The following dog training reviews, testimonials and success stories come directly from our clients. We
take them from emails that we have received and do not edit the content in any way. We're very
proud of the dog training reviews that we have received from our clients and we would like to take a
moment to thank them for taking the time to pass their feelings and experiences along to us.
take them from emails that we have received and do not edit the content in any way. We're very
proud of the dog training reviews that we have received from our clients and we would like to take a
moment to thank them for taking the time to pass their feelings and experiences along to us.
Dog Training Success Stories &
Other Nice Things People Have Said To Us
Other Nice Things People Have Said To Us
A Special Story About Dealing With Dog-On-Dog Aggression ..
Nicole from Scottsdale and her Rottweilers, Karma & Maxx
Nicole from Scottsdale and her Rottweilers, Karma & Maxx
Nicole's story is a special one. We received a wonderful story
from Nicole about the success she has had with her rottweilers,
Karma and Maxx and we wanted to share it. It's just one
example of what can be accomplished.
from Nicole about the success she has had with her rottweilers,
Karma and Maxx and we wanted to share it. It's just one
example of what can be accomplished.
Karma, a wonderful dog to her humans, was having trouble
accepting other dogs. She showed incredibly strong dog
aggression and her prognosis was very bleak. Nicole had a
dilema. She knew that her options were limited. She could
re-home Karma, she could euthanize her or she could take
on the daunting task of attempting to rehabilitate her
long-time friend and companion.
accepting other dogs. She showed incredibly strong dog
aggression and her prognosis was very bleak. Nicole had a
dilema. She knew that her options were limited. She could
re-home Karma, she could euthanize her or she could take
on the daunting task of attempting to rehabilitate her
long-time friend and companion.
Nicole wasn't willing to give up on Karma and her story is
an inspiration to all of us. So inspiring in fact, that we
decided that we needed to dedicate an entire page to
Nicole and her friends, Karma and Maxx.
an inspiration to all of us. So inspiring in fact, that we
decided that we needed to dedicate an entire page to
Nicole and her friends, Karma and Maxx.
Danny and Jill from Gold Canyon and their German Shepherd, Shasta
Leash Manners .. General Dog Obedience .. Social Manners
"Subject: WOW!
Just a quickie to let you know that I took Shasta on a 50 minute walk today and she was nearly perfect from the get go! I can't believe it! Maybe it was beginners luck but I am just thrilled to enjoy a walk with her and I really think she enjoyed it too!Thank you so much!"
Just a quickie to let you know that I took Shasta on a 50 minute walk today and she was nearly perfect from the get go! I can't believe it! Maybe it was beginners luck but I am just thrilled to enjoy a walk with her and I really think she enjoyed it too!Thank you so much!"
Jill & Shasta
Gold Canyon .. Arizona
Gold Canyon .. Arizona
Adam and Katie from Ahwatukee, Arizona and their Golden mix, Audi
Leash Manners .. Anxiety .. Nervous .. Excessive Barking .. General Dog Obedience .. Social Manners
I just wanted to send you an update on how Audi is doing. She's fabulous and we're on our second foster dog.
I think it's really helping her deal with distraction and still listen to us at the same time because I've noticed
a HUGE improvement! We've been working with long distance recall and she's getting much better at
coming to us when called but there is still more work to be had. Everyone comments on how she looks
to us for 'permission' before she does something and they all think it's really cool. I'm like
'yeah, I know, she's my girl!'"
I think it's really helping her deal with distraction and still listen to us at the same time because I've noticed
a HUGE improvement! We've been working with long distance recall and she's getting much better at
coming to us when called but there is still more work to be had. Everyone comments on how she looks
to us for 'permission' before she does something and they all think it's really cool. I'm like
'yeah, I know, she's my girl!'"
Katie & Audi
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Tim and Kate from Chandler, Arizona and their Chow/Airedale mix, Dudley
Excessive Fear .. Shy .. Timid .. Fear On Leash .. Leash Manners
"Thanks for the timely follow up. I was going to write last night to tell you that Dudley and I had two
of the best walks yesterday. They were in fact the best walks I have ever had with a dog companion.
