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I just wanted to write today to tell you how impressed we are with the results we've seen from the dogs. |
We're getting the barking under our control and Bailey's marking has stopped completely. It's honestly a joy to be around our dogs now. Your teachings were very informative and helpful and, just to let you know, we both thought you were very fun to work with. Your sense of humor added a level of enjoyment to the sessions that we weren't expecting. |
I told you this before but I'm still surprised at how much information you were able to pass along to us and how knowledgeable you are about the dogs' behavior. There were so many things that you were right on about. |
As you know, when we tried that other service and they had us getting down and barking at our dog, I didn't have a lot of confidence and I was really just embarrassed. Your methods taught us so much about leadership and pack structure - things that they never even discussed with us. |
Anyway, thank you again. You've changed our home into a place of peace and harmony. Thank you! - Pam and Bob - Glendale, Arizona |
You've helped us into a position where we can actually brag about our dogs and how good they are. I've already told many of my friends about you and your service. Feel free to publish this note and use us as a reference in the future. We'll be happy to pass along our feelings about you. |
I know it's been a long and tiresome road, but I wanted to let you know that the efforts are definitely paying off. I can't thank you enough for the help you've given me with Wrigley. |
I was walking him today and we were joined about halfway through by Julie and her dog. Wrigley never even flinched. I was so proud of him. |
I know there's a lot of work still ahead of us, but I want to thank you for never giving up, for always giving encouragement and for always being there, even when my questions were small ones. |
Your program is awesome! David Surprise, Arizona |
As a new dog owner (who had never owned a dog before) I was a bit concerned about making the right decisions with my new puppy, Bogey. I got advice from a lot of places including friends, books and the internet. There were so many differing opinions that it just made me more worried. |
I started calling dog trainers and after talking to four or five of them I ran across Steve at Phoenix Valley Dog Training. He was very personable. I felt right away that he knew what he was talking about and that he had an honest concern for helping me out. We spent an hour talking on the first call. |
They weren't the cheapest but they weren't even close to being the most expensive. Cost was a concern for me but I felt like it was really worth it since I was investing in the next ten years or so with Bogey. |
After working with Steve in the first session, I knew I had made the right decision. I was amazed at the amount of information he was able to pass along to prepare me for raising my puppy. |
My head was actually swirling. There was so much to learn. But Steve made it easy. He provided a workbook to help answer my questions and he followed up the training session with an email that covered everything that we had talked about. |
Anyway, my real reason for writing isn't just to give you a testimonial. It's because I want to tell you what a good trainer you have in Steve. He's so patient and understanding that it makes it very easy to work with him. He's also very funny and he's just a good guy. That makes the sessions a lot more enjoyable. And you should see Bogey whenever he comes over. He just loves Steve. |
So, thank you for being there for me and thank you for employing Steve. Don't ever let him get away. Kathy Fountain Hills, Arizona |
Thanks so much for your email. You're right, it is a lot of information. Things are already changing though. We've put the household rules in place and we're already seeing a change out of Cujo. |
Before you showed up, Kevin was very skeptical about you and the idea of dog training. He was just waiting to challenge you. Thank you for bringing him around. If he didn't |
He is still talking about how it only took five minutes of walking Cujo to get him under control. He called his brother right after you left to tell him about it. They're getting the dogs together tomorrow to test our new skills. I'll let you know how it goes. |
Cheryl - Paradise Valley, Arizona |
Nicole's story is a special one. We started working together in mid-December of 2008. In June of 2009, we received a wonderful story from Nicole about the success she has had with her rottweilers, Karma and Maxx. |
Karma, a wonderful dog to her humans, was having trouble accepting other dogs. She showed incredibly strong dog aggression and her prognosis was very bleak. Nicole had a dilema. She knew that her options were limited. She could re-home Karma, she could euthanize her or she could take on the daunting task of attempting to rehabilitate her long-time friend and companion. |
