Lou - Training Client

We chose to invest in puppy training to enhance communication between us and our pup, to help establish boundaries and expectations. Also, for the safety and security of our pup, it was/is important for us to have her trained. We believed that understanding commands would certainly help keep our puppy safe while living within the respectful boundaries/expectations we set out for her.

In working with Donna, we learned more about the behavioral traits of dogs, which helped us to consider and understand why our puppy, Lou, may be acting or responding in certain ways. We also learned the importance of playtime and when to recognize that our girl may need a break from training. Additionally, we very quickly learned how much of the training is focused on us as dog owners and the importance of both teamwork and consistency. Something as simple as having all members of our household using the same commands to ensure retention is something that admittedly, without Donna, we wouldn't have thought twice about.

Also, we found it very helpful to learn about husbandry/grooming skills while caring for our puppy.

Donna's training program inclusive of shared information and practiced techniques helped reassure us as puppy owners. Although both Tyler and I have both owned dogs before, this was our first experience with a puppy. In her first six months, our very curious pup would frequently blur the line of exploration and mischief which often resulted in worry for us as puppy parents. Donna was always a text message away, sharing information that would help explain Lou's behaviors. 

Our repeated practice of cues and commands, combined with the gradual introduction of new commands and tricks, kept our pup engaged and challenged in a very positive way. Understanding that our own success as humans is most often achieved through motivation and encouragement in supporting environments, we respect that our puppy would thrive in the same type of environment. I could not fathom using aggression towards her to force a response, most especially in hindsight, given Lou's success achieved through positive reinforcement.

Understanding that our own success as humans is most often achieved through motivation and encouragement in supporting environments, we respect that our puppy would thrive in the same type of environment. I could not fathom using aggression towards her to force a response, most especially in hindsight, given Lou's success achieved through positive reinforcement.

Michelle and Tyler