Perfect Manners Dog Training

We have a 2 year old yorkie pom and a 9 month old yorkie poo. Their agressive behavior on walks and the excessive barking inside and outside the house was miserable. I couldn't take them on walks anymore, neighbors were avoiding us (I don't blame them) and Perfect Manners was our ""last ditch effort"". I told the kids if they couldn't help us we'd have to find new homes for both dogs. \r Patti came out the day before Thanksgiving and within a half an hour of our 2 hour session, it was like we had two new dogs. They have NEVER behaved so well -- my husband and I were shocked at how just a few techniques brought calm and order to our home. Patti was very thorough, answered all our questions and did not judge any of our past mistakes with the dogs. Also, I chose to go with the 4 visit package, and I was not pushed into purchasing it -- it was discussed at the very end of our session. The majority of the training was done with our older dog, and I want Patti to come back to help us with the puppy as she gets older. For now, she behaves because the older dog is under control -- truly this was a miracle. Thanks, Patti! more

I knew my dog Plug would not fit in an obedience class. Plug hated other dogs and I could picture him attacking and devouring every other dog in the class then ripping off the instructor's arms just to show he didn't fool around. I needed help badly with Plug's aggressiveness and after searching the internet I read the Perfect Manners web site. I called and talked to a lady who told me that if anybody could help Plug it would be their trainer Sandy. I talked to Sandy next over the phone and although he was kind of gruff with me, he told me exactly what the problem was with Plug and how he's fix it. I liked what I heard. I made an appointment and Sandy showed up right on time. Most of the session was devoted to Sandy asking questions and him listening intently to what I had to say. I admit I felt like I was talking to a shrink rather than a dog trainer. Next he said he was taking Plug for a walk and I warned him to be careful cause Plug would kill any dog they encountered. Sandy just smiled and said, ""There's a new sheriff in town, don't worry"". When they came back, Sandy told me to join him and we walked past dogs, people, squirrels and Plug didn't take his eyes off Sandy. He was like a new dog in 20 minutes. We went back in the house and Sandy then explained what he had learned about my dog and what I needed to do to stop Plug's aggressiveness. It worked. 1 month later and Plug has not even growled at a living being. This is AMAZING! It's like I have my life back. Sandy has a gift with both dogs and people. Perfect Manners Dog Training gets my HIGHEST recommendation. more

Perfect Manners Dog Training is not the place to go if you have aggressive behavior issues with your dog. I can not speak for its obedience training as my dog has already been through obedience training and is awesome at following my direction. \r \r My dog was rescue and has aggressive tendencies with strangers. Over the years I have had numerous trainers help me and his behavior is getting better. I continue to bring in different trainers to 1) get new ideas and refresh my own behavior, and 2) to socialize my dog with new people that are familiar with how to act around dogs. Locally, I have gone to Narnia and have had Bark Busters come with different trainers helping my dog. As far as Behavior issues are concerned Perfect Manners were the worst of all the trainers I have had. \r \r I called Perfect Manners because the website looked very promising. When the trainer came to visit, the first action was up-selling me to a package of 4 visits. I only had used 3 before deciding the forth would just be a waste of my time. At first it seemed like they knew what they were doing. That is until my dog exhibited the behavior in which I wanted them to address. At that point the trainer was in way over her head. The next visit was not the same trainer but rather someone new which started all over from the beginning. On the third visit they were rude and mean to my dog and only wanted to take him on a walk. It was a total waste of money.\r \r I am not one to write reviews online. Narnia was great for reward based obedience training and I will always recommend them for that. Behavior issues there were just OK as it was still all reward based. Bark Busters works off a dominance and alpha dog basis like Dog Whisper does and my dog really responded well to them. They really cared and not afraid to take on any issues we had. Unfortunately, Perfect Manners was a disappointment. What they brought to the table was nothing new and worst off they did not really care. Like I said I still have my forth visit and they have not even called me to schedule an appointment. They took my money and that was all they seemed concerned with.\r \r I have always had dogs and have had a lot of training experience both behavior and obedience. I can not recommend Perfect Manners to anyone looking to help behavior issues. I hope this helps you find a great match for your dog and your needs. \r more

