Testimonials – Page 2

Kate Shallbetter & Penny – Public Access Foundations (PA1) – “Put it to use right away!”

May 2, 2018 by

Thanks again! Penny and I really enjoyed the class and learned so much! I actually put my auto-response to use last weekend when we were out. I used the whole sequence (starting with the auto-response of “one moment” then the rest followed naturally)! Penny did great! A bit distracted but was able to refocus and stay focused while the woman insisted on asking me about service dog breeds etc LOL so that exercise in class got put to use right away. It’s definitely something I struggle with but it was soooo much easier since we had practiced it!!!

“A look behind the curtain”–Pet Dog Trainer Melissa McCue-McGrath

January 29, 2018 by

Melissa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in the Boston area and author of Considerations for the City Dog. She got in touch with questions about a service-dog-in-training she’s been working with. After I recently sent her some requested materials and answered more questions, she followed up with the email below. When I asked if I could post it on my website, she added further comments about working with me.

Sharon? You are amazing. You truly are a dog-send.

I’ll talk with her about the pre adoption consult, and we can talk on the phone about the rest of it but anything at all I can do to help, I’m happy to… Thanks so much for just being amazing.

-M3

As a dog trainer who works with clients for various reasons, I often get inquiries about service dog work. In speaking with Sharon, it’s clear what she does is specifically catered to clients and the dogs they are priming for serious work, something that goes beyond my scope as a pet dog trainer. She knows what challenges lie ahead for a team in training, what situations they may run into, and how emotionally difficult this journey can be. The good news is with Sharon on board, my clients have reported how great it is to have someone in their corner guiding them along the way. I was nervous working with SD clients because I don’t have a frame of reference in working with these specific challenges, and yet Sharon not only gave me the confidence to help these teams work together on the basics, but I could look behind the curtain. The work Sharon does is built off the very foundation of positive reinforcement, science-based theory that I lay as a pet dog trainer. Sharon always takes my call or answers my emails if I have concerns or questions regarding a SDiT client and she is always ready to guide me through whatever circumstance arises with a SDiT team.

You CAN teach a service dog without fear and intimidation. Sharon is a dog-send for people, pet dog trainers and handlers alike.

Lin Diemand and Sierra

January 4, 2018 by

Lin came to a group class orientation and then we switched to private in-home lessons with her Boxer, Sierra. Here are Lin’s updates after Sierra’s first two lessons.

12/11/17

The improvement in barking was fantastic this week.

hip hip horay !

12/18/17

Hi Sharon

Sierras doing Super.Doing better..coming when called.Praise and treats help.

No chewing at all.Yay.

See you tomorrow

12/22/17

Wonderful ! Thanks so much,

And I did pick up the printout you left at the store.

We think youre terriffic.

Patient..professional..smart..and kind.

From two of the biggest fans in your club..

Lin and..mostly..Sierra Diemand.

Layla Young the Boxer & doggy day school

October 22, 2017 by

Layla was not a typical 5-month-old puppy when she started with At Your Service in March 2017. Although friendly and playful, Layla was so wild when Jim brought her to Family Dog Manners group classes that she could not focus and one night actually broke apart her collar with the intensity of her wiggling! In June, Gloria Young asked me to do an in-home behavior and training consult. I learned that at home Layla was so out-of-control — including constantly jumping on and painfully hard-mouthing Jim — that she could never be in the same room with any of their four children (ages 2 through 10). She was crated much of the time just for everyone’s safety. I shared my concerns about whether Layla could be safe around young children. Gloria wanted to try, so I recommended multiple changes to routine, equipment, and training approach, as well as an intensive three-week day school package. I focused Layla’s lessons on learning how to be calm and self-controlled. We also switched up some equipment and management solutions that would allow Layla to be with her family more often. Transition lessons with Gloria and Jim transferred these training skills to them. Lessons with the kids incorporated them into training and, using the Doggone Safe “Be a Tree” curriculum, helped everyone to learn to be together happily and safely.

I loved getting joyous updates from Gloria, usually accompanied by videos or pictures of Layla succeeding in her good behavior with her family. Halfway through Day School, I got this post (accompanied by a video of their 9-year-old son)

“Look Ms. Sharon!!! Gavin is actually petting Layla and Layla is letting him!!!!”

Then these updates over the next three months:

“Layla is doing better. Check out these pictures I took tonight of James and Layla. They have both come a long way!”

“Tonight’s playtime. Look at that. Who would have thought that I’d be able to capture this moment!?”

Gloria’s most recent email, when I asked if I could share Layla’s story:

“You’re phenomenal and deserve the recognition. I’ll have to check out your class schedule because I think Layla is ready for classes. My pup baby will be 1 on Sunday. Getting big so fast. Thanks Sharon! Talk to you soon!”

Kudos to the Young family for their hard work and dedication to making Layla a productive member of the family!