DOGHAVEN

Deb visited our house for a session with our new puppy - and she called to confirm and was on time. Our puppy doesn't have all his shots yet, so we didn't want to take him to a location where he risked picking something up. Deb came into our home and asked about our routines, gave some tips, and answered a long list of questions about puppy behavior. She trained us how to teach the skills, teaching fetch, dealing with a stubborn puppy, and how to get the puppy used to being touched. Because it was an in home visit she also saw the cats and puppy interact and saw where everyone sleeps - giving us recommendations on that too. I recommend her for training and we will be going to puppy classes with Deb as soon as we can. A+

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I signed up for 6 months of socialization and obedience classes with Karl. I've taken my young girl 3 times and already notice a big difference in how she relates to other dogs and to people. We practice some of the basics for Canine Good Citizen testing, and I feel that she will be able to pass the test when we get a few more classes under our belt. We practice at home what we are taught in class to reinforce the experience. Karl takes all the time you need with issues you might have with your dog. In addition, prior to attending classes, I hired Deb to come to my house to work with me and my dog. Once I knew what I was doing wrong, I felt I could move forward to alleviate my dog's stress of new things and people. That's when I signed up for the classes to reinforce what I learned and to have a way to continue working on her fear issues. We love going to classes and my dog loves both Deb and Karl.

Fine

So far it has been GREAT! Karl is patient and gives a lot of great tips. ALL training methods are positive. We work on the basic commands all dogs should know through exercises and games. Along the way, we have also worked and learned a few tricks. With all the different activities, the hour goes by quickly! The class also provides great socilization for the dogs (and people). By the end of the class, the dogs are usually ready for a nap with all of the "brain work" that they have been doing. It is Karl's hope/goal that all dogs taking the class will at one point be able to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Karl and Deb give the CGC test about twice a year. The last one given was a few weeks ago where several pups passed. I feel that my dog is getting very close to passing this test after starting in May, and hope to take the next CGC test when it is offered in the fall. All in all, both my dog and I really enjoy going to class every Saturday and we are both learning a lot!

Overall, the experience is great. When you start, Deb will ask you to make a list of issues you want addressed, and then she'll design a plan to address those issues. I wrote notes after each session and then emailed her with new questions for the following lesson. When you hire any trainer, remember that you will be responsible for the actual training. Deb is there to show you what to do; it's up to you to do it.

Deb Knowles volunteers with a shelter and often offers her services to educate other volunteers. I participated in a clicker training class where the primary goal was to introduce us to the method that we could use with shelter animals to make them more adoptable. Deb taught the class without using animals and really helped us understand how dogs interpret our communication to them. It was very helpful, and I was able to use my new skills with my own dog. I liked her positive style, and I would use her if I needed help with my own dog.

I have been taking agility lessons from Deb for almost 2 years. She has been a great trainer. She is very aware of the skills of both dog and handler and will adjust her technique to make sure everyone has a positive experience. I would recommend her to anyone.

She turned out to be quite the 'dog whisperer'. I feel confident we will have a satisfactory experience.

DEB IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THESE FIELDS AND TRAINS TO STAY CURRENT WITH THE LATEST TECHNIQUES. MORE IMPORTANTLY, SHE IS WARM, FRIENDLY, AND HELPFUL. WITH HER HELP, MY DOG AND I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED BECOMING A TEAM!