Testimonials

For the Love of Dogs, My Clients

" Our family fondly refers to Al as" the dog whisperer ". He has trained an Akita, an English Bulldog and two Great Danes for us in the years we have known him. He is extremely knowledgeable , always calm , and knows how to be firm but loving. He sets terrific boundaries and effectively deals with any sort of stubbornness, boisterousness, timidity... his skills run the gamut. And the dogs love him because they sense this is not just a job for him.. It is truly his passion. We are so fortunate to have found, Al."

Erica Gillespie

Hi, Al -- About 12 years later, we just wanted to tell you we couldn't thank you enough for your part in making our lives with Flicka so wonderful. We have applied what you trained us to do daily and often talk about your approach. And now that Flicka is almost deaf, it is a tremendous thing to have her respond to hand signals as you taught. The deafness really changes our relationship, but I get down and talk into her one partly hearing ear as often as I can. One thing I specifically remember you saying is that Flicka seems to focus on every syllable I say, so I'm trying to keep up her ability to at least hear me a little.

Thank you, thank you and hope you are doing great!
Alan Lee

Al Marx was recommended to me by my veterinarian who also has Dobermans. Dobies are a wonderful breed but they need proper training and management from the very beginning. Unfortunately my girl had not had that type of training until at a year (when I got her) we met Al. From that point onward, she has been amazing! Without Al, I am not certain if I could have kept her but she has become a favorite for all of those who know her. Thank you so much, Al - and be ready for the next Dobie puppy whom you will have from the very beginning!

Meg Thompson

We stumbled onto Al Marx a few years ago, when a volunteer used his services to help with her skittish dog. As a result, a dog who refused to come in for pet-sitters or climb into a car now does so!

Because rescue dogs sometimes come with baggage, Al offered to help with a dog in our rescue organization who was not responding to our normal TLC. This dog had lived a lonely backyard life and overreacts to stimulation. Undaunted, Al has guided the dog to a less reactive state of mind, and even had the dog playing with him at our last adoption show!

Adoptions don't always go smoothly, so it's "Al to the rescue" when our adopters admit to having problems, mostly reactivity to strangers and other dogs. From a tyrannical poodle to a terrified lab, Al is Mr. Fix It, often leaving his clients shocked that problem-solving was "so easy." Yes, if you know how a dog thinks...and Al does.

Don't hesitate to make an appointment with Al if you run into any behavioral problems. Let an expert restore the peace and save your dog from going to the shelter due to an easily-remedied misfire in communication. Al can help you to understand what is going on and suggest responses that will make all of the difference to you and your dog.

Moira Gingery, VP
Best Dawg Rescue

Nearly 10 years ago, Al Marx trained our family to be better dog owners. Likewise, we called Al recently after adding a second dog to our home. From correcting difficult behaviors and training an obedient puppy, he also trained us on the Invisible Fence and refined our older dog’s actions later in life. Al’s approach was the right fit for our family. Thanks to Obedience Works, our dogs are well-behaved, and we are better humans to them.

Thank you,
Aric Caplan
Caplan Communications®

I knew when I adopted a difficult and sick 4 year old dog from a New York shelter that I would need an expert trainer to help me overcome her serious behavior issues. Al Marx came highly recommended to face this hard challenge. I was immediately impressed by Al’s knowledge of dog training and by his remarkable ability to find simple solutions to my dog’s problems. Al knew the answers and gave me common-sense explanations. I cannot thank him enough for his compassion, understanding, know-how and humor. The result was that I will be forever grateful to him for making this difficult adoption a success.

Linden Bell

Al Marx is simply the best. His professional knowledge and expertise combined with his unique understanding of animal behavior is what makes him and therefore any human and canine successful too. Al has been assisting us with our therapy dog program at The Children's Inn at NIH. We first met Al 8 years ago when he volunteered his time to train our first therapy dog, Viola. After Viola retired, Al did not hesitate to offer his time and expertise to assist us in the training of our new therapy dog, Zilly. Al has consistently and selflessly worked with Zilly and the rest of the Inn Staff to facilitate training the best therapy dog possible. Al was persistent even when some of us wanted to give up. Al's professionalism, attention to detail, and support is unmatched. Without reservation, I would recommend Al Marx of Obedience Works to anyone interested in helping his/her dog become a well-trained companion.

-Jennie Lucca, CEO, The Children's Inn at NIH

I had used several highly rated trainers for my two dogs, and while they helped, I still could not control my beloved pets. A friend recommended Al Marx who had trained his dog. That first session was remarkable, Al taught me how to clearly communicate with my dogs and have them listen and obey. It was trans-formative.

When I got a new puppy this fall I called Al to get us started on the right track. Al has guided me and my pup to a level I never thought possible. I am a happier and better dog owner as a result.

Many Thanks,
Diane Sterman and Taz