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Sammy's Story
I caught Sammy in the driver’s seat of my car this morning, trying to set the GPS set for Happy Hound!?!
What you are to us, no GPS could ever compare. Both Sammy & I would be lost without you and your team. We’ve used every one of your services and cannot say enough good about all of them.
As a rescue, Sammy came to me with an assortment of issues, most notably fear aggression. And I came to Sammy with no sense of training or leadership.
Your board & train program has helped us through a tremendous number of issues, and has settled my Sammy into a more confident, obedient and happy dog.
I’ve also come away with tools that help me in anticipating the unexpected in the ‘outside’ world. Tom and Stefan have worked wonders. Sammy & I are better companions for each other (& others!) thanks to their efforts.
Boarding Sammy at Happy Hound has always been a good experience. And now with Stefan spending time with Sammy while he’s there, teaching him tricks and sharpening up his board & train lessons, it’s more like going to summer camp than to a kennel!
At the foundation of our great love for Happy Hound is the daycare. I had tried a few other places and couldn’t even get through the interview process without Sammy acting up. I was beginning to worry I wouldn’t find a place to give him playful daycare.
Your fantastic team somehow magically made Sammy feel secure and at home from the moment he arrived. The option of having him taken for a walk during the day has been a lifesaver when I have to leave him for such long hours.
You have turned Sammy into such a fan that he begins barking excitedly as soon as we turn the corner to Happy Hound!
I know it’s going to be a great day when, in the morning, I ask ‘Happy Hound today?’ and Sammy’s tail starts thumping!
Thank you all for being such a heartwarming part of our lives!
Lenae & Sammy
The Story of OZ
I'd like to thank you and your staff for giving Oz a new start and honestly saving his life. Oz is our third, largest, most athletic, and smartest Rottweiler. As you know we found Oz in a good rescue foster home along with his little buddy Radar, a 14 pound Chihuahua mix. Oz is about 2 1/2 now and spent his first year and a half in what was essentially a college dorm environment. We suspect discipline was on the low side and that his original owner, while I am sure very loving, did not understand how to train a large aggressive breed.
When Oz came to us he was barely able to contain himself. While he could sit, lie down, and would wait to eat for a command, many other things were out of control. He could not be walked outside, he charged all strangers and animals, and as he exhibited at our initial visit at Happy Hound, lunged and growled pretty randomly at humans. This, of course, was totally unacceptable.
At Tom and Suzanne's recommendation we bit the cost bullet and decided to get Oz into your two week training program. We just called it boot camp, forgive me if you have a formal name for it. I have to tell you we were skeptical. The cost was significant. We had pretty good luck on our own in the past. But, Oz seemed different. We sensed he needed to have the edge taken off him before we could even start working with him. We also knew our methods needed some professional advice.
I recall handing the leash over to Tom when we dropped him off. Tom took him for a walk, and he was okay but did some stupid stuff. Even on that short walk I could tell Tom was in control and had the firm hand needed. I remember saying to Tom, "thank you for having a firm hand, it's what Oz needs." Tom and Oz went inside, we all took a deep breath and went away.
The rest of the staff were responsive to our occasional calls and inquiries during the two weeks. We knew Oz was safe due to our experience with our last Rottie Winston who we boarded with Happy Hound several times. Still there was some anxiety. Happy Hound's great attitude towards or calls really helped with that.
At the end of the two weeks we showed up for graduation. Tom provided us with a solid briefing on what we had to do. Then we got together with a very happy to see us Oz. Following nearly an hour of you coaching me, my wife, and daughter we took a tired Oz home.
Since then things continue to improve. By the time Tom came by for a home visit, Oz was able to control himself on leash outside in front of the house. The lunging at people and dogs had improved greatly. I can now walk him around the neighborhood albeit with a very firm hand. Most importantly we had new skills and tools to continue the improvement.
