New Dogs - Old Trix

My 13 year old grandson attends Susan's puppy socialization class with his almost 6 month old puppy, and has been attending for the last few months. These classes are the highlight of his weekend and he looks forward to them each week. Susan is extremely generous, kind and knowledgeable, sharing these gifts each week with all who attend. You won't find better teachers or a better socialization class!

Went to the puppy socialization class. I appreciated that they were thorough and cautious with the rules and I thought the "class" would be a positive experience for my dog. The first few minutes were fine, however they wanted to let their big dogs run around with the puppies. I understand that socializing small puppies with big dogs can be important, but the instructors failed to handle their own dogs and obviously let them cross the line. It was made clear to us owners that the instructors would be the only ones to interact with the dogs and they failed! The bigger dog repeatedly CORNERED and tried to hump my little puppy and the only thing I could do was try and tell the instructors that their dog was doing this--and all they did was "hey stop that buddy!" I can NOT believe I was stupid enough to not walk right out of there the moment they kept letting their bigger dog hang around my puppy, barely intervening or just plainly intervene myself. The point of this class is to socialize small puppies so the dogs are reacting in positive outcomes in everyday situations, so I ask this: how was my dog supposed to react to that? Positively? Your dog clearly cornered my dog more than half the class while you laughed and called it cute. What was her next option going to be once my dog got tired of your dog trying to hump her? Not a positive reaction, I would bet! I would like to add in that this was our first visit to the class. Maybe I expected a welcoming environment and instructors that paid attention to the people attending their class. I, nor my dog, found that at new dogs old trix.

I do NOT recommend Susan Del Signore / New Dogs Old Trix because: This trainer failed to achieve desired/expected results (ours AND hers) after 3wks and $3000+ -She was unwilling to put in any extra effort to reach her goals -She may have over-estimated her capabilities at time of evaluation -She may have been occupied with other dogs, guests, activities, etc. -She asked for $1000 for a 4th week to reach unmet goals -Idea of paying for a 4th became a request for a 5th $1000 payment Training program is strictly time-oriented and not results-oriented -Dog in at 10am Monday, dog out at 10am the following Monday -Other trainers are results-oriented so their weekly session routinely involves more time -Other trainers exhibit far more pride in achieving desired results independent of time Susan's follow-up was missing after the board and train ended -A major disappointment regarding continuing education for dog and owner -After asking her about lack of long-term relationship, she cut off all communication. Not even a simple apology. -Customer care / long-term client relationship a total disappointment Dog still required additional training with another professional dog trainer -The Bad: We spent more money to reach the goals unmet by Susan -Also Bad: Our dog spent more time away and was greatly missed -The Good: The 2nd trainer successfully met the goals that Susan could not, or would not -Also Good: Training was accomplished at a fraction of the amount Susan charges -Also Good: Our dog received socialization training with cats, necessary in our home If the following issues are among your concerns, definitely look for another trainer: -Susan will not provide training involving your dog and household cats -Susan does not accept Visa or other cards. Business is done on a cash-only basis. -Long-term help after training may be lacking or non-existent Miscellaneous: -I deserve plenty of blame due to a lack of research to find a better trainer -Choice of this trainer was mistakenly based on convenience of her nearby location while ignoring her questionable training timelines -Post-Susan research revealed performance-based trainers who meet goals instead of meeting fixed deadlines as she does. Her training process is akin to hiring someone to paint your house by the hour. After 3 weeks and thousands of dollars, your house is half-painted and there are many apologies and a need for cleanup. Meanwhile, your only hope of getting the results you originally thought you would get is to pay more money. You can only hope another week or two will be enough to get the job done… Or you wise up, learn from your mistakes, go elsewhere, spend far less, and get the results you were originally looking for.