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Voted #1 Dog Trainer in the Twin Cities!

2005, 2006 TC Dog Reader's Choice Awards
   

Unsolicited Testimonials

Hi Lynn. Scottie is doing really well. I told people that it's a miracle! He's not perfect (still barks and lunges if a dog's too close, but is easier to control),?and he is walking beautifully next to me. You said most dogs learn to heel on their fifth try. He learned it with you on his fifth try, and he makes me proud when I walk him. The other day, someone I passed said to his friend "That's a fine-looking dog." and they were talking about my perfectly behaving pooch! I've only had one class with Maureen so far (a lot was review of what we did at my house), so I'm looking forward to the next classes.
Thanks for asking and thanks for making it possible for me to walk him easily.

Robin Durand, Minneapolis
Thank you Amy, I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate what you taught me and I am very excited to use the techniques. I feel like I can keep my dog now! I will keep you updated on how Meatball is doing!

Andrea Sacarello, Minneapolis
Maureen, I've been incredibly fortunate to find you as a trainer since Mercedes and I had attended a class with another trainer prior to finding you and also worked with a trainer when I volunteered with a dog rescue, and neither had me enjoying the experience as much as Mercedes and I have enjoyed our classes with you. You have fantastic energy and your variety of training suggestions and knowledge of dog behavior are fantastic. Honestly, it must sound like I'm kissing up and I'm not, but I am enthusiastic about how your business has grown so that more and more opportunities for training and activities are available.
I just thought you should know that you are great at what you do and appreciated for it.

Laurel Braun, Minneapolis
Lynn is a great teacher- we have been learning a lot.

Maria, Minneapolis
Danielle, I just wanted to thank you again for your awesome teaching. It's been a complete pleasure being in your level I and II classes. I'm sad we're going to miss the last one. Your style of teaching is awesome and you made it really easy to learn, you really made things fun! Keep up the great work and I'm hopeful we'll see you down the road. Take care,

Tory (Probley's Dad)
Hey Maureen, Things are going really well-Chase is a totally different dog in the hallway. It is such a relief for both of us as we finally feel like we are the ones back in control. The barking in the apartment is less and is getting much better. We are really proud of his progress and look forward to learning more from you!!

Jennifer
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the email. The class is great! The Fuzz is doing well on sit, stand and down. He's also getting the hang of stay. We missed yesterday because we went to the North Shore for the weekend and decided to stick around up there and avoid the heat through Monday night. You manage the class amazingly well for such a big group and we are learning lots. You rock!

Laura and The Fuzz
Greetings from Sammy land….Hope all is well with you guys. Maureen Haggerty came over last Saturday (April 5) and met with us. The session went pretty well and she had some great suggestions. Sammy did pretty well with Dan that day but then Sunday rolled around and he was back to being scared/frightened, etc. of Dan. We kept doing what Maureen said and I have to say our lives are so much better!!!! We can’t thank you enough for suggesting Maureen – I have passed her name onto 2 others at work! She really is exceptional.

Marianne Taylor
Maureen I just wanted to thank you again for the cogent advice about Nat's barking. What I aprpeciate about your approach is that you are realistic about what's expedient while concerned with the dog's ultimate well-being. Many many thanks!

Siana Goodwin, Minneapolis
Pete and I wanted to thank you (and your "invisible dog") for the super-enjoyable Level I Obedience class. It was a great class with outstanding materials that you presented in a clear and easy to remember way. We learned a lot and had fun doing it.

Kristin McIntyre, Chanhassen
Hi Lynn, We would like to thank you for the opportunity in participating in your classes and appreciation the wonderful progress Dozer has made with your guidance. He has become so much more than we ever thought and has added a lot of enjoyment to our family.

See ya...Grace, Clark and Dozer.
BTW - - as a very satisfied customer, I wanted to say that I really appreciate the direction you are taking your business. Expanding to playtimes, providing a wide variety of training classes, training in outdoor environments etc. The creativity and opportunities to train for fun with classes like tricks and agility - - it's like continuing ed for dogs. Thanks, again.