The big test was last week when we brought Oz back in for a day of doggie socialization. I was in shock and near disbelief to learn Oz had been in Midtown with five other dogs with no real incident and had actually backed off when scolded by one female dog he got a bit too friendly with. Winston never got to that point and we always had socialization issues with our first Rottie, Britta.
Along with this, Oz’s relationship with Radar has passed a rough patch and they are again able to play without serious confrontation. I don’t think we could have gotten there without the ability to control Oz.
There is still work to do. Oz learned his bad habits over a two-year period, it may take two years to make them all go away. Some may never go away completely. Still, the Happy Hound team have provided us with a great start. We can’t thank you enough and it was worth every penny.
John and Teri Delaney
More Comments about ForceFree™ Dog Training
We adopted Sydney when she was about 6 months old. She is a red and white Australian Cattledog. We thought we knew everything about this breed! But Sydney had been with her litter growing up on a ranch in Monterey County. She had an exceptionally strong prey drive, so that when we took her to the (unfenced) dog park it was clear pretty quickly that she was obsessed with squirrels. We could not catch her…she was deaf to our commands. I had a trainer join us in the dog park (she actually had rescued Sydney from the Monterey Animal Shelter and we’d gotten Sydney from her). After chasing up and down hills for an hour trying to catch Syd, this trainer said very firmly “this dog should never, ever go to a dog park!” That was unacceptable for me; I love the dog park!
My friend from the dog park sends his dog to Happy Hound and was very pleased with them. So I “interviewed” with Happy Hound and decided that their method of training was very logical and sensitive at the same time. Sydney boarded there for a week and graduated with flying colors. I never would have believed that she could go off leash in a public place but she now goes everywhere with us…to the snow, hiking, and shopping (I even take her to my office on the days that she doesn’t visit Happy Hound)! She even joined my husband and his 86 yr old mother on a trip to Healdsburg to shop and have lunch…everyone was bowled over by how well-behaved she was. Even in the house/yard (putting paws on counters to sniff food, digging in garden, barking at people) it has been a godsend. The trainer and Suzanne were extremely conscientious. They absolutely love dogs, and Sydney just looked adoringly at the trainer as we left on the final day.
We are so appreciative of the love, care and gentleness that go into the training process at Happy Hound and highly recommend them! "
-- Jane (mom) & Sydney (graduate)
My wife, Georgia, and I brought our Australian Shepherd puppy home when he was eight weeks old and named him Buster. He came from a "breeder" on a working ranch in the Salinas area. Although my wife was raised with several dogs during her childhood and I grew up in a very rural area around lots of other people's dogs, I don't think either one of us fully anticipated the work/training required as a dog owner. In the beginning, we crated Buster and started him on a scheduled feeding, potty time and exercise schedule. We picked up lots of advice from lots of sources, including Ceasar Milan, and began our training of assorted technique's, so to speak. Our initial frustration came when trying to teach Buster the basics of sit, stay and come. So we began a series of three puppy classes provided by Petco. The classes were partially helpful in teaching us some basic fundamentals and allowed us an opportunity to socialize Buster around other dogs early in his life. However, we never got any consistent good behaviors. As our concerns increased about being in a situation that demanded Busters immediate obedience, we decided to seek expert training. We started searching for training/boarding services and we specifically sought out Happy Hound from the positive feedback my wife remembered hearing from a former colleague. Once I started reading the website information, I couldn't help but be skeptical. So when we visited on location and completed our assessment, I embarrassed my wife with all my questions. Fortunately, with some initial education and discussion time with Suzanne, we quickly overcame our concerns and concluded that Happy Hound might be the answer to our prayers. It should be noted that the single and only difficulty we had with our experience with Happy Hound was having to be away from Buster for so long. We had already become crazy dog people in Marin county by then and never spent a single day in where we didn't think and talk about Buster and how much we missed him. Thank god we received an occasional email with some updates from Tom, the Training Manager. When we picked Buster up from Happy Hound, it was crazy exciting