|
Here's what folks are saying. . .
|
|
| Zoe |
"I feel incredibly lucky
to have found Tara and to have had the opportunity to work with her in learning how to train our dog, Zoe. I hired her for
a package of four private in-home lessons, and Zoe and I loved every minute of it. When Tara left at the end of our last session,
Zoe sat at the door and cried.
Tara has a wonderfully sweet and encouraging manner, which makes dog training manageable
and fun. In my mind, her approach to dog training is ideal: positive reinforcement and fun activities. She is energetic, creative,
and very understanding of pets and their needs — I was especially touched by her nurturing manner and care for Zoe during
our lessons and beyond (for example,she called me after Zoe got spayed to see how surgery went).
Tara is infinitely
patient. She was always willing to review techniques, take a phone call, or reply to an email. She provides handouts that
review her lesson instructions, which have been very helpful.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Tara and
how much I enjoyed her training sessions. She is truly a gem, and anyone would be lucky to work with her."
—Amy
O'Keefe, VA
|
| Helene Dodge and SAR dog, Orso |
"First! Can't thank you enough. I'm
so excited for Orso and me! Will do my homework, and will have fun with my dog! Everything you showed us and told me made perfect sense and on top of that, it was all with positive reinforcement
and kindness. My dog means so much to me, not only as a search dog, but just as my companion. I know now there is hope
and help to turn him back into a happy confident dog. Thank you".
—Helene Dodge, Special K9 Deputy, Nelson County Sheriff's
Office, and Orso, Certified Search and Rescue Dog
|
| Charlotte and Maia |
"Tara
was fantastic - my dogs loved her! Tara has a real talent - she really knows how to communicate with dogs and is very good
at explaining how and why something should be done a certain way. Her training sessions were invaluable and it was a pleasure
to see her each week, always with a smile! I would highly recommend her."
—Mireille Gosselin
Charlottesville,
VA
|
| Debbie and Baci |
"I
wanted to thank-you for making our dog training lessons so much fun! You have taught us so much that I know we will
be working on these things for some time to come. You not only were a positive influence, but went the extra mile in
providing us with information, equipment, and web sites which provided answers for problem areas. All
The Best!" —Debbie Ross Charlottesville, VA
|
| Laurie with Pearlie (left), Indie (right), & kitty, Cinnamon |
"Tara
taught me how to communicate with Indie. Indie is a rescued dog and was very needy and demanding when I first got him. He
also shed more than any dog I’ve ever seen, which Tara explained is a sign of stress. After just one lesson, Indie stopped
shedding so much. He also learned to calm down and listen to me. Our relationship is 100% better, and I enjoy my time with
Indie and feel relief to know these human-canine communication tools. Indie is now secure enough to show his true personality—he’s
sweet, a lot of fun, and a great companion for me and my other American Eskimo Dog, Pearlie."
—Laurie
Thurneck
Crozet, VA
|
|
|
| Chip and Derby |
"I was able to get Derby to do things, that I thought would take months, in just minutes! Reward-based
training is easy and fun (for both of us). I strongly recommend Tara, especially if you have an energetic dog who craves attention
and loves to play."
—Chip Cutchins
Charlottesville, VA
|
|
|
| Marsha and Ivy |
“I really have to thank you for such wonderful lessons! Attending private lessons with so much personal attention
is a real plus. I don't think Ivy would have passed her Delta Society Pet Partner evaluation without your encouragement and
belief in her ability to succeed and mine to train her - and you made it fun! I've just figured out that positive reinforcement
works many ways --I reward Ivy with treats and praise, she rewards me by being such a superb dog, and you reward us both by
sharing the joy of our success. Can't wait for the next lesson! Thank you!!”
P.S. Thanks to your continuing
belief in us, Ivy and I have recently become a a registered and practicing Reading Education Assistance Dogs® Team with
the R.E.A.D.® program of Intermountain Therapy Animals. Kids read to Ivy and everyone loves it!
—Marsha
Frick
Charlottesville, VA
|
