Calm Energy Dog Training

Anthony was a big help with my first foster dog. Cal is a 35lb lab mix who was nervous and had a lot of energy to burn. We got off to a rocky start, but hit a turning point after our Zoom session with Anthony. His impression of my pup was spot on, and Cal started to settle after we implemented his tips. Anthony was responsive over email and helped answer my random questions. I appreciated that his approach was supportive of Cal's natural tendencies, channeling his energy in positive ways. Helped me enjoy my pup a whole lot more - and helped get him ready for his fabulous adopted family.

My dog Charlie was a Sean Casey aggression case that I took as a foster after he sat at the shelter for at least a year snarling at and biting anything and everything in his path. I took him on, developed a trusting relationship and realized I didn’t feel comfortable re-homing Charlie and adopted him. For 3 years we lived in our own little blissful bubble, and he was somewhat touchable in certain circumstances (off-leash outside when he could back away from touch, for example). Charlie’s bubble was burst when my partner Jordan moved in with us. Charlie grew territorial and would aggress unprovoked. This is when I called Anthony-I was at my wits end. Two weeks ago, Anthony came in to our home and gave us some tips and tricks I was not yet using with Charlie, like how to have him walk politely with us. But most importantly, Anthony provided wonderful, patient instruction for Jordan on how to build a relationship with Charlie. Anthony explained Charlie is a sensitive fearful dog looking for leadership and by taking on a leadership role instead of “trying to be friends” with Charlie, Jordan could work at building a bond. Now, Jordan leashes Charlie, walks him, pets him, and there is ZERO unprovoked aggression. Furthermore, Charlie GOES UP TO PEOPLE FOR PETS on walks!!!! I can’t thank Anthony enough! If you have a dog with behavioral issues and are willing to put in the homework Anthony provides, results are possible. Every dog is different, and Charlie will always be a dog with the potential to bite, but I have to say I honestly NEVER imagined Charlie would ever reach a place where people on the street call him “friendly” and Anthony’s gentle guidance with Charlie’s humans was what it took!

I did a group class near Prospect Park in summer 2020 for leash walking. Unfortunately due to COVID there were not many trainers doing classes and this was one of the only ones in my area. After seeing a new positive reinforcement trainer and more research, I regret taking this class and the advice. The dominance based training (Cesar Millan), harsh corrections, using a martingale on a reactive, lunging, small rescue dog can exacerbate fear based behavior. I can’t recommend this and wish I never went as her behavior did not improve after this class and positive reinforcement has been the way to go.