Our Students Write...

Here are some comments from people who have been through our programs:

5/4/08

Hi Paul & Patty,

Just wanted to say thank you for what you did with Biscotti. I am completely amazed. He's so adorable & now he's trained better than I ever believed would possible.  It would have been devastating to have to get rid of Biscotti. Glad I don't have to worry about that anymore. He is a much more happy & settled dog. I think because he clearly understands what is expected & acceptable behavior & has confidence. Now I see that when he wants my attention he sits down in front of me to show me he's doing the right thing & not jumping on me.

I remember vividly the day my husband called me at work to let me know that we had received a complaint from the city about excessive barking. One of the neighbors complained. I was literally sick to my stomach. My options seemed bleak. I wouldn’t have him de-barked and that meant that I would probably have to give my puppy away. I cried as I drove home in bumper to bumper traffic. It was only a couple of months before that my horse died and it looked like I was about to lose another beloved friend. My husband happened to call but I had cried too long to conceal my tears. He was really great. He reassured me & told me not to worry that we would resolve the problem.

I began exploring alternatives to solve the problem. Though I have had dogs all my life nothing that prepared me for my adorable, smart Papillion. My husband works at home and I work long hours and by the time I get home in the evening not really interested in training a puppy not to mention the fact that I’m not good at it either.

When I filled out the forms the day we dropped him off it asks what problems we were having. This was my list: Barking, running out the door, not coming when called, jumping on us as well as our guests, mouthing/biting (puppy play non-aggressive). I had already taken him to a puppy obedience class but he didn’t do any of his commands with any consistency. The most distressing  issues were the barking & running away. I was afraid he would get hit by a car or my husband would get hurt chasing him down the street.

I didn’t realize that there were dog trainers that actually train in their home like a normal living situation instead of strictly kennel training. I felt that this would more closely duplicate our living situation & problems.

When we picked Biscotti up Paul put him through his paces and I watched as my husband also put him through his paces. He did his sit, stay, down, recall, heel. He absolutely did everything. Biscotti did it so well that my husband said “He’s better than Babe & Nugget (our field trained golden retrievers). How embarrassing.”

When we got him home all I can say is that he was a new dog. It was a total transformation. Not only did he do all the commands right on cue with no hesitation but he seemed to have a calmer happier demeanor knowing that he knew exactly what to do in all situations and the bark fests have thankfully ended. My husband took Babe to the vet & when he opened the back gate on our SUV Biscotti jumped out to piddle & immediately came back & jumped right back into the car. No cues necessary. I am absolutely thrilled and grateful with the results. It was really more than I ever could have hoped for. I have always wanted to do agility. Quite a lofty goal for a dog that didn’t even come when called! I am so grateful to Patty and Paul. It would have been more than I could bear to lose both my horse and dog. Thankfully that isn’t something that I will have to face and our agility classes start in June! Our dogs are a big part of our lives and we will have a better quality of life of as result of the training. I am ever so amazed and so grateful.

Cyndi B.

4/20/08

Dear Paul & Patty,

Thank you so much for taking such good care of Bear!  Knowing he was staying with you in your home allowed us to have a worry free vacation -- What a treat! Bear obviously loved the time he spent with you, your dogs, and all the other dogs that grace your home.  We can't say enough how much we appreciate your work.  We hope he didn't wear you out too much, we know how much of a handful he can be!    Until next time,

                                   Courtney & Alex B.

I wanted to tell you that Murphy, my cocker spaniel, and I passed the AKC Canine Good Citizens Program at Irvine Community Park last week. I am so impressed with your services I wanted to let you know how much Murphy and I appreciate Khara, Theresa and Paul's help in getting us to this important stage in our training.

We took the novice training with Khara last year and then we took the Review training last month with Theresa B. Both trainers were excellent. Then Paul was very patient with our nerviness for completing our AKC Citizens Program.

Again, thanks and I would highly recommend anyone in need of dog training take your courses.  Murphy agrees. 

Pat M. and Murphy

Feb. 12. 2008

Hi Patty,

 

I just wanted to thank you for all your help on the phone and to let you know how much I have enjoyed classes with Marie Charpentier. I am a returning student. I first went thru her class with Gunner eight years ago. I even purchased the book "Who's Walking Who?" and wore the book out so much. That when it came time to bring my new puppy Abby to Puppy Kindergarten Class I not only purchased the Puppy Pamphlet, I bought another "Who's Walking Who?". The book has not only been helpful all these years to me, I loan it out to all of my friends! I encourage everyone who takes these classes to do themselves a favor and pick one up for their home library. I refer to it often!