Laurel and Mercedes, Minneapolis
Maureen, I want to thank you for a great class. It was wonderful. The handouts help but there is no substitute for really seeing how to do something. I really appreciate the individual attention, humor and personal experience that you give to the class. And the leash walking method is really fabulous. For the first time EVER when we are out walking I feel so PROUD....especially when you see that almost everyone else has a dog that pulls them around!!!! My dog IS walking with a loose leash right by me....in low to moderate distraction levels...but the improvement is huge. And she is still happy..not like with the gentle leader or prong. Hooray. It is clear now why you were voted best trainer!

Thank you and I look forward to the next class we take.

Rebecca Sabot, Minneapolis
Amy--On behalf of Sahara and myself I want to thank you for the great class you conducted. I would certainly recommend you to anyone looking for a training program and will contact you if I have questions. Take care.

Richard
Hi Maureen, I just want to thank you for your help with Izzy. We have had no problems since you instructed us on how to deal with her. She listens to me now and, you're right, she seems more loving toward me as her leader. You really helped us out. Thank you.

Susan, Anney, and Pat Livingston, St. Paul
[Before contacting me, Izzy, a Welsh Terrier, was was aggressively attacking her housemate (dog) and biting her human mom causing injury to both. Susan was considering rehoming Izzy due to her aggressive behavior. Looks like shes staying!]
I called for information about a Level 1 Obedience Training with Lynn. She called me back directly and was very helpful in signing me up for her class. I have been impressed with the availability of our instructor and the conciseness of her class presentation and homework. I believe Oscar is doing better than I!
Maureen, I can't tell you how many good things I am hearing from our volunteers about working with you! I have been passing along your name to anyone and everyone who asks me to recommend a trainer! I should get some of your cards; I'd be glad to hand them out to people who are looking for a trainer.

Susan Bakken, Director of Pet Haven's Dog Divison
Hi Maureen, Thank you so much for being so accommodating; we appreciate it. Thanks to your wonderful advice, the jack russell and the puppy are playing together, snuggling together and napping together!!!! They are best buds now! THANK YOU!!!

Jane, Danielle, Stewie and Bimmer, Minneapolis
Hi Lynn- Thanks so very much for all you did for Stella and my sanity! I have been the one and only owner to Stella who is now 3yrs of age. She has always been a VERY active boxer. At times I have questioned if there may be some sort of medication to sedate her! Stella completed puppy training and continued onto some agility training. She did well for about a month after and soon thereafter began to “act up”. I was truly at my wits end and even considering if maybe I just wasn’t a “good fit” for her. I called Lynn at K9Coach and explained the issues I was having with Stella. Aggressive behavior when walking. It was virtually impossible to take Stella on a casual afternoon walk. The stress level would rise so much when she would see another dog I would at times be embarrassed by her behavior. Pulling constantly. With use of a gentle leader even, Stella had virtually no sense of heal, or control when out on walks. I ended up trying a choke collar which was highly against my morals and that helped somewhat but not enough of a change where I could see utilizing it on a day to day basis. Stella also struggled with the front door and house guests. Boxers are known to be jumpers and a sort of “in your face” kind of breed. Stella was/is a in your face with lots of kisses! And not everyone enjoys the kisses!

With the help of Lynn, Stella learned how to stay in “one space” and when it was ok to be invited into “the space”. She has learned how to stay in a seated position when someone knocks on the door, and has learned a bit about patience! Stella is not using a choke collar or a gentle leader now when on walks! Stella has learned to walk in “her box”. She stays to my left and watches for my command when walking. She is still working on the aggression but continues to improve. I now can control her when we see another dog and don’t feel the embarrassment override me when out with her. I always knew I had a good girl, she just needed a little extra TLC, with the help of Lynn at K9, I was able to see how good my girl truly is!

Thanks so much Lynn!
Lisa Sanmartin Multicultural Services Coordinator
Hi Maureen, I truly want to thank you for working with me and Chance. We enjoyed your classes and both learned alot to work on going into summer. Thank you for your time and making class a good experience for Chance.

