|
Did you have a great experience with us and want to post a testimonial? Send it our way! |
After reading the comments below, be sure to check out testimonials about our other services:
Want to see more comments?
Click here.
The Outdoor Adventure class was fantastic. There are not many classes out there that focus on outside work (where, at least in my mind my dog has more issues - behaving indoors without the world going on around her is easy, outside, not so much, she as ADD and has a much harder time focusing on me).
The class met all of my expectations, we learned lots and are having much more relaxed walks thanks to the class (i.e. less pulling on the leash). Debbie did a great job of explaining our dogs' behavior and also why we were practicing the exercises that she showed us. I'm an inquisitive person by nature, so I very much like to understand the hows and whys of things so her explanations were very helpful.
The leashing walking help was more than worth it, plus Rudy can at times, be reactive on the leash so this class was a great challenge to both of us. For me to keep her calm and for her to remain calm and overall she behaved very well.
Our walks are a lot more enjoyable - she is more focused on me and less focused on dragging me down the street.
I've already recommended Debbie to a few people.
- Katie Lehan
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
We are delighted with the training we received from Debbie Bickford at Tucker Pup's. We took the Agility 2 class with about half a dozen other students and their two-legged companions. The class had a relaxed atmosphere and everybody was comfortable with the pace and content. We've been training in Agility for over two years, with a couple six-month breaks to recover from cruciate injuries - once for Ski and once for his primary trainer in our own neighborhood. We enrolled in Debbie's class because of our extended layoff, having heard from others what a great trainer she is. We were extremely impressed with how much the other students had learned having taken only a single six-week Agility 1 class from Debbie. They were able to run the Agility course along side us, and had great fun doing so. Debbie regularly adjusted the course content based on feedback from the students, focusing on what people enjoyed and had an interest in. Debbie made learning easier by incorporating games and even prizes into a curriculum that can sometimes become challenging. And, of course, Graduation was a great time! I now understand why Debbie is so well thought of in the community of dog trainers, and look forward to future classes with her. And, yes, we also look forward to challenging Nigel on the CPE course some day......
Sincerely,
- Rich Tamborski and Noble vom Kolinstrasse (aka: Ski)
We loved the Good Manners 2 class! We had gone through the puppy class and then proceeded on to this one. It is impossible to say enough good things about this class. Not only does Debbie help you train your dog, she trains you! Our dog loved going to class and not only did our dog learn in class, she worked hard on the homework too. Our 5 month old puppy now will wait for us to walk through doors, walks like a dream next to us and doesn't pull at the leash, sits when meeting new people, doesn't run after dropped food, and loves learning new things! I had a lab when I was younger and he was never this well behaved! The best part about the class is that Debbie teaches you how to work with your dog towards good behavior instead of "at" your dog. "Yes!"
I can't wait for the agility class to begin! I would highly recommend, borderline insist, that anyone who has a new dog enroll in a training class with Debbie. Once you do, you will wonder what took you so long to sign up!
- Kristen Walter
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
Good Manners training with Debbie was just what the doctor ordered for my 8 month old Puggle named Bailey. I rescued him from a puppy farm when he was no longer a puppy, so he had some bad habits. Debbie showed me how to correct his bad habits using positive reinforcement, which made me and my dog both happy in the process. I recommend Debbie and any of her training classes very highly.
- Marnie Ratner
Debbie was great with all of the owners and the puppies. Buckley did well with responding to the techniques of teaching her different tricks. I learned a lot from Debbie in all aspects of training a puppy and being a dog owner. Thank you!
- Molly McShane
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 :)
We were very pleased with the Good Manners 1 course. Debbie Bickford was great -- she made the course fun, interesting, and engaging. We learned so much about how to use positive reinforcement to motivate our pup. The techniques were excellent and very effective, and we are still using them over six months after the course. How true it is that training courses are so much more for the human owners than for the dogs. I am so happy that because I have tools such as reward/withdrawal of reward I have never had to use any sort of punishment with our pup. I've been telling other dog owners about your programs/facility not only because we thought the training was great, but also because I hope positive reinforcement training techniques become even more widespread among dog owners.