Dudley was well mannered and focused the entire time. He responded well to "heel" and we worked
on his "sit " when I stopped. We need more work on that! Kate had a fall last night and broke her left
wrist so she will be on the sidelines for a bit, so we assigned her to work with Dudley in the house
on his home work: Sit, Down, Wait and Stay. He takes very well to sit and wait at the door and waits
for the break command before leaving the house."
of the best walks yesterday. They were in fact the best walks I have ever had with a dog companion.
Dudley was well mannered and focused the entire time. He responded well to "heel" and we worked
on his "sit " when I stopped. We need more work on that! Kate had a fall last night and broke her left
wrist so she will be on the sidelines for a bit, so we assigned her to work with Dudley in the house
on his home work: Sit, Down, Wait and Stay. He takes very well to sit and wait at the door and waits
for the break command before leaving the house."
Tim, Kate & Dudley
Chandler .. Arizona
Chandler .. Arizona
Second Email
"Dudley and I just got back from a great walk. We met three women, mother, daughter, grandmother. We were heeling along, we stopped, Dudley sat, waited while they passed and went on. The mother commented on how well mannered Dudley was and the grandmother thanked us for stopping to let them pass. IT WAS FREAKIN GREAT!!!!!!!!"
Cindy and Paul from Goodyear and their Silky Terriers, Leopold & Lexus
Housebreaking .. Mature dog marking in the house .. Obedience .. Pack Structure
"Dear Steve,Once again thank you very much for the expert training and knowledge you have given to my husband and myself. I truly did not know what to do anymore with Leopold when, for no reason, he started marking in the house. Now that we understand the pack structure and have established ourselves as pack leaders Leopold has not had an accident
in the house in 5 months. Please tell current and future clients that for
the program to work everyone in the household must get involved. In
the beginning my husband really didn't think the training would work,
but when he saw results after just a month he too got involved with the training. Thank you again!!"
in the house in 5 months. Please tell current and future clients that for
the program to work everyone in the household must get involved. In
the beginning my husband really didn't think the training would work,
but when he saw results after just a month he too got involved with the training. Thank you again!!"
Cindy, Leopold & Lexus
Goodyear .. Arizona
Goodyear .. Arizona
Neil and Tracy from Queen Creek, Arizona and their Doberman, Moose
Basic Obedience .. Social Manners .. Rude Demands .. Knucklehead Behaviors .. a year old doofus
"The pleasure was all ours. You have made a tremendous difference in our home. We had a loving, but unruly, dog before
we met you. Moose is now truly a fantastic member of our family (pack) and Tracy has taken to him like I never thought
imaginable. She was sick of his poor behavior and now she spends a ton of time with him.
we met you. Moose is now truly a fantastic member of our family (pack) and Tracy has taken to him like I never thought
imaginable. She was sick of his poor behavior and now she spends a ton of time with him.
Neil, Tracy & Moose
Queen Creek .. Arizona
Queen Creek .. Arizona
We are working hard at using the right commands and WE are coming along good. Moose is behaving very well and has
taken us as leaders without any argument at all.
taken us as leaders without any argument at all.
Thanks to your teachings, we are better owners and appreciate our Moose more than we could have ever thought
possible.
possible.
Thank you! And we look forward to seeing you whenever you may be in the area with other clients. And we'll be in touch
along the way to keep you apprised of Moose's progress. With our warmest appreciation, THANK YOU!"
along the way to keep you apprised of Moose's progress. With our warmest appreciation, THANK YOU!"
Robert and Pam from Glendale, Arizona and their Poodles, Molly, Bailey and Lucy
Excessive Barking .. Housebreaking .. Marking In The House .. Social Manners .. Excessive Demands
"I just wanted to write today to tell you how impressed we are with the results we've seen from the dogs.