-Lisa Sluzewski, Eagan
Tubby was amazing after the dog park! My neighbor walked her two leashed dogs past us while we were outside on our leash and he just went to do a sniff-meet-greet without the usual freak out. Thanks for all the help!

Jessica Dunn, Minneapolis
Hi Maureen- Thank you for today. It was a very positive experience. We've been to several training classes with our dogs over the years and have had 2 other trainers in our home previously. The trainers we encountered were either really strict and wanted us to treat our dogs as dogs 100% of the time (just never going to happen) and the other trainer made us feel like horrible parents. So thank you for working with me, my animals and being realistic to our way of living. My animals are obviously important to me and I sensed you were able to understand and relate.

Sincerely,

Molly
Amy - On behalf of Sahara and myself I want to thank you for the great class you conducted. The big thing I got from it was the confidence to direct Sahara in a way that is enjoyable for both of us. I would certainly recommend you to anyone looking for a training program and will contact you if I have questions. Take care.

Richard Hinchcliffe
Hi Maureen - you are a miracle worker. After one demonstration from you Finnegan knows the difference between "walk" and his usual pulling routine. After me trying for 9 months to get him to stop pulling you succeeded in one minute!

Kim Gordon, Minneapolis
I thought I'd send you a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed your puppy class.

Your instructor is amazing with dogs. Every time we'd do an exercise, your instructor was able to demonstrate on any puppy in the room including mine, which always gave me confidence that it is possible to train my wild puppy! Your instructor kept things interesting, and just seemed very passionate about dogs and dog training. I was skeptical about spending so much money on a 4-week class, but it was totally worth it.

Kali Cruz, St. Paul
Amy, Thanks again for your help with Reese and Bert this weekend. They now wait calmly outside the doorway to the basement as I get their food, and also wait outside the kitchen as I feed Alex...the "back it up" command really works for them!

Also, Reese hasn't ruined anything of ours since you were here.

We'll start the leash training as soon as it gets a little warmer and I am guessing we'll master that as well, since all of your tips were so helpful. Same with the jumping up on strangers - haven't gotten to practice yet, but we're looking forward to it.

Thanks for restoring some order and manners into our chaotic household...it's so nice having our puppies heading down the path of being well-behaved!

Adrea Vogel, Minneapolis
Hi Maureen: Hope you had a great Easter! It was so nice to meet you! We are doing well with Bindi at home. We will be signing up for several classes soon as we love your work! You are truly an angel!!!

Jenna Pjosek
Amy, Thanks again for your help with Reese and Bert this weekend. They now wait calmly outside the doorway to the basement as I get their food, and also wait outside the kitchen as I feed Alex...the "back it up" command really works for them! Thanks for restoring some order and manners into our chaotic household...it's so nice having our puppies heading down the path of being well-behaved!

Best, Andrea
Hi Lynn! Zeke and I just went for out first full walk today with no-pulling for FOUR blocks-we saw a squirrel on block four!

Angela and Zeke
Maureen, you have an incredible way of working with dogs and people! Your energy, communication style and approach to dog training with positive reinforcement, have made working with Missy and Shadow so much fun. I never imagined a day when I could walk with two dogs, and be the one leading them versus having them drag me around the block, or up trees as they chase squirrels! I would also like to thank you for giving so much of your time and knowledge to helping us at Pet Haven, giving hope and a second chance to many dogs who would otherwise be labeled as “unadoptable”. On behalf of Pet Haven, thank you!!

Marilou Chanrasmi, Pet Haven, Director of Human Resources
I'm so glad we found you guys! Amy was wonderful to work with and Sophie can't wait for her next visit.

Andrea Perry
Hi guys, McDuff's afternoon walk was excellent. Just a bit of pulling on his part. We even passed a dog across the street which would normally incite him to bark and tug like crazy but, he was so busy respecting his boundaries that he barely noticed the dog! He is doing so great with the new harness and the walking commands, I can barely believe it!

Megan Thygeson, Minneapolis
Amy, Oh my gosh - have your ears been ringing? I've bragged about you to everyone and told them how wonderful you are! He is doing so good outside - oh my gosh. The first day our fence was done, I brought him out on his leash to see Dori. He did really well. The neighbor even got to pet him - that is a first. Additionally - the four dogs kitty-corner from us were all out there barking away and he completely ignored them. It was glorious.