 

I'm looking forward to Abby's next class with Marie in April at San Martin Park in Lakewood. We have been practicing, but need to have Marie's eye and the added experience of working in a group.

 

Enclosed are pictures of Gunner now 9 years old and Abby (on the right) who is 7 months old.

 

Thank you again Patty! And please feel free to post this on your web site!

 

Sincerely,    Roxann

 

                       

Feb. 5, 2008

It has been a great experience for our family that Milo ( our 5-month-old puppy) take this class. He has been a joy to all of us. I also like to thank Rose for taking the time gave Milo a one on one lesson after the first meeting while Milo was too excited to settle down to be in the class, Rose spent at least 20 minutes and gave him some lesson, and definitely worth the time. And for us, the 2nd. class was a joy, he listens well and behaved nicely....... I am very grateful what Rose did. She is a great trainer and very experience in her profession.

Thanks,
Ting

From: Jennifer Oxier
> To: dogs@dogservicesunlimited.com
> Sent: 12/1/2007 7:36:02 PM
> Subject: Thanks
>
> I just finished novice dog obedience with Macho Chango, the American Bulldog. I knew that he was eager to learn, but decided that I needed instruction past puppy kindergarten when we were walking to the vet one day and he decided to put his nose through another dog’s fence and got his lip bitten. Thanks, Rose, for your patient insights and experience with all sorts of pups! You really convey a heart-felt love for animals and an understanding of your human students.
> Jenn Oxier
 

October 15, 2007

Hi Patty

 

My husband and I attended the 'Crash Course' at Acacia Park yesterday and I wanted to tell you how impressed we are with Rose Healey as the instructor.  There are a total of 9 dogs in the class, some of which demand a lot of attention

 

Rose did a great job - In one instance she was able to help a young girl with her husky by evaluating the dog and finding that the dog would respond to quiet tones - He went from a jumping, jerking, lying flat on the ground dog to a dog that sat and heeled on command.

 

Rose is in tune with the various breeds of dogs and their differences and we really respect her as an instructor and handler.

 

Nolan & Cindy Berner

(Owners of the 2 Airedales - Odie & Penny)

6/9/07

My Golden Retriever, Zoe, is now 18 months.  She has taken almost every class you offer beginning with Puppy Kindergarten. 
Best educational class we've taken is the Drill class with Theresa B.  She is a professional trainer - dog and people.  I recommend all of her class to others when they truly want to learn to train their dog.
Most Darn Fun class we've taken is the Agility Class with April - Great way to enjoy your dog and others. A wonderful way to keep you and your dog in shape and happy. April's laugh and the dogs' antics make this the best hour in town.
Because of all your classes, Zoe passed the AKC Good Citzen test in March and she has become a Pet Assisted Therapy Dog with the Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) group of the Orange County SPCA.  We visit Older Adults and Children in various facilities in the County.  Zoe is good with those we visit and the other dogs in the group.  This is a great way for us to be together and help others. 
Thanks for keeping good trainers available for everyone who cares about their dog!  See you at the next class...

 

Janet McDavid

Khara,

We just wanted to say THANK YOU for the awesome training sessions at our home.  We both learned a lot, and we understand each other so much better!   See you soon!

Elle & Jeff

Corona del Mar

5/31/07

Max and I just finished the novice class with Therea B.  My family and friends laughed when I told them we were signing up.  They just knew we would flunk out in the beginning.  Well, we finished and we are so much better for it!  Theresa taught us so much about each other. Her training was firm but kind.  She is extremely knowledgeable about dog psychie and handlers too!  Not a lesson went by without learning more than just the command.  We are signed up for the next level and so excited!

 

I can't wait to share your website with others!

Take care

Michele

May 9, 2007

 

Dear Dog Services Unlimited,

 

I have participated in the last two sessions of the dog obedience class offered in Monrovia. I wanted to let you know how very much I have enjoyed the class and how much my dog, Rocky and I have learned thanks to our outstanding instructor, Mairene. She provided excellent instruction to the entire class while concurrently addressing individual needs by providing targeted, individualized assistance and support. She effectively differentiated the curriculum to allow for individual differences and to ensure that all the dogs and owners participating in the class were able to grow and develop their skill sets to their highest potential. She was professional, prepared and well-organized each week. I appreciated her energy, enthusiasm, and continued encouragement during our class sessions. Thank you for staffing your classes with such wonderful teachers!

