Top Rated Professional Dog Trainers in Texas
"The Original 'Relationship-Based' Dog Trainers."
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Canine Karma Training stands apart with its truly revolutionary approach to dog training. For nearly a decade, our pioneering system has touched the lives of tens of thousands of dog owners worldwide, transforming the way they interact with their furry companions. At the heart of our program lies a fundamental principle: the relationship between the dog and owner is paramount, as it dictates everything.
"Relationship dictates behavior and obedience, NOT repetition."
Contrary to conventional dog training methods, we understand that true obedience stems from the quality of the bond shared between you and your canine companion. Merely drilling basic commands like sit, down, and come won't guarantee obedience if the underlying relationship is lacking. At Canine Karma Training, we recognize that without a strong foundation of trust and respect, control over your dog becomes reliant on treats and leashes, rather than genuine connection.
We are NOT your typical dog trainers!
As Reward-Based, Balanced Trainers, we distance ourselves from archaic techniques such as Alpha/Dominance Theory, compulsion-based training, and intimidation tactics. Instead, our approach is centered on empowerment through education. We don't just teach you how to train your dog; we equip you with a deeper understanding of the principles behind each training method. Our goal is to make you a more knowledgeable and confident owner, capable of fostering a bond with your dog that transcends mere obedience.
The relationship we cultivate between you and your furry companion leads to remarkable results—a dog that is not just well-behaved, but one that brings joy and harmony into your life for years to come. At Canine Karma Training, we prioritize the long-term happiness and fulfillment of both you and your beloved pet, ensuring that every moment spent together is filled with love, trust, and mutual understanding.
Meet The Trainers
Sierra Elsmore
"I take pride knowing that I am changing the lives of my clients each day by fixing the relationship between dog and owner. I look forward to helping you and your dog too!"
Sierra Elsmore
Owner/Operator
Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist
8+ Years of Experience
Certified AKC Evaluator & Instructor
Sierra is the head trainer and owner/operator of Canine Karma Training LLC - Texas. She has been working with pets and their owners for over 8 years. She specializes in behavior modification and takes a relationship-based, balanced approach to dog training. She believes that all dogs need play to have a happy fulfilled life and a dog's desire for training should be foundationally reward driven. Her talent for understanding the behavior of animals and their owners has led to success in rehabilitating dogs having issues with aggression, fear, separation issues, and more.
She has always been passionate about animals from a young age and dreamed of having a career in the pet industry. She had started her own business (Blazing Tails Dog Training) several years ago and trained and learned from a variety of dogs in those years. Before that she had her own business boarding dogs in her home and walking dogs in her neighborhood and surrounding areas for several years as well.
Sierra's passion for understanding the psychology behind the behavior of animals fuels her desire to learn and grow each day by studying the behaviors of each animal she comes across. Her dream to work in the pet industry should have stopped at boarding and walking dogs, but after years of seeing how badly behaved the average pet dog is, she could no longer stand aside and watch clients struggle with their ill mannered pets. After years of watching and studying dog trainers online (including David Herbert), researching on her own, and working with her own dogs, she had a general understanding of why dog act up in the way that they do. But this wasn't enough.
In 2024, Sierra decided to take her training and expertise to the next level and apprentice with David and Isabela Herbert of Canine Karma Training in Virginia and expand the brand to Texas. After months of shadowing, training client dogs daily, and even taking charge of the board and train program, she now specializes in rehabilitating and modifying the behavior of dogs. Under the guidance of David and Isabela, she gained an extensive amount of knowledge and skills during her time in Virginia. She has now taken all she has learned and come to Texas to share this knowledge and training with as many clients as possible!
David Herbert (Virginia Location)
Founder & Owner
Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist
13+ Years of Experience
Certified AKC Evaluator & Instructor
M.S. in Special Education
B.S. in Psychology
NYS Certified Special Education Teacher
Behavior Therapist & Counselor
David is the original owner and founder of the brand "Canine Karma Training". Based in Virginia, he is available for online/virtual lessons at caninekarmatraining.com
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David Herbert's distinguished background as a former special education teacher and behavior therapist underscores his extensive expertise in psychology, behavior analysis, and modification. With a keen focus on clear communication and learning theory, David's approach to dog training is deeply rooted in understanding the intricate dynamics of relationships.
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David's years of experience working with young children with special needs and as a parenting counselor have honed his insights into the psychological complexities of human-animal relationships and their profound impact on behavior. His mantra, "relationship dictates behavior," encapsulates the core philosophy that underpins his methodology. By delving into the nuances of how relationships are formed, enhanced, and changed, David provides clients with invaluable insights into their bond with their dogs and how it shapes their shared experiences.
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Central to David's unique system is the cultivation of a relationship where the dog perceives their owner as the center of their universe. This bond not only fosters a harmonious connection but also facilitates the effortless resolution of behavioral issues. Importantly, David's approach emphasizes the preservation of the dog's joyful spirit, ensuring that obedience is achieved without sacrificing their inherent playfulness and personality.