Thanks for the great program. We look forward to taking another course again in the future.
-Ann-Marie Vigano
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
We were incredibly excited to have our dog, Tyson, attend the Manners I course with Debbie. It was a very convenient location given that Tyson spends his days at Tucker Pup's - and he was comfortable enough in the surroundings to actually listen and learn! Debbie was patient and gave us great insight as to how our dog perceives us humans. He has been much better at his stays, sits, and comes since the class, among many other commands.
- J.P. Machuta
I loved the puppy class so much and saw such immediate results, I now have Hudson in the Good Manners I class. Debbie is a fabulous trainer (fun too). Everything we discuss and practice makes complete sense and I would have never known this on my very own. The class sizes are just right where Debbie can be hands-on. Spring is here and summer is coming, which means lots of people and dogs are out. I am proud I will have a very well-behaved dog at my side for our walks and outings. I highly recommend Tucker Pup's for everything!!
- Kim Cryder
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
We thought that Tucker Pup's did a great job and saw significant improvement with Rocky's training. Debbie was excellent and really did a great job helping us train our dog. Thanks for everything.
The facility was great, we used the day care center once as well and we were very happy with it. As far as pricing, the classes are slightly more expensive than some competitors but we thought that the quality of Tucker Pup's was worth it.
- Jeff Katz
The Good Manners I class was a great basic training course for us and Bogie. Debbie was terrific at explaining how to think like a dog and use positive reinforcement to train him. Bogie has most of his basic commands down reliably, and whenever tricky situations come up, we feel a lot more in control of his behavior overall.
- Bert Davenport and Emily DeAngelis
We loved our puppy class at Tucker Pup's, and so did Bronson. Although he was only 10 weeks old when he started, he has learned a great deal and we also learned how to communicate with him and teach him. The biggest thing we learned is to be consistent and have patience. Debbie is a wonderful instructor, and made the process fun for us and our puppy. He especially enjoyed the off-leash playtime at the end of class, which was great for his socialization skills. I would definitely recommend Debbie and Tucker Pup's, and we plan to return for additional classes. Please feel free to use this on your website.
- Laura Adams
We loved taking class with Debbie. She is very knowledgeable. It was great how she taught us how to use the commands in everyday life. We feel like we have the tools to train him effectively.
- Molly and Matt Nutting
Ruby and I took Intro to Agility and Rally Obedience with Debbie and I believe that we both had tons of fun. Debbie did a fantastic job explaining everything to us and was very patient with the pups, never pushed them to do anything that might frighten them or turn them away from agility. I am looking forward to Agility 2 with Ruby and sometime in the spring our younger puppy, Cosmopolitan, will be trying her luck at Agility and Rally Obedience. Great class, fun atmosphere and it definitely is a good way to get your dog's energy focused on learning something fun.
Thank you Debbie,
- Iwona Kozak
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
Peanut and I really enjoyed Debbie's polite puppy class. We learned a lot and Peanut always looked forward to her weekly socialization and training. Debbie is an absolutely terrific instructor--we can't wait for Good Manners 2 in July!
- Loraine Woodhead
I can't say enough about this puppy class and Debbie. Having a puppy is overwhelming and all you want to have a good relationship with your dog and communicate with them. Debbie has set up such a positive and basic course with easy to follow steps to getting results. My husband and I (and our dog, Nana) learned some much and have seen the result with a dog that knows what we expect and is excited about doing the right thing. I would recommend this class and Debbie's training to anyone, in fact, I already have told so many people about Tucker Pup's and Debbie.
Thanks!
- Cherilynn and Donald Wood
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
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 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
The class went well! Quinnie definitely learned some new obedience prompts and we use them in our day-to-day life.
- Sara Clary
Want to see more comments?
Click here.
Meet our trainer
View more training photos