 

With thanks,

Susan

5/16/2007

We just completed a refresher course with our recently rescued Golden, Rusty, at Tewinkle Park with Theresa B., and wish to commend her on her training ability and overall dog knowledge and understanding.

It was a very fast and informative five weeks that the three of us looked forward to attending.

She really deserves a big "Atta Girl"!

 

Pat and Ray H. along with Russell Carl, aka Rusty

3/25/07

Hi:

My name is Julia and this is my dog, Lukas.  We had a great time  and took first place in our class of Novice Dog Obedience at El Toro High School. Our instructor was Carol Tilton and this was the second class I’ve had with Carol.  Last year, I took an obedience class with my other dog, Roadie.  I have been an elementary school teacher for over 13 years and have raised two kids and I must say that Carol is an outstanding instructor.  She loves what she does and is an excellent communicator with a great sense of humor.  It’s amazing to watch the class progress from a group of barking, out of control pets and in just a few short weeks this same group transforms into a high performance and well disciplined team.  Carol’s energy and passion are boundless.  In one week, she know the name of every dog.  I would strongly recommend this course and Carol to any dog owner who wishes to enhance their relationship with their canine pet.

 

Lukas and I are very proud of our trophy, but I am sure that everyone in the class feels like a winner.  Carol has a great gift for teaching and a lot of knowledge to pass on.  Thank you so much, for a great experience that Lukas I will never forget.

Sincerely,

            Julia and Lukas                               

March 10, 2007

Hi my name is Raymond.  I just want to say that my

2/28/07

Patty,

Great speaking with you, thank you for all your help. We will definitely recommend your classes to anyone. Grissom (my 8mth old Newfoundland) and I learnt so much from taking the Novice Obedience training at Laguna Niguel with Wendy. She was very professional and clear on what needed to be worked on each week. Grissom has come a long way and we will continue to work with him. Our goal is to get him certified (AKC Canine Good Citizen) and we are very happy that we can keep working with Dog Services Unlimited on this.

 

Thank you,

Azrina & Grissom Spigner       

2/14/2007 3:30:19 PM

Hi,

Hi, My name is Kim and I had Tank, a pit/lab mix in the most recent class.  I just wanted to say how impressed I was with Theresa’s teaching style.  She was Very Professional, Clear and Positive, as well as Humorous, and I thoroughly enjoyed every class!

I was very concerned about going to the class the first night with 20 something dogs all in one area because my dog can be dog reactive.  Theresa had explained that everyone was to keep their dogs 10 feet apart at all times but people don't always hear everything and I have to tell you I was VERY Anxious about all those dogs being in the same vicinity as my Tank.  >^..^<   Theresa’s thorough explanation of the training collar was extremely important and beneficial and kept my dog and me out of trouble!!!    

My goal (after reading the hand out from front to back) was to have Tank do the graduation off leash.  I expressed that to Theresa and she made it happen.  I have been working with Tank for Three Years and this was the most amazing feeling to have been able to see him do so well at graduation.  I am getting teary eyed just remembering!!!  >^..^<   

Thank you, Theresa for your patience, your knowledge and your humor!!! 

Kim and Tank “Man” 

Aug. 24, 2006

Hello,

We started our energetic 6 month old Border Collie mix in Carol Tilton's Dog Obedience class. When Hurley
started class she was all over the place. I could barely handle her she had so much energy. After the 8 weeks,
she was a totally different dog. Carol was amazing.  She was so patient and so helpful when it came to
training our pup. She was always willing to stay after to answer questions and really made a great impact on
our puppy. Not only did she help train our puppy, but she did a great job training us on how to be good
owners.  We hope to continue all of our classes with Carol.

Thanks Carol!!
Shelley, Erik and Hurley :-)

 

12/27/05

December 15, 2005

9/8/05

8/17/05

I am writing this letter to inform you of the useful and enlightening experience I had in your novice dog obedience class.