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As a professional and balanced trainer, David prioritizes clear communication and understanding between dogs and their owners. Through his innovative communication system, he equips clients with the tools to effectively communicate with their dogs on a deeper level, fostering a stronger bond and greater control without resorting to punitive measures.
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David's reputation as a leading authority in dog training has attracted clients from across the globe, seeking his expertise to enhance their relationships with their canine companions. Whether through in-person sessions or virtual consultations, David's unparalleled ability to break down complex concepts ensures that clients of all levels leave with a profound understanding of dog behavior and the tools to achieve greater success in their training endeavors.
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Ultimately, David's mission goes beyond merely training dogs; it is about empowering people to deepen their connection with their pets and enrich their lives together. With David Herbert as your guide, you can expect to emerge not only with a deeper understanding of your own dog but also with the knowledge and confidence to forge a bond that transcends expectation. At Canine Karma Training, the journey of learning never ceases, and the possibilities for growth are boundless.
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David’s unique system allows for you to create a relationship with your dog where they truly view you as the center of the universe. That bond allows for the easy elimination of countless behavioral issues that people struggle with every day. It also allows for a dramatically higher level of obedience, without trading in your fun-loving dog for a robotic follower. ​It is crucial for your dog to enjoy it's life, just like it is crucial for you to enjoy your life with them. As a former teacher who spent endless hours in Montessori classrooms, David fully understands the priceless value of learning through Play. This is also incorporated into his dog training as Play is a very important part of his system. A dog that enjoys what they are doing will always out-perform a dog that simply works because they have to.
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David is a professional, balanced trainer who uses a psychological and relationship-based approach to dog training. So many of our dog’s unwanted behaviors are created as a result of our inability to properly communicate with them. David is hyper-focused on having Clear Communication with the animal in front of you. The communication system he has created is truly unique and proven to provide incredibly efficient communication and understanding for and with your dog. His goal is to educate you on how to better communicate with your dog, as well as better understand their behaviors. He will teach you how to speak and understand their language on a higher level. The stronger the communication, the stronger the relationship. The stronger the relationship, the stronger the control. He will teach you how to use this new control without frustration, anger, force, or domination.
It is this system and relationship that has attracted the attention of people from across the globe. People send their dog(s) to Canine Karma Training from all across the United States and even Canada. With the addition of Phone Consultations and Virtual Lessons, David now has clients all over the world. His biggest strength lies in his ability to teach and break things down for any level of learner to understand. David truly believes that his purpose isn't to teach the dog, but to truly educate the people. This is why he says, "I'm a teacher first, then a dog trainer".
When you are finished working with him, you should leave with a significantly better understanding of not just your own dog, but dogs in general. You should leave with the knowledge and tools you need to reach higher levels of success with your dog. You should leave with the ability to build a bond and relationship with your dog, that is above and beyond what you currently have. You should leave feeling educated. That is the goal. Learning never stops and neither does dog training.
David Herbert
"The goal is not to simply teach dogs,
but to educate the humans that own them."
Isabela Herbert
Canine Nutritionist
Isabela Herbert​ (Virginia Location)
Co-Owner
Dog Trainer & Certified Canine Nutritionist
B.S. in Biological Sciences
Certified AKC Evaluator
Isabela Herbert, Co-Owner of "Canine Karma Training" (in Virginia), is a distinguished professional with expertise spanning both dog training and canine nutrition. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Isabela's lifelong passion for animals, cultivated since childhood, led her on a remarkable journey from the world of competitive horse riding to becoming a leading authority in dog training and nutrition.
With over a decade of experience working with Arabian horses, Isabela's transition to training dogs was a natural evolution driven by her innate love for animals. It was during this transformative period that Isabela discovered her calling in canine nutrition and embarked on an intensive study to deepen her understanding of this vital aspect of dog care.
Isabela's mission is rooted in enhancing dogs' overall well-being through a holistic approach to mental and physical wellness. This dedication to improving the lives of dogs led her to partner with David Herbert and relocate to Long Island, NY, and later to Virginia, to further elevate her professional training skills.
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Working closely with David, Isabela immersed herself in Canine Karma Training's psychological, relationship-based approach to dog training and behavior modification. Her natural talent for understanding animals and their owners has resulted in remarkable success in rehabilitating fearful, aggressive, and reactive dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes.
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In addition to her expertise in dog training, Isabela is a Certified Canine Nutritionist with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Recognized as the premier dog nutritionist in her field, Isabela's credentials include certifications as a Canine Nutritionist and Pet Nutrition Coach from multiple reputable institutions. Through her Nutrition Consultation service, Isabela has positively impacted the lives of thousands of dogs, empowering their owners to provide healthier and more nutritious diets tailored to their specific needs.
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Whether you're a raw feeder or follow any other dietary regimen, Isabela's Nutrition Consultation offers personalized guidance to ensure your dog receives the optimal nutrition they deserve. With Isabela Herbert's expertise and unwavering dedication, you can trust that your furry companion will receive the highest standard of care and support to thrive and flourish.