Pet Behavior Help

Having adopted a 2-year old Aussie terrier, Pax, from a rescue 3 weeks ago, we knew we needed help with his training. I got in touch with Valerie within a week knowing that I did not want to teach this “smart-as-a-whip” terrier incorrectly and then have to reteach him. My goal is to be able to do some kind of obedience work with Pax because he is so focused. Already, from one in-home consultation, Pax and I have become a stronger team. Valerie gave me lots of instructions and told me to do whatever I could so that eventually we would master them all. It is usually two steps forward and 1/2-1 step back, but we are always making progress. The most important lesson I have learned is that the dog needs to buy into the relationship so that I am not luring or forcing him to behave, rather he is choosing to behave.

Allie Shrock has done a tremendous job with my dog Danni in basic and advanced obedience classe. Danni had severe anxiety around people, and barked excessively. When I got Danni at 5 months I only saw her and did not know her significant behavioral issues, which I think stem from her being small for her breed, lack of positive social development by the breeder, and grandchildren carrying her around. Allie used the term "state of mind" which helped me change my state of mind and Danni's over time, through my understanding her, and how to work with her better. Danni is now much better with people, more confident, and I have worked to train a young man, so that I can travel and my two dogs can stay at home. Allie works to under stand each dog owner/dog and understand and resolve issues.

My dog, Finn, and I LOVE our time at PBH! I've been in classes continually for almost 2 years with both Val and Stacy as teachers. They are genuinely dedicated to the well being of my dog and making the experience fun. The training has really strengthened the bond between me and my pup. I did some private lessons with Val which were particularly helpful as my dog started to show some increased anxiety and some aggression. She gave me great tools to tune up our routine at home and now things are so much better. Two thumbs up!

I highly recommend PBH. Our dog, Edgar is a 3 year old rescue who has been through a lot, overcome a lot, but still was very hard to walk on the leash due to anxiety and freezing behavior. He would simply freeze and refuse to walk, and increasingly, didn't want to leave our yard. We have consulted with many trainers and have received a lot of conflicting advice, none of which helped us with this. Val took a lot of time to listen to our experience, his history, and to observe him. The training she is giving us has made a significant improvement immediately. Walking Edgar is now predictable and enjoyable for all of us. It's been amazing to see the change in Edgar. We (Edgar's humans) are also relieved and overjoyed. We look forward to learning more about how to help Edgar feel secure in the world.