is relaxed and easy and fun.  He's is just having a good time through all of this.  He is happy when he's working with my guy and we enjoy our sessions.  When we meet John, Bruno is just as excited as I am.

Concerns:  with every issue or concern i wanted to address, John devised a solution.  My dog had a problem with other dogs while walking , great way to fix that. MY dog had  issue with bicycles, scooters and runners, lets try this..... always fun and the best part is he teaches me to train my dog.. He says I want you to be the number one person in Brunos life.  He should look to you! He is creative in how he trains.  John really goes the extra mile to make sure you and your dog are SUCCESSFUL!  He gives the answer to the test.

I must share that I was unhappy and stressed with my first trainer.  I never felt good when I left, everything was how I must do something that I didn't particularly care for. Not that she wasn't knowledgeable, I just felt like it wasn't pleasant for me or my dog.  

After a few lessons, John said "ok you don't need me anymore", ????  I couldn't believe it! I have never spoke with anyone who wasn't trying to sell me a plan or drag out sessions to keep you paying.  I said John, I'd really like to continue and further my training, he said,  "well you really don't need to !" ? I said id like to!!!! he goes "OK"

We are excited to see John each time, and i actually feel good to compensate him. To me it is a fair and even exchange.  We are happy and feel good each time we leave.  I cannot say enough about John.  He is integrious, caring, knowledgeable, his methods and all his quotes,  I've coined Johnism"s.  His impression is always with me.  I've become a better handler and my dog is well behaved, happy, and all the DOG remains!

Thank you John, I never want to stop training with you!

Laura Dickinson

What i thought was impossible went above and beyond my expectations! Never get 2 puppies at the same time. But if you do, go to John Holian Dog Training. HOLY HOLIAN, HE'S AMAZING! I came to him completely overwhelmed with 2 pups completely out of control and with behavioral issues. ie: aggressive resource guarding, territorial marking, separation anxiety and ridiculously embarrassing social behavior to name a few. John is an INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR to the dogs and equally if not more important, to their humans. He keeps it simple and is incredibly effective. He puts the joy back into training. By the second lesson i was already reaping the benefits. Thanks to John, Ari and Zeke are phenomenal with their obedience training and the behavioral issues are almost non-existent IN 6 LESSONS!!!! I am so thankful and grateful to John for training me to be a better communicator. The transformation of the pups is heart-warming and it just keeps getting better and better! Could not have done it without you John! Forever grateful!

Updated review 1 year later:

These pups are incredibly smart and learning all kinds of new tricks and welcomed behaviors. Its all about the method of training and the consistency. I am the one in control of them, not the other way around. Its really effortless now so if you are on the fence, call John. Its the most important call and the best thing you can do for your pup and yourself! Still grateful John! Thanks for everything!