“Susan and Nikita and I want to tell you how much we got out of your classes. All three of them have been educational and fun. We have thoroughly enjoyed them, especially this last one (Canine Good Citizen). They have really helped with Nikita’s educational and emotional development. She is definitely a much better canine companion for having taken your classes. You get a top notch rating from the three of us, and consider us super references for you and enthusiastic promoters of your services. Thank you for all of your patience and help, and for teaching us all well so that again with your help, we successfully completed the (CGC) test today. It was a terrific experience for the three of us.”

– JA (Durham, NC)

“I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned from taking your classes!  I was really lacking the skills to effectively communicate to Uno and Dos, and thanks to you, I finally feel like we are all on the same page!  I now know how to tell them what I want them to do, and they are learning quickly to focus on me and listen to what I say.  The reward system is fantastic (now that I know how to apply it effectively and consistently) and we have fun with every activity we do, because it turns into a game in which they learn to listen and then get rewards.  Even preparing the rewards in the kitchen has become an activity where they have learned to sit at the entrance of the kitchen and watch me patiently, and when they do, they get yummy treats for staying in place.  Everyday I see something new from them regarding a behavior I desire and it is the best feeling!  The biggest change is the general level of decreased anxiety from them.  I know this is because they finally feel I am in control of the situation and of them.  Like children, they don’t want to be in control, they want to be lead.  Now I know how to be a better leader and they feel more secure and safe in return!  Because I’m in control, I am relaxed and happier and therefore, they feel more relaxed and happier!  It has been amazing to see and feel the transformation.

Thank you so much for giving me the basic skills to effectively communicate to my dogs!!  It is amazing how beneficial it is to every aspect of our day-to-day lives!!  I have tons of stories of achievements we have made over the last couple of weeks, but my favorite was this weekend.  Thomas and I were in the yard (several hundred feet from the house) doing some work and Uno and Dos were on the deck watching us.  While we were in the yard, every dog in every direction was barking, but Uno and Dos just sat quietly watching us in a relaxed state (such a nice feeling for me!).  Then they eventually escaped, BUT when they did, Dos came running right to me (even though he could see all the other dogs near him barking away) and Uno just stayed in the yard and laid down.  It was so wonderful because before they would have run to the other dogs, but now they come to me.  They were given a nice reward for their choice and I was a happy and proud Mom!

Thank you again, you have helped make a huge difference in my life!”

-SVH (Chapel Hill, NC)

“I have one problem with Jenn’s site…I can’t stop reading it and I’m not getting any work done! It’s so interesting and informative and really cute hearing from Royal on the blog! It’s helping me remember Mattie’s early years (16 yrs ago) and it seems I did okay with her. We got her at 4 months and potty trained, so Jenn’s site is going to really help for month 2 and 3 especially. Please pass on to Jenn my thanks!”

-PE (Cumberland, MD)

“You are truly a blessing for both dogs and people – thank you for being here and for your wonderful energy and professional knowledge. I’ve worked with 4 other trainers over the last few years and you have the compassion, patience, and knowledge that has been hard to find.”

– TO (Chapel Hill, NC)

“I have to say the change in Flynn’s walking behavior seemed to happen overnight due to the Gentle Leader Easy Walk. It gave me so much more control and I could guide Flynn without any pulling. And it seemed to have a psychologic effect on Flynn: once he realized his body was going in my direction even when he didn’t want to go, it put a stop to any “power struggle.”

As for the reaction to other dogs and people, the progress has been slower but steady. At first, he would still get so anxious that he wouldn’t always want the treat, but it was amazing what a little praise did for him. I tried to avoid other dogs when possible, but when it wasn’t possible, I would have Flynn sit, and then I would get down on one knee to be at his eye level and just talked to him, praised and petted him, and tried to keep his eyes focused on me, and not the dog walking past us.

It was hit-or-miss at first, but the progress has been amazing. I’ve gotten to the point now that I don’t use the treats at all, and when we’re walking and we have to pass by another dog – if it’s a neighborhood dog that I know Flynn is familiar with and not so shy of – I don’t even make him sit anymore. We just keep walking and I keep talking to and praising Flynn the whole time so he’s focused on me. My neighbors tell me it looks like I’m carrying on quite a conversation with him!

There are still some situations where we absolutely have to do the “sit-and-praise” – if it’s a new dog Flynn isn’t familiar with or a couple of dogs that just get under his skin – there’s a terrier in the neighborhood that is allowed to run free or if on a long leash, the owner doesn’t watch it very closely. These are the times that I really can tell what a difference this training has made. He still reacts occasionally, but the level of reaction is so reduced from the anxiety he’s shown before.

By the way, we have “chill-out” time in the evenings when, if Flynn has had a stressful day, he gets a really good, gentle rub-down, which seems to work wonders on calming him. Also, I’ve switched him to Wellness Fish dog food. I think all these actions combined have made a tremendous difference.

At least three of my neighbors have commented on Flynn’s improved behavior and I’ve passed your name on to them. I think it’s amazing what can happen when a person gets the right kind of information and training.

We’re not finished yet, and there’s still training to do. Flynn will never be the kind of dog that loves to socialize with other dogs, but at least now, we can walk in peace and my time with him is so much more enjoyable! Thanks.”

– DM (Burlington, NC)