Testimonials
A great dog trainer is one who has both studied the history of training and has had the experience to try different techniques on different dogs and learn what will work with each individual. Allison has done just that - she became a dog trainer later in life and viewed it as a serious profession and responsibility. She educated herself and then put in the time to develop her skills and confidence, on top of her natural intuition and sensitivity. In full disclosure, she is Godmother to my Teddy Bear, the youngest Weimeraner I have (Allison did her first and only intervention with a client who had this young dog in a situation where he was being abused and in danger). Ms. Denlea has also worked with both my other dogs, Scooby Doo and Jazzy to help me with everything from simple commands and understanding what is going on in their little heads, to helping me fine-tune my technique using a remote collar for off-leash work in large open fields and woods. I have been recommending her to friends and listeners for years now and always with satisfied and happy customers and dogs. I trust her advice implicitly and would turn to her in any imaginable situation for advice and direction ( I have done it many times for myself and others and always been impressed and relieved with the advice). I am proud to be associated with Allison and hope you will share my trust and great experiences yourself.
- Tracie Hotchner
Allison Denlea, of Paws 4 Positive Training, is a reputable, extremely capable, caring and patient "dog" and "people" trainer, who has extraordinary ability to achieve desired results. I cannot overstate her qualifications and, wholeheartedly recommend her to any one requiring such a service. She is a pure joy to work with and the dogs love her.
When people see the way my two dogs behave while out with them, I'm always stopped. They want to know how I got the dogs to behave so well. At that point, I tell them about Allison and recommend her with complete confidence. She is a 'real pro' and the feedback I get from the people proves it !!
- Marcia Weinstein
Thanks so much for everything Allison!
Something tells me I'm not quite finished, but you've created two fantastic dogs for us. I could never have gotten Josie to this point without you, and, ofcourse, you've got Maggie in a perfect place . I will continue to recommend you!!!! Our friends can't believe Josie's the same dog!
I may call over the summer to work on Maggie. any thoughts on what else she would need?
Let me know and thank you again!
- xo Karen
The most important thing I have learned about animals is to listen and learn from them, and to develop my own judgment. When I first met Allison Denlea, I had only known the kind of trainers who advertise, "at the end of your leash"... and in fact, had allowed one of them to drag my dog at the end of the leash after he cowered to the trainer's harsh command to heel. I wasn't confident enough to tell him to stop and I will never forgive myself.
I had already been working with horses in a positive way and knew better. Then I saw Allison's card at Dr. Barry Browning's office and knew I was on the right track. Nothing new here. Same as in martial arts, as in the Californio vaquero way of horsemanship - focus on the positive and redirect the energy.
Allison stepped right up to the challenge of my dog pound doggie who, other than his wonderful foster mom he'd had for a few weeks before he came to me, hadn't known much good in his life. To come to him with a human version of punishment and harsh "NO"s would have crushed his wonderful spirit. Allison knew this at once. Of course, it's all about training the human, and we must be willing to listen. And Allison uses the same good natured positive way to get us humans on track.
The best thing I can say about Allison is that she adjusts to fit the situation. There is no one way. She analyzes what is going on and both intuitively and from her extensive training background knows just what is going to make things better. Often she can show the human immediately what they have been doing to cause the very behaviour they are calling her to fix!
When I've recommended Allison to friends-- and even strangers I meet when Bean and I are together-- they ask 'How many sessions did you need?", thinking they are about to get roped into the equivalent of a lifetime on the pyschiatrist's couch. When I say three or four, and always on different subjects, they're astounded. She gets in, takes whatever time she needs to get the job done in the kindest possible way, and goes on her way. When I have follow up questions, she is always willing to take the time to make sure I have a clear understanding. Can you tell Bean and I adore her?
