Highly recommend
We had Debbie assist us with our 2 golden retrievers when they were puppies and her positive training methods and rewards made a huge and lasting difference in our household. We highly recommend her.
Debby’s animal behavior toolbox–and now our toolbox!–is full of potential solutions to a huge amount of concerns
aggressively with men, also exhibiting resource guarding behaviors, and was just a hot mess of negative energy.
Although we semi-successfully integrated them, it became obvious after a while that Zeffy’s stress level was increasing. We employed a trainer who utilized a combination of methods, including some basic aversion techniques. This culminated in Zeffy injuring Zinc twice in two weeks, with the second incident requiring veterinary care and a few weeks of convalescence.
Whatever relationship our dogs had previously developed had now eroded. Gates were installed; my wife and I began sleeping in different rooms with one dog each and closed doors; Zinc was made to stay in the bedroom while we were gone and our cats were locked in the basement for their safety. Our entire household was on edge and we were a classic miserable animal household.
I found Debby’s web page and reached out to her almost immediately, After a reassuring conversation, I terminated our arrangement with the previous trainer.
Debby’s animal behavior toolbox–and now our toolbox!–is full of potential solutions to a huge amount of concerns. We worked with supplements and aromas, harnesses, training treats, exercises, web resources, and more. We experimented, we worked, we played, we walked, and we talked. The end result wasn’t well trained dogs; it was happier, more relaxed dogs that make much better choices than we have ever seen. It took time and work (and will continue to take more time and work), but the gates are down, the dogs sleep wherever they want, the cats have the run of the house, we have male friends who can visit, and our dogs are learning that they can develop positive relationships with other dogs and people that result in a net gain for them. Most importantly, our dogs now have a support system in place and they can and do look to us when they are unsure or stressed in the moment.
This was an incredibly educational experience. We feel that we are now responding to dogs that we understand, and our efforts have certainly paid off.
Thanks Debby!
Without your help, I am not sure that this would have been possible
I struggle to find the words to explain how just a few months ago, when Bunsen would come to sit next to me, I would tense up not knowing what might happen next. But today, as I sit her and type this, I have a little bundle of fur laying on my lap snoring away. I waited 7 long years to get my dog but it was you who gave him to me. Without your help, I am not sure that this would have been possible.
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Delilah has made remarkable progress under Debby’s guidance
She was also a big puller, straining on the leash and pulling it taut. Now she walks ahead of us, but the leash isn’t fully extended, and she’ll even slow down to walk next to us (if there’s a treat to be had!). We’re still working on it, but she’s gotten much better.
Debby’s also helped us handle Delilah’s demands for attention. This is a daily battle, but we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves now to keep her busy and manage her energetic nature. I’ve been able to avoid some of her frustrated tantrums where she chews on bedding or other verboten items.
Debby’s given us insight into why Delilah acts the way she does, and how to work with her to adjust undesirable behavior. I understand my dog better, which has helped me to appreciate her even more.
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Instead of teaching you how to “make” your dog do something, she teaches you how to help your dog make good choices
I was impressed with Debby from the moment she met us — instead of her usual standing her ground and barking, Mozilla went right up to sniff and accept treats. Debby obviously knows the right body language to use around dogs. She explained why the things that we were trying weren’t working and explained how to make Mozilla more comfortable (and this less likely to bark!) around strangers. We spent most of the session out on our very busy sidewalks as Debby helped us practice our recommendations, and she provided us with a folder of helpful information as well as personalized follow-up notes afterwards. Debby’s techniques worked beautifully and best of all, were dog-focused — instead of teaching you how to “make” your dog do something, she teaches you how to help your dog make good choices. No wonder Mozilla LOVED her after just one meeting! Over the next 2 sessions, Debby helped us adjust our techniques as well as better understand dog behavior and body language and Mozilla is visibly happier and more relaxed on our walks now. We’ve had joggers surprise us, workmen walk right past us, kids dash by — instead of barking, Mozilla now looks to us for treats or sniffs the ground to sooth herself. I absolutely love that the solution to our problems was to find a way to make our dog happier and more secure — we are really enjoying the stronger bond with her, and I love that strangers on our walks now represent opportunities to practice helping Mozilla relax rather than stressful situations to avoid.
I would definitely recommend Debby’s services if you are experiencing any behavioral challenges with your own dogs
When everyone else told us that Lola would never have a good quality of life, Debby gave us the hope and tools to prove them wrong
We have not seen any sign of his aggression
Thank you Debby for believing in Jasmine!
Our lives would be forever changed by this lady!
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You helped put my family back together when so many said that it wasn’t going to be possible
It was the first time that Henry did not lose all self control/growl at a stranger
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Finally…hope!!!
Debby of Pawsitive Reactions has been the best investment for my dog
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Debby has helped us in establishing peace and balance
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Showed more of a concern for us and the dog, than her business
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Fantastic that she does house calls
Our home is much more peaceful
A lifesaver for my two dogs and me
Buster is making great gains
She clearly does not see her job as work, but as a passion and love for animals
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