Testimonials from our Students

Recently my service dog Mr. Chips and I were followed through a public area. The person who followed us told me, “I used to train service dogs, and whoever trained your dog did an outstanding job”.

Mr. Chips and I  have gone through airports; flown in planes, stayed in hotels; gone to restaurants; stores; museums; etc.  Some people have questioned Mr. Chips upon entry, they all have said Mr. Chips is welcomed back any time upon leaving. 

Diamond Dogs is a unique program.  They do not train dogs for you.  Instead they train you to train the dog.  This method helps to develop a special bond between handler and the service dog .  I had never trained a dog before this.  However Kristi was patient and helped me to correct my many mistakes along the way.  She trained me, so I know she can train anyone.  

I knew my hearing was deteriorating so while on summer vacation in Logan, Utah, my hearing was tested at Utah State University lab and they recommended a Bi-Cros solution.  At the same time I am losing my right ear hearing ability. My sister Carla started researching for a practical long-term alternative and she found an Arizona state dog training organization specifically oriented to helping hearing impaired individuals.  That is how I came to find and call Diamond Dogz of Arizona where you train with your own dog. I called and asked the requirements to enroll.  My dog Siska and I started the training period and finished in September of 2024.  We received the tools and tips for Siska to behave and do sound work to assist me.  At the beginning I thought that it was an impossible task to train her, but with the encouragement and direction from Kristi and Shannon I learned that I also needed more training to adapt to the new progressive dog behavior. I could not believe it at the beginning but the end results are amazing! Thanks to Kristi and her program for all their guidance. 

Hi!  My name is Debby and my dog Coco and I LOVE Diamond Dogs!  Coco is a chocolate labrador retriever, who started as a young, energetic dog and has grown to be a wonderful girl who alerts me to many sounds that I do not hear on my own. She started by learning  the very basics of sound training, to where she alerts me now to the door bell ringing, Alexa alarm, when I drop something on the floor, or when people call my name or shout “Excuse me.” She often alerts me  to sounds or people that are in my neighborhood or wherever we are walking, that I do not hear. She does this by a touch to the hand. I can honestly say, I am so grateful to have her be able to help me in such a manner.  

Attending Diamond Dog training has helped us to form a special  bond, as all the hearing training has been so positive for us both. The trainers are the best. They are experienced dog trainers who help you  work through training issues in a positive manner. In the class we do sound training and obedience training. They teach you everything you need to know to be successful for certification. The trainers are willing to help you with anything at anytime. They will correct you and your dog as they want you to have the best service dog and be able to be out in the world together happily. The trainers teach us so  we can teach our dogs what they need to do and how to behave under many different conditions. These trainers give of their time and energy as they do not receive compensation for what they do. They do it because of the love in their hearts for others and a desire to make their lives better with their dog!  

Diamond Dogs is a wonderful organization, and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs its services. It has been one of the best experiences I have ever had training with a dog and feel so fortunate for the positive environment Kristi and crew create!  Sincerely,  Debby D.