Client Review

My boyfriend and I have had our Puggle Lola since she was a puppy. She is now going on 5 years old, and although no longer a puppy, she definitely had some behavioural issues that we wanted corrected. We feared training her at an older age would be difficult, but after looking at various options and Dog Training businesses, we settled on contacting Desiree to see what could be accomplished. I was inspired by her website, training outlines and her session packages were extremely reasonable priced. From the first day that we met with her with Lola, we could tell that we picked the perfect place!

Our first main problem was distractions, focusing and walking well on a leash. After the first meeting we knew that she would be able to help us in a big way. It’s amazing how the smallest change or correction can make the difference, and without Desiree’s guidance we would have never known. Our other main concern was Lola reacting negatively to other dogs while on walks, whether it be across the street or right in front of us. Lola being a bit older again we feared her not being able to change

Our sessions were just a few months ago in the summer, and to this day we continue to follow Desiree’s techniques and Lola continues to walk excellent – she barely even notices another dog near us while out!

In addition to the training itself, Desiree’s positive, friendly and motivated attitude made it extremely comfortable and easy for us to learn and teach our dog, and to continue to this day following her instruction. It was honestly like night and day from our first session till our last.  I often walk and think I wish I would pass by her while she is training another person just so that she can see us walking and see how well her training has affected myself especially, and of course Lola. As much as you think it’s the dog that has the problem, Desiree showed us that it’s definitely us as the owners who need to do the changing and learning!

We have watched the TV shows and tried it on our own, but for us we had problems sticking to it and practicing, and having that “guidance” in person.  Desiree’s attention, easy to follow techniques, and follow up made us stay extremely motivated, persistent and eager to impress at each lesson.  Desiree was extremely flexible with location and meeting places for our sessions, even coming right to our home and athletic park across from our house. If we EVER needed additional training we wouldn’t hesitate to call Desiree again, as well as anytime someone I know says they need training or has thought about it, I recommend her.

It’s hard to come to terms with needing the help, but for us when we finally did, Desiree was an excellent choice and I suggest anyone to give her a call

Jill, Chris & Lola

When Rio and I first met with Desiree we could not pass another dog, with in 200 ft, without a huge outburst from Rio. Rio would pull, stand on her back feet, wine, bark, screech and froth, scaring many people and other dogs.

Rio is 8 years old and has been this way since we adopted her at only 11 months old. After 4 sessions with Desiree she is now capable of walking calmly down the sidewalk, with dogs passing across the street.  We can also walk right past a dog on the SAME sidewalk with little reaction from her. ( I never thought I would see this day)

I felt very confident with the methods we were using and Desiree even brought her own personal dogs into the picture to help with Rio’s training. This was very reassuring that there was hope for Rio!

Desiree taught me how to read Rio’s body language and how to change her thought pattern towards being on the leash. I feel that the private sessions with Desiree were definitely money, and time, well spent.

Thank You Desiree !!!!!

Sheri & Rio

Frankie’s Review

We got our first dog Lacy (havanese) 7 years ago. Lacy is really shy and lacks confidence, she follows us around all the time, so we decided to get a second dog for company thinking that might help. Frankie ( a red toy poodle) came to our family 2 years ago when he was 8 weeks old . He is a hyperactive dog, full of energy, loves to play with people… totally opposite to Lacy.

When he was 5 months old we had him in a puppy class (with another Trainer) and we noticed he was showing signs of aggression to some dogs. We didn’t acknowledge it as we didn’t understand that it would continue and escalate as he grew. Then, when he was 1 year old we found we realized the aggression was getting worse. We couldn’t walk past any big dogs, or even some small excited dogs. He also reacted to bikes, rollerblades, scooters and small kids. Even if they were all the way across the street, he would start to growl and show his teeth.

The daily walk became really stressful to me.  I realized I needed to find some help, so I found my second Trainer. This one with a lifetime warranty, but after a month I didn’t see any change in Frankie and he seemed to even get worse so I figured it was time to seek yet another dog trainer for Frankie. I found Desiree (In the Dog House ) from the internet, our third Trainer in Frankie’s short life. We did some private lessons first, but I was still finding it challenging so she suggested we do a“Board & Train” program with Frankie where he would go and live with her for 3 weeks to receive 24-7 training in her home.

Once Frankie finished his training, I still remember the first time I brought him to the dog park and I saw him running so fast and he actually played with other dogs. It was so amazing! I can’t believe in only 3 weeks he already had made such progress. We can now walk him past most dogs, bike and kids without reaction. I bring him regularly out to the dog park, pet stores , the beach and we both enjoy our daily walk. We are still working with Desiree for some other skills in a group class and we join the “Pack Walk” through Desiree’s “Social Dogs Club” every week.

Thanks to Desiree, because of her I can enjoy every minute with my dogs. Frankie is even able to attend Dog Daycare now to continue his socialization skills. The most important thing I learned from Desiree is that dogs (just like humans) each have their own special personality, and that we should respect who they are, while still doing our best to correct bad behavior, but not trying to make them become something/someone they are not.

If I have any friends with a new puppy or whose dogs need help, I’ll recommend Desiree for sure.
Jane (and Frankie)