Pups Dog Obedience Training

Nov 2022

After doing the beginner obedience training class 6 years ago when my miniature schnoodle was a puppy (great class, highly beneficial), I recently brought him back to Karen because he was becoming increasingly aggressive on our walks with his barking as we passed other dogs. After an in-person assessment, Karen recommended we purchase the Dogtra YS300 Anti-Bark Collar for small dogs and she instructed us on how to use the collar (specifically on how we were to act when he was corrected by the collar). She asked us to drop in on a session of one of her currently running obedience classes after using the collar for about a week, in order to assess our technique, our dog’s reaction, and to give instruction as needed. Karen said it normally takes about 4-5 corrections for a dog to make the connection and adjust his behavior. Our dog is pretty strong-willed, so it took more like 10-12 corrections…but after about 3 weeks, I am so happy to report that he walks beautifully again, with no more barking at other dogs! We are all back to enjoying our daily walks together.😊

Dec 2021

I adopted a rescue project GSD that was very fearful and anxious (my 1st pup as well). PUPS was recommended by a friend's trainer as they specialize in these issues. After a private session with Karen, we signed up for the Basic Obedience course. Within the first two weeks there was a noticeable difference. After 8, she's a completely different pup. All this is due to the approach towards the training. Its all about strengthening the bond between the owner and dog, having the dog see you more of a leader, as well as teaching the dog accountability and self control. All this is utilized through the use of a prong collar and corrections. No treats or toys are involved in training, which strengthens their ability to listen, grow, and develop as "bribing" for results holds no place in this course. Although use of the prong collar some may feel is controversial, if used appropriately, properly fitted, and under the direction of a trainer for proper usage, it is highly affective without hurting the dog. Karen and her team do an amazing job with teaching the correct usage of them for training. I would highly recommend this course, especially for those with guardian breeds.

Mar 2021

My fiance and I were referred to Karen by a coworker of mine who was a vet tech prior to working with me. We rescued a dog from BARCS and felt we got in way over our heads - crate training was going disastrously, he was impossible to walk because of pulling, and he was so food motivated after being malnourished that the typical training techniques you would find online just were not working. Karen started working with us over the phone as soon as we were able to make contact and really helped us understand what the 3 of us needed to do to form a successful trusting relationship with our dog. We were seamlessly transitioned into her lessons once she was allowed to open her business and beyond the obedience commands, she helped us get comfortable with adapting situations for our dog's safety. She helped us know when to finally bring our dog to a vet for medications to help with anxiety, and we were able to repeat the class to help him continue to grow; we're going for round 3 this spring not because he hasn't learned the commends but because he needs to build confidence and reduce his anxiety around other dogs, per Karen and our vet. Almost a year after meeting Karen our boy has gained 20 pounds, can stay home alone without being fearful, can go for walks with us in complete control of our dog at all times with the proper equipment, and knows boundaries with getting food. If you use Karen as the valuable resource she is, you will get so much more out of the class than a dog who can sit. You will have the comfort of knowing you can control your dog and their environment in any situation, and an amazing relationship with your animal that is worth so much more than you pay for this class. I simply can't recommend Karen enough!