Board & Train Testimonials
Layla
We brought Layla home in October of 2020 and envisioned a calm family dog. However, Layla tested us to no end. It became very difficult to implement training for her on our own and we were not even able to take her out for a walk without being pulled in every direction. Crate training was next to impossible for us to implement as Layla made sure her voice was well heard until she came out of the crate. Layla did not listen to the many commands that we trained her with. Training Layla on our own became quite the task and we were worried that we would have to give her up to a loving home.
Unsure of what steps to take next, we came across Deena's webpage and learned more about her Board & Train program. Although it was difficult to process the thought of not seeing Layla for 3 weeks, we knew that this would be best for both Layla and ourselves.
To say that we are impressed with the training is a true understatement. After spending time with Deena, Layla's behaviours have significantly improved and we are amazed with the outcome. Layla has become a much calmer dog, listens to her commands and will not make any fuss about being in her crate! She is that calm family dog that we envisioned back in October.
Deena was very pleasant to work with as well. From the very first meet and greet to learn more about how Deena trains each dog and where the dogs will be staying during their time with Deena, to picking up Layla after the 3 weeks where we were given very specific instructions and visuals on how to maintain the training with Layla, we could not have asked for anything more. Deena continues to work with us and is always available to answer any questions that we have.
We truly could not have asked for anything more or chosen anyone better than Deena to train our beautiful girl, Layla.
- Giulia
Daisy
When our puppy Daisy arrived home from Deena's three week Board and Train, she was a dream...like a different dog! Deena is a miracle worker. She gave us very clear instructions and provided excellent modelling in order for us to continue all of the amazing work that she did with Daisy. When we had questions, Deena was available to guide us so that we could effectively train Daisy and curb undesirable behaviours when she returned home. We are so grateful for all of the work that Deena did with Daisy and would highly recommend Deena Speaks Dog.
- Daisy's Mom
Huckleberry
I bought my little dog Huckleberry a year ago. He was meant to blend smoothly into my pack of two, the oldest of which was very old: sixteen (Parsley). I wanted there to be a puppy for the middle dog (Gilly) to become friends with (back-up, to put it crudely) and asked the breeder for the quietest dog she had. Huckleberry, however, and however adorable, turned out to be the wildest little beast imaginable: affectionate, cheerful, clever as all get out… but wildly energetic: too much for a sixteen year old packmate to cope with.
I took all three dogs to spend some time with Deena, who agreed that Huckleberry was too much for his ancient friend to cope with. I was very distraught and could not imagine letting him go, however much he disrupted the household. I spoke with Deena about this (tears flowing) and she offered, at first to keep an eye out for someone who might be able to foster him for a while. She then phoned me later that day and told me she’d be willing to take him in herself. Huckleberry stayed with Deena for over two months during which time he began to settle down. I came to her house and spent an hour walking with him every day and between the two of us we taught him how to be the very good dog he is today. He loved the companionship of the other dogs and he was happy with her. He’s been home for a long time now and every bit the joy Deena and I knew he could be.
Dear Parsley had to be put down about a month ago. Gilly went into terrible mourning but Huckleberry has been her constant companion. As I write this I can hear them on the floor above, rioting and running between the rooms together.
- Barbie
Charlie
Before I brought my bulldog Charlie to Deena, I was worried I would have to give him up or put him down. After only minutes with Deena it was obvious that she has an ability to communicate with dogs in a way most of us do not.
Over the past 4 months Deena has helped reduce Charlie's anxiety, and has significantly improved his behaviour on walks and inside the house. It is obvious that both Charlie and Deena have a soft spot for one another and it is such a relief to have someone I trust to take care of him when I'm not able to. She has been incredibly accommodating with his training schedule and has even taken care of Charlie when he was sick and I couldn't stay home during the day to take care of him.
She is warm-hearted and passionate about dogs; we couldn't have picked a better person to help us with Charlie.
- Kayla
Goldendoodles
Our two goldendoodles just "graduated" from a 2 week board and train with Deena Cooper (Deena Speaks Dog). We have a 9 year old who needed a refresher course in her manners, and a 9 month old who is adorable, but a total goofball and a general mess. We took the dogs over to her house (the training center and dog paradise) and handed Deena a list of issues that needed to be addressed. We returned and picked them up on Sunday, and got a full demonstration of all of their new skills and had our first "training" lesson on how to be better dog parents. My husband literally said it was getting different dogs back! It used to be a struggle to put on their leashes, walk them to the park, answer the front door, or stop them from chewing on anything but their toys. We realize that dog training is an ongoing process, but Deena has been fantastic and we are all much happier. We would recommend Deena's board and train without any reservation.
- Katherine
Leyah
It was evident upon meeting Deena that training dogs was more than a job for her, it was her passion. Before bringing my puppy, Leyah, to Deena for her Board and Train program, she was a nuisance. Leyah would bite everything and anything in sight and she wasn't the most obedient making training her difficult. After getting Leyah back from her 3 week board and train program, she was a completely different dog in the best way possible. She was obedient, she was calmer and no more biting. Thank you Deena for making Leyah the best version of herself that she can be. I look forward to future training sessions to build on this amazing foundation that was created.
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