Nicole wasn't willing to give up on Karma and her story is an inspiration to all of us. So inspiring in fact, that we decided that we needed to dedicate an entire page to Nicole and her friends, Karma and Maxx. |
Subject: WOW! |
Just a quickie to let you know that I took Shasta on a 50 minute walk today and she was nearly perfect from the get go! I can't believe it! Maybe it was beginners luck but I am just thrilled to enjoy a walk with her and I really think she enjoyed it too! |
Thank you so much, Jill Gold Canyon, Arizona |
The pleasure was all ours. You have made a tremendous difference in our home. We had a loving, but unruly, dog before we met you. Moose is now truly a fantastic member of our family (pack) and Tracy has taken to him like I never thought imaginable. She was sick of his poor behavior and now she spends a ton of time with him. |
We are working hard at using the right commands and WE are coming along good. Moose is behaving very well and has taken us as leaders without any argument at all. |
Thanks to your teachings, we are better owners and appreciate our Moose more than we could have ever thought possible. |
Thank you! And we look forward to seeing you whenever you may be in the area with other clients. And we'll be in touch along the way to keep you apprised of Moose's progress. |
With our warmest appreciation, THANK YOU! Neil and Tracy Queen Creek, Arizona |
Thanks for the timely follow up. I was going to write last night to tell you that Dudley and I had two of the best walks yesterday. They were in fact the best walks I have ever had with a dog companion. Dudley was well mannered and focused the entire time. He responded well to "heel" and we worked on his "sit " when I stopped. We need more work on that! Kate had a fall last night and broke her left wrist so she will be on the sidelines for a bit, so we assigned her to work with Dudley in the house on his home work: Sit, Down, Wait and Stay. He takes very well to sit and wait at the door and waits for the break command before leaving the house. |
Thanks again and we will see you soon. Tim and Kate, and of course Dudley. |
Second Email: |
Thanks - Kate and Dudley - Chandler, Arizona |
Hey Steve, thanks for checking in on us. Bubba's doing great. I can't believe he's so reliable with his commands now. |
We had my sister over yesterday and were showing him off. You're totally right that a really solid stay is much more impressive than tricks. We were using every distraction that you taught us to show him off. It was very impressive. When we were dropping the treats, you could see how much he wanted to break the stay and attack them but he performed like a champ! I was so proud of him (she made the comment that before the training I couldn't even get him to sit with any consistancy - she's right). |
I was really worried that he would come back and only listen to you (I know I'm not the most commanding person). But when you showed me how to elevate myself into the pack leader role, it all made sense. I'm following your suggestions as best I can and he really does show me more respect now. |
Sincerely, Nikki Mesa, Arizona |
At 3 months old when I brought this boundless ball of energy home I knew he was going to be a handful. After interviewing four local dog trainers, I chose Steve with Phoenix Valley Dog Training. Their practice and philosophy of taking the time to get to know each individual dog and owner demonstrates their commitment to providing an effective and tailored program that is suitable to the specific needs of clients. |
In addition to the basic training sessions, Steve's availability to answer questions and concerns as they have surfaced has been a great resource to guide Cooper and I through some challenging situations. Although Cooper and I still have a long road ahead of us, I am very happy and satisfied with the work we have done over the last five months and I am looking forward to all the great training adventures to come. |
Sincerely, Danielle Phoenix, Arizona |
After living with my roommate's dog for almost three years I could not imagine life without one when he considered moving out. About a month before he was scheduled to move I got the call. A young female pit bull was found by an acquaintance of mine in the backyard of a foreclosed home. I was cautious at first, knowing that pit bulls can be aggressive and not knowing the trauma she had gone through. After meeting her and seeing first hand her loving and tender personality I knew she was too amazing to let go. |
elimination in the house, disobeying of commands and chewing of furniture, carpets and cabinets soon became too much to deal with. Every second she was not in eyesight lead to another mess to clean up or more destruction. Internet research, advice from friends and the four books I had bought all seemed to have great insight and advice but different strategies altogether. After a few weeks and very little improvement I was at a breaking point. I was so stressed I even considered giving Indi up, that is when someone suggested I call Phoenix Valley Dog Training. |