and emotional for us. Tom spent a good couple hours walking us through Busters training and teaching us the tools we would need to continue Busters training once we got home. Buster was so well behaved at that point that we were fully committed to continuing the exact suggested protocol outlined to us. Just so you know, the first couple weeks home is the most critical and training intensive but you will be shocked with how simple and easy even that is. We have now had Buster home for about nine weeks and he continues to demonstrate consistent good behavior. Although, we are not as strict as we were in the beginning we continue to "check in" with buster and do some training on a daily basis. The reason we continue this is that we are now extremely confident that Buster is a much happier dog with rules, discipline, learning and being rewarded for good behavior. We are also much happier and less stressed with dog behavior concerns. It is also pretty cool when friends recognize and compliment Busters obedience and nice manors. I hope you accept this testimonial as our sincere and appreciative letter of recommendation to Suzanne and the entire team at Happy Hound. |
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But the trainers Phoenix had, Steffan & Tom, they aren't only a fabulous trainers, they are dog behaviorists. They understood our Phoenix. And Phoenix knew they meant business - but in a loving way. Well, to make a long story short, Phoenix was a changed dog at the end of that week. We really didn't recognize him - he walked calmly, he waited at the front door instead of bolting out, and here's the best of all - on one of our at-home visits we asked Steffan if he would meet us at Point Isabel instead. Steffan was very accommodating. When we arrived we walked with Phoenix on leash for about 5 minutes, then Steffan told me to unclip his leash. He could see I was nervous - really, really nervous. I was afraid I'd never see Phoenix again. But Steffan assured me it would be OK. So I told Phoenix to sit, took of his leash, and told him to "go." He took off like a bullet across a huge field to play with a couple of big dogs. After a few minutes, Steffan told me to get his attention, so I called his name loudly. Phoenix stopped playing, looked over at me at which point I patted my thighs and yelled "come, Phoenix." And guess what? Phoenix came running with a huge smile on his face. My dream had come true. And his, too. |
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Hi Suzanne – I was going to drop you an email today to let you know Lexi is a Dream Dog! We’re so pleased with the results of the training. We had a wonderful weekend with her and she demonstrated:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! |
We're happy to share our experience with you and hope that we provide you with additional confidence in Suzanne and her team at Happy Hound.
When we first got our Phoenix we knew it would be tough getting him to "come" because we got him from a shelter when he was 8 months old and had been told he was quite the wanderer. Our vet also told us he might have some wolf in him which would make him even harder to train. She suggested we never let him off leash. But I had a dream of someday watching Phoenix run free at Point Isabel and playing in the ocean. We tried highly recommended training classes - they didn't work. We then hired a professional dog trainer for 1-on-1 training. Phoenix would just lay down whenever he was around. That's not what we wanted. So when we decided to try Happy Hound's ForceFree training during a week Phoenix was going to be there boarding, I really didn't think we'd see much difference when we got back, especially since Phoenix was already 2 years old and even more set in his ways. 
It has been nearly 2 months since Jessie graduated from your 2 week training package and I wanted to write to you and let you know that she has been amazing. She has meet and has maintained all of the goals of the training that we had planned for her. She had several severe behavior problems, No recall, pulled on leash, jumped on people and was impossible to coach outside for potty breaks.
I'm happy to report on her new daily habits. She sits and waits on command for me to give her instruction. She no longer rushes an open door but waits for me to invite her in. She now stands by the door when she needs to go out to potty. I can take her to dog parks without her jumping on people and she follows commands even during heavy play with other dogs. Her leash control is perfect with no pulling and she even looks back to make sure she is side by side with me.
But one of the finest qualities she now possesses is that I can take her to Point Isabel Park let her run and she will return on the first command almost ever time no matter how far away she is. I no long have to search for her.
Thank you for not only training Jessie but me as well and I truly feel that I now have a happy hound.
