Here are some of the things our clients have to say about our services. A special thank you to all of my clients as they truly understand the importance of training and exercise for their canine pals.
This a compilation of email, texts, handwritten letters, and Yelp reviews.

Here’s an old article from the Tracy Press. circa
June 2011.
(Another window will open and you will be redirected to another website)http://tracypress.com/view/full_story/6432737/article-A-new-leash-on-life?instance=home_news_bullets
June 10, 2011

To Prospective clients of The Dog Walker:
Earlier this year in February we had an addition to our family. We got Moose who was an energetic Lab/Weimaraner. Being that we commuted for a good part of our day, we decided that puppy training classes with Nobu would be the best fit for Moose as well as my boyfriend and I. As we went to the puppy training classes, we began to see such a great change in Moose’s discipline, despite the fact that she was still in her puppy phase. Nobu has a very calm and confident demeanor that transcends to the pet as well as the owner. Moose was always pleased to see Nobu. We knew this because every time we went to training, Moose would get really excited, and once she saw Nobu she would have this attitude like she was ready to learn and show us how well she has progressed throughout the sessions. During these sessions, Nobu was very open to any questions I had, and his patients made me feel at ease when training Moose. There were some challenging moments for Moose and us, but Nobu was always there to help us try different strategies that were fit for our dog Moose.
Another service that we received from Nobu was his dog walking service. Due to some of our long days at work, we decided to give dog walking a try. Although we have never really considered dog walking, we knew that the dogs needed it as well as us when we got home to 2 energetic dogs. Nobu set up a time that was good for us before he started the service so that he could meet our other dog who is a 2 year old Doberman-Shepard mix. Nobu was once again very calm and respectful of our dog Ranger’s domain once he stepped through the front door, and he earned Ranger’s trust almost instantly (which is quite unusual for Ranger with other male strangers). During this initial visit I had given directions to Nobu about what the dog’s routines were and what time would be a good time for him to come over, take the dogs for a walk, give them a potty break, as well as feed and sometimes even train Moose with some refresher tips that we had learned in puppy training. After the first day of the dogs being with Nobu for their walk, potty breaks, feedings, and even training, I opened the door to Ranger laying calmly by the front door and Moose sitting patiently in her kennel (as requested). I truly thought that the day would never come where our two energetic dogs would be so calm and collected once we got through the front door. The best part was of Nobu doing this dog walking service for us was that he texted us a quick status update about the dogs when he came by. Nobu is very professional, respectful, and overall amazing at what he does. With his help in both the puppy training and dog walking, we are able to enjoy our time with our dogs so much more!
If you need any help with training or care for your dogs while you are away, I Highly recommend Nobu. He truly is excellent at what he does!Gratefully,
Eric and Michelle
Tracy, CA

To prospective clients of The Dog Walker,
Last fall we promised our daughter her own dog. We found at the Tracy Animal Shelter, a Jack Russell Terrier (Sophie). I had heard the past that JRT’s tended to be a little hyper, but everyone, including the Veterinarian and our groomer, we were surprised at how docile she was.
The problem began with my 10-year- old Maltese, who was definitely not happy that there was a new dog in the house, especially one who immediately decided she was the “alpha” dog. A few times they got into scuffles, which we were able to end quickly. So I quickly decided something needed to be done or we would have had to give up Sophie, which I knew that would absolutely devastate my daughter.
I immediately contacted “Nobu” for some assistance.
The first thing he did was come for a “private” session with my daughter and Sophie, and just that very one session solved a lot. We were now the “Alpha” owners.
My daughter and Sophie also attended group sessions with Nobu, which kept the training mode going for my daughter.
I also hired him to walk her twice a week and now she has some time to get that extra energy out of her as well as teach her to walk and know who is in charge!
I cannot recommend “Nobu’s” services enough. We have utilized all three (except for pet-sitting) and it has been a tremendous help. Not only has Sophie turned out to be a great dog, early on I wasn’t sure and was ready to find her a new family. Now I’m really glad I didn’t and the balk of the reason for her becoming part of our family is because of “Nobu”.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions whatsoever.
Thanks!!!
Wendy F.
Tracy, CA

I just came back from a 5 day trip which was the first time that my 2 daughters, I mean dogs, haven’t been with me or a family member. Nobu came twice a day to walk them, feed them, play with them, and even train them to walk better on a leash, interact with other animals better, and generally be better behaved. While I was in Florida, he sent me a text message every single time he visited and I enjoyed my trip so much knowing Lucy and Charlotte were well and in good hands. I recommend Nobu without reservation. He is great! In addition to being great with dogs, he is a man of character. I handed over my house key and knew everything was going to be fine. I got to know Nobu because he is the dog trainer/teacher of the class I take Lucy to. We got her as a rescue and, while she is a sweetheart, she had been a scrappy survivor and didn’t have very good social skills. Nobu’s class helped her and me learn how to communicate, walk, have fun. While it didn’t happen over night, her behavior with other people is amazingly improved. She’s actually a very friendly, social little girl now. Her behavior with other dogs is much better although we’re still working on it in our intermediate class with Nobu. So if you’re looking for a great dog/person teacher, go take his class or take a private lesson with him. If you need someone to take of your pets when you go away, he will do an excellent job. You will not regret it.
Susan R.

