Ray S. is unquestionably the best dog trainer and handler I have known across several different generations of my dogs. He is expert at what he does and explains clearly to the dog owner the what, the why and the how of working with their dog. I never worried leaving my dogs with Ray as I knew he was in control – of a single dog or a pack – and that he was 100 percent focused on them, never distracted. I recommend him without reservation to anyone with a puppy, a problem dog or a special needs dog. There’s no one like Ray.
Toby M – Greenwich, CT
*****
We were very lucky to have found Ray 5 years ago when we first got our dog Teddy as a puppy. We started Teddy off hiking with Ray as a puppy because we were working during the day and needed someone to take Teddy out. What we didn’t realize was the invaluable service that Ray provides is so much more than just an hour of exercise in the middle of the day. Ray has expertly trained teddy to be well behaved off leash. He will recall for us easily and we are very comfortable that he will stay close by when not on a leash even in the event of distractions (deer, squirrels, other dogs, etc.) He is also very good with other dogs as the group hikes have helped train him to be comfortable around other animals. Furthermore, Ray will pick up and drop off Teddy from our house without anyone being there and Teddy is pleasantly tired for the rest of the day after his lunchtime hike. I truly believe the service Ray provides is unique in our area, reasonably priced, and very healthy for Teddy and we are lucky to have Ray take him hiking a few days a week.
Bill H – Old Greenwich CT
*****
A client since 2014. I feel Henry and Annie are in great hands when Ray or Michael come to take them on their hikes. And, I know they are having the best time. When you or Michael come to the door to get them, they immediately jump up and run to the door with pure enthusiasm and excitement. I particularly love the feedback (and picture) we get during their hikes. It makes me feel like a proud parent knowing the dogs are having fun with their friends. Keep up the great work!!!! We’re so fortunate to have found you and would recommend you wholeheartedly.
Betsy K – Greenwich CT
*****
I have known Ray S. for years… 3 dog life spans.Over the years I have watched Ray go from a gentle leader of a small dog pack to a master trainer and dog whisperer. Ray is a fun hiking companion and truly loves the dogs. They truly love him too.If anyone has any concerns about putting their dog in Rays care, please feel free to call me. Sincerely!!
Ana D. – Greenwich, CT
*****
Ray
You are a dog whisperer!
What isn’t to love?
Now that Palmer is home from school/camp – she waits for Billie to come to driveway so she can see all your dogs!
I have no complaints – I look forward to Billie hike days prob as much as she does.
keep it up!
Heather S – Greenwich CT
*****
I believe we have been with you since 2015 and the experience for Hope has been terrific. Observing Hope staring out the picture window waiting for Ela to arrive to pick her up and then knocking anything and everyone in her way to get to the back door is utterly priceless. And the scene never gets boring.
She enjoys her hikes with her friends and I know it is good for her as well.
I also appreciate your willingness and dependability when we need your ( normally on short notice ) help / coverage for Hope.
Your operation and all involved are dependable and caring.
Michael C – Greenwich CT
*****
We have been clients of Ray (owner of K9 Trek),and Ela for over 5 years. Their dynamism, enthusiasm , and professionalism are unparalleled. Since we brought our Boston Terrier home 5 years ago, Ray was there to help me train and guide me through the steps a to how to train our puppy.
Yoda starting going on hikes and loves being with all his buddies. He waits in front of the window to watch Ela’s car pull up our drive way. He has uncontrollable happiness!!
We cannot be happier with K9 Trek and all its employees!! They are all outstanding and wonderful with the dogs. They are part of our daily lives and our dogs love being with them . They are simply the best!!!
Dorothy R – Greenwich CT
*****
Ray Sotelo and his crew have walked and cared for our dogs for about 11 years (2008). Ray established an immediate rapport with both dogs; they were always excited whenever he arrived for nature walks or other services. When they were ailing, he changed his schedule to fit their needs. As our dogs aged, Ray recognized their limitations and adapted their walk group accordingly. We have always found Ray to be very reliable, trustworthy, easy to communicate with, and responsive to our human and dog needs. We highly recommend him!
