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My pup learned a lot and Debbie is INCREDIBLY knowledgeable and helpful. We're looking forward to future training classes!
- Michelle Booth
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
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 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
Outdoor Adventures was the perfect way to kick off summer with our lab/border collie mix, Ellie. Debbie was really creative with the activities and exercises, and I feel more confident taking Ellie to parks, beaches, restaurant patios, and any of our other summer activities as a result! We built upon the communication we learned in Good Manners 1, and though we still need to practice, Ellie has improved with her 'stay' and 'come,' as well as her focus on us in the face of distractions. I would recommend Tucker Pup's, Debbie, and Outdoor Adventures to anyone looking for a fun and positive way to train their dog.
- Leslie Ellis
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
The leash manners class was excellent! Debbie is a great trainer and I plan to take other classes with her in the future. Her knowledge and demonstrations proved that I was learning from someone with extensive experience. And the handouts/homework helped remind me that practice outside of class was important to the success of the entire program.
You've partnered with a great trainer in Debbie.
Thanks,
- James Scholten
Ruby and I took Agility 2 Training course with Debbie and we both loved it. I know Ruby had a great time because every Monday as soon as I would get home from work she would run and sit by my car ready to go; she would get all worked up and ready to learn new things. I had a great time spending it with her and watching her have a blast and do things I never thought my dog would do. Debbie, thank you.
I would recommend this course to anyone with a dog that has tons of energy and not too many outlets for it.
- Iwona Kozak
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
The course did meet expectations and I would recommend the trainer and Tucker Pup's without reservation. The trainer was patient and gave clear instructions with good feedback. Since starting this class, Franny is more controlled and easier to handle. She is more responsive to us now that we know how to better manage her behaviors. She still gets distracted and will run away. That's why I asked about registering her for Manners 2.
- Maggie and Joe Crulcich
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
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
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
I am very very pleased with Nico's improvement. Everyone around us has noticed great changes in her behavior. I feel that Debbie fully understands how to communicate with dogs and her knowledge is really helping us. Nico and I are really understanding each other. Debbie has great ideas and helpful homework handouts. She also makes training do-able for any dog, no matter what their level is. Also, Debbie gives us as owners great tools to work with. I feel equipped to carry on with our training after our classes are over. I am excited every week to come to class, and Nico is too!
I really mean it, I couldn't imagine a better more knowledgable and effective teacher. Thanks so much!
- Desiree Madah-Amiri
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
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
The class went well! Quinnie definitely learned some new obedience prompts and we use them in our day-to-day life.
- Sara Clary
My puppy, Lily, has become a whole new dog after taking this course. Not only has her behavior improved, but our communication has improved dramatically. She is a good listener now and it gives me a better understanding of how to discipline her as well. This course has gone above and beyond my expectations. I would recommend Debbie to anyone. Her positive reinforcement teaching style works very effectively. Her instruction during class is very clear and concise and the handouts allow me to refresh my memory about techniques once I get home. This course was worth every penny and more!
Thanks a lot!
- Kaori Asano
The Good Manners 1 course was very helpful. Debbie made it easy for me to understand what it takes to communicate with my dog. Though I will have to work away at training (myself as well as my dog) every day, I feel confident with the basic tools learned.
- Sara Gerou
The course was perfect. Debbie is the best. The location, parking and space for training were very good. We didn't attend all sessions..out of town, family commitments, but what I learned I am practicing and the class was worthwhile.
Glad to know you are there.
Thanks,
- Donna and Mitchell Yates
Jason, Ripley and I think that Debbie must be a goddess. No, scratch that, we KNOW that she is a goddess!
I am a farm girl. I've spent years with a panoply of species and Jason and I spent a long time preparing for our 'city-puppy'. Seriously, I read no less than a dozen 'training books' and bring my background w/ animals to the table so I thought I knew what I was doing. Within six weeks Debbie made all that history come to life and she added so much more. Her course was common sense, kind, intellectually stimulating and the best thing that we could have ever done for our family. I just wish she trained cats, as we have three that could use it.
Sorry, to be so long-winded, but I am so overwhelmingly impressed with Debbie and Tucker Pup's as a whole. And I am NOT easily impressed. Understand, that Jason and I are singing your praises everywhere we go. And the proof is in the pooch! Daily, people remark on how well behaved Ripley is and we say the same thing: 'Tucker Pup's. Debbie Bickford. Do yourself and you dog a favor and call them A.S.A.P.'
I look forward for a long and loving relationship w/ y'all! Thank you for all the fabulous work that you do.
My sincerest best,
- Amber Almanza-Wade
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
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 had a very positive experience in the Good Manners 1 class. Debbie was a wonderful trainer and gave us a lot of ideas on how to better elicit good behavior from our dog. I would definitely recommend the class. Colby's behavior has gotten significantly better after the class - noticeable both by my husband and I and by others who knew him before the class. Thank you for a great course!
- Tara Gunther
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
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