Robert, Pam, Molly, Bailey & Lucy
Glendale .. Arizona
Glendale .. Arizona
We're getting the barking under our control and Bailey's marking has stopped completely. It's honestly a joy to be around our dogs now. Your
teachings were very informative and helpful and, just to let you know, we both thought you were very fun to work with. Your sense of humor
added a level of enjoyment to the sessions that we weren't expecting.
teachings were very informative and helpful and, just to let you know, we both thought you were very fun to work with. Your sense of humor
added a level of enjoyment to the sessions that we weren't expecting.
I told you this before but I'm still surprised at how much information you were able to pass along to us and how knowledgeable you are about
the dogs' behavior. There were so many things that you were right on about.
the dogs' behavior. There were so many things that you were right on about.
As you know, when we tried that other service and they had us getting down and barking at our dog, I didn't have a lot of
confidence and I was really just embarrassed. Your methods taught us so much about leadership and pack structure - things that they never
even discussed with us.
confidence and I was really just embarrassed. Your methods taught us so much about leadership and pack structure - things that they never
even discussed with us.
You've helped us into a position where we can actually brag about our dogs and how good they are. I've already told many of my
friends about you and your service. Feel free to publish this note and use us as a reference in the future. We'll be happy to pass along
our feelings about you.
friends about you and your service. Feel free to publish this note and use us as a reference in the future. We'll be happy to pass along
our feelings about you.
Anyway, thank you again. You've changed our home into a place of peace and harmony."
Kathleen from Ahwatukee and her Cattle Dogs, Holly, Boojum and Joopiter
Dominance Behaviors .. Puppy Issues .. Cat Manners .. Excessive Barking .. Excessive Demands .. a pack run amuck
"You would not believe the peace and tranquility and JOY and RESPECT around my house after only a few days of consistent and persistent training and correction. Boojum is no longer yelling at me, Joops is about the same (just a silly boy eager to please), and Holly is much calmer and more focused. It appears that I am becoming recognized as leader of this cowdog pack!!!"
"YES!!! The leadership methods that you showed me are working already. Holly is submitting and Boojum and Joops are sending me thank you vibes. I think this will also help bring my cat Gu back into the mix. Hopefully Gu will soon realize that Holly is not in control and my kitty can come around more. Once she is again milling about with the pack, then I can correct Holly whenever she goes into cat attack or pursuit mode. While working the techniques that we discussed will take some getting used to, I am willing to put in the time. THANKS!"
Second Email
Kathleen, Boojum, Jupiter, Holly & Gu the cat
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Kami and Jeff from Laveen, Arizona and their Great Pyrenees, Bello
Excessive Barking .. Excessive Anxiety .. Leash Manners .. Social Manners .. Recent Trauma (house fire)
"Steve, I wanted to send you a quick message to say thank you and let you know that we are thrilled with the
progress we are seeing in Bello in the few days since we first met with you! We have seen a marked
decrease in his barking and, though we'd be thrilled enough with that, he has also responded well to our
establishment of pack structure. We have been very successful with our training sessions each day. He
already has the "sit-down-stay" command with 15+ feet and holding for over 30 seconds. We started working
today on the "stay" while out-of-sight command and he did better than I anticipated!
progress we are seeing in Bello in the few days since we first met with you! We have seen a marked
decrease in his barking and, though we'd be thrilled enough with that, he has also responded well to our
establishment of pack structure. We have been very successful with our training sessions each day. He
already has the "sit-down-stay" command with 15+ feet and holding for over 30 seconds. We started working
today on the "stay" while out-of-sight command and he did better than I anticipated!
We had a house full of company last night and everyone remarked on how calm Bello was and how well
behaved! Most of the time he sits just by putting our finger up .... such a nice little party "trick" :). He also
"sit-stayed" while our front door was open and our guests left - a major change from his prior behavior!
Thanks again and we'll be in touch once we've mastered the initial skills you taught us."
behaved! Most of the time he sits just by putting our finger up .... such a nice little party "trick" :). He also
"sit-stayed" while our front door was open and our guests left - a major change from his prior behavior!
Thanks again and we'll be in touch once we've mastered the initial skills you taught us."
