Diana Simonsen Dog Training

I've been bringing my dog to Diana's classes, and a few individual training sessions, for about a year now - and have learned so much. My dog is very reactive to other dogs and we've both learned a lot of skills and strategies to help reduce and manage his reactivity. Diana is very good at identifying the core issue behind a behavior and helping the handler (me) to figure out how to adjust my approach to better work with my dog. We started out in the Canine Good Citizen class, which was great - we got to work on all of the things he needed help with in a very supportive atmosphere and at the level where he was (not pushing too hard, but also not just reviewing the basics). Recently we started trying Rally and realized that he and I both really enjoy it. Diana is so good at organizing a class to meet the needs of all of the dogs and handlers in it. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for fun and challenging ways to work better with your dog.

A literal LIFESAVER! Diana has solved one of the biggest crisis situations I have ever encountered in my life. Due to my own mistake, I was poorly informed about the laws in Europe/outside USA, and realized that I won't be able to travel with my service dog Felix (who is a standard poodle, just fyi) on any flight that is not directly from/to United States. So, even though it is part a of the same itinerary, a flight Europe-Europe falls under different laws. I was left completely lost as to what to do. This is all happening just a few days before our trip! I recorded a 40min video of my dog performing the service dog tasks, obeying various commands, behavior in public spaces, interactions with other dogs, cats, children... I recorded everything that crossed my mind. I was hoping that, miraculously if you will, this video will find its way to someone who can help me. I trained my dog myself, and it is INCREDIBLY difficult to find a trainer who is willing to assess a dog they haven't trained themselves. Diana took her time to carefully watch my videos, requested some additional footage (staying in tight space simulating airplane scenario, comfortably wearing a muzzle, pottying on command) which I provided immediately. She has been dealing with some persistent health issues lately, and regardless of that, found time and strength and helped a complete stranger while being very ill. After I provided the additional proof she requested, she came through and issued a certificate a day before we go about our traveling in Europe, which allows me to travel with my service dog. Not just this time, forever. And guess what she charged me? She didn't ask for anything. She didn't even ask for this review, but I would truly be an awful human being if I didn't take a few minutes after she quite literally changed my life- forever, and for the better. This is one incredibly thoughtful person, her resume and accolades speak for themself, and I don't have to add anything to it (you basically can't find an acronym this woman doesn't have linked to her name!). Now, don't go asking her for favors or freebies- she will deny you in a blink of an eye! I truly did train my dog vigorously, and she, being the expert that she is, saw that and helped us out in a difficult situation. If you are looking for a phenomenal trainer, who will give her everything to help you out- you found her. Do not look further. And you can't put a price on it either, she is worth every penny. Diana, please accept my most sincere gratitude. I don't know that there even is a theoretical way to repay you for what you have done. But hopefully, those few most heartfelt words, can go towards that. For ever in you debt, Luka and Felix <3

Diana brings out the best in us and our dogs, patiently teaching us how to observe our dogs and understand their needs while we are learning together. Diana has studied with the best animal behaviorists and trainers around the world and generously shares her knowledge with her students. Her classes are fun, stimulating and rewarding. We have learned to advocate for our dog and communicate with her. Working with Diana, Koli, our rescue Belgian Malinois just passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen test, a major milestone for a beautiful dog dumped off at a CA shelter. Koli proves what love and good training can accomplish! Highly recommend!