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Debbie is great. Charlie learned a lot and we are very happy with his progress. One thing we would like would be able to contact the other people in the class so we could get the puppies together to play.
- Dave Feldstein
I took the 'Puppy Polite' class at Tucker Pup's and could not be happier with the results. Debbie explained each lesson clearly and worked with each owner/pet to insure that behavior was being executed properly. All of the commands we were taught are things that are useful in our day-to-day activities with the dogs. The class is a fun, no-pressure environment and one where you can be as diligent with the training as you want to be - I would highly recommend this to anyone with a new dog.
- Evonne Stavrakos
I have tried other beginning obedience classes and individual training. By far, Debbie's class exceeds her competitors and she surpassed my expectations. She is very articulate, knowledgeable, and an excellent instructor. In general, many people who try to be instructors know their material yet do not know how to "teach" it to others effectively. I was so happy to be a part of her class and to see she is an expert at what she does. Such a professional touch is her documenting material and homework assignments, provided in take-home material. She goes above and beyond others with "special touches". Without a doubt, Paris will be enrolled in Good Manners 2, in addition to other training classes at Tucker Pup's. THANKS Debbie and thanks Joel!!
- Pamela Ethridge & Paris
Miss Piggy took puppy and intermediate classes with Debbie at her previous training location. When I was looking into the Canine Good Citizen testing, Debbie's name was on the AKC's list for Chicago contacts. We just had to follow her to Tucker Pup's, which has a great open space for us to practice in. Piggy is so well-behaved, even my vet commented how unusual it is to see such a well-behaved pug. We are looking forward to the Fun with Fido class!
- Natalie Crespo
Debbie was great! We enjoyed the training so much, and now Webster is a little gentleman out and about...most of the time. We will definitely continue to take obedience classes with Tucker Pup's and maybe delve into agility...Webster certainly has enough energy!
Thanks again Debbie and Tucker Pup's!
Gina and Sean Boyland, and Webster :)
My dog Bugsy and I completed both the Polite Puppy and the Good Manners 1 and 2 classes with Debbie. Recently, I was asked by my mom to take her Chocolate Lab, Brutus, to a training class at a popular franchise, whose identity I will not disclose. She had a few errands to run, so I agreed to help her out. Once Brutus and I arrived and his "training" began, I WAS SHOCKED!!! Hands down, no comparison!! They were aggressive in their teaching techniques and Brutus was clearly not responding. Mid-way through the class, I found myself using techniques that Debbie taught Bugsy and me, and we were getting better results! For example, in teaching the "heel," they instructed the owners to aggressively pull both the leash and the dog into the desired position. They later brought out a dog, who was wearing a shock collar, to demonstrate. Unlike Nigel (Debbie's dog, whom she uses to demonstrate) this dog appeared frightened, disheveled, and anxious! I was appalled!! I consider myself VERY lucky!! Thank you all for all that you have done!!
- Agatha Mankiewicz
We enjoyed the class very much and Scooter had so much fun. We will definitely take the next course once he is a bit older. Debbie was great! She really knows what she's doing. Can't wait for the next class. Scooter loved her!
- Sarah Yang
Debbie and Nigel are excellent instructors! While Debbie explains to us humans the hows and whys of dog behavior and how dogs learn best, Nigel shows us just how a proper 'heel' should look or that 'wait means wait 'til Mom says OK!'. We've already had several classes with Debbie and the education we've received so far has been invaluable. We have strengthened the bond between us and our dogs by learning how to communicate with them effectively. As a result our dogs have nice manners and are well-behaved most of the time. When they forget their manners or get up to some mischief, we now know how to correct the behavior quickly using positive methods. The very best thing about classes with Debbie and Nigel? They are FUN!
- Stephanie Hebelka
After enrolling in the Good Manners I dog training class and Good Manners II class offered at Tucker Pup's Dog Activity Center with our new puppy Zoe, Julie and I wanted to let you know what a great experience both classes have been and what an amazing progress we have made with understanding and guiding the behavior of our very active puppy.
We have to recognize Debbie Bickford and her special skills and obvious talent in training dogs and working with dog owners on training strategies. Debbie made the classes fun to attend and something to look forward to. We appreciated her style of training and being new dog owners ourselves, found she had to train us first prior to addressing Zoe. While the classes were run in small groups, she was able to provide individual attention to us and Zoe.
Results have been phenomenal in terms of general good behavior of Zoë meeting new people, greeting other dogs, heeling while approaching street corners and coming when called; all in a very short time. Most importantly, we are confident in the skills Debbie taught us and in our ability to continue to train Zoe with good behavior and skills in the future.
We give Debbie and Tucker Pups two thumbs (and one paw) way up!!
Best regards,
- Julie and Dan Schmittdiel
Joel,
I just wanted to let you know how well the obedience class went. This was Jake's second go around in organized training sessions, and as you could see, the first group (given by a different trainer and pet-care center) didn't go so well. Debbie is a phenomenal trainer, extremely knowledgeable, and had all the answers. She made it very entertaining and seemed to have everyone's attention 100% of the time. Jake and I continue to train and see improvements on a daily basis. Thanks again.
- Ryan Nelson
We just finished Good Manners 1. My husband, Colin, and I thought it was a great help. Our dog is very smart but rather misbehaved, and this really helped to get him paying better attention to us. Plus, this is my first dog (not my husband's) and I learned a LOT about being a good dog owner/trainer. (I still have much to learn).