Kami & Bello
Laveen .. Arizona
Laveen .. Arizona
Jonathan and his daughter Shannon from Scottsdale, Arizona and their MaltiYorkiPoo, Rascal
Housebreaking .. Owner Abuse .. Jumping .. Nipping .. Biting .. Leash Manners .. Excessive Barking
"Steve, I've never been the type to write fan letters and I don't know that I've ever written a testimonial before, but I wanted to write to you to
pass along my thanks for what you did for my daughter. I didn't know if she would ever be able to get her dog under control and resolve the
problems that she was running into, but she did it and I credit you.
pass along my thanks for what you did for my daughter. I didn't know if she would ever be able to get her dog under control and resolve the
problems that she was running into, but she did it and I credit you.
Please feel free to put this out on your site. I think it's important for others to hear of our story.
For those of you who are reading this, I live in Nebraska and my daughter, Shannon, lives in Phoenix. She's twenty years old and I worry
about her all the time. So far away and on her own. She bought a dog that was causing her pain - both mental and physical. He was a
problem from the start - biting, urinating in the house, barking - all the typical young dog problems.
about her all the time. So far away and on her own. She bought a dog that was causing her pain - both mental and physical. He was a
problem from the start - biting, urinating in the house, barking - all the typical young dog problems.
Shannon called me one evening and told me that she wanted to hire a dog trainer and that she thought in-home training was the way to
go. I immediately got concerned. She told me that she had already found the trainer that she wanted to work with and that she was ready
to set it up.
go. I immediately got concerned. She told me that she had already found the trainer that she wanted to work with and that she was ready
to set it up.
Of course I had my concerns. Some stranger was going to be coming to her home and working with her alone in her apartment. I told her
that I wasn't sure that I approved of that. She told me not to worry and that she could take care of herself. If you are a parent, you know
how well that statement satisfied me.
that I wasn't sure that I approved of that. She told me not to worry and that she could take care of herself. If you are a parent, you know
how well that statement satisfied me.
The next evening, I got a phone call from Steve at A Better Dog. He wasn't obligated to call me but he did anyway. It was apparent
to me that he understood the concerns that I had and he wanted to do what he could to set me at ease. It was really incredible to me that he
would go out of his way and make time to do this. He explained that he also had a daughter and that he would be very concerned if he were in
my position. He basically let me grill him about him and his business and he answered every question that I had professionally and without
hedging his answers. I'm still amazed that someone in this day and age would go out of his way just to make a dad feel comfortable about his
distant daughter.
to me that he understood the concerns that I had and he wanted to do what he could to set me at ease. It was really incredible to me that he
would go out of his way and make time to do this. He explained that he also had a daughter and that he would be very concerned if he were in
my position. He basically let me grill him about him and his business and he answered every question that I had professionally and without
hedging his answers. I'm still amazed that someone in this day and age would go out of his way just to make a dad feel comfortable about his
distant daughter.
Anyway, to make a long story short, Steve took care of my daughter and her dog problems when I was too far away to help her. I can't
really express how grateful I am for the help that he gave her and the effort that he put out to help me. All I can say is that I would
recommend Steve to anyone in the Phoenix area who needs help. He's honest, sincere and he seems to care as much about the people
as he does about his animals.
really express how grateful I am for the help that he gave her and the effort that he put out to help me. All I can say is that I would
recommend Steve to anyone in the Phoenix area who needs help. He's honest, sincere and he seems to care as much about the people
as he does about his animals.
Thank you again Steve. I hope you do well in your profession and I hope you get the opportunity to help others the way that you
helped us."
helped us."