-Ginny Gwynn and Jon Bellis, Cos Cob CT
*****
I’ve used K9 Trek (Ray) services for both of my dogs, whom they both adored. They both came home happy, well exercised and calm. Never had that experience elsewhere. I’ve recommended Ray to countless friends and fellow dog owners. ALL said they had a great experience and behavior correction used, stuck. Their dogs are now well adjusted, social and civilized. A blessing to all.
Carolyn H – Riverside CT
*****
(12/04/2017) We called Ray based on the recommendation of a good friend. We have 2 Labrador retrievers. Our younger one is 4 years old and he was refusing to come into the house at night if my husband was the only family member at home to let him in. Our dog would come to the door, but when my husband opened it to let him in, he would promptly run away and it could take hours to get him inside. One time he slept outside all night because after 1:00 am, my husband was done trying!
This was a very stressful situation as I didn’t want to worry that when I was out of town, our dog might not come inside. It could be wintertime and cold, or we have the danger of coyotes in our area.
I called Ray and explained the situation. He came to our house in the evening and worked with my husband and our dog, and within an hour he gave us the methods to use to get our dog inside and our dog was listening! We practiced the tips that Ray gave us over the course of the next week and he had fixed the problem. Our dog now comes inside very easily and the stress and worry are gone.
Our 4 year old Lab also likes to jump on visitors and during the same one hour session Ray showed us techniques and explained how to use them when company came to our house. When our relatives came for Thanksgiving, for the first time our dog was well behaved and my sister said he was like a different dog!
I would definitely recommend Ray Sotelo! He did a wonderful job training our dog in just one lesson and it has made a tremendous difference. He is patient, friendly and effective!
Sincerely,
Janice H – New Canaan CT
*****
Ray Sotelo, owner of K9 Trek, runs a pet professional company. He and his staff are well-trained and well-organized so that as a pet owner, I am completely confident that my 62 pound Labrador is well taken care of. She is picked up on time and the trainer communicates with me during the hikes about how the day is going and when she will be brought home. In inclement weather, I am alerted to cancellations and if raining or snowing, I am given a choice as to whether or not, I would like my dog to hike. Ray and Ela, also make house calls in case my schedule causes us to leave our pet alone. I have worked with Ray and his team for over 10 years and highly recommend his services to any one who is a pet lover and wants to maintain their pet’s health through exercise and socialization.
Pam S – Greenwich CT
*****
Ray has known Rufus since he was a small puppy in 2009 because whenever we were in the park at the same time, Rufus would join his group. I could not get him to come. At other times Rufus would run off with another dog and be gone for a long time. I got lots of phone calls.
Finally in the summer of 2011, when Rufus was two years and two months, I was desperate and Ray volunteered to teach me how to perform recall training. We took one hour and a half walk with four other dogs and Ray coached me every step of the way.
By the end, Rufus knew that I had to be listened to. On a second walk, Ray refined my procedures and Rufus has been a dream ever since. Now when I get out his collar his tail starts to wag because it means a trip to the park.
Ray gave me the confidence to persist in a calm way to let Rufus know that “Come” is fun and not negotiable. Rufus knows just how far away he can go before I am going to call him.
He actually has more freedom. I would go to Ray with any training problem because he really knows his work.
Diana – Stamford CT
*****
My family and I worked with a few experienced dog trainers before we found Ray Sotelo, who was hands-down the most effective. He was kind, comfortable, and clear — and most important, he took the time to understand our dog and to problem-solve with us. His techniques work, and we saw lasting progress after every one of his visits.
Tom – Greenwich CT
*****
We were so happy and lucky to find Ray in 2013 when we moved from London to the US. Ray was immediately an invaluable source of advice for training our one year old Labrador, Evie. Moreover, she absolutely loved her hikes with him and the pack – we always had complete confidence in Ray’s care of her and all his dogs. Therefore, when we got our second dog, Chloe, last year we immediately asked Ray to help us with her training and work with her off leash on the hikes. This has been hugely successful and both Chloe and Evie continue to look forward to seeing Danny and Ray and eagerly wait for them to collect them for their hikes. I really appreciate the reports and photos that Danny sends me of the dogs on their hikes and how kind and caring he is towards the dogs (and our family!). Ray is extremely reliable, communicative and responsive to any questions and keen to help. K9 Trek are the best and I highly recommend them!
Sarah R – Old Greenwich CT
*****