-- Dave (dad) & Jesse (graduate)
Before taking Alizé to Happy Hound for the 4-day training program, I had given up on trying to train her myself and had become completely frustrated with all of the 1-day a week, group training classes offered at local pet supply stores. Alizé was the biggest wuss and no one could tell me why. She ran from the leash, refused to leave the front porch, and made me physically pick her up, place her in the car, and strap her down to the backseat. Even then she would spread her legs open so I couldn’t get her through the doorway. If I tried to drag her down the sidewalk on a short walk around the block, she would start shaking nervously with her tail straight between her legs. So, I decided to bring her to Happy Hound for training, where I prayed that she could get the help she needed (and I was still a little reluctant to do so).
Since picking Alizé up from Happy Hound on the last day, and following every direction they gave me for the next 2 weeks, I could not have asked for a better team of trainers. Today, Alizé is eager to go on walks and happily walks down the street right by my side, she comes when I call her and the other day she even ran alongside my bicycle off leash! We moved to Los Angeles a few weeks ago, and the transition has been smooth sailing. Alizé is thrilled that she was able to attend Happy Hound’s program and overcome her fears, and now we are showing her off to the world!
-- Selena O'Connor
I was having some issues with my dog Java chasing runners, bikers, and nipping at people's hands while on walks. She spent two weeks with the trainers at Happy Hound and was given a great foundation as to what was expected of her. She no longer chases anyone and doesn't nip. The staff and trainers are kind and responsive. When I've met up with the trainer since, Java is super happy to see him. I highly recommend Happy Hound board and train program. The best money I spent on my dog!
Thank you Happy Hound,
-- Evangeline
Our little boy, Simba, a Shiba Inu, is almost two years old and has been a part of the Happy Hound family since he was about six months old. From day one when we went for the orientation he adapted really quickly to being in Little Hound Playground and was having so much fun he didn’t want to leave.
Simba being a Shiba Inu is very intelligent but at times was stubborn and had the tendency to escape out the front door and play chase me down the street. Scary!
As quoted from the description of the breed, Shiba’s are not so easy to lead train, however; and, in the words of one owner, “a Shiba who reliably comes on command in any situation is rare indeed.” Expect your Shiba to be an on-leash (or fenced yard) breed, and if he proves otherwise, then you are among the fortunate.
After talking with Suzanne, we knew training was needed; however, not any training would work. She recommended the ForceFree Method. We were a little skeptical at first but followed her advice.
Guess what? We are among the fortunate, Simba is now able to play at the park off leash and loves to play fetch. We have also observed that he is much more social when not on a leash. Other Shiba owners we have met have expressed surprise and stated that they had given up.
Thanks Happy Hound we are really enjoying our time at the park.
-- Henry (dad) & Simba (graduate)
I just had to share with you the reaction Tucker had this morning when we pulled up to Happy Hound. As you know we picked Tucker and Pip up from "boot camp" yesterday. The trainers had made wonderful progress with them. They even followed my commands (T & P, not the trainers)! When we got home they went bonkers. They raced around the house at break neck speed, onto furniture, under furniture, over furniture...you get the idea. I wasn't sure what their reaction would be when I told them we were going to Happy Hound this morning, they are always enthusiastic, but they had just been freed from boot camp and I wasn't sure they would be ready to jump back in. Well, when they heard the name they both perked up, especially Tucker. We did our usual routine and off we went to HH. Tucker rides in the front passenger seat beside me and Pip in the back. When I stopped in front of HH, Tucker looked at me as though I had just said Santa was coming to live with us and is bringing all your favorite treats. He then started wagging his tail, wiggling all over the place and he wouldn't stop kissing my face! Needless to say, he was a very Happy Hound. Pip was thrilled too! Thanks for the wonderfully warm, loving and fun environment you give all the dogs, everyday.
--Karen, Pip & Tucker (graduates)
I wan
ted to give a good testimonial, but I think people need to know Mona's back story to get the full impression of how much training has changed her.
