Empire of the Dog

07/14/2008 Posted by sta122

I can't tell you how much your one "fix-it" session did for us. Our nine-month old puppy has responded so well to the training tips you recommended. I'd say 99% of all the issues we had with her (boredom barking, begging, nipping, housetraining problems) disappeared within two weeks of your visit. Thanks so much.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/20/2008 Posted by Nogsdad

I could tell you how Nogs, our nine month old chocolate lab, never so much as nibbled at a shoe or a piece of furniture after her first puppy kindergarten class with Denise. Equally, I could tell you how Nogs impresses our friends and guests when she performs such fripperies as the "paw shake" or the "puppy push up". No, instead I will tell you what happened to Nogs yesterday and how we almost lost her for good. We were out at Floyd Bennet Air field, playing soccer on the beach. Nogs had just saved another last minute penalty when the wind took her ball and deposited it in the water. Now Nogs is a formidable swimmer, and takes a dip most mornings but today she hadn't bargained on freak winds and currents to match that whisked the ball from her jaws. Her instincts as a water dog compelled her to chase on, even though the wind and the current were carrying the ball -- and Nogs -- at a rate of nots normally reserved for small pleasure craft, not labradors. We called her back, we yelled and screamed, but nothing could break her focus on the ball -- which was now speeding towards Portugal. That was when panic set in and we realized Nogs could easily be a gonner. Then I remembered Denise's "Puppy Tractor Beam" we learned at Puppy K2. And so I began to whoop and clap and make noises like a human claxon and Nogs turned her head to look at me, and let the ball escape. She realized she was about a half a mile off shore and that the current was too swift for her liking, and started to swim perpendicular to the beach to get herself out of the rip tide and then she headed inland. Once or twice she turned back to look after the ball but another whoop and a clap and she focused on us again. Back on dry land we realized, that if it had not been for Denise and her excellent training Nogs wouldn't be curled up asleep on her rather dirty old cushion in the corner of my office right now. She'd be in Portugal, or worse. So thanks Denise, Nogs loves you, and so do we.

Pros: local,convenient, small classes, lots of attention, great results

Cons: graduation comes too soon, classes have to end

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/06/2008 Posted by mbai315

As parents (novice pet owners) who had finally given in to our seven year old's pleading for a puppy, we decided to try Denise's class. We found the class on the Internet, were a little unsure of what to expect. A great surprise! "Puppy kindergarten" turned out to be the best experience in every way, for everybody! Our daughter adored the class--it's a lot of fun-- and quickly learned techniques to handle and train a rambunctious pup. She's proud of her skills, and we are all on the same page now in this new endeavor. Denise is wonderful--with dogs, children, owners! Her class is well organized, she is competent and enthusiastic, and makes all participants feel comfortable. We've come away with a lot of confidence and a much better behaved dog. Thanks, Denise, Empire of the Dog is terrific!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/08/2008 Posted by gennycat

I took my 7 month old puppy to Empire of the Dog for basic obedience. They squeezed me in to the class right before it started which I really appreciated. The class was fun, the instruction was simple and my dog got it right away. I enjoyed all the tips I learned as well. Truly is a great class for an urban dog owner.

Pros: friendly, easy to follow instruction

Cons: temperature wise - the space can be cold

04/06/2008 Posted by feeby64

Denise is amazing with my difficult dog and her training method is a perfect match for us. Her confidence, hard work and obvious love for animals is apparent with the success we've been having since the very first session. We are relieved that we can finally feel confident that we will succeed in fixing our dog's urgent behavioral issues. Do not hesitate to work with Denise...she's a keeper!

Pros: Skillful, confident, affordable.

Cons: Nope

03/25/2008 Posted by DailyWalrus

Urban Agility was the third class we have taken with Denise and we loved it! We learned new tricks such as over, under, through, up, and even got to play with a frisbee and skateboard. Not only was the course content excellent, but Denise gave each dog individual attention and tips. As always, she is patient and understanding with us as sometimes slacker parents who do not practice the homework as much as we should.

03/17/2008 Posted by allykrone

Fun class and very helpful! Great for city living. The dogs learn how to be fearless and have fun jumping over and through mini obstacle courses. Thanks Denise.

02/26/2008 Posted by nualasheerin

I would highly recommend Denise's classes to any new 'puppy parent'. Denise uses instructions that are easy to follow for both our pug and for us. As well as the class schedule Denise throws in lots of little tips such as feeding breakfast in a puzzle toy to occupy our puppy while we get ready for work. Denise is also happy to answer any general questions and helped us a lot with encouraging our lazy little pug to go for walks in the cold. Our puppy was scared around other dogs before he attended the kindergarten class and now he loves to play with every dog he sees - the bigger the better!

01/28/2008 Posted by AJS310

We were introduced to Denise and Empire of the Dog services by our long time vet after getting an eight week old Cairn Terrier. We had each been dog owners of different breeds and mixes for 30 years. Our puppy, Si, was very high strung, single minded and untrained. She was terrorizing our 8 year old Lhasa and the cat and everyone was miserable (except the puppy, she loved the commotion she caused.) Initially Denise came to our home to give us some direction for immediate use. Her connection with animals was clear the moment she walked through the door. She was focused, precise and very knowledgeable. The puppy immediately responded, as did the Lhasa. Over the next several months we attended a class weekly with the pup to learn how to train her. Si’s strong will made her a particular challenge, especially when it came to house breaking. We made little progress with the housebreaking so we boarded Si so Denise could do one-on-one intensive training. The change was enormous, we were finally able to truly enjoy our puppy. Since that time Denise has been immediately responsive with several unique situations that have come up. Her advise is invaluable whether you are first time or lifelong dog owners.

01/18/2008 Posted by liznapolin

When our puppy starting showing aggression problems we didn't know what to do. Denise's puppy kindergarden class was a life saver. I talked to other trainers and found Denise's experience and advice far surpassed her peers. The goal of the class is to create well socialized dogs that can live in the city and not drive you or anyone else crazy - perfect right! The classes are worth more than just the hour a week you spend with her - Denise handed out homework every session to remind you how to work with your puppy during walks and while you are playing together. Aside from the routine puppy training, Denise gave us concrete steps to work with our specifics issues and we have seen amazing results!