Possibly the best aspect about the class was Debbie -- she was fantastic. She's effective and intelligent without being patronizing or domineering. When we go back for another class, we want to take a class of Debbie's. She's the kind of trainer who instills trust in her class (dogs and humans, alike).
And, as we found out on the last day, she bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie!
Many thanks,
- Beth Bullock
We enjoyed Good Manners 1 and will probably take the 2nd class down the road. Charger did really well, so I think it would be beneficial for him to continue.
- Jennifer Dietz
I think the class is great. Debbie allows you to realize that your dog's behavior is a reflection of the owner's behavior. It was also refreshing to see there is hope for your little one. She also makes it look so easy. I learned the timeout technique and it really works.
- Ceta Walters
I had a great time at the Good Manners 1 class and learned how to work with Seymour on a few things that I felt were really important: come, stay, no pulling on the leash.
Debbie was really helpful and clear. She had great control of the class and all of the dogs.
I really enjoy coming to Tucker Pup's and have nothing but good things to say. Seymour has a great time when he is boarded and we both feel really comfortable with the place and all of the staff.
Thanks!
- Billie Howard
We enjoyed the class and got some very good things out of it. We're still working with our puppy every day and he has picked up some things quickly, while we're still working on others.
Debbie was a very good teacher, professional and made the class enjoyable.
I'm sure we'll consider future classes for our dog.
- Phil Kenny
I can't speak for the grooming or the daycare here but I can certainly speak on the training class that our lil' Ruby just finished taking. We enrolled our lil' pup for the Polite puppy course and I must say it was great. Debbie is such an amazing trainer and her dog Nigel is such an awesome dog! She has such a great way with all types of pup's. The class was just the right size and I learned A LOT!
Although our lil' Ruby is a daddy's girl I was able to take in everything Debbie taught us and take it home and practice with Ruby. We have a rottweiler and I don't want her to be an unsocialized insane dog, so I'm glad that we enrolled her in this class. We learned from your basic "sit" to our hard to resist "leave it" move. Also the socialization between the other dogs was great also. Don't expect for your dog to sit through this class and miraculously be trained in every way. To me this class is mostly for the owners to take in all the training tips and do's and dont's in order for you to have a well trained dog.
We will definitely sign-up Ruby for the next class!
- Diana Rincon
Debbie is an excellent instructor! She is extremely knowledgeable and had very helpful and effective techniques and suggestions. My dog loved her immediately!
- Lesley Ahlberg
Since moving to the West Loop and using Tucker Pup's services, I have been very pleased. My dog, Scout, has been groomed at Tucker Pup's, and we recently finished the "Good Manners 1" course. Scout tied in first place as class valedictorian (or valiDOGtorian, as I call her). Whenever I take Scout in to Tucker Pup's, the staff are very friendly and kind to me and my dog. After grooming, Scout is clean as a whistle, and always in high spirits.
I chose Tucker Pup's because I had heard many good things about the organization, and because the website was so friendly and easy to navigate.
I have a dog walker from another local business, but would have hired Tucker Pup's as walkers if they offered that service.
I plan on taking more discipline classes when my schedule allows.
-Rebecca Fons
The class went well! Quinnie definitely learned some new obedience prompts and we use them in our day-to-day life.
- Sara Clary
Prior to taking Good Manners 1 at Tucker Pup's, Cinnamon (and mom) had gone through a crash course training at a local pet store chain, resulting in little success. During the training with Debbie, Cinnamon not only learned good manners (stay, leave it, heel) but she had a fun time doing it and she continues her good behavior at home now. Debbie is the McGyver of puppy training - she has tips and ideas about how to handle most any situation and she is extremely patient. I recommend the training courses and Tucker Pup's to all my friends!
- Marisa Meadows
We took Newman, our golden doodle puppy, to the Polite Puppy training course taught by Debbie and her extremely well-behaved boxer, Nigel. The class helped with Newman's behavior but more importantly it taught us how to communicate with him in a way that he can understand what is good and what is not acceptable. We are getting ready to enroll him in his next training class and would recommend Debbie and Tucker Pup's to anyone who may need such services.
-Eric Kessel and Shana Vitek
The training was very helpful and fun. The trainer was very good to work with and spent time with each dog in the class to make sure each was benefiting from instruction. The direction of what to work on at home were also beneficial.
We would certainly recommend Tucker Pup's to friends and family.
- Gina Jacobsen
We enjoyed the class and found it very helpful. Debbie did a great job with Gus!! Thanks again.
- Ryan Henke
We absolutely love your trainer, Debbie! She was so great with Abby and all the other dogs in our class - even the most difficult pups! The Good Manners I course was exactly what we needed to help Abby overcome some of her behavioral issues and just learn to be an obedient pet and family member. We've seen such a great improvement in her manners and plan to keep working on all the great techniques that Debbie introduced to us. She graduated at the top of her Good Manners I class (Co-Valedictorian), and I'm sure she's been bragging about it to all the other dogs in her daycare group at Tucker Pup's!
- Jennifer Karter
Debbie was really excellent! My dog got a lot more out of the group class than he did when we were working with a private trainer. Jake's attitude about working on training shifted from dread and fear to enthusiasm--the use of positive training techniques in the class environment felt like play to him. Because the class was small, Debbie provided all of us one-on-one instruction during and after class to make sure all of the puppies were mastering the commands. Also, the group context helped Jake learn to focus on me when he would otherwise be very distracted. I am very satisfied and would highly recommend this class!
- Mimi Landau
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