The Dog Training Spot

We called Stephanie and she came to our home to observe and try to understand what was wrong with Bobby(our Boston Terrier). He nipped at people if they tried to pet him, he would lunge in attack if they got to close, he would hump dogs even though he is fixed, he would lash out at dogs if there were more than 2-3 playing at once in dog park. He pulled like he was tilling a field with a plow hitched to him. He fixated on his toy ball and tears up every toy he has. His overall demeanor was I will bite you as she observed him. My wife and I were at wits end, Bobby is so loving and caring with us and we could not figure it out UGH!!!!After a few minutes Stephanie went to work and had Bobby focusing and following basic sit command. Most important to us was that she was not wanting to break Bobby, she was wanting to understand Bobby. We chose Stephanie to do the 3 week in her home training program(skeptical to say the least). We knew Bobby had never been away for more than a hour or two from us and it was going to be hard on all 3 of us, but Stephanie said it was best. Stephanie would have complete control and could spend much of her time trying to fix what was wrong. We seen videos of Bobby at her home, he was withdrawn at first and not happy at all. To us he looked homesick. Slowly as more videos came we seen him slowly coming out of his shell and following some of Stephanie's training. He was even laying on floor letting her foot rub his tummy. This is where Stephanie's expertise really showed. She knew Bobby was not happy, he was learning but not happy. Stephanie made the call after one week to have us pick up Bobby. Stephanie could have easily just run over Bobby's emotions and forced him to follow commands like a soldier at bootcamp. But she really cares about their behavior and what makes them happy. So we brought Bobby home at Stephanie's suggestion and Stephanie then decided to train me, wife and Bobby as a family. WOW, like she really is coming to our house and walking us and training us. Bobby loves on her as soon as she comes and listens and focuses. Stephanie has been a great dog behaviorist. It is work, do not get me wrong. She gives us homework and we have to put in the work with Bobby at least an hour a day. If you want a loving, caring dog behaviorist then look no further.

I chose Stephanie at The Dog Training Spot to help me with Sabrina, my 3 year old Field Spaniel. I had contacted a local trainer as well as a national chain and both were very disappointing. Stephanie uses proven techniques of positive reinforcement to teach your dog basic and advanced obedience. There are no e-collars or intimidation tactics to break your dog. I was impressed that Stephanie listened carefully to my goals as a pet owner and she was also highly queued into my dog's individual temperament and breed characteristics. Each hour-long weekly session taught me new steps to bring my dog under control. Gradually we went from a dog that tugged me along on arduous, stressful walks to one that calmly walks by side with a loose leash and absolutely loves her time outdoors. Stephanie taught me to bring out the best of Sabrina's high energy personality and use it as a positive tool in gaining obedience outdoors and at home. She is a happier dog because of it. Most importantly, I learned that training with your dog is a collaborative process and the amount of effort you put into practice every week translates directly into your pet's training success. I highly recommend The Dog Training Spot!