Jonathan, Shannon & Rascal
Scottsdale .. Arizona
Scottsdale .. Arizona
Christina from Phoenix, Arizona and her mixed breed, Basil
baaaasil .. yeah, Basil had some problems .. She tried to take my hand off three different times .. Basil's becoming a better girl now
"Since we last spoke, Basil has progressed even further. She is just becoming the sweetest, most social little
thing. Far more than I certainly could have imagined. I am looking into agility training along with a friend of mine
from school who has a pup of her own (wow Basil is making friends! :) Anyway a few words for your website if
would like to put them up, I will definitely refer your services to anyone who is having any dog troubles."
thing. Far more than I certainly could have imagined. I am looking into agility training along with a friend of mine
from school who has a pup of her own (wow Basil is making friends! :) Anyway a few words for your website if
would like to put them up, I will definitely refer your services to anyone who is having any dog troubles."
"Steve,
Thank you so much for all of your help with Basil. She is much less nervous now, and her submissive /
aggressiveness is now under control. Before I couldn't even have people over to the house because she had
become so unfriendly, however now I can have groups of people over and Basil is not an issue. Your techniques
put me in control of my dog, and now not only am I much happier, but Basil is too!"
Thank you so much for all of your help with Basil. She is much less nervous now, and her submissive /
aggressiveness is now under control. Before I couldn't even have people over to the house because she had
become so unfriendly, however now I can have groups of people over and Basil is not an issue. Your techniques
put me in control of my dog, and now not only am I much happier, but Basil is too!"
Christina & Basil
Phoenix .. Arizona
Phoenix .. Arizona
Danielle from Phoenix, Arizona and her Golden/Boxer mix, Cooper
Puppy GoodStart Program .. First Time Dog Owner .. Puppy Behaviors .. The Picture Says It All
"At 3 months old when I brought this boundless ball of energy home I knew he was going to be a handful.
After interviewing four local dog trainers, I chose Steve with A Better Dog. Their practice and philosophy
of taking the time to get to know each individual dog and owner demonstrates their commitment to providing
an effective and tailored program that is suitable to the specific needs of clients.
After interviewing four local dog trainers, I chose Steve with A Better Dog. Their practice and philosophy
of taking the time to get to know each individual dog and owner demonstrates their commitment to providing
an effective and tailored program that is suitable to the specific needs of clients.
In addition to the basic training sessions, Steve's availability to answer questions and concerns as they
have surfaced has been a great resource to guide Cooper and I through some challenging situations.
Although Cooper and I still have a long road ahead of us, I am very happy and satisfied with the work we
have done over the last five months and I am looking forward to all the great training adventures to come."
have surfaced has been a great resource to guide Cooper and I through some challenging situations.
Although Cooper and I still have a long road ahead of us, I am very happy and satisfied with the work we
have done over the last five months and I am looking forward to all the great training adventures to come."
Danielle & Cooper
Phoenix .. Arizona
Phoenix .. Arizona
Efram and Sadie from Queen Creek, Arizona and their Golden Retriever, Sugar
Puppy GoodStart Program .. First Time Dog Owner
"Recently my wife and I were talked into purchasing a dog for our 12 year old daughter Sadie. We made a deal with her that she
would be responsible for the dog and had to be the one to take care of her and train her. She agreed and it was actually her idea to
hire a dog trainer.
would be responsible for the dog and had to be the one to take care of her and train her. She agreed and it was actually her idea to
hire a dog trainer.
Under our supervision, Sadie got on the phone and started making calls. Steve at A Better Dog was really the only trainer we
could find who would take her seriously and actually spend time on the phone with her. We listened in on the extension
and were very pleased that he was speaking to her like an adult and taking the time to explain exactly how the training programs
worked. He also emphasized with her that she would need to be responsible for Sugar's training and work with her regularly.
could find who would take her seriously and actually spend time on the phone with her. We listened in on the extension
and were very pleased that he was speaking to her like an adult and taking the time to explain exactly how the training programs
worked. He also emphasized with her that she would need to be responsible for Sugar's training and work with her regularly.
After hanging up with Steve, Sadie was almost giddy. She wanted to get started right away.