- Barbara & Bean
I HAVE KNOWN ALLISON FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS ,MET HER THROUGH MY DOG--- HE NEEDED TRAINING AND SHE CAME TO DO THE JOB--- QUITE WELL -- I FOUND IN ALLISON A WARM, CARING ,KNOWLEDGEABLE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS THE QUIET STRENGTH TO SEE THINGS THRU WITH PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING---I HAVE TURNED TO HER MANY TIMES FOR GUIDANCE CONCERNING THE WELFARE OF MY BELOVED PET SCOOTER --- I HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH HER OPINIONS---I THINK ANYONE WHO KNOWS HER WILL AGREE THAT SHE IS A UNIQUE AND INTERESTING PERSON ,WORKING FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL ANIMALS AND MAN KIND--
- Millie & Scooter
Before using Allison Denlea's dog training services my dog Baxter and I had tried many training classes and trainers with little or no success. I came to Allison looking for ways to help my chocolate lab become livable without ruling the house. Allison's methods and training practices completely changed the way my dog behaved and how I reacted to his behaviors. What I love about Allison's training is how she gives you exercises and tools to use so that you can work on things, she doesn't simply tell you (as some others do) that what your doing is wrong...she is completely proactive and positive! Allison is willing to help and answer questions no matter how big or small. Baxter has made such amazing progress and I still see wonderful changes in him as we keep using and practicing what Allison has taught us. I completely recommended Allison's services to anyone looking for an obedience instructor.
- Kelly Collins and Baxter
My lucky day was when I met Allison. I love her dearly. As a multiple dog owner, I needed some advice on pack behavior. Luckily I found Allison. She came to my house and after the session there was no doubt in my mind that she was able to read a dog's mind. She was able to show me how to correct bad behaviors, reward good ones and explained why. She pointed out dog body language that was a God send to the pack and me.
I adopted more dogs, There came a time when there were two mini poodles in my care and I had to choose one to adopt. My other dogs were large. I was concerned the little guy could be hurt. This was a job for Allison. She observed their behavior. True Blue would be the pup that could hold his own and do well with the others. He sure does!
Through the years there have been so many intelligent suggestions and training methods that Allison has shared with me. My wonderful pack and I have lived in harmony and love for many years. I am grateful for the kindness, judgment, ability and work ethic that I have enjoyed with Allison.
- Jin
We were both 60 years old, neither of us ever having had a pet, when we decided to give it a go. On her first visit with us and our new miniature poodle, Ivy, Allison saw that we were clearly over our heads. She ably turned a tempermental and too-smart-for-her-own-good puppy into the superbly trained dog she has become. Not only was Allison successful in training Ivy, but just as importantly, she taught us how to be responsible dog owners. With her vast knowledge and expertise Allison has provided us with a dog who has enriched our lives beyond our dreams. We shall forever be in her debt.
- Kathy and Michael Lavyne
Hi Allison
I just wanted to send you a quick note! I was in Petsmart tonight and there was a training class going on, actually it was the last class. There was an 8 month old Rottweiler female, she was all over the place and her owner was unable to control her. There was one trainer speaking in a high voice and a lot of clicking and treating for no apparent reason! The owner had no idea what she was doing and the funny part was that she is planning to show the dog ... if you can believe that! It was making me crazy just to watch. its like seeing a parent who can't control their child and you want to walk over and show them what to do!
So I guess the purpose of this email is to once again thank you for all your great training and to let you know that we are so grateful that you worked with us and our girl!!
Please keep us in mind if you do have a spring group class. We are still working on the good citizen requirements! Thanks again for everything!
- Theresa Duffy
Thank you again and again and...ah, you get the idea, eh?! You are awesome and amazing and have given ME the chance to help Pearl to develop her amazing awesomeness (is that even a word...if not, it WILL be in the dictionary soooooooooon with a photo right next to it of Pearl! LOL!)!
Each and every day brings such positive changes and an even happier (is THAT even possible?!) puppy. I'm hooked.
Looking forward to seeing you next week.
- Judith
We wanted to say "hello" and hope all is going well for you and your "pack".
We are doing fine here. Wilma completed 5 weeks of a group training class at ARF and got 3rd place at graduation out of a class of 9 dogs. We were very proud especially since she spent the beginning of each class trying to go after the other dogs. However, each week she became more tolerant and was even able to be part of a group photo taken on the last day. She let the dogs a little closer each week with a bit less reaction each time so... we're getting there with her. We try to expose her to other dogs as much as possible by taking her to places where we think we'll find dogs on leash. She's beginning to focus on us more during our walks and can accept a treat with a barking dog behind a fence who she is able to see. The leash walking technique you taught us has made a world of difference for all of us. I feel so much more confident and in control walking her and I think she is feeling likewise with me. We'll keep you posted. Thanks so much for everything. You made a real difference with all of us. If you are in the area, stop by and say hi if you get a chance.
- Nancy
PS-The barking at the front door is much more under control. We get her to go to her couch and stay if someone comes to the door. She gets better at this all the time.
