Thanks Desiree and Deborah for the photo-shoot at Williams Park last October.

I have enjoyed the photos of Zoey that I purchased and use one as my computer background at work. I recieve tons of comments / compliments, but now one of the photos has helped bring about a new opportunity!

To my surprise, I received a phone call last weekend from someone I know in Fort Langley. She had been asked, by someone she knows in the film industry, if she knew of a large white dog – for a scene that they are filming.

Although I have never thought of doing this with Zoey, it was a small, easy scene…so I sent off an email –attaching one of Deborah’s photos. Well, She got the job!

The trainers were quite please to hear of all that she had been exposed – the photo shoot, Dog Pool Parties, lots of socialization, some agility, etc. Desiree, your meet-ups with the Dog Social Club certainly helped us take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

Thanks again,

Mary & “Zoey”

My husband, Jason, and I started with two dogs when we moved into our new home, Maverick and Keiko – both Shiba Inu’s. Being that the two dogs were getting older, we felt it was time to bring in a new addition to the family so Jason and I brought home our new puppy, Jax.

Maverick (our male) was not very receptive about this. Maverick
was actually quite aggressive with Jax and he was even redirecting his aggression towards Jason and I, something we had never experienced before.

We had to break up fights, at least a few times a day, and both my
husband and myself were bit by Maverick. I started to live in fear of being at home with all the dogs and getting caught in the middle of this situations.

It was to the point we were not sure if we could keep Jax. The poor puppy was so scared he hid under the ottoman and refused to move around his own house in fear of being attacked. We decided that we wanted to try to make it work and so we went looking for a trainer to help. Jason did some research and ended up phoning Desiree and she was able to come out within a few days. We did not know what to expect nor did we know if this situation would be able to get resolved. The dogs didn’t have to like each other, but they needed to live under the same roof. So, Desiree came in and really trained my husband and I, and the dogs as well, as to what to do with this uncomfortable and dangerous situation.

She was very hands on and was able to relate to our issues. She had the same experience in her house so she knew what type of things to expect from the
dogs. In addition to the hands on training, Desiree took the time to answer our many questions and explained how the dogs were feeling, why they were acting the way they were, and what to watch out for so we could prevent future fights. Honestly, without her help we wouldn’t have figured this out at all.

She has such a great personality and is very honest about the situation. She told us that it could several months before Maverick might accept Jax into the pack. She told us that, with the right training strategy, as time went on the fights would get less and less. I have to say, that they did. We learned not to live in fear and to be much more assertive with Maverick and how to learn how to stand my ground with him. We felt so relieved to know that there was a solution to the problem.

We did her 4 private lesson package over a period of about 6-8 weeks and as of today, Maverick and Jax are already much better. The fights are few and far between and they actually sleep side by side on the bed together. They still have their moments, but it is much easier to deal with now, knowing what we now know.

We would recommend Desiree to anyone who needs a great trainer. We really appreciate her help in keeping our fur family together!

Dawne and Jason (Maverick, Keiko & Jax)

Before:

When I first got Boone at 5 months old, he’d just endured a 24-hour flight from Egypt. Now, at 15 months old, he’s still only been touched by three people – my sister, who was his first human, my boyfriend and myself. He is extremely uncomfortable with people coming up behind him and watches constantly for this, checking behind him while we’re out walking. He is so on guard even when there’s nobody behind us that I’ve gottenedgy and a feeling like there’s something back there. If a dog gets close,
he either sits or lays down so that I have to practically drag him along.  If he’s allowed to meet the dog, everything is usually fine, though occasionally there’s been a bit of growling.  If he’s not allowed to meet the dog he goes nuts, his reactivity is more intense than with people.   In this case, the prong collar that I sometimes use makes this particular situation worse and has resulted in me being bitten. I have been to several different trainers, but can’t seem to get this under control.

Update after first lesson (one week later):

I just wanted to write and tell you that I really appreciated the practical advice you gave when you came to our house last week. You gave me some new insight, and the detail of what to do and why has been very helpful.  During my granddaughter’s visit, we implemented the suggestion that rather than barking out “NO!” and
using corrections when he looked like he was going to bark (or got as far as barking), we instead focused on calming, distracting then praising him. This seemed to result in a more relaxed dog overall, and although he never stopped barking at her entirely before she left, it seemed less intense.  By the end of the visit, he was taking treats from her pretty readily, and even sat when she asked him to on a couple of occasions.

During walks, I have been turning and walking him briskly away when he starts to focus on other dogs/people, and its kept him from reacting 90% of the time. We still have lots of work to do of course, but having the tools and knowing what to do helps my level of stres so that I feel much more relaxed, and that’s helpful
too.