Steve came over a few days later and after the preliminaries, he began to work with Sadie and Sugar. I told my wife after that
session that I was really impressed with the way that Steve explained everything in a way that Sadie could understand and he was
very clear on how she could accomplish her goals. He also had a way of talking to her and making her feel important, but after every
key point he would glance at one of us to make sure that we all understood things. He did it in a way that never made Sadie feel like
he was really talking to us.
session that I was really impressed with the way that Steve explained everything in a way that Sadie could understand and he was
very clear on how she could accomplish her goals. He also had a way of talking to her and making her feel important, but after every
key point he would glance at one of us to make sure that we all understood things. He did it in a way that never made Sadie feel like
he was really talking to us.
We've made great strides with Sugar over the past few weeks, but I'm even more impressed with what's happened with Sadie. She
was always a bit quiet and shy, but as she works with Sugar, I can see her confidence and self-esteem growing. It's really interesting
and rewarding.
was always a bit quiet and shy, but as she works with Sugar, I can see her confidence and self-esteem growing. It's really interesting
and rewarding.
Whenever she has a question, she calls Steve. He makes the time to talk to her and if he isn't available, he always calls her back
quickly. He has always been very professional and he uses humor and games to keep both Sadie and Sugar interested in the training
- and us for that matter.
quickly. He has always been very professional and he uses humor and games to keep both Sadie and Sugar interested in the training
- and us for that matter.
So anyway, thanks Steve. You've done more than just help us to train our dog and we really appreciate it."
Efram, Sadie & Sugar
Queen Creek .. Arizona
Queen Creek .. Arizona
Eric from Tempe, Arizona and his Pit Bull, Indi
First Time Dog Owner .. Housebreaking .. Recent Trauma (abandonment) .. Obedience .. Leash Manners .. Social Manners
"After living with my roommate's dog for almost three years I could not imagine life without one when he
considered moving out. About a month before he was scheduled to move I got the call. A young female pit
bull was found by an acquaintance of mine in the backyard of a foreclosed home. I was cautious at first,
knowing that pit bulls can be aggressive and not knowing the trauma she had gone through. After meeting
her and seeing first hand her loving and tender personality I knew she was too amazing to let go.
considered moving out. About a month before he was scheduled to move I got the call. A young female pit
bull was found by an acquaintance of mine in the backyard of a foreclosed home. I was cautious at first,
knowing that pit bulls can be aggressive and not knowing the trauma she had gone through. After meeting
her and seeing first hand her loving and tender personality I knew she was too amazing to let go.
The first few weeks with Indi were equally fun and hard. She was so great to be around but her constant
elimination in the house, disobeying of commands and chewing of furniture, carpets and cabinets soon
became too much to deal with. Every second she was not in eyesight lead to another mess to clean up or
more destruction. Internet research, advice from friends and the four books I had bought all seemed to
have great insight and advice but different strategies altogether. After a few weeks and very little
improvement I was at a breaking point. I was so stressed I even considered giving Indi up, that is when
someone suggested I call A Better Dog dog training.
elimination in the house, disobeying of commands and chewing of furniture, carpets and cabinets soon
became too much to deal with. Every second she was not in eyesight lead to another mess to clean up or
more destruction. Internet research, advice from friends and the four books I had bought all seemed to
have great insight and advice but different strategies altogether. After a few weeks and very little
improvement I was at a breaking point. I was so stressed I even considered giving Indi up, that is when
someone suggested I call A Better Dog dog training.
I felt better after my first conversation with Steve. Even though I know he heard them before, he listened
while I told of him of all the problems I was having with Indi. He reassured me that he could help and three
days later he came to my house. What a relief! It was not easy but after every day, week and month things
got better. Steve offered a complete system and not just strategies or advice to band-aid her behavior.
while I told of him of all the problems I was having with Indi. He reassured me that he could help and three
days later he came to my house. What a relief! It was not easy but after every day, week and month things
got better. Steve offered a complete system and not just strategies or advice to band-aid her behavior.
I am so thankful for him making me a proud owner of such a well-behaved and disciplined canine. I get compliments on her all the
time! After the turn around Indi made on their system I would recommend A Better Dog to anyone, and I do!"
time! After the turn around Indi made on their system I would recommend A Better Dog to anyone, and I do!"