Hey Steve! |
Dudley and I just got back from a great walk. We met three women, mother, daughter, grandmother. We were heeling along, we stopped, Dudley sat, waited while they passed and went on. The mother |
Thanks again for taking such good care of him. I could tell when you brought him back that he had fallen in love with you. That tells me that you must have treated him really well. You'll need to bring Tigger over on your next visit so they can play together. Thanks again and I'll see you soon. |
After watching Cujo interact with the dogs that we ran into on the walk, I think we know what to do now to handle him. Thank you again and we'll see you soon. |
Thank so much!, Kirsten Paradise Valley, Arizona |
Talk to you soon, Katie Ahwatukee, Arizona |
I just wanted to send you an update on how Audi is doing. She's fabulous and we're on our second foster dog. I think it's really helping her deal with distraction and still listen to us at the same time because I've noticed a HUGE improvement! We've been working with long distance recall and she's getting much better at coming to us when called but there is still more work to be had. Everyone comments on how she looks to us for 'permission' before she does something and they all think it's really cool. I'm like 'yeah, I know, she's my girl!' |
Dear Steve, |
I've never been the type to write fan letters and I don't know that I've ever written a testimonial before, but I wanted to write to you to pass along my thanks for what you did for my daughter. I didn't know if she would ever be able to get her dog under control and resolve the problems that she was running into, but she did it and I credit you. |
Please feel free to put this out on your site. I think it's important for others to hear of our story. |
For those of you who are reading this, I live in Nebraska and my daughter, Shannon, lives in Phoenix. She's twenty years old and I worry about her all the time. So far away and on her own. She bought a dog that was causing her pain - both mental and physical. He was a problem from the start - biting, urinating in the house, barking - all the typical young dog problems. |
Shannon called me one evening and told me that she wanted to hire a dog trainer and that she thought in-home training was the way to go. I immediately got concerned. She told me that she had already found the trainer that she wanted to work with and that she was ready to set it up. |
Of course I had my concerns. Some stranger was going to be coming to her home and working with her alone in her apartment. I told her that I wasn't sure that I approved of that. She told me not to worry and that she could take care of herself. If you are a parent, you know how well that statement satisfied me. |
The next evening, I got a phone call from Steve at Phoenix Valley Dog Training. He wasn't obligated to call me and he said my daughter asked him not to call, but he did anyway. It was apparent to me that he understood the concerns that I had and he wanted to do what he could to set me at ease. It was really incredible to me that he would go out of his way and make time to do this. He explained that he also had a daughter and that he would be very concerned if he were in my position. He basically let me grill him about him and his business and he answered every question that I had professionally and without hedging his answers. I'm still amazed that someone in this day and age would go out of his way just to make a dad feel comfortable about his distant daughter. |
Anyway, to make a long story short, Steve took care of my daughter and her dog problems when I was too far away to help her. I can't really express how grateful I am for the help that he gave her and the effort that he put out to help me. All I can say is that I would recommend Steve to anyone in the Phoenix area who needs help. He's honest, sincere and he seems to care as much about the people as he does about his animals. |
Thank you again Steve. I hope you do well in your profession and I hope you get the opportunity to help others the way that you helped us. |
Sincerely, Jonathan, Shannon and Rascal Scottsdale, Arizona |
Recently my wife and I were talked into purchasing a dog for our 12 year old daughter Sadie. We made a deal with her that she would be responsible for the dog and had to be the one to take care of her and train her. She agreed and it was actually her idea to hire a dog trainer. |
Under our supervision, Sadie got on the phone and started making calls. Steve at Phoenix Valley Dog Training was really the only trainer we could find who would take her seriously and actually spend time on the phone with her. We listened in on the extension and were very pleased that he was speaking to her like an adult and taking the time to explain exactly how the training programs worked. He also emphasized with her that she would need to be responsible for Sugar's training and work with her regularly. |