Controlling a 25 pound puppy does not seem overwhelming, but when you know that before age two the dog will outweigh you by sixty-five pounds or more, the time for training is NOW. Shortly after purchasing our Mastiff puppy, I called my vet and asked him to recommend an outstanding dog trainer. I could not afford to waste precious time with less than effective training methods. My vet recommended Nobu. I could not be more pleased. I have been owned by other dogs and have taken them to training classes. The difference between Nobu’s methods and those I had experienced in the past is incredible. Nobu is quiet and calm; he respects the dogs, and the dogs both respect him and recognize his leadership. He “talks” to the dogs with body language and the dogs respond. Nobu teaches owners how to be quiet, patient, kind, observant, respectful leaders rather than overpowering, demanding, intimidating, leash jerking tyrants. With mutual respect (and lots of praise!) comes willing obedience. Nobu pays attention to your specific needs and to your specific dog. He is not teaching by rote from a list of expected commands. His lessons are very personalized and he helps you teach skills you might not even consider. For example: Nobu knew the predicted size of my little puppy, so he helped me teach my dog to wait on the top step while I descended stairs so that some day in the future, I would not be mowed down by an exuberant 180 pound pup. In addition to having wonderful rapport with dogs, Nobu communicates with owners with patience and understanding. He is always willing to repeat or more fully explain a direction, and he listens to the owners’ concerns. To top it off, he has a great sense of humor!
Valerie F.

When I moved to Tracy I realized my dogs would not be happy or well maintained if they were contained to their crates while I was away at work. So, I began searching the Internet for a dog walker. I encountered Nobu’s website and read all his reviews, and people were happy with his service, but most importantly I was impressed with the improvements he was able to make with their dog’s behavior. This was a value-add for me, because I never imagined a dog walker would also be a dog trainer!
Nobu has been working with my dogs now for approximately 6 months and I have seen considerable improvement. My Yorkshire Terrier puppy no longer jumps up on us for attention. She sits at our feet wagging her tail politely, and she allows us to answer her request for attention. Amazing for a little dog! And, my big dog’s anxiety with the outdoors and new places has diminished considerably. This is a huge improvement that I was not able to achieve through medication. All that for a reasonable price too!
Overall, I am very happy with the progress Nobu has been able to make with my dogs, not to mention his flexibility with adapting to my crazy work schedule. Would I recommend Nobu? Well, if you have gotten this far in reading, I think you know the answer. YES!”
Susan Andrade

I have had soo much fun going to to dog training with my grandma. I am 11 and my name is Megan. I also helped train my grandmas dog. It is soo much fun to learn new tricks. Robert is an excellent trainer. He is also very nice. I enjoyed going to training classes because even though there’s some other dogs there he makes sure you get personalized attention. My grandmas dog is very smart now. I like to teach my dog Oliver the tricks Sophie has learned. I enjoyed working with Robert and I hope to do it again!  HE’S THE BEST!!!!
Megan

Nobu, the dog walker is fantastic! He has been walking my 4 year old rottweiler Zoe for a few years. It even seems like Zoe is happier on the days that Nobu takes her for her walks. Not only is Nobu great with Zoe (she’s much easier to walk now) he also gives me peace of mind. When I go out of town he will stop by to feed, walk and play with Zoe. He is extremely flexible and willing to work with us and my changing schedule.
Carla Alford

Nobu has been walking my dog for almost two years now.  He also trained my dog.  He is always available for questions and gives excellent advice which I have put into practice.  More importantly, I feel my dog is much happier and well balanced because he is walked by Nobu on a daily basis.  Even when I am at home, Nobu takes him out on walks and he is always eager to go out with Nobu.  It was clear to me from my very first meeting with Nobu that he loves animals and believes that treating them with gentleness and kindness is paramount.  Nobu is a great trainer and dog walker and I would highly recommend him to anyone!!!!!
Kristen McCannon