Eric & Indi
Tempe .. Arizona
Tempe .. Arizona
Kirsten and Boots from Paradise Valley and their Golden Doodle, Ranger
Puppy GoodStart Program .. Baby At Home .. First Time Dog Owner .. Obedience .. Leash Manners .. Social Manners
"Thanks for checking in and for the great re-cap you emailed us, it was very helpful! Things are going much better with Ranger. We
have had many moments over the last two weeks when we have said “Steve is a genius!!!!” We’ve definitely made some progress
with the things we’ve talked about. We’ve been pretty good about all the techniques you taught us regarding pack structure.
Regarding the first commands, I think that is going very well. He has basically mastered all of them. We have even gotten to the point
where he will remain in a “Stay” with treats on his paws and not move till we say “break” (even if we are out of sight)! Thanks so much!"
have had many moments over the last two weeks when we have said “Steve is a genius!!!!” We’ve definitely made some progress
with the things we’ve talked about. We’ve been pretty good about all the techniques you taught us regarding pack structure.
Regarding the first commands, I think that is going very well. He has basically mastered all of them. We have even gotten to the point
where he will remain in a “Stay” with treats on his paws and not move till we say “break” (even if we are out of sight)! Thanks so much!"
Kirsten & Ranger
Paradise Valley .. Arizona
Paradise Valley .. Arizona
Kathy and Carolyn from Peoria, Arizona and their YorkiPoo, Sidney
Jumping .. Doorbell Manners .. Leash Manners .. Social Manners .. Excessive Barking .. Excessive Demands .. Queen Of The Castle
"We rescued Sidney from the Humane Society...just what we wanted a nice little 13-month old YorkiPoo.
She was cute and cuddly and so we brought her home. The first couple of months went fine, our
MaltiPoo, Peanut, who is 12 years old, was "tolerating" Sidney and she was pretty quiet and a real cutie.
Well, after she started feeling completely at home, she decided to show us her dominant side...she is one
hard-headed little doggie. She barked when things didn't go her way...she barked when things DID go her
way...she barked when the doorbell rang...she barked when the kitchen timer went off...she barked when
I raised or lowered the footrest on my recliner...you get the idea - she was a barker. When we settled in
for an evening of quiet TV, she started acting up. She demanded our attention at all times...she was the
boss and she let us know it...LOUD and CLEAR!
She was cute and cuddly and so we brought her home. The first couple of months went fine, our
MaltiPoo, Peanut, who is 12 years old, was "tolerating" Sidney and she was pretty quiet and a real cutie.
Well, after she started feeling completely at home, she decided to show us her dominant side...she is one
hard-headed little doggie. She barked when things didn't go her way...she barked when things DID go her
way...she barked when the doorbell rang...she barked when the kitchen timer went off...she barked when
I raised or lowered the footrest on my recliner...you get the idea - she was a barker. When we settled in
for an evening of quiet TV, she started acting up. She demanded our attention at all times...she was the
boss and she let us know it...LOUD and CLEAR!
After researching on the Internet, I found Steve's web site. Perfect! Our little Sidney needed to learn how to
behave and she needed to learn it in her own...uh, I mean OUR own house! Steve was full of information
on the first visit and he got a pretty good idea that Sidney was a dog who had her mind made up that life
was going to go HER way. He also completely understood the "nighttime crazies"!
behave and she needed to learn it in her own...uh, I mean OUR own house! Steve was full of information
on the first visit and he got a pretty good idea that Sidney was a dog who had her mind made up that life
was going to go HER way. He also completely understood the "nighttime crazies"!
By the end of the first session, Sidney was working for us and we got really good tips on how to make her understand who was boss.