Many times obedience classes are watered down, common sense, and not always applicable or useful in everyday situations. I found your course to be all encompassing, covering many areas I wished to improve, and filled with additional useful information I never even considered regarding my dog.

Kudos to your articulate and professional teacher, Wendy, who not only took the time to make sure every dog and handler knew the material; also demonstrated it with her own two dogs she brought to class. It was a powerful motivator to see an instructor who not only "talked the talk" but "walked the walk" with her own two perfectly mannered dogs.

Being in the educational system, I have found that the teacher makes the difference in any class; in other words, great material means nothing if it is not presented correctly. Wendy is the epitome of a conscientious and concerned instructor, right away, she began the class with useful information; all the while demonstrating each maneuver until each person in the class completely understood what was being taught.

It is that "something extra" that Wendy puts in all she does, wanting all her students to excel, and that is what makes her rise above others in her field. I can truly say every dog and handler in our class made tremendous improvements in obedience training, including my own dog, Mina.

I started Wendy's class with my out-of-control puppy, who barked incessantly, pulled on the leash, was aggressive toward others, etc., not the kind of dog you could take to public places. As each week in the class progressed, I saw a steady improvement in my dog, with her learning to walk on a leash, sit, stay, come, lay down, and many other basic commands I never even dreamed my dog could ever handle.

In the end I was sad to have the class end, but at the same time, I was so happy to see the improvement in my dog, Mina, who now is an obedient and well-trained dog that I can take anywhere, thanks only to Wendy and your class. I just want you to know that I will always recommend Wendy and your class to all the pet owners I meet in the future.

 Sincerely, 

Howard P. Gordon

P.S. I am attaching a picture of Mina and her trophy. In addition, before I started your class, I could have never made Mina sit, stay, and pose for a picture like this, thanks again!  

2/28/05

If you want some really good 'no-nonsense' dog obedience training for your pet, then you need to take Carol Tilton's class.  She is very loving and caring to all the dogs' but she let's both them and the owners know who is boss.  That is why I took this class. My family and I love our seven month old Aussie, Maggie the Maniac, very much.  But, we know that she needs some rules.  Maggie and I have taken two classes from Carol, and Maggie's behavior at home and out in public really shows a huge difference.  We get lots of compliments on her behavior.  I just wish Carol trained teenagers too!

Gary Brooks and Maggie the Aussie 

January 13, 2005 

Dear Dog Services Unlimited

I wanted to thank you for the quality of service you provide.  As first time puppy owners we signed up for your combo program.  It has been WONDERFUL for our entire family!  Beginning with puppy class, we have learned SO much as well as have truly enjoyed the opportunity to grow with our dog. We consider taking each class as our treat to Brophy because he gets time each week that is completely devoted to him. Hence, Brophy (now almost 2) has attended several beginner obedient and CRASH classes more for our sake than his. Lucky for us, your service offers so many classes.  While we may have taken advantage of the unlimited beginning training we have gotten to know several of your trainers.  All of which are very good at what they do however, Khara Avgevine really stands out.  In the classes that we have taken with her (2 or 3 now), Brophy (and ourselves) made the most progress.  I think it is because of the caring way she empowers her students (both human and canine) with knowledge and practical skills. Khara is able to communicate with a wide and diverse audience, yet manage to get everyone involved, retain their attention, and actually teach them.  We have attended both small and large classes.  You would think that we would get more out of the smaller class yet we didn’t and learned that it is the instructor that makes a difference.  While I’m sure there are many way to train a dog, Khara is the most effective and enjoyable instructor we have had.  When we were able to have Khara do our 90 minute in-home training, it was wonderful.  Not only is she professional, she was able to identify our weak points and trouble shoot viable solutions.  For instance, Brophy loves to run into the neighbors garage (they have dogs too). Khara showed us how to teach him a boundary and now Brophy waits excitedly in their driveway! Well, most of the time.  The in-home training was a wonderful opportunity for us to utilize Khara’s skill and passion for what she does.  It has made our life easier and maintained neighborly relations. Again, thank you for the wonderful service and trainers that you provide.  Please pass our gratitude on to Khara.

 Best wishes!       Kekei Williams  PhD

    "Brophy" has grown up with         

      training from Dog Services!

   

TO PAUL!

We think you're a great dog trainer!  Thank you for getting us started

in obedience!  Patty did a good job with us in Puppy Kindergarten also,

please extend our thanks to her too!  We really appreciate your method

of training... with NO mush & lots of care!  Looking forward to Agility

& keeping you informed about our progress in Pet Therapy.