Nobu, the dog walker has been invaluable to our family.  My dog Molly has had chronic ear problems and I was unable to medicate her because I couldn’t catch her.  I literally had to take her to the vet every day for medication.  I took her to Nobu for training, and now I simply tell her it’s
time for her medicine, she goes and lays down and waits for me.  He trained Molly and he trained me and we both thank him.  We also had a recent problem.  We had three dogs and introduced a new dog, a deaf boxer pup.  He and our Australian Sheperd Huck were the best of friends until we had the boxer neutered and suddenly Huck wanted to destroy him.  It brought out a side of Huck we didn’t know existed.  Nobu spent an hour and a half with us and with his help we now walk the dogs in a pack — all together with all leashes in one hand — and they all play nicely together.  Without Nobu we would have felt forced to give up the boxer pup.  So … to simply say we recommend The Dog Walker doesn’t begin to cover it.  He is truly a miracle worker as far as we are concerned and we all (Molly, Huck, Duke and Bubba included) thank him for what he has done for our family!
The Millers of Stockton

Nobu has been working with our Edward for about eight weeks. Edward is a male Cocker Spaniel who had trust and obedience issues. Edward also needed routine exercise that we were unable to provide. Within two weeks we began to notice a positive difference in Edward. He was not as anxious, he listened more and was able to walk with us without running ahead!
Nobu is working with Edward in the areas of trust, discipline obedience, and exercise. Edward is happier and his behavior has improved 90%. Nobu’s technique is kind and non-threatening. He has a calming way about him that dogs respect. Edward waits for their time together.
My husband and I are so grateful. Nobu has made our Edward a more lovable and enjoyable companion. We give Nobu 5 stars or 10 on the scale. We highly recommend him to anyone who truly loves their dogs and wants the best for them.
James and Mary Jacobs

I just wanted to write to say a big THANK YOU for giving me back my dog.
Going through your training class was a terrific experience, both for me and for Molly. She is a new dog. Friendly, happy, and extremely responsive. Giving Molly medicine, which was a necessity due to her chronic ear condition, was a nightmare. She hated it, I was a nervous wreck trying to catch her, and she wouldn’t come near me for days after. Now, it is a “piece of cake”. I tell her we’re going to do her medicine and she lays down on the living room floor and waits for me. Unbelievable!!!
Kndness, consistency, and, of course, treats are the key. You are a wonderful teacher and I will recommend you to anyone who has a dog. Even a dog who appears to be well behaved can learn from you and we owners can always learn! Both Molly and I thank you for being there when we needed you.
Sincerely,
Judi and Molly Miller

I was very pleased with Nobu’s beginning and intermediate obedience training classes. He is excellent with the dogs and very patient with their owners. He did a great job of training me to train my dog. I know I gained some insight into how my dog sees the world and the best way to communicate to her what I want her to do.
It was all done with positive training methods and rewards my dog wanted to work for. I plan to enroll another of my dogs into Robert’s beginning obedience class soon.
Susan Baxter

 I would like to recommend Nobu, The Dog Walker.  He has done a rmarkable job with my two dogs especially my little min pin!! He always was very  patient and kind with them.
Sincerely,
Terri Checketts

Dear Nobu,
Thank you for the outstanding job walking our dogs. our passion and knowledge of dogs allowed you to gain acceptance from our dogs quickly, to improve their behavior on walks, and provide us with a model on how to hand pre-walk anxiety. We highly recommend you to anybody that is looking for extra help with their dogs.
Sincerely,
Keith Thompson and Laura McLarty

I highly recommend Nobu, The Dog Walker. He has been walking our dog
for almost a year. Our household has undergone some radical changes this past year and our loyal companion had suffered through some of these changes with us. We were no longer able to take her on walks ourselves.
This resulted in some behavior problems. Nobu has been recommended to us by 3 separate sources so we decided to try him. In the beginning, our dog was hesitant but he soon won her over.
He is reliable, sensitive, and knowledgeable about dogs. He has the ability and patience to work through behavior problems, often offering suggestions to us on how to handle specific problems. Now she eagerly waits for him at the door each morning for their daily jaunts. He has given us back our loveable faithful companion.
I know he will provide the same service for you.
Barbara Sloss

We have been acquainted with Nobu, the Dog Walker for over a year. He has been instrumental in helping train our two Scottish Terriers in addition to walking them several days a week. He has been prompt, reliable and very congenial. The dogs love him and sit looking at the door awaiting his arrival. We appreciate his services and rely on his help.
Gratefully,
Ruth and Wink Epperson

We recently had the passing of my father in law, which necessitated a trip
to Michigan for about 8 days. Our regular dog sitter was unavailable. I had seen one of Nobu’s cards, and called him to come and meet my pets. He immediately bonded with all 3 of my dogs. I showed him their regular walk and routine. He cared for them while we were gone, and we could not be happier with the results. He is professional, and caring. I will be using him in the future, and would highly recommend him to anyone needing a dog sittter.
Sincerely,
Barry Robinson