When I think back to LaFawnda, our Yorkie, at 10 weeks old, attending her first training session, I realize how far she has come.  She is now 11 months old and more than just a dog.  LaFawnda is a member of our family. 

Being first time pet owners, it was important that we train ourselves as well as our dog.  When we first met Tamara, we saw how dedicated and enthusiastic she is to animals and their owners. 

Although we were nervous to begin training, her knowledge, sense of humor and smile made us feel at ease.  Having a Yorkie with more energy than I thought possible in a dog, provided us with some challenges such as barking, nipping and kenneling.  LaFawnda is a very difficult dog to train, so Tamara is constantly thinking outside the box to come up with solutions to any challenges we have encountered.  She explains the reasons for our puppy’s behavior as well as the techniques we use so we understand the training process.  Our friend, who dog sits a few times a week, noted that she has seen a huge improvement in LaFawnda since we have had Tamara come into our house and work one on one with us.  The great thing about Tamara is that she teaches us how to train our dog.  We work on training daily and it is worth the effort! 

Not only has Tamara helped us with problems, she has also helped us enrich LaFawnda’s life by working with us on socializing, greeting people, walking, tricks and games to play.  Our dog is an expert at puppy baseball! 

I would highly recommend Tamara to anyone I know who owns a dog and would like to work on anything from problematic behaviors to teaching them basics such as loose leash walking or sitting.  Her knowledge, energy, patience, creativity and her compassion for dogs and their owners makes her an asset to any family who works with her.  Our family and the others who work with her are incredibly lucky to have her in our lives.     

Paul & Rebecca Duquesnoy, Sheboygan , WI

I have 2 dogs.  A 7-year-old Boston Terrier named Sampson and a 3-year-old Puggle named Mugsy.  Having 2 dogs is hard enough.  But I had 2 dogs who were dog and people aggressive.  This was something that terrified me when I discovered these problems.  What if they bite someone or attack a dog?  I’d have to put my babies down.  I had spoken with trainers in the area.  Doing a class was out of the question because of their aggression problems.  I spoke with trainers about doing private lessons and most of them said they don’t deal with aggressive dogs.  Others didn’t use training methods I approved of.  I was afraid of loosing their personalities because a lot of trainers described training as “breaking the dog.”

 I found Tamara’s poster advertising 4 Paws Training at the pet store.  I sent her an email describing my issues in detail.  She emailed me back right away and answered all of my questions.  I was very impressed with what she had to say.  We set up a consultation so she could assess the training needs I had.  When she came to the house, I was shocked that Mugsy and Sampson didn’t try to attack her.  I was instantly impressed.  We talked for a while and decided she could help.

 We have been working with her for 3 months and the issues are slowly getting resolved.  I can’t believe that I can now walk my boys without them lunging at people as we pass by.  My fear of loosing their personalities is over.  They are still the same sweet boys I love.  But now they listen better and seem happier and more confident.  I am in charge now!

 As I continue to work with Tamara, I know it will take a lot of time, effort and consistency.  But we are on the road to a happy neighborhood.  I recommended her services to my neighbor, who is working with her.  We are working on the issues together for when the dogs are outside.

 When Tamara comes to the house the boys are always happy to see her.  Tails wagging and kisses as soon as she sits down.  I am truly happy with her and the great service she offers.

 Terri Radke, Sheboygan , WI

Last Updated Saturday, February 05, 2011