Reviews
“We were looking for puppy training that would be more then just teaching tricks for our 5 month old rescue. Vanessa's training was just that! We learnt how to teach basic commands, leash manners, recall, impulse control, work on socializing skills, and find an effective way to deal with our pups energy that used to show up as jumping and nipping for attention. Vanessa provided a variety of approaches, set up weekly goals, and gave us the tools to be successful. We highly recommend Vanessa's training program. Our puppy is confident and obedient because of her! A million thanks!
—Yvonne
“I've been working with Vanessa for over a year. She has done so much for my pup Atlas and I. Atlas was a rescue that had a few issues, very timid, afraid of many things, not very social and bad leash manners. We have benefited from the Basic Puppy Training and the Board and Train programs.
Vanessa patiently worked with us to overcome those issues, has made me a better pet owner and I now have the tools I needed to help Atlas become a better dog. She is now very social with other animals, not afraid of different surfaces, manages well on the leash, (still working on when she sees squirrels and deer) but it’s made such a difference.
The Board and Train program was amazing and the difference when she can home was instantly recognized. She has also helped me to understand how clear communications is critical and since understanding this has provided a great tool to continue more things. We’re doing non-competitive agility exercise and the skills she’s provided us with has made that a very enjoyable experience.
Beyond these benefits, she’s also been available for some follow up training to reinforce things that have slipped a bit (mostly down to me) and I can’t say how much I’ve enjoy working with her. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Vanessa.”
— Ramona
“Thank you Vanessa with helping us train Max, you really knew how to deal with him and stop a lot of bad behaviors . Thanks a lot! Looking for the next phase with e-collar .
Highly recommend Vanessa for your dog!”
— Shenoda
“Vanessa taught us so much. So many tips on how to get our puppy trained up. Us and our dog learned so much. I highly recommend to anyone. Especially those with a new puppy!”
— Kaley
Lily and I have recently completed a custom program. Her and I both learned so much. I came into training hoping to make improvements on Lily’s focus and her leash walking - which we’ve accomplished both goals, but learned so much more.
Another goal was crate introduction. I learned a lot about how my dog was not confident, skittish and needed a lot of encouragement. At the end of five sessions Lily had so many breakthroughs and was so confident in herself. Seeing that even helps boost my confidence with her, knowing that I can get her through new experiences with a bit of my own confidence.
During and following training I’ve had so many friends and family compliment Lily and her behavior, and I can’t thank Vanessa enough for helping us! I would recommend her training programs to anyone.
— Brittany
I highly recommend Well Trained Dogs. We have done 2 separate programs with Vanessa, and she really knows her stuff!
Arlo - Basics Puppy Program:
I usually get really flustered when I'm trying to teach my dog something and neither of us are making any progress. Vanessa made it really easy because she was able to explain how to make things easier for both me and the puppy just by slightly changing up my body language (for example: holding my hand more out to my side, or standing up straight instead of being in the dogs space) I was really happy with how Vanessa was able to teach me how to better communicate with my puppy, and in turn giving him more opportunities to succeed!
Ellie - 2 Weeks Board and Train:
We sent our 2 year old pup to what we called "summer camp" so Vanessa could work with her to build up her confidence, and her manners around other people. We were really sad to have her away from home for that time but Vanessa kept us updated with pictures and short videos showing us her progress. It was SO nice and reassuring to see that Ellie was being taken care of and loved just like one of their own. We have already noticed a difference in the way Ellie approaches situations that usually would have scared her. Now she's alot more confident and knows that she can walk away from a situation (or person) who's making her uncomfortable instead of barking and reacting negatively.
Thanks Vanessa!!
-Cailin
Vanessa was amazing with our pup during his board and train, and during his customized training plan. She treated him as family and was so knowledgeable and helpful at helping us through Koda’s reactivity and working on his (and our) confidence. We have noticed such a huge positive change in our confidence to handle situations that arise, as well as our dog’s reactions. Definitely recommend Vanessa!
-Kiera
Vanessa developed a customized program for us and our dog Sophie back in the summer. It targeted all the main concerns we had discussed in our meeting before beginning the program, but Vanessa also threw in some other things if they came up during the session - she was very flexible and attuned to our needs! We gained the tools to help Sophie with her reactivity and help her build some confidence, and she’s come a long way. Vanessa also touched base with us after the program ended, and she has made the time to chat with me when I needed some urgent guidance. We all really loved working with Vanessa, and we would absolutely recommend her to others who are looking for help in training their dogs! Thanks Vanessa!
-Chantel
With a plan that was developed to meet our needs, Vanessa helped us learn how to give our dog what he needed to build his confidence. Our anxious beaglier Copper went from being afraid of everything to walking with confidence and meeting new people with a great attitude. We learned the skills we need to train him well and look forward to helping Copper learn new tricks.
-Daphne
We did a customized program with Vanessa to help us with leash reactivity. Each week Cooper got better and better, and she gave us the tools we need for at home to keep working with him. The sessions with Vanessa helped give us confidence in what we need to do to be better pet owners. I would recommend Vanessa to anyone and would use her again in a heartbeat.
-Lindsay
Amazing trainer! We have 2 adult Miniature Schnauzers who can be stubborn and she handles them and instructs them in a way that allows them to learn fast and not get stressed. Vanessa has been very patient not only with our dogs, but with us as well. The private lessons have been a game changer in our home. I highly recommend Vanessa @ Well Trained Dogs.
-Marcia
We took our 1 year old pup, Marley, to Vanessa because she was reactive on her leash. Vanessa helped us to understand that her reactivity was fear based and that we needed to work with her so that she trusted us and could rest in our care. Marley learned to look to us if she's unsure in a situation and she responds much quicker to our commands and instructions. Thank you Vanessa!
-Dawn
Vanessa is so great with dogs no matter what they need work with!
She gave me so many pointers and tricks to get my smart rambunctious puppy to keep his attention on me so he could learn his commands.
-Becky
Vanessa is so wonderful to work with. Kind, patient and concerned. Her knowledge allowed us to fine-tune the learning program with her, resulting in a focused and functional result. We highly recommend Vanessa!
Vanessa was amazing with helping me train my Pepper. He’s a very active and stubborn pup for me. She showed me tips and tricks! Even more she goes above and beyond! I know I can text or call her whenever I have questions or am seeking advice! She really is the absolute best at all puppy needs!!
-Jen