Denise Mazzola's Everything Dog

My puppy started to display fear reaction. I went to Denise open to nearly anything to help him and also believing that he was young/motivated enough to work through it. My hope was to train him to know that I would never put him in a situation where he needed to defend himself. He had basic obedience, but she felt that these were points that needed work instead of learning how to live in the real world. After a couple of months, Bo had tried to bite 2 people (I caught it in time) and actually bit 1. Denise told me that his behavior would never change and that the best course was to not allow him to interact with anyone/anything. We had one additional session after this, during which she continued to press the only solution was to isolate or return him to the rescue (despite having told her he would be euthanized for his bite history). I felt Bo was capable of more and knew that 100% avoidance of all things is unrealistic. I ended up contacting Chris Gilman at Green Mountain K9, and within 2 sessions, Bo was trained to have action instead of reaction - if he does not want interaction with something, he returns to me instead of lashing out - which is all I had asked for in the first place with Denise. Let me end with this - Denise is NOT a bad trainer. I’d recommend her for basic puppy obedience (and have in fact done so), but if you have concerns about behavioral issues, Chris is better equipped to help you with a dog who may other wise be isolated, given up/abandoned, or euthanized. The 2 stars is because she wasn’t open to alternate methods (praise instead of food, not rewarding all behavior), didn't place value in my input (Bo's motivation to please, inability to 100% isolate), OR recommend Chris (who she was aware was working with aggressive dogs) - only recommending that I sign up for more training with her (even after she told me that Bo would never change). ** edit in response - I asked more than once for a training outside of your home in open-air environments, to which you told me that he was not ready. When we finally had one session outside (on Main St), we did one lap and used 3 chicken breasts to do it - he will eat but is not motivated by food. You said he did great, that you thought he was making huge progress. I felt it was unsafe to HOPE I could keep him distracted. That was when I told you about his bite/bite attempts - you replied that I should have told you before we had our session because you wouldn’t have allowed for the session to be in public if you had known and that behavior is “just who he is and that will never change” We were training for crate and being behind closed doors (both HUGE stressors for him) so that he could be isolated in the event someone did come to my house. The “demand barking” wasn’t that. He would sit at the window and bark/growl at anyone/thing that went by. You suggested keeping blinds closed or having bottom windows covered so he could not see out. We completed 5/6 trainings with you (from Feb thru late April). After being told 2 sessions in a row that he would never change, I saw it futile to cont. I do not owe you an explanation for that OR for seeking an alternate opinion. I waited 1 year to review you to ensure that Bo continued to be a changed dog. I didn’t want to leave a review without knowing his full and sustainable capability. Yes, Bo is trained with a prong & E-collar. Shaming people for taking protective measures with their aggressive dogs is not something I will stand for. We have tools in place to GUARANTEE he will not be able to bite another person, even if he forgets his training. They are stop-gaps for protection. It’s like shaming someone for using a leash to prevent their dog from running into traffic. To be clear, Bo can walk at a perfect heel, without any collars on, around people and animals… I just choose to be responsible with my 100lb dog who is stronger than I am.

EDIT*** I spoke to Denise after writing this review when I should have spoken to her first. I came off a little harsh because I was hurt. Denise is not a bad dog trainer. She will be good for basic obedience but I believe if you have aggressive dogs, she is not the trainer for you. We were in a serious situation and needed serious help. I went to Denise because my vet recommended her. I had two dogs who were fighting. She charged $250 for a 2 hr consultation. She came to my house, didn't even witness the two dogs in the same room and told me I need to get one of them euthanized. I couldn't accept that so I got a second opinion. I went to Chris Gilman at Green Mountain K-9 and my dogs went from wanting to kill each other to playing like best friends. I don't recommend this place to anyone. Please don't give this woman your money.

If you are looking for a trainer for you dog, I highly recommend Everything Dog! I have taken 2 classes with Amy and have enjoyed both. I wanted a training that was fun and stress free, and that is just what I got. If you are looking for a trainer who is going to train your dog for you, this might not be the class for you. This class equipped me with the tools I needed to train my own dog. Tools that I can apply to any dog I may own. I learned how to get my dog to respond to my commands while engaging and playing with her. What I appreciated the most was Amy's understanding that each dog is different. Amy was very receptive to my dogs needs (anxiety) and was able to adjust the training to let us be successful. Again, if you want to train your dog while building a strong relationship with them, you can't go wrong with Amy at Everything Dog!!!

My experience with Everything Dog has been absolutely outstanding. My puppy Maple and I have attended two classes with Amy and plan to take two more in the near future. After attending classes with eight trainers in several states with multiple dogs throughout the years, I can say that the education I received at Everything Dog is truly exceptional. The training is evidence-backed, rewards-based, positive and engaging. A heartbreaking experience with a reactive dog in the past highlighted how critical that type of training is, and I wish I had found Everything Dog sooner. In addition to the high-quality training, Amy and Denise are amazingly professional and communicative; they run a superb business. If you are looking for a trainer for your puppy or help with a reactive dog, I cannot recommend Everything Dog enough. Thank you so much, Amy and Denise!