Well, the first night after that session was horrible. Sidney acted up worse than ever and I was at my wit's end. I emailed Steve and
he could read the desperation in my words...that may be due to the fact I wrote I'M DESPERATE!! The next night Steve came over
with a couple of tricks and more great ideas. There were a few more rough patches, but things started getting better each day. We
worked with Sidney and she responded well to the training. Today she is a much calmer, better behaved dog than she was when we
called Steve. She still has her moments when she barks, but she quiets down very quickly and clearly understands the "enough"
command. She's the dog we wanted when we adopted her. Steve was so helpful; always there via email or telephone to offer
support, encouragement, and ideas to resolve the issue of the day. When he came to the house, he demonstrated first hand how to
teach Sidney to be a well behaved dog. I am so glad I found the web site and made that call! Thanks Steve!"
Well, the first night after that session was horrible. Sidney acted up worse than ever and I was at my wit's end. I emailed Steve and
he could read the desperation in my words...that may be due to the fact I wrote I'M DESPERATE!! The next night Steve came over
with a couple of tricks and more great ideas. There were a few more rough patches, but things started getting better each day. We
worked with Sidney and she responded well to the training. Today she is a much calmer, better behaved dog than she was when we
called Steve. She still has her moments when she barks, but she quiets down very quickly and clearly understands the "enough"
command. She's the dog we wanted when we adopted her. Steve was so helpful; always there via email or telephone to offer
support, encouragement, and ideas to resolve the issue of the day. When he came to the house, he demonstrated first hand how to
teach Sidney to be a well behaved dog. I am so glad I found the web site and made that call! Thanks Steve!"
Kathy & Sidney
Peoria .. Arizona
Peoria .. Arizona
This one is a little different. It's from a woman named Kalyn who just needed some honest advice.
"Hi Steve,
After we spoke last week, we made the decision to re-home one of the dogs. We were nervous at first, but we found him a FANTASTIC
home with a family who will give him a great life. In the past three days (since Jack went to a new home), Hunter has been a completely
different dog. We took your advice, and have made Hunter a part of our family. He now sleeps inside, and has spent a lot more time
inside and outside with us. We've gone on lots of walks. He no longer jumps on us (because he is no longer starved for attention). He can
be out in the front yard with us, and he is a model citizen. We are so thrilled with the progress in just a weekend. I don't think he is going
to require formal training, just love from our family. I just want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me over the phone, and tell
me the honest truth. If we have any formal training needs in the future, your company will be at the top of my list."
After we spoke last week, we made the decision to re-home one of the dogs. We were nervous at first, but we found him a FANTASTIC
home with a family who will give him a great life. In the past three days (since Jack went to a new home), Hunter has been a completely
different dog. We took your advice, and have made Hunter a part of our family. He now sleeps inside, and has spent a lot more time
inside and outside with us. We've gone on lots of walks. He no longer jumps on us (because he is no longer starved for attention). He can
be out in the front yard with us, and he is a model citizen. We are so thrilled with the progress in just a weekend. I don't think he is going
to require formal training, just love from our family. I just want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me over the phone, and tell
me the honest truth. If we have any formal training needs in the future, your company will be at the top of my list."
Thanks Again,
Kalyn
Kalyn
Martin and Linda from Surprise, Arizona and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Zach
Fear Issues .. Aggression Demonstrations .. Bonding With Owners .. Puppy Problems
"Hey there Steve,
Wanted to give you an update on our Zachariah. We are very well pleased with Zach’s progress. He now has freedom to roam around our home and he and Martin are best buds. Quite amazing to see him content to sit on Martin’s lap and take a snooze, from when we first got him, Zach turned his head away and wouldn’t sit still on Martin. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge - we now believe God had this precious little guy made just for us - it took a few months of diligence but it has all paid off and we have a peaceful family.
Thanks ever so much."
Wanted to give you an update on our Zachariah. We are very well pleased with Zach’s progress. He now has freedom to roam around our home and he and Martin are best buds. Quite amazing to see him content to sit on Martin’s lap and take a snooze, from when we first got him, Zach turned his head away and wouldn’t sit still on Martin. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge - we now believe God had this precious little guy made just for us - it took a few months of diligence but it has all paid off and we have a peaceful family.
Thanks ever so much."
Martin, Linda & Zachariah
Surprise .. Arizona
Surprise .. Arizona