After hanging up with Steve, Sadie was almost giddy. She wanted to get started right away. |
Steve came over a few days later and after the preliminaries, he began to work with Sadie and Sugar. I told my wife after that session that I was really impressed with the way that Steve explained everything in a way that Sadie could understand and he was very clear on how she could accomplish her goals. He also had a way of talking to her and making her feel important, but after every key point he would glance at one of us to make sure that we all understood things. He did it in a way that never made Sadie feel like he was really talking to us. |
We've made great strides with Sugar over the past few weeks, but I'm even more impressed with what's happened with Sadie. She was always a bit quiet and shy, but as she works with Sugar, I can see her confidence and self-esteem growing. It's really interesting and rewarding. |
Whenever she has a question, she calls Steve. He makes the time to talk to her and if he isn't available, he always calls her back quickly. He has always been very professional and he uses humor and games to keep both Sadie and Sugar interested in the training - and us for that matter. |
So anyway, thanks Steve. You've done more than just help us to train our dog and we really appreciate it. |
Efram and Sadie Queen Creek, Arizona |
The following dog training reviews, testimonials and success stories come directly from our clients. We take them from emails that we have received and do not edit the content in any way. We're very proud of the dog training reviews that we have received from our clients and we would like to take a moment to thank them for taking the time to pass their feelings and experiences along to us. |
commented on how well mannered Dudley was and the grandmother thanked us for stopping to let them pass. IT WAS FREAKIN GREAT!!!!!!!! |
I came home right after and felt like I needed to let you know. The change I've seen in him over the past few months has been nothing short of miraculous. |
see results in that first session, I think he would have given up immediately. |
Thank you so much for your teachings and your support. |
We had my sister over yesterday and were showing him off. You're totally right that a really solid stay is much more impressive than tricks. We were using every distraction that you taught us to show him off. It was very impressive. When we were dropping the treats, you could see how much he wanted to break the stay and attack them but he performed like a champ! I was so proud of him (she made the comment that before the training I couldn't even get him to sit with any consistancy - she's right). |
Dear Steve, |
Once again thank you very much for the expert training and knowledge you have given to my husband and myself. I truly did not know what to do anymore with Leopold when, for no reason, he started marking in the house. Now that we understand the pack structure and have established ourselves as pack leaders Leopold has not had an accident in the house in 5 months. Please tell current and future clients |
that for the program to work everyone in the household must get involved. In the beginning my husband really didn't think the training would work, but when he saw results after just a month he too got involved with the training. Thank you again!! |
Sincerely, Cindy Goodyear, Arizona |
Thanks for checking in and for the great re-cap you emailed us, it was very helpful! Things are going much better with Ranger. We have had many moments over the last two weeks when we have said “Steve is a genius!!!!” We’ve definitely made some progress with the things we’ve talked about. We’ve been pretty good about all the techniques you taught us regarding pack structure. Regarding the first commands, I think that is going very well. He has basically mastered all of them. We have even gotten to the point where he will remain in a “Stay” with treats on his paws and not move till we say “break” (even if we are out of sight)! |
The first few weeks with Indi were equally fun and hard. She was so great to be around but her constant |
I felt better after my first conversation with Steve. Even though I know he heard them before, he listened while I told of him of all the problems I was having with Indi. He reassured me that he could help and three days later he came to my house. What a relief! It was not easy but after every day, week and month things got better. Steve offered a complete system and not just strategies or advice to band-aid her behavior. I am so thankful for him making me a proud owner of such a well-behaved and disciplined canine. I get compliments on her all the time! After the turn around Indi made on their system I would recommend Phoenix Valley Dog Training to anyone, and I do! |
Thanks Again - Eric - Tempe, Arizona |
