Merit Puppy Training

Dawn,

Many thanks for all your assistance in the training of Splash & Sunny. Your hard work and expertise is seen in their behavior and Vicki and I are very grateful for all that you have done.

Best Wishes,
Senator Edward M. Kennedy

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

Dear Dawn --

I wanted to share with you a scare Birgitta and I had this morning and how the puppy training saved the day.  I let her out into our small, fenced-in back yard in NWDC to run around (with a collar, but without a leash) while I took the recycling out, since I could hear the recycling truck nearby.

After putting the bag in the recycling bin, I went to open the gate to the yard.  Birgitta tore through my legs and raced out into the alley behind out house.  She ran down to the end of the alley, where it intersects with a second alley, and stood there, listening to the sound of the approaching truck.  I raced down our driveway and called her name.  She didn't do anything.  Then I called her name, turned and ran as fast as I possibly could back into our yard, calling her name again.  She raced along and as soon as she was safely inside our yard, I slammed the gate shut.  At just that moment, the huge recycling truck turned the corner onto our little alley.  If it hadn't been for the puppy training class, I wouldn't have known to turn and run fast, call her name, etc. and who knows what would have happened...

See you next Wed. at 7pm! 

Best,
Olivia Hilton (owner of Birgitta, the dalmatian puppy)

Dear Dawn,

Every time I pick Hero up after staying with you she's so relaxed and compliant! For a two-year old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, whose high energy frequently gets her into trouble, the time she spends with you not only encourages her to mind her manners but playing and just hanging out with your other "guests" calms her down and provides the
stimulation she needs. I know that when she stays with you she is experiencing her own special vacation, so while I'm sad to be without her for awhile, I'm happy that she's enjoying herself!

Thank you so much for giving her a safe and fun home away from home!

Sincerely, M. Bayers
(Merit Puppy Board and Train customer)

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

Our Boston terrier Beau was nearly a Merit Puppy drop out.  But thanks to Dawn and Lud we now have an outgoing, confident pup who can sit, lie down, stay & shake.  Beau's first two classes were a disaster.  In every play session Beau hid under the chairs so the big puppies couldn't get near  him. We felt we might be doing Beau more harm than good but after a long chat with Dawn, and at Dawn's suggestion, we switched classes where Beau found a friend in another Boston Terrier.  The two Bostons were inseparable in every play session.  Then, before long, Beau was playing with other bigger dogs instead of hiding under the chairs in fear and not joining in.  We are so happy with the results from Merit Puppy Training!  We also learned that these classes were for US as well as Beau.  We learned that we need to work and practice the commands with our pup, which proved to be so rewarding.  Thank you Dawn & Lud.  We are forever grateful & your best fans!  Beau can't wait for his next class!  

- Myra & Robert Dunn, Washington, D.C. 

Dawn,

Lilibet and I appreciate all the good work that you have done with Figgie.  Your training has helped discipline him and make his presence in the house much more enjoyable!  Figgie thanks you.  We all thank you.

Regards,
Senator Chuck Hagel

My pug puppy, Dexter, and I took two of Dawn's classes in 2001. We enjoyed them so much, that I shadowed Dawn for subsequent class sessions and we used Dexter as an "example dog." The dog-friendly training inspired me to become a positive reinforcement trainer, myself. Now, I have my own company, One Smart Puppy, in New York City as a private dog trainer.  Thanks Dawn!

Julie Sonenberg, CTC, CPDT

One Smart Puppy, Inc.

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

Dear Dawn,

It was a fine treat to bring our dog Meeko----now almost six---back to your class last week to show his mentor how well he has developed, from a  wild three month old.  You always modelled positive commands and responses for us and taught us to do the same.  The class helped us to socialize with other dogs and their families, and we---and Meeko--- are most grateful.

Sincerely,

Bitsey (Folger) and Sidney (Werkman)

Dear Dawn,

Fiona and I want to thank you for helping to ensure that she is a well adjusted, well behaved city dog.  As you know, when I adopted Fiona she was a high spirited, growing puppy.  It was essential that she learn basic obedience quickly, because we live in small condo, in a busy city neighborhood.  Fiona flourished under your positive, but firm and consistent training methods.  With each class she learned something new, and hardly a day went by, without one of our neighbors complimenting me on my "well behaved" puppy.  She sits, stays, and heels, like a champ. I am so happy that we were able to take your class. 

Thank you again,

Mary Kay Lynch

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

I cannot thank you enough for helping me with the training of my Portuguese water dog puppy. He was such a handful for me when I first got him. You were my surprise from the sky. You helped me understand that the working breed is a task oriented dog and to incorporate his training in our daily lives.

You have helped me keep my SANITY. I am indebted to you for life!

Thank you so much,
Carmel Bender

I want to thank you so much for your generosity of time and commitment in helping us with our 10 week old puppy. We had no idea what to do or where to start, and had not realized how much dog training had changed since we were kids, I guess gone are the days when you wait until a dog is 6 months old to train, and also not able to learn anything until that age.....

Yikes, if we waited any longer I think the puppy would have taken over our home and walked us on a leash!!! My son is helping with all the hand-feeding techniques you showed him and is doing better at the hand signals than me, and even my 10 month old is learning to play the, "Peek-a-Pup" game you showed her and is able to lure and reward Nelly into the sit and down with my guidance. I now have the confidence to raise my puppy with the same philosophy I have in raising my own children. Also, I am much more comfortable with positive reinforcement training, it's obvious to me that my son could not be involved in the depth of Nelly's training if we did things any other way. We plan on attending your puppy classes so we can continue to socialize our Nelly and practice the basic skills you have taught us.

Thank You so much for your continued support, the kindness you shared with my family, and the deepest respect you cary inside you for the well-being of Nelly's education and health.

My Best,
Susan and Nelly

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

Woof Woof Aunt Dawn,

Hey, it's me your favorite student...Mel. Thanks for teaching me all these neat tricks I do so I can get lots of good treats. Mom thinks it is really something she is doing, little does she know I am teaching her how to be a good owner.

I really had a fantastic time at your classes. It was so much fun playing with all the other students and making new friends. I love those good treats you give me. I'll follow you anywhere for those.

Mom sure seems a lot happier with me now that you have been helping us. I thought for sure she was going to send me back before you came along and helped us.

I can't wait to see you again soon. Mom says you have a new friend for me to meet. Bow wow!

ARF, ARF...
Mel

** Over 90% of all private clients and class enrollment
are from Veterinary and client referrals! **

When they took the beginner's class with Merit Puppy Training, my owners finally got a clue how to raise an attentive, obedient dog.  Believe me, they didn't know anything before they met Dawn. (I'm turning out GREAT, by the way, if I do say so myself).  And there was plenty in the class for me, too. I sat down, I got snacks. I lay down, and I got snacks, and I learned to play well with other dogs my age. Dawn is patient, fun and she knows how to make us part of a happy pack.

- Zuzu the American Staffordshire terrier as told to Carolyn Hax