"It had been over 15 years since I had a dog. I had forgotten about all the terrible things that happen with a new untrained dog: nothing in its span of reach is safe, hyper activity, unwillingness to let something go, etc. I experienced all these things and more when I adopted my new mixed beagle, Zach. After the first day I felt that I had made a terrible mistake. Is this dog trainable? Fortunately, I was made aware of Maria Huntoon's consulting services.
At our first session, Maria had me tell of the difficulties I was having with Zach and the improvements I would like to see. She chose two behaviors for me to work on the first week: coming to me when called and letting go of an object. She told me about a treat tote in which to store treats, she gave me a list of suggested treats to purchase, and told me where they could be purchased. She demonstrated how the treats were to be given and the praise I should give when giving the treats. That week we worked on Maria's instructions and I saw an immediate proper response from Zach.
For our next session, I told Maria I was expecting my granddaughters to visit me and I was anxious about Zach's behavior while they were here. One of my granddaughters is somewhat frightened of dogs. She gave me guidance in how to mange Zach during their visit. She also gave me a list of distractors that would have a calming effect on Zach. Zach and I practiced Maria's suggestions and the next week when my granddaughters came we had a wonderful visit. Zach was actually perfect. I found the change in his behavior and my ability to control him amazing.
At our next session, she gave me further instructions in managing Zach's other misbehaviors. I continue to see improvement with all with which we are working. Now, I feel complete confidence in managing Zach.
I am impressed with Maria not only with her behavior consultation, but also her knowledge in other areas. She always gave directions in purchasing the most healthful items for Zach and she showed concern for his overall health. She let me know what to look for when purchasing food for him. She also understands a dog's psyche and why they don't always respond in the way in which we think they will.
I am appreciative of and I fully recommend Maria's services."
- Dianna & Zach
At our first session, Maria had me tell of the difficulties I was having with Zach and the improvements I would like to see. She chose two behaviors for me to work on the first week: coming to me when called and letting go of an object. She told me about a treat tote in which to store treats, she gave me a list of suggested treats to purchase, and told me where they could be purchased. She demonstrated how the treats were to be given and the praise I should give when giving the treats. That week we worked on Maria's instructions and I saw an immediate proper response from Zach.
For our next session, I told Maria I was expecting my granddaughters to visit me and I was anxious about Zach's behavior while they were here. One of my granddaughters is somewhat frightened of dogs. She gave me guidance in how to mange Zach during their visit. She also gave me a list of distractors that would have a calming effect on Zach. Zach and I practiced Maria's suggestions and the next week when my granddaughters came we had a wonderful visit. Zach was actually perfect. I found the change in his behavior and my ability to control him amazing.
At our next session, she gave me further instructions in managing Zach's other misbehaviors. I continue to see improvement with all with which we are working. Now, I feel complete confidence in managing Zach.
I am impressed with Maria not only with her behavior consultation, but also her knowledge in other areas. She always gave directions in purchasing the most healthful items for Zach and she showed concern for his overall health. She let me know what to look for when purchasing food for him. She also understands a dog's psyche and why they don't always respond in the way in which we think they will.
I am appreciative of and I fully recommend Maria's services."
- Dianna & Zach