Love & Appreciation,

Shirley & Dudley Hooper

5/20/00

Tami,   Here is the picture I promised.  You turned out so cute with your arm around the pups.  Thank you for all the good lessons and wonderful training tips for raising Catherine and Rocky.  We are interested in your Doggie Day Care program too!

Skip & Marcey Brabender

August 29, 2000

Mairene -

What a wonderful experience "dog school" has been!  Kena and I have learned so much and it's such a pleasure to have a well behaved 4-leg member of our family.  You did a terrific job!

Sincerely,

Kena's Mom (Lela Oaks)

Monrovia, Tuesday Summer session

April 5, 1999

Hacienda Hills Dog Obedience Class

12602 Willis Lane, Santa Ana, CA 92705

To Whom It May Concern:

I recently attended your dog training course that was offered  through the City of Glendora.  I just wanted to let you know how much "our family" (my husband, me, and our two dogs, Hazel and Dakota) enjoyed the class.  Ms. Rose Healey taught the class and she did an excellent job.  She is extremely knowledgeable in training and dog obedience.

We decided to sign up for the class because those who know us, know our dogs by their nickname: "the Holy Terrors".  On the first day of class, we arrived late because Dakota got off her leash and ran to terrorize the neighbors.  When we finally arrived at the class, everyone was in a nice straight row, heeled at their owners' sides, listening to Rose.  Then, up came our "Holy Terrors" and created such a ruckus!  We finally got our dogs settled down and we started to do some footwork.  Dakota somehow got loose from my husband and ran around and got everyone riled up again. I thought to myself, this is going to be a LONG couple of weeks!  But Rose helped us train our dogs and gave us many tips.  What an improvement in just a few weeks!  She taught us how and why a dog behaves the way it does and how to handle them.  We applied these tactics to our mongrels and to my surprise they ended up getting the first and second place trophies out of the whole class! (Maybe Rose felt sorry for us. HA-HA)

Our dogs get so excited going to class on Saturdays.  It's like they know it's Saturday and they wake up at 6 in the morning, ready to go to school!  When it's any other day, they won't get out of bed until 10:00.  My husband and I really loved the class, and we're quite sad that it's over.  I know I speak for my whole family in saying "thank you" to Rose and your company for the class.

Sincerely Yours,

Cynthia McCune

December 5, 1995

Re: Dog Obedience Class held at Maxwell Park on Thursdays 6-7 pm

To Whom It May Concern

I would like you to know what a help your training instructor, Shelley Schmidt, has been in training our dogs in the Thursday night classes.  We have two Akitas and she has helped tremendously with both.

The youngest, Nikko, (2 years old, 140 pounds) dog's manners have improved considerably. He has always been friendly but not always in good control.  Shelley was able to offer suggestions that were pertinent to each individual dog in the class and worked with us until we found the right mix to teach Nikko to respond properly.

The older dog, Sheba, (9 years old, 97 pounds) was a little dog aggressive and stubborn when we first began classes; she has improved so much that she has now passed the P.A.W.S. test through the Orange County SPCA and has become a volunteer at Orangewood Children's Home and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital as a part of their pet therapy program.

I am thankful to your program and to Shelley for making this possible.

Sincerely,

Doug and Susan Goodwin,

Anaheim, CA

Nov. 15, 1993

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thurner,

    Recently, I took a dog obedience class through City of Costa Mesa.  I am writing you in regards to our instructor, Ginger Simon.  She is an excellent instructor.  She was so personable, patient, kind, and so helpful with the dogs and dog owners.  She is so very knowledgeable and really taught us so much.  She always encouraged us to ask questions and made sure that we understood what she was asking us to teach our dogs.  We were so impressed with Ginger, and with all that our dog learned, that our son will also be taking the class in January.  We have an American Eskimo, and he really changed and learned so much.  I continue to work with him, with everything Ginger taught us.  I highly recommend your class and your instructor ginger to our friends.  Ginger is a real asset to your business.

    Thank you for your time.  I feel that when someone is really excellent in what they do, they should be complemented.  It is so obvious Ginger loves her job.  She was so wonderful and we appreciate her and her patience so much!  Thank You!

Sincerely,

Peggy Roberts