Praise Testimonials and Reviews | DAWG Pet Care and TrainingAcademy

PRAISE

Hi Bernadette, Thank you for such a profoundly wonderful session with you and Pippin.

In a very short time - just three days - Pippin is now once again spontaneously laying on my feet while I sit at my desk to work or if I am standing to do dishes. He had stopped doing this many months ago, and I assumed he had simply "grown out of it" ... but ever since implementing your technique of not scolding him ever, for anything (redirecting and giving love instead) he is now back to laying on my feet again. I am crying writing this because I can already see he is feeling more secure, certain and relaxed.

I love Pippin so much my heart hurts, and thanks to you I feel as if the love Pippin and I have for each other is deeper and stronger than ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Much love,

L + Pippin

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Hi Bernadette!
Thank you for our session and the resources! I read through them all and I am applying as much as I can. I can say that things are going really well with Pan. One big shift is my attitude, instead of feeling stressed out on walks or frustrated that he’s not coping well, I’ve shifted gears to being very engaged with the look at that game, letting him sniff a lot, and turning around when it feels like we’ve had enough. It’s so much more fun to be working this way, to have tools and see improvement! I am thrilled actually about learning to work with Pan in this way. Your expertise really astounded me and I’m looking forward to coming back.
Thank you! I’ll go on the website now and book another session for next week!
Basil June 2022

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Just wanted to let you know that Diva is a changed dog after the work we have done together. I can now take her to the park and she pays attention to me all the time, off leash. She now greets me at the door like other dogs I have known. I respect her and she trusts me.

So thank you for your help. I am very happy with the relationship I now have with this lovely little dog.

Lyn March 2022

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Thank you for all your knowledge and expertise with training Vern and I. Piper was along for the fun of it. I feel we learned so much and now will take some time to practice more with the things we learned.

We found the lessons to be very helpful and a lot of fun.

Vern and Judy and Piper of course! February 2022

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Hello Bernadette,
Thank you so much for all you have done for Lewis and his, at one time not long ago, exasperated parents. He has calmed down drastically now and fits in very well with us . He went to his first Doggy Daycare class this week and they told us “We absolutely love Lewis! He is welcome here any time!” A couple of months ago we would not even have bothered to try taking him there.
Since he seems to enjoy all the wall walking etc at the Real Life classes, I have made him an agility course in our back yard. He can’t get enough of it and hops up on the bench all ready to go when we are near it. There is a bench walk, a couple of raised hula hoops, a barrel, and an A-frame I built for it. We also have an 18’ tunnel purchased online. Right now the tunnel is indoors in our hall and he likes it so much that he just randomly walks through it during the day.
Lewis started his first puppy class with you as ‘That Dog’ who required a wall to separate him from the other dogs. He is definitely a changed dog now and we are very thankful for it.
We hope you have an enjoyable and maybe even relaxing Christmas season. I will keep an eye on your upcoming courses.
Thanks again,
Cam, Michele, and Lewis

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Hi Bernadette ... I made a big error during today's class with Max. You asked if I knew how remarkable it was that Max paid such close attention to me and my instructions. I gave a lot of credit to 6 yo Fergus and almost 13 yo Emma. Although they deserve some credit it's actually you who deserves the bulk. Ben and I had 2 yrs of agility with you. When I got Emma who was the complete opposite personality of Ben you gave us private training above and beyond what I'd expect from any trainer and we even did one summer agility program with you. Then came Fergus and we did a puppy course at Cedar.
You've taught me so much. Maybe over the years, enough has stuck in my brain that I was able to get this little guy off on his right paw. So I just want to give you a huge thank you for yet another awesome refresher course regarding puppy training. We'll be back as soon as we can.

Sonja and Max Fingal November 2021

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Hello Bernadette,

Thought you'd like to know that Cleo found my glasses the other morning...very exciting.

We were out for a walk in the dark. I took off my toque as I was getting warm and forgot that my glasses were on it. After about 1/2 a block, I remembered. Realizing I had lost them I said to Cleo "Find my glasses" She knew exactly what I was asking of her, and ran back up the road until she found them. Then she signaled by scooping her nose over them ... like she was doing in class.

I guess she was paying attention!

Thanks for the Scent classes, really enjoyed them..

Patricia Fall 2021

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Bernadette

I just wanted to thank you for the sessions. I really liked your approach and the fun ways you provided to teach the dogs different things. I think I will sign Hank up for some scent work next.

Thanks again,

Kathy October 2021

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From Kitty Cat Tang's mom, August 2021

When I retired and both of us were now home we decided to get our lap kittie. Well he certainly is cute and has his moments but Tang started biting from an early age.

