I spent $6000 on a 'service dog' (it was a 'deal considering he normally charges $10, 000) named Kipper. The dog had clearly been abused and was terrrified of people and traffic (which is terrible because I was attending summer classes at UC Berkeley). The dog was (sort of) protection trained--he could lunge out to the end of his lead and bark--but that's about it. His obedience was ok--but not as good as my own pet dog at home. I bonded quite strongly to the dog nonetheless...he was sweet. However he was a 'pet quality' dog and had NO skills in working around other people. I was supposed to use the dog for balance--however because of his terror--he served the opposite function and I spent most of my time trying to make sure I wouldn't fall because of his poor behavior.
We returned the dog but Bob refused to give us our money back. Our dog had been rejected by someone before us, and
now this guy Bob Taylor says the formerly extraordinarily fearful dog is so good he gives K-9 demonstrations in front of large groups of people and just the other day "prevented a seizure." Unfortunately we cannot afford to spend even more money to properly file suit.
What is the most horrible thing though--he actually sold kipper to another (unsuspecting) family. Unfortunately the family that now has him no longer had their website up...
Bob Taylor has a criminal history and was arrested most recently for a felony in May 2008 (I don't know what
for). He has many bankruptcies, including bankruptcy of a business called Snowline K-9. Also, there are a lot of small claims judgments against him. His business US K-9 has been suspended by the Franchise Tax Board.

If you are looking for an honest trainer who produces amazingly SOLID dogs see the following website: http://www.cqbk9.com/
I have just gotten a new dog (it took a while to find the money) from Alex (owner/trainer at CQB K9) but he is FANTASTIC and everything I asked for from Bob (but did NOT receive). If you want more information regarding either trainer feel free to contact me through this site.

I am clipping email sections of my communications with him (and also the family that currently has him):

I sent this:
I was emailing you to tell you my mom is not going to chase after you anymore to get the $6, 000. It is a new year and it would be good to 'start over'. When we initially gave you Kip back you offered to give us half ($3000) of what we paid for him back to us. I know Kip has a new home and that he is having fearful tendencies there as well and that they have also paid you for him. I am a college student and, as my mom is single, she cannot afford to spend any more money on Kip. We spent a great deal of money and time with him trying to make him work out for what I needed him for. We even personally flew him down to return him because shipping him as cargo would have been extremely traumatic for Kip. I really want to get another dog but cannot afford it. I know you probably work a lot with people who have a lot of money--but my mom and I don't. She is having to pay for everything right now and we are very stressed financially. I am aware you are probably too, however, in light of the fact that the people who had Kip before us did not get their money back either, it seems highly reasonable that you could give us your initial offer of half of what we paid for Kip. Would you be willing to give me back $3, 000 so I can put that money toward a new K9 helper? I would be eternally grateful to you for such an act of kindness.
sincerely, X

Me again (after no response):
thanks for nothing Bob.
Your true as a dishonest cheat have officially pulled through with flying colors.
I have found an HONEST trainer who is actually delivering the dog and spending three days with me at my home. The dog is positively stunning and has not once attempted to pee or have the runs in our house. I feel terrible about Kip...You don't deserve him. You are traumatizing him solely because of your greed and selfishness. At least be a decent human being to Kip: find him a PET home or give him to a GS rescue. Accept him for what he is and wants to be: a pet.

Bob Replied:
Dear Mik:

1. I did a tremendous amount of work FOR you with Kip, and then with Diza. I put in extra work on Kip for you. I gave you a discount.
I have sources who witnessed you working with Kip at your school, who you spoke to about Kip, and will testify against you.

2. The people who have Kip are completely, not mostly, but totally satisfied. I have it in writing, and they will testify for me. Kip is NOT overly sensitive, but totally balanced. In fact, he saved their son from a criminal assault.
[NOTE: this is NOT true--I have contaced the family regarding this and this is the direct quote from an email correspondance, " He still need a lot of training to be done. We havent really taken Kipper out in public for quite awhile now.. but when we have visitors
at the house he tend to run and hide..." (Jan 2009) ]

3. Diza, the dog we agreed to swap for Kip, is in a home fulfilling Assistance K9 functions for three different people in the same home.
Isn't it great a trainer was willing to work with you three days. That's about 1-50th of the time I spent.
The great thing is that no matter what anyone says, the truth has, does, and will prevail. The dogs are doing super jobs, and the people with the dogs are totally happy. I tried very hard to please you, and am sorry you have ended up like you have. I hope the best for you, and would suggest you and especially your mom get some good therapy.
Thank you for being a part of the learning process. Bob

Finally, I responded:

Stop playing victim. Everything you've ever told me has been a lie. I'm glad kip has a permanent home...because HE deserves it after the trauma you put him through so YOU could SCAM people out of A LOT of money. You are a sad excuse of a person and dog trainer. A good trainer would not have abused Kip. The family that got him TOLD US you admitted to being harsh with him. You are a criminal and you Know it. I know you are a felon...I just wish all the other people you sell mediocre dogs to knew the same things.
As far as therapy goes...I'm doing very well with it [thank you very much]. I am not, and never have been, the pathological liar you are. I am sending a picture of my new 24/7 'therapist'. He actually lets other people touch him--because he was trained by a REAL trainer [from CQB K9] who never abused him into being something he was not meant to be. Burn in hell--there is nowhere else that would ever be graced by your presence.