Willow - Training Client

As long-time dog owners, both Kim and I have long since admired the Weimaraner as a breed. Unfortunately, we had lost both of our Labs in the previous year, but this opened up the opportunity to learn about Weimaraner breed and ended up purchasing one from a reputable breeder in Alberta in October of 2022.  Having done some research we knew that the breed had some unique behaviours, and as such pre-determined that we would enlist the assistance of a reputable trainer very early on in our relationship with “Willow" our new little fur baby.  

Donna came into our lives very shortly after that and we are so grateful we connected with her and more importantly she connected with Willow immediately. The training took place at our home, which we were so happy with as it was one on one and not in a group setting. Of course being the intelligent people we are, we also brought a puppy into our home when the weather was -30 for days on end. Donna was so helpful in teaching us brainwork games and activities for Willow when it was just too cold to be outside. I have to also say Donna was so generous in lending us toys, games etc. to keep Willow busy and also taught us a lot about using everyday things around the house to keep Willow busy and stimulated.

 With respect to the training aspect Donna provided exceptional information that we could easily replicate after she left for the day, in addition Donna left great reference notes and index cards for us after each training session so that we could continue with the training in between sessions with Donna. We still use those notes and index cards to this day when we need to refresh our approach or resolve behavioral training with Willow. During the early days of training sessions one of the things I really respected about Donna and her approach was that nothing was ever forced upon us, she would give us the information and the positives behind it and let us decide which approach, commands etc. that we wanted to use with Willow. Donna also allowed the training to take place at our pace, depending on what was going on in our lives, so extremely accommodating to our schedule. I joked with Donna very early on that these sessions were designed to train us humans and not so much the dog, funny she never disagreed with that comment.  

 Donna’s entire approach in training is positive reinforcement (both with the dog and the owners), and I have to say it has been very successful with respect to Willow growing up to be a very well-mannered and well-behaved pup and now moving into adulthood. Don’t get me wrong, Willow can still be a ‘Weimar Raptor’ at times however consistent positive techniques have allowed us to deal with those moments in positive and constructive ways that allow for a fantastic bond with her. After seeing and being a part of the positive training approach I would not consider any other options.

 It has been quite some time since our agreed upon training time with Donna has expired, however we are more than thrilled to say that Donna is still a huge part of Willow’s life and continued training. Willow sees Donna once a week for a few hours and Donna is incredible with respect to continued training and age appropriate socialization with her. There is no one we respect and trust more with our little girl than Donna. And Willow loves her Auntie Donna and spending time with her and meeting her really cool "Polite Pups” dog friends.

 If you are looking for someone to not just train your dog, but to invest in them you will never go wrong entering into a relationship with Donna Barrett and “Polite Pups Training.”  

 Thanks for all you do and have done Donna. 

 Scott and Kim McComb