Now eight months later it was out of control and he was now biting/attacking 4 times a day drawing blood and leaving scars. We decided to take him to the Vet to see what could be done as it could not continue. Was advised that his hunting instincts were so high that we would need to rehome him. As it was not possible where we live to let him roam free outside and did not want an outdoor cat . With many tears, we started the process of trying to find a home when a family relative that had behaviour problem with their dog told us about DAWG Academy and Bernadette and how great their results were.

We asked Bernadette to come for an in-home visit and we are so glad we did. She sat with us for an hour and explained about cat behaviour and gave us a list of things to do to help with Tang's problems. We have been following her guidance since then and am very happy to let you know that we have the odd incident but the change has been astounding in two weeks. With DAWG's help we have been able to keep our treasured little family member.

So anyone out there having problems with your cat please get in touch with DAWG Academy and let them help you. The dedication and knowledge they have will help you to overcome any problems you may be having.

Thanks to Bernadette/DAWG Academy

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We have been training with Bernadette for the last 3 months since our puppy Banjo was almost 6months old.

After trying 2 different trainers we found Bernadette who we were immediately impressed with.

She has addressed our needs and concerns every time as well as made many suggestions on things we should focus on, leading to our puppy showing improvements weekly.

Some of the negative behaviors Bernadette has assisted with include, but are not limited to: no longer jumping up, reduction/elimination of over excited/behavioral issues, learning how relax on command, recall, learning how to leash walk.

We are lucky to have found Bernadette. She has made such a difference and continues to do so.

Brianna and Lochlan U. 17/12/2020

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Lewis started his first puppy class with you as ‘That Dog’ who required a wall to separate him from the other dogs. He is definitely a changed dog now and we are very thankful for it.

Cam, Michele and Lewis

You've taught me so much. Maybe over the years, enough has stuck in my brain that I was able to get this little guy off on his right paw. So I just want to give you a huge thank you for yet another awesome refresher course regarding puppy training. We'll be back as soon as we can.

Sonja and Max

I just wanted to thank you for the sessions. I really liked your approach and the fun ways you provided to teach the dogs different things. I think I will sign Hank up for some scent work next.

Kathy and Hank

Classes are set up with good covid protocols. The instructor is friendly, knowledgeable, and teaches well to each person and dog, to the level they are at, to the physical abilities of people and dogs. Students and dogs have fun and learn lots while having fun.

Nov 11 2020 Anonymous

Bernadette,

Thank you SO MUCH for yesterday’s session! My wife and I are both teachers, and we thought you were brilliant! Both knowledgeable and great at including everyone. We love how you read your audience (both humans and dog) and adapted accordingly! We were so impressed and already recommended you to several of our friends.

We would definitely like to do another private session with Piper and are definitely interested in a group session. We REALLY want to socialize our dog, but don’t know how to do it safely. We hear conflicting advice, but we trust you!

Thank you so much!

Mark James 12/12./2020

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From our class survey October/ November 2020

I love to demonstrate how well Gregor can do his work in a more relaxed environment ( indoors ) where he works better. That is when people ask where he learned what he can do and where did we learn to do so. That's when I really can bragg about Bernadette & Linda's abilities to read a situation and not only assist the dog but teach the owner so very much of the how and where to help your pet be successful. Absolutely the best training I and my dog ever had or attended.

11/14/2020 3:17 PM

Classes are set up with good covid protocols. Instructor is friendly, knowledgeable, and teaches well to each person and dog , to the level they are at, to the physical abilities of people and dogs. Students and dogs have fun and learn lots while having fun.

11/11/2020 12:54 AM

So much knowledge, I now feel confident about raising the best boy I can. :)

11/8/2020 10:43 AM

I always appreciate how you modify each exercise for each dog, and you really take the time to explain it. Our dogs thrive because you take the time to invest in me and give me the tools I need for success

11/7/2020 6:12 PM

Welcoming and supportive, engaging owners and pets well between explaining and being active with our pets.

10/5/2020 10:08 PM

Bernedette was AMAZING!!!!

10/5/2020 9:50 AM

I really appreciate that Bernadette doesn’t judge a dog negatively based on breed alone. It makes for such a good training environment and helps me feel better too.

10/4/2020 10:58 AM

She helped make our experience fun! You always learn more when you are happy

10/4/2020 10:08 AM

Explaining to owners dog language and reading of your dog in situations. I learn something every single time I go.

10/4/2020 9:23 AM

Great class

10/4/2020 9:16 AM

We really enjoyed Bernadette's teachings and sense of humor.

10/4/2020 7:53 AM

Very clear and well communicated. Lots of options of how to deal with issues. Very positive all around!

