Peace & Unity Pet Services

In early April, we brought home an eight-week-old sheepadoodle puppy. Although we had previously raised and socialized two dogs without major issues, this experience proved to be very different. Our new dog quickly became extremely reactive—barking at everyone and everything, chasing after cars, trucks, bicycles, and anything that moved. Managing her reactivity soon became a significant challenge, especially for me. Over time, even our neighbors started avoiding us when they saw me walking her. Encounters on the street often ended in chaos: she would lunge, growl, bark, and pull me along, making walks stressful and unsafe for all involved. We enrolled her in a local adolescent dog training class, but it was a discouraging experience. Despite my love for her, I began to worry seriously about our safety. Tearfully, I started to consider the possibility of re-homing her. As a last resort, I researched board-and-train programs and learned about Peace & Unity Pet Services from a friend of my daughter's. After reviewing their website, I completed the enrollment forms. When Winnie turned five months old in early July, I spoke with Chelsea Barry Co-Owner of PUPs. I described our struggles, and Chelsea listened thoughtfully, asked numerous questions, provided valuable information, and suggested we consider their three-week “Save My Dog” program. At first, I hesitated—three weeks seemed too long for such a young puppy. We discussed alternatives like the five-day or two-week programs, and I initially chose the five-day option starting in November, supplemented by two private sessions in September and October. However, as Winnie's behavior worsened, I reached out to Chelsea in September to request the two-week program, and by October I asked if Winnie could stay for the full three weeks. Those three weeks were transformative. Chelsea sent frequent updates and videos showing Winnie's progress, and it was clear she was thriving. During a midpoint visit, similar to a “parent’s weekend,” we learned what Winnie had accomplished and how to support her continued growth at home. We realized that for Winnie to change, we needed to adjust our own behaviors as well. Now that Winnie is back with us, she remains calm around passing cars, sits and looks at me during walks, and ignores people, other dogs, cats, even squirrels. The change is remarkable—not only in our dog but in our family. Thanks to Chelsea and Phelan, I have a newfound confidence in Winnie that I never thought possible. She truly is a different dog, and words cannot express how grateful we are for Phelan and Chelsea’s help. If you have a reactive dog, these ARE the people to take your pup to. It was hard to be away from her for 3-weeks – but it really is what saved our dog.

I wish I’d known about PUPs over a year ago. It was a year of frustration, despair and the heartbreaking realization that it wasn’t safe for me to keep her. She’s big, strong and extremely exuberant. I’m small, weak, old and experienced many falls associated with her behavior. We took many classes together, but we failed at recall, leash manners, and especially greetings. I barely recognized the dog I picked up from Chelsea. We’ve had wonderful walks together. No pulling on the leash or bolting suddenly off the path. With the assurance that she will come when I call her, I’ve been able to let her run freely and get the exercise she needs. Chelsea spent a lot of time training me, so I left there with confidence. Chelsea sent videos of Glory’s progress and I was delighted to see that she was happy. Glory is pleased with her new skills and I am extremely grateful to PUPs for making her a safe, well behaved friend.

Peace & Unity Pet Services (PUPS) has been a prayer answered for both our dogs. Lucky & Betty were much loved but woefully untrained—not in any dangerous way; however, they did not understand what we wanted of them. After two weeks with PUPS, our pups are happy, obedient and a true pleasure to have home. They seem to understand that they are now doing what we want/need and they’re much happier for it. They’ve mastered Heel, Come, Sit, Break and we’re getting close on Place, Down and Out. It’s a pleasure to walk them—no more pulling—and they no longer jump on people. We humans are getting comfortable with the stimulation collars and have rarely had to use them above the single digits. We view the collars as a good means of communication with the dogs and we’re learning we no longer have to raise our voices or get frustrated. We highly recommend PUPS and look forward to returning when and/or if needed. Both Chelsea and Phelan Barry clearly understand training and, more importantly, the pups adore them. If you want excellent results and dogs that are happy, well behaved and healthy, you’ll be very satisfied with PUPS. Five Stars!

We adopted an adult dog, Yogi, from an unknown background. He was so timid and skittish, every little noise or sudden movement and he would want to hide or remove himself. He had no basic commands, didn't even understand his name. He is not food driven or toy motivated (pretty sure he never saw a toy in his life) so helping him understand his place in our house and basic training was proving difficult. We tried 5 months on our own, not a lick of progress was made. Fast forward just 2 weeks with Chelsea and Phelan, Yogi is a different dog! He has more confidence, is trusting more and makes good choices now. He takes his commands like he was born knowing them. What has been even more beneficial is the training of us, now we understand how to communicate with him seamlessly. It wouldn't work if only Yogi got training. Having open lines of communication with the trainers, follow up and ability to reach out with questions anytime is so helpful and above the rest. We are so happy he is able to trust and relax and just be happy in our little family.