University of Dog

I have taken online courses covering a variety of disciplines, but those experiences pale in comparison to the online course I took through University of Dog. Firstly the course platform is extremely easy to navigate, which is important in any kind of online training. Completing the work is always easier and more palatable when the layout makes sense. The content and delivery of the course is unparalleled. Having a library of videos demonstrating the exercises was a huge help throughout the class. The written sheets to accompany each new exercise were helpful to refer to while working on the classwork and preparing my homework. Tecla Walton does an outstanding job of breaking down each finished skill into clear steps that enable success in practice sessions. The fact that the required homework included video submissions helped me problem solve training questions on my own since reviewing my own videos against the provided example videos helped me realize where I was deviating from the example and creating confusion for my dog. No other online dog course has offered such extensive opportunities for video submission and instructor review. Tecla's weekly feedback was fantastic. She is precise, constructive, and fair in her critiques and her praise for a job well done is heartfelt. Weekly zoom meetings were also beneficial in having the chance to view submissions from classmates and hear Tecla critique those submissions. Seeing areas of improvement with other handlers helped raise my own awareness of potential pitfalls in my own training. Tecla has an eye for detail and the little things that is rare, and her understanding of dog behavior, coupled with her ability to explain in a multitude of ways makes her an excellent instructor. She asks good questions to gauge understanding and is very proficient at guiding you to the next step. Her approach and protocol has been transformational in my approach to working with my own dogs. My dogs have an incredible mindset and motivation surrounding training and I owe much of that to the skills and knowledge I have gained from working with Tecla. Dogs don’t lie and seeing their genuine enjoyment of training has been such a rewarding experience as a dog handler. I found this course to be a great value for the cost and and enjoyable experience. I look forward to enrolling in future courses at University of Dog.

I have been a client of Tecla Walton for puppy and dog training since I moved to Maryland in 2007. I have been enrolled in both the in-person and online classes. Tecla provided the most insightful, professional, effective, positive training experiences for me and my dogs. I began my 4-year dog training journey with my two-year old Belgian Shepherd. I soon realized that I had found a new very uniquely qualified and effective trainer. I had taken lesson with three other dog trainers prior finding Tecla. Why was I so pleased after three other dog trainers? I was thrilled to work with someone who could read my dog and what was appropriate and most effective. Tecla is not a one-size fits all rote dog trainer, but rather she recognizes the dog's temperament, reactions, strengths and weakness (my strengths and weakness as well). I learned not only to practice the various methods to practice with my dog but I also learned to understand my dog which helped create a very special bond. We became a team rather than just going through the drills. I learned that some of the methods of previous trainers for my Belgian Sh. were counterproductive. What could be better than having a trainer zero in on what is best for you and your dog to develop positive outcomes? Thereafter, I returned to Tecla with my future dogs (Adult sheltie who was deaf, and two Shiloh Shepherds as puppies and adults). When COVID arrived, I enrolled in the on-line basic puppy training class. I was so pleased with the design, communication, videos and written step-by-step guidelines. The ability to return to view the videos and guidelines was particularly useful. I also found the Q&A session informative, on target and fun! I found there was even Q&A time with the instructor and the exchanges among fellow classmates. I believe puppy training is vital and with Tecla's help, we had positive training and avoid some bad habits that dogs may develop. After puppy classes, I enrolled in other classes such as adult obedience and rally. In sum, quite frankly, Tecla is simply the best!

I have taken three virtual dog training classes with Tecla Walton. The classes were really great and the trainer is amazing. Since my new rescue pup was reactive to other dogs, the online classes were a great solution. Without the distraction of many dogs in an in-person class, my dog learned important basic skills which were essential for addressing the reactivity problem. Each lesson had very clear objectives. There were prerecorded video demonstrations for specific skills with plenty of time for student questions. Homework video assignments were meaningful and were critiqued by the instructor and other classmates in the next lesson. I can't tell you how much I learned. The bond I now have with my dog is very strong. I took some private lessons with Tecla to learn how to deal with my dog's specific reactivity issues. I made plenty of mistakes but Tecla was always professional, patient and kind. I highly recommend virtual training with Tecla.

I have been training with Tecla for about 5 years. From puppy classes, to rally and also sport work. I have been fortunate to train in person and also through her virtual platform. I recently graduated from her virtual obedience class and it was easy to use and was just as effective. The time and effort that she takes in planning and presenting her lessons is amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed the class and learned so much and formed a deeper bond with my dog. Things about Tecla, I have yet to present her with a problem that she does not have an answer or solution to, she meets you were you are in your level of training (whether you are just starting out with your family dog's obedience or you are working on more advanced skills with your sport dog), and you can truly see that this is her passion and she gives it 100%. She understands that every dog and handler are not the same and she is able to come up with different solutions to work with each team. To say I admire her is an understatement! She is absolutely amazing and I would not be where I am or have the knowledge that I have without her guidance. She has been a major influence in the relationship that has been formed between my dogs and I.

Hello my name is Paul Anthony. I would like to spread the word of one of the best premier dog trainers on the United States. Before I do that I have to say a little about myself. I have been active in the dog training, police K9 and dog sport community for over 30 years. I started training dogs in the mid 1980s, became a police k9 officer then began competing in dog sports. My dog Finn and I were selected to represent the United States 5 times. In 2018 Finn and I placed 3rd in the World Championship in Russia and 2019 we placed 8th in the world at the FMBB in the Czech Republic. I continue to have a thriving dog training business to this day. Why did I tell you this? Tecla Walton has been an inspiration of mine since I first met her. I have trained with Tecla for over 15 years by having her in for workshops, seminars, private classes and currently graduated from one of her many online classes. I owe Tecla so much in becoming the dog trainer that I am. My dog Finn has competed in more trials than any other dog in Mondioring and we achieved ring 3 24 times. These accomplishments would not have been possible without Teclas knowledge giving me tips and helping Finn and I become a better team. I have competed all over the world competing and training. I have trained with some of the best dog trainers in the world and when I talk about them Tecla Waltons name is included. Yes folks she is one of the best. Dog sports, pet obedience, behavior, scent work and the list goes on. Tecla Walton is one of the best. What sets Tecla apart is that she has no system, she follows no rules, she thinks outside the box. She takes every dog as an individual and trains it according at the highest standards. Tecla has so many tricks and tips in her training bag it is amazing. What else is amazing is to watch the relationship Tecla has with her dogs. After watching Tecla you will want to have the same relationship with your dog as she has with hers. The bottom line is, if you want to see results in your training, you owe it to yourself and your dog to train with Tecla. It does not matter if you are a veteran trainer or someone with a first time dog Tecla is definitely the trainer to see.