Update: 3 weeks after the one and only lesson we did:

I just wanted to tell you that Boone’s behavior is steadily improving.  I’ve been working on building his confidence and he’s definitively responding to the gentler technique you showed me.  Over the weekend, we went on a long walk – he only growled/lunged at one man at the very beginning of our walk, I lightly corrected him for that and after that he was absolutely perfect, including allowing a dog to pass within 10 feet of him without doing anything more than looking interested!  He also behaved well when I stopped to talk to a stranger, she commented on how calm he was.   After only a minute or two, he actually approached her curiously, albeit cautiously.   A few minutes after that, two guys passed within about two feet of him, and he sat watching me, barely glancing at them.  He’s also begun looking at me when something he’s not sure about appears.  He’s getting lots of treats, and he’s come to expect them, but rather that than scaring people and going nuts when other dogs pass.    Your suggestions have already made a big difference.

Thanks,

Claudia (& “boone”)

“I approached my first dog training session with lots of anxiety. I had already tried another trainer prior, and didn’t feel comfortable with their approach. Desiree’s professionalism and focus put me at ease.  My Pitbull X also responded favourably to Desiree’s gentle, patient technique.  After only one lesson I was able to walk my dog on leash instead of her walking me.  Quite amazing!!!”

Sue from Surrey

“I take my little 3lb Yorkie ‘Maggie’ with me everywhere; to work, the bank, even the dentist! So needless to say when I have to go somewhere that Maggie can’t, I worry. There is no way I would put her in a kennel. I want her to keep the same living and comfort she gets at home.  That is exactly what Desiree provided for Maggie; the loving, comfortable home environment that she is used to.

A few days before I was to travel, I emailed Desiree letting her know how worried I was about leaving Maggie. Desiree’s reply wasn’t just a note saying ‘oh Maggie will be fine’. It was a lengthy email assuring me everything will be fine and at the end she said “try not to worry too much mama, she’s in good hands.” The best part was that I got to see that she WAS in good hands by the emails Desiree sent everyday with pictures of Maggie and a note on how things were going. This made my trip all that much better! I don’t trust many people with my dog, but I definitely trust Desiree.”

Shannon & Maggie

She showed us ways to go about training that actually worked and produced results.  I found that not only was Peedie leaning commands, but I was learning efficient ways to teach those commands!  Soon Peedie was learning things in class that had taken me hours to show him at home.
I enjoyed Desiree’s puppy class so much, I went back for her beginners level.  I would definitely recommend Desiree to help you with your training needs!”

~ Thanks, Kristy & Peedie

We hired Desiree to help us with personally training Maggie, our Bichon Frisee/Lhaso Apso 8 month old puppy. From the moment we talked on the phone, it was quite clear that Desiree had the knowledge and passion about what she was doing.
When it came down to the training, she was extremely organized, clear and confident. She really took notice of Maggie’s behaviour and pointed out some issues we had which I had no idea I was causing. I was very impressed and will not hesitate to recommend her to other friends who need a good personal dog trainer.

~Pauline (Previous client and proud pet parent)

We loved having the convenience of Desiree coming to our home.

The one on one training made total sense. Desiree’s “customized plans” and training methods were easy to understand and follow, for both of us and Flannigan!!!

We would definitely recommend Desiree!

Michelle, Jason & Flannigan

“I am happy to report, yesterday I sat in the kitchen and drank an entire cup of tea!  Earlier in the day I sat and did the “in his space”  thing about 5 times in a row.  He seemed to get the hint.  Then I had my tea and that was followed by a friend coming by for a visit.  I had to do the interference thing a few times again, then he went and lied down in the kitchen on his own.  I didn’t have to put him in his pen or outside or anything!

I am shocked that the tactics are working so fast.  I will continue with this one for a few more days, then I am going to tackle the leash work this weekend.

So thank you so much.”

A happy, and sitting, Kim

When Rio and I first met with Desiree we could not pass another dog, with in 200 ft, without a huge outburst from Rio. Rio would pull, stand on her back feet, wine, bark, screech and froth, scaring many people and other dogs.

Rio is 8 years old and has been this way since we adopted her at only 11 months old. After 4 sessions with Desiree she is now capable of walking calmly down the sidewalk, with dogs passing across the street.  We can also walk right past a dog on the SAME sidewalk with little reaction from her. ( I never thought I would see this day) 

I felt very confident with the methods we were using and Desiree even brought her own personal dogs into the picture to help with Rio’s training. This was very reassuring that there was hope for Rio! 

Desiree taught me how to read Rio’s body language and how to change her thought pattern towards being on the leash. I feel that the private sessions with Desiree were definitly money, and time, well spent. 

Thank You Desiree !!!!!

Sheri & Rio