Eric Stokell

Owner/Trainer

Follow the Leader K9 began when I rescued a dog named Kaya. Kaya was going to be euthanized for her extreme aggression. When she came into my life, I became aware that this would be an extremely difficult dog to rehabilitate and ultimately re-home.  

I called every dog trainer in town and was unable to find the required help. I could not find a trainer who could get a muzzle on Kaya, let alone one who would train her. The provided advice was to euthanize Kaya as I was informed her rehabilitation was hopeless.

I was left feeling that the only one who could rehabilitate her was myself. So, I sought out the dog training knowledge I would need and began to study with some of the top canine rehabilitation specialists in the country. The more I worked to rehabilitate Kaya to coexist with my other two dogs, the more I realized how other people like me may be struggling.  

I was saddened when I learned that many high aggression dogs weren’t given much of a chance. I frequented animal shelters in order to rescue these dogs and to provide loving families with the dog of their dreams. I knew I could do this.

I learned that dogs require certain communication techniques to understand their owners and respond in kind. I honed these techniques with each dog I worked with, learning more with each dog’s unique behavior and personality.

New owners do sometimes struggle and become frustrated. I knew I could help them and I knew how much I wanted to help them. Thus, Follow the Leader K9 was formed.

When you combine loving caring owners with a compassionate master trainer with a love of dogs, we get success after success.

Over the years, I have worked with a multitude of amazing owners who have adopted dogs with the sole desire to give their new best friend a happy and safe home. They helped me find a passion within, and together we have saved many lives.

What I know is this: together, I can help you and your dog find a clear mutual place of understanding. It will be built on love and trust where your new family pet will never let you down. This understanding will allow you to include them in an abundance of your daily social life.

Thank you for welcoming a dog into your home and for seeking resources to give them the happiest life possible. They deserve an owner like you.

Oh, and by the way - Kaya was happily rehabilitated and she was adopted by a wonderful loving owner.

We are proud to provide top tier, many say the Best dog daycare and training in Santa Barbara and beyond. Reach us Today if you’re ready to have the relationship of your dreams with your dog!