My dog Bandit is a nine year old mutt that has suffered from SEVERE phobias all her life. I didn't want to put her on meds like the vet suggested and a friend at work suggested a dog trainer that he had used for his dog's aggression problems. I was skeptical but everything I heard was true. These people are amazing. First I talked to a girl named Pam who understood my frustration and spent about 45 minutes just answering my every question. Next the trainer came out about a week later and after 30 minutes of work Bandit was like a new dog. No more running from the microwave or hiding from the vaccum cleaner. I was so impressed that I was ready to sign up for ten lessons but the trainer told me Bandit was ""fixed"" and I could use my money to take my dog all the places she was scared to go before being helped. These are wonderful people and they have literally saved my dog from a miserable life. Pros: Honest, Caring more

If your cute puppie is turning into a dominating teenager, Perfect Manners Dog Training is for you. Sandy Finley saved our household from turning into a battle zone as our dog began to defend spaces that she had claimed as her own including the dishwasher and door openings. After one lesson, our dog was already becoming a new dog. The one who needed training the most was me - I needed to understand how to give commands properly and how to consistently enforce them. Sandy did an excellent job of explaining the way dogs think and of encouraging me to work with the dog in a new way. Our dog respected him from the beginning and quickly learned new behavior in the way he presented it to her. \r We now have a good working relationship with our dog and enjoy her as a member of the family - all due to the benefits of this training.\r \r Pros: Convenience, Consistency in home environment more

I have a six-month old Wheaten Terrier who, at four months, became terrified to leave our yard. At first, we tried to coax him with treats and comfort him to try to build his confidence. Nothing worked. Finally, in desperation, I contacted Sandy and Perfect Manners Dog Training. During the initial phone interview, I explained my frustration, and he asked me alot of questions that didn't seem related to the problem. He visited our home and spent alot of time discussing our situation with my husband and I. Then he took our pup out by himself to ""hear his side of the story"". Ten minutes later, I looked out the window and saw Sandy and my formerly terrified dog walking down the street together. He then turned the leash over to my husband and I and incredibly we were able to walk our dog for the first time in two months. He stayed right at our side and since that day, we've enjoyed many long walks together. \r \r Sandy has a very calm, confident approach, which works wonders building confidence in the dog and owner. I highly recommend him to anyone with behavior issues. He was a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate to contact him again if other problems develop. Pros: Great training for both the pet and owner. In-home service. more

We've had one chihuahua for about eight years and just adopted another one 2 months ago. Both just about choke themselves on the leash when encountering other dogs and/or passersby and go nuts at the doorbell. Sandy came out and did his thing and within 15 minutes my dogs were walking at a heel and not even worrying about who was near. He also got them to stop going crazy @ the door bell within the first 5 minutes of his visit. The real test came after he left and it was time for the nightly walk. Same thing again! Walking at my heel not even flinching at passersby. \r \r If your having issues with your dog, do yourself a favor and call Sandy. I don't agree with the other reviewer's opinion on the service being pricey as the stress we had in certain areas with our dogs was taken away in less than an hour. Pros: comes to your home and answered my questions over the phone with no pressure to schedule an appointment more

My puppy is wonderful, loving and playful -- but also willful, spirited and energetic to a point where she regularly caused trouble in the house and annoyed other people and pets with her antics. Nothing I did or said would make her listen to me and stop her bad behavior. But, along came Perfect Manners and now I have an amazing relationship with my dog! With just four lessons, my dog finally understands what's expected of her and has become a ""model dog citizen."" In fact, when I take her for walks, everyone who passes remarks ""what a good dog,"" ""wow, I can't believe how well trained she is..."" The regulars at the dog park -- who had frequently seen my dog at her worst -- couldn't believe the transformation after Perfect Manners worked its magic. Their jaws just dropped when they saw how well she now listens even in an environment full of distractions. I am so proud of my pup and how far she's come in a short time -- and I am so thankful that I called Perfect Manners! I loved working with Sandy and I couldn't believe how quickly my dog learned. I highly recommend this training to any pet owner. I am really enjoying the time I spend with my dog and am proud to show her off after her successful ""graduation"" from Perfect Manners training. Pros: in-home training customized to your needs more

There is nothing to say about this service or Sandy that can't be summed up in one word....Perfect!! more

My out of control lab had been to obedience class and flunked. I decided to call a pro and tried Perfect Manners Dog Training. The trainer had my dog obeying commands and listening to me in 10 minutes. Something I had not been able to do in 4 years! It's like I have a new dog. This was the best money I ever spent. I highly recommend this service. Pros: Almost instant results, friendly and extremely knowleable trainer Cons: kind of pricey, had to wait long time to schedule the trainer more