VIPet Services

Our dogs are rescues and both girls have their problems. They both have anxiety, stress, and dominance issues. We were heartbroken when they began fighting each other. It was embarrassing, stressful, and dangerous. They are larger dogs and expensive vet bills and cones of shame ruled. At this point, their humans were not sure what to do to fix the situation. Re-homing would be difficult at ages 6 and 9 and heartbreaking too. They are both good dogs, but with each other, they were unpredictable. As we searched for solution, we never imagined we would find a trainer willing to take on our dogs. Then we found VIPetservices in PORT CHARLOTTE?!!! Theresa came to our house for an evaluation. To our amazement, she did not even flinch and she took the challenge!!! AMAZING!!! Both girls experienced 3 week board and train together. Theresa worked with both of them safely. We were relieved as she worked them separately and eventually together. She provided videos and pictures along the way both via Facebook and text message updates. They have now been home for a little over a week. This is not a quick fix for our older girls. We have to be a committed pet parent(s) to maintain their focus and state of calm. Their humans are in training and working hard to keep the structure provided through Theresa with VIPetservices. We have always adopted rescues and had 2 at a time. This particular pair, let's just say, we have never experienced this kind of crazy. If we can give any advice to fur parents, even if you think you know what you are doing, adding a professional dog trainer like Theresa with VIPetservices, is a GAME CHANGER. It is comforting to know Theresa is a phone call away and she is there to answer questions and help as we move forward. She is truly working for the dog's best outcome... One day at a time, life is returning to a calm "place". We are very thankful to Theresa Goodman with VIPetservices. Rick and Jodi Jynx and Luna too!!!

Simply SUPERB!! My highest recommendation for Theresa and Very Important Pet Services for all of your canine behavior challenges! I recently rescued a Border Collie Mix who had been living on the streets of Miami. She was thought to be approximately 1 yr old and “Cat indifferent”. Upon reluctantly entering our house, she spotted one of my three cats and went berserk (i.e., lunging, growling, snarling, snapping, etc.). She also exhibited similar behavior with several decorative objects in the house as well as with outside critters and objects (e.g., bunnies, birds, squirrels, lawn/garden ornaments, etc.). I was extremely worried about her behavior and especially for the safety of the cats as our previous herding dog was super cat-friendly. I knew I needed the help of an expert to evaluate whether this situation was even workable. I consulted with my Veterinarian and she referred me to Theresa and Very Important Pet Services. Theresa was able set up an appointment for a free evaluation right away. I felt very comfortable with Theresa and her abilities within minutes of her arrival. She was able to pinpoint her age between 7-8 mos much less than her estimated age due to her Veterinary Technician experience. We tested her behavior with one of my cats. Based on her evaluation of the dog and cat interaction and also reading my cat's level of stress she was able to give me some great training advice. This included ways to redirect her bad thoughts when she fixated on the cats, keeping her and the cats separated with a very gradual introduction process and also techniques for crating her which was also a stumbling block. It was such a huge relief to have an expert animal behaviorist review the situation with an objective view and be able to provide expert assistance and guidance. I initially signed up for 5 training sessions as I wanted to see how she progressed as I was still uncertain as to whether the situation was going to be workable for all parties (i.e., the cats, dog, and worried/stressed pet owner). In the first session we learned “Sit” and “Place”. In the next next session we worked on “Down” as well. Theresa provided written instructions for homework to practice in between sessions. She was also amazing about following-up during the week to see if I had any questions or concerns. I also really liked that the training was flexible to deal with situations that would arise throughout sessions (e.g., lots of cat distractions, etc.). We have successfully completed 5 training sessions and have come such a LOOONG way. Most importantly she no longer goes berserk when she sees the cats or on walks and we have transitioned to all living on the same side of the house. In addition, she is able to “Sit”, “Place”, “Down”, enter/exit doorways and walk on a leash in a controlled manner. We are working on “Come” with distractions. We have requested another 5 sessions as I am so happy with how far we have come but know that we’re still a work in progress! THANK YOU so much for everything Theresa and VIPet Services!!!

We adopted Fergus, a Scottish Terrier Dachhund Mix mid October. He was about 8 month at the time and it became clear to us that he had a difficult and frightening childhood. He had been on the streets and knew how defend himself against other dogs. When we met him he immediately adopted us. He is a sweetheart but some of the wrong behavior had to be adjusted for his sake. He should be the worry free puppy that was born to be. My vet recommended Theresa whom he knew from her working as vet technician. Turns out I knew her too from a time when we saw a different vet with our late dogs. Theresa knows how to get to the source of the problem and she doesn’t give up. Fergus was and is for sure not her easiest client. He attended a two week boot camp as this seemed to be the best choice for him. His improvement after two weeks has been evident on all levels. There is more to do and follow up visits with Theresa are in his and our future. We too had to learn how to help Fergus and this is maybe the most challenging part. We can only recommend Theresa and VIPetservices where everyone is treated truly VIP.

Our 15-month-old Springer, Molly, was having difficulty with strangers, on-leash behavior, and general obedience. Due to her temperament, it was nearly impossible to have company over or even talk to friends near the house. After several worrisome episodes we decided to reach out to Theresa. During the initial consultation, Theresa quickly observed that Molly was lacking self-confidence and as a result was extremely reactive. Also, Theresa pointed out things we needed to do/ not do as Molly’s handlers. Theresa then laid out a plan for building Molly’s confidence that got her to realize she did not have to react in situations she was uncomfortable in. After 8 weeks I cannot express how satisfied I am with how far Molly has come! We can now have company over and enjoy ourselves without worry, walks are a pleasure, and Molly is a now well-disciplined dog. We were even able to begin off-leash training! I am so grateful for the service Theresa has provided and would recommend her to any of my friends and family.

After adopting our dog, Briggs, from the Sarasota County Humane Society, we discovered that "Briggsie" was quite high-spirited. He was quite the alpha of his human family. He required daily walks to curb his energy and he soon showed his walkers how he could slip out of collars, harnesses and the likes on busy roads around his house. In addition, he was aggressive around other dogs and at one point we thought this relationship was not going to work with this dog that had become part of our lives. We were referred to Theresa Goodman as a behavior specialist to help us out with our situation and some of these problems and she would even come to our house to work with us! She began by observing our simple routines such as going out the door, walking and feeding. She advised us of changes we should make and what a difference! I honestly don't know where we would be without her expertise and guidance with Briggs. It is going on 10 years with Briggs and I thank Theresa for her kind advice and suggestions on how to make life better with out pet. She certainly knows her trade and I would highly recommend her services without hesitation !