10/3/2020 7:26 AM

We had bought a Yorkshire Terrier puppy in March and because of the Covid pandemic he was not socialized. He was anxious all the time, when we would leave the house to walk him he was very stressed, he would nip at other dogs bark or jump back when people would come up to him .

On one of our walks he nipped at another dog, the gentleman who was so kind and saw how anxious Archie was he highly recommended that we go see "Bernadette at DawgAcademy"

After the very first class that I had with Bernadette Archie made great strides. I needed Archie to be more obedient, relaxed, less anxious and responsive to my commands.

Bernadette taught me how to work with Archie, guiding him and show him that I was the one in charge.

Bernadette worked wonders with him, she helped us to be a real working team. We've had 5 classes with her and you wouldn't recognize him. He listens, comes when he's called and is not stressed or anxious. He is focused and is like a different dog. Thank you so much for helping us and giving me a dog that is a pleasure to be with!

I would highly recommend Bernadette "Dawg Academy", she is a skilled dog behaviorist/trainer and worked wonders with our dog Archie.....thank you so much!

Pam and Todd

November 2020

Master trainer Bernadette is just that, a master. Her advanced knowledge and deep care for animals really sets her apart as a trainer.

I have a Tripod (three legged puppy) and was worried that she wouldn't be able to keep up to the class. Bernadette customized what we needed and by the end of the 4 weeks my pup was much stronger and more confident. It wasn't about her "keeping up" it was about all of the dogs present learning how they needed to learn in order to thrive.

Her classes are always FUN and full of laughter and learning! You will be amazed as to what your dog can do in these classes!

November 2020

"Thank you so much Bernadette for your help and for your words of encouragement!

Last night and tonight's bone trade up went very well. We continue to leash practice twice today and tried a toy she had not seen before and she was very attentive.. We continue to practice on the street at quiet times such as 6am and 8pm.

August 2020

The sessions were very informative and above all fun for me and my dog! We explored the fine art of learning about dog communication and I learned when Toby needed me to help him and when I could just let him figure it out for himself, resulting in a much calmer and more confident dog!

Thank you Bernadette, we will be back for refreshers!

August 2020

I learned so much about how to work with my dog, and how to create a better relationship between us.

Bernadette noticed behaviours in my dog that I wasn’t aware of, and gave frequent, direct and constructive support to improve those behaviours. Thank you!

August 2020

We enjoyed our real life classes down at the park. Working with Max every day, learning new things from you each week and following your advice and guidance, I have seen a definite improvement in his comfort level around other dogs/people/bikes/etc. You have taught me many tricks to get his focus away from distractions that work! The progress is slow, but steady.

Bernadette is a skilled trainer who has helped Max so much.

We will keep working, keep learning, and would definitely recommend working with her.

We will be signing up for more classes in the future and in the meantime will keep using methods Bernadette has taught us. Thank you from Max and Ruth <3

August 2020

Thank you very much for the notes. Banjo is coming along really well!!

July 2020

I have been dealing with Nanaimo pet services and DAWG for the past 14 years. It started out with an agility class. I then adopted a dog who was fear aggressive to people and other dogs with the help of Bernadette I rehabilitated that dog who is now 14 and is the love of my life. I have continued with rally classes, Scent work and even play school for my new little girl who is three years old. This is the only place that I will go for the undivided attention that I get as an owner and how great the staff and Bernadette are. They are amazing at reading dog language and their grooming is impeccable.

Leslie

July 2020

Ellie and I are thoroughly enjoying and learning leaps and bounds!!! Thank you for your calm kind approach.

24 OCT 2019

Bernadette is an absolute treasure! My puppy Luci and I are thrilled to have attended a class and had private lessons. We learned a tremendous amount. I'm so impressed with Bernadette's incredible wealth of knowledge and ability to adapt to each new dog and owner, depending on their specific needs. As an individual with complex health issues, I wouldn't have the amazing relationship with my beautiful puppy without Bernadette's help. You are such an amazing person!! We love you Bernadette!!!!

10 OCT 2019

WOW !

Thank you for the notes, audio file and ALL the information. I have glanced thru all of it and feel like I have a years worth of training ahead of me !!!

However, I am also VERY excited to get started, as all of this information is AMAZING ! Such clear instructions and explanations and absolutely what I need to feel confident I am working with them correctly ! It all makes perfect sense to me (on paper) and I could not be more grateful !! I am so excited !! (I may even be able to train my husband with all this info !! YAY !)

Truly, I cannot thank you enough - even for this much so far !! It has been a very frustrating and difficult journey adding Teddie to our household, with many people suggesting we re-home him. This is not an option we would ever consider, but you have truly given me new hope that we can have the 2 dog household we envisioned !!

SOOOOO glad I found you !! And I look forward to training these little fluffers with your guidance.

THANK YOU !!!

15 Sept 2019