Mona is a three year old rescued pit bull and she's been through a lot in her short life. Her ears were most likely cut off with scissors when she was a pup, which has caused her many infections. It's doubtful she ever had positive human companionship. I doubt she was ever fought, but I do think she had to compete for food and other resources with the two female German Shepherd and the male Malinois she lived with before she was at the shelter.
Animal control found Mona in late July 2009. She had been locked in a crate for at least 4 days without food and water. On the second day she had a litter of 10 puppies. No one thought she or her puppies would survive their first night at the shelter because they were so sick, but Mona is resilient and she and her pups all survived. However, she was not left unscathed psychologically.
It is possible that I am the first human Mona has really viewed as good, which has caused her to be a bit protective of me. She is great with humans but doesn't like other dogs to get too near me, which just wasn't going to work because I have another rescued pit named Buddy. Mona would snarl at Buddy if he tried to come near me. Also, she had a very strong fear/hatred of crate and confined spaces. At 60 pounds, she is a little too big to ride on my lap in the car, which is something she always wanted to do.
I signed her up for the 2 week board and train to get her over her aversion to crates and give both of us the resources to deal with her resource guarding. I am AMAZED at the results. Mona not only goes to her crate when I tell her to, but she also chooses to hang out in the crate! She no longer tries to ride in my lap in the car and sits quietly in the backseat. Those are two things I never thought would happen.
Most importantly, she rarely snaps at her doggy brother! Her snapping at him used to be a daily occurrence! Mona has learned that I am not a resource to guard and Buddy is no longer afraid to come in my room or cuddle with me! Most importantly, I have learned how to be the leader of my pack. Mona no longer runs the show...I do. And we are all happier for it.
Buddy wanted to say a special thanks because he now has a sister who plays with him and gives him kisses instead of growling at him! He is pretty darn stoked.
THANK YOU!
Maggie, Buddy, and Mona (graduate)
On Gus's training walk this AM, we were about to meet one of his "enemies" -
a neighborhood beauty named Nia.
Usually the moment he sees her he goes into his growliest - and her human and I pledge, once again, that someday we will get them together off leash so they can (hopefully) play nicely.
When he saw her today, he was such a gentleman; to make a long story short, Nia and Gus took a beautiful long walk together this AM. He was amazing.
What I wanted most for Gus is happening.
Thanks!
Lee (mom) & Gus (graduate)
The easy part was getting a dog, the hard part was finding someone to help train the dog. I decided to get a rescue dog, my first rescue knowing that it might not be easy road owning one especially a Mini Pincher . When I went to see Cooper at his foster home for the first time with my partner it was to " just look ". We spent about 2 hours with Cooper and we were both hooked over the little 7 pound guy.
It only took me a day to see that Cooper needed some real dog training, as he was leash reactive and has his own agenda about where and what he wanted to do.
I started looking around the web trying to find a dog trainer that could come to my home and work with Cooper on a weekly basis. In my search I found out that there are many camps when it comes to dog training. My head was spinning.
I had emailed Happy Hound and owner Suzanne told me that she can help me with issues Cooper was having. Suzanne said that they can correct his behavior and was positive that I would be very happy with the results. At this point I had gone though 2 trainers and was getting nowhere with Coopers training except becoming broke ! So I decided to put Cooper through the two week training program and could not believe in that short period of time how he rose from the ashes like a phoenix to become a dog that obeys commands and does not pull on the leash. What I liked about there program is that they have a detailed plan of action and are 100% in working with Cooper to be the star that I know he is. They are happy, when I am happy with Cooper success.
Happy Hound`s trainers love what they do and it shows. I'm glad that I have found Happy Hound and urge anyone who needs dog care or dog training to give them a call. They have a fantastic staff and trainers that really care about the well being of your pet. They have great hours and will work with your schedule.
Cooper, aka Monkey, Gumby, Banana, Goo, Knuckles (and any other silly name I can think of that I call him) is my joy and love and I wouldn't leave him to anyone other than Happy Hound!
-- Louis (dad) & Cooper (graduate)