We rescued Sidney from the Humane Society...just what we wanted a nice little 13-month old YorkiPoo. She was cute and cuddly and so we brought her home. The first couple of months went fine, our MaltiPoo, Peanut, who is 12 years old, was "tolerating" Sidney and she was pretty quiet and a real cutie. Well, after she started feeling completely at home, she decided to show us her dominant side...she is one hard-headed little doggie. She barked when things didn't go her way...she barked when things DID go her way...she barked when the doorbell rang...she barked when the kitchen timer went off...she barked when I raised or lowered the footrest on my recliner...you get the idea - she was a barker. When we settled in for an evening of quiet TV, she started acting up. She demanded our attention at all times...she was the boss and she let us know it...LOUD and CLEAR! |
After researching on the Internet, I found Steve's web site. Perfect! Our little Sidney needed to learn how to behave and she needed to learn it in her own...uh, I mean OUR own house! Steve was full of information on the first visit and he got a pretty good idea that Sidney was a dog who had her mind made up that life was going to go HER way. He also completely understood the "nighttime crazies"! |
By the end of the first session, Sidney was working for us and we got really good tips on how to make her understand who was boss. Well, the first night after that session was horrible. Sidney acted up worse than ever and I was at my wit's end. I emailed Steve and he could read the desperation in my words...that may be due to the fact I wrote I'M DESPERATE!! The next night Steve came over with a couple of tricks and more great ideas. There were a few more rough patches, but things started getting better each day. We worked with Sidney and she responded well to the training. Today she is a much calmer, better behaved dog than she was when we called Steve. She still has her moments when she barks, but she quiets down very quickly and clearly understands the "enough" command. She's the dog we wanted when we adopted her. Steve was so helpful; always there via email or telephone to offer support, encouragement, and ideas to resolve the issue of the day. When he came to the house, he demonstrated first hand how to teach Sidney to be a well behaved dog. I am so glad I found the web site and made that call! Thanks, Steve! Kathy Peoria, Arizona |
Hi Steve, |
You would not believe the peace and tranquility and JOY and RESPECT around my house after only a few days of consistent and persistent training and correction. Boojum is no longer yelling at me, Joops is about the same (just a silly boy eager to please), and Holly is much calmer and more focused. It appears that I am becoming recognized as leader of this cowdog pack!!! I am doing training of each dog only a couple times a day - morning and evenings. The older dogs are both on stage two of the stay command. With Holly, we are working on stage two. Thanks, Kathleen Ahwatukee, Arizona |
Second Email: |
Steve, |
YES!!! The leadership methods that you showed me are working already. Holly is submitting and Boojum and Joops are sending me thank you vibes. I think this will also help bring my cat Gu back into the mix. Hopefully Gu will soon realize that Holly is not in control and my kitty can come around more. Once she is again milling about with the pack, then I can correct Holly whenever she goes into cat attack or pursuit mode. While working the techniques that we discussed will take some getting used to, I am willing to put in the time. THANKS! |
Kathleen, Boojum, Joopiter and Holly (and Gu) |
Home Dog Training |
(c) copyright 2003-2010 Phoenix Valley Dog Training, LLC. - AZ Dog Trainers and Puppy Trainers. All Rights Reserved. |
All of the photos on our site are provided by Melissa Johnson Pet Photography in Phoenix, Arizona. We'd like to say thank you to Melissa for allowing us to use her dog photos. She did a wonderful job capturing Steve's dog Tigger and we highly recommend her services! |
Steve, |
I wanted to send you a quick message to say thank you and let you know that we are thrilled with the progress we are seeing in Bello in the few days since we first met with you! We have seen a marked decrease in his barking and, though we'd be thrilled enough with that, he has also responded well to our establishment of pack structure. We have been very successful with our training sessions each day. He already has the "sit-down-stay" command with 15+ feet and holding for over 30 seconds. We started working today on the "stay" while out-of-sight command and he did better than I anticipated! |
Thanks again and we'll be in touch once we've mastered the initial skills you taught us, Kami and Jeff, Laveen, Arizona |
We had a house full of company last night and everyone remarked on how calm Bello was and how well behaved! Most of the time he sits just by putting our finger up .... such a nice little party "trick" :). He also "sit-stayed" while our front door was open and our guests left - a major change from his prior behavior! |