I think we are doing really well. You are the best money I have spent in a really long time. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Tracy Boedigheimer, Monticello
Hi Maureen!
I just wanted to let you know that Nola and Blue are doing so great. Last night I took them for a 45 minute loose-leash walk and it was so great! I was very proud of them and so grateful to you for fixing the problem. We are definitely going to attend one of your play time sessions with the hope that Nola will become more and more comfortable with other dogs. It has only been a few days since your visit but we can see a huge improvement in both of their behaviors already!

Erin McCleary, Minneapolis
Hi Maureen
I just wanted to thank you again for our session today with Sheldon. I think it went really well and I can't wait to start practicing what you taught me. Thanks for all your tips and tricks. It was very easy to understand! You're a great teacher.

Heather Flannigan, Minneapolis
[Sheldon was a 120 lb dog-aggressive dog on his walks and from the house and yard.]
I've been thinking about you A LOT lately! I can't tell you how WELL things are going. We have left Luna alone a few times with her "sock of sausage stuff" and she has not had ANY accidents or shown signs of being too upset. We went to the Battle Creek dog park the Saturday. She has been great with all the dogs she has encountered.

I can't thank you enough for the new life you have helped us find together!! We have so many new adventures awaiting us, thanks to you!

I would be happy to be a reference, etc., if anyone ever asks you for one.

Sonya Henning, Woodbury
[Luna is a Doberman mix who was suffering from separation anxiety.]
Hi Lynn,
I just wanted to say thank you for being such a great teacher. We learned a lot (even if we lost it all when we lost his manhood). But anyway, thanks again. If we decide to do any more classes we will for sure be taking them with you.

Katie, Katie and Humphrey

The class is so fun for Taiga and for me. You have such a positive attitude and are great about providing constructive feedback. I'm sorry to be missing any of the classes!

Amy Davis, Saint Paul
Dear Maureen,
I am writing to let you know we have been sleeping through the night! Thanks to your help and suggestions, our little Yoshi has been going into his kennel with little hesitation and even enjoys his time in there. He will whimper a few times, but then settles down. He lets us know when he needs to go outside and has had one, just one! accident since your visit with us last Thursday at our home. We put castors on his kennel and just wheel him from room to room so he can see us and feel included. We can't thank you enough for your time with us.

See you in puppy class!

Sincerely,

Maili Frison, South St. Paul
Hi !!!

It has been a couple weeks since you met with us about Daisy and her potty issues. I am happy to say that she has been accident free and the kennel training is going very well. Thanks!

Shawn Delaney, Minneapolis
Hi,

We are enjoying the class very much and learning a lot. ... Your suggestions for intervening when Loki gets too rough with our other dog have worked well so far. Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly.

Take care, and we'll see you soon.

Best, Andrea Lovett, Saint Paul
Maureen, I really appreciate the time you take to respond to my emails. You manage to keep giving us just the right amount of positive boost to keep going. I've never been so grateful to "stumble" across a website before in my life! I can't imagine that there is another trainer out there with your enthusiasm and patience.

Nicole Cleland, Minneapolis
The leash walking class I am taking with the Canine Coach is already working!

Diane Roth, Minneapolis
Hey!

We've been working with Bhumi on the stays and he's really doing great with the sitting and staying now! It was helpful last week to see how you would work with the dogs on all the things: stay, leave it, etc. Your class moves along well and you do a good job of relaying the concepts.

Thanks!

Alix Miller, Minneaplis

Maureen - I recommend you to anyone I meet who needs a trainer, especially people with "odd" or really troublesome behavior in their dogs. Dante runs up to me eagerly now when she sees me getting out her Gentle Leader, jumps into my lap and puts her nose right into the harness -- no treats needed. (This is a dog who used to tremble, shake, and bite at the mere touch of the Gentle Leader.) We have learned to work around her "moods" and minimize triggers [of her aggression]. Our little dog, who some people suggested we get rid of, or even put down (!) is a joy to have around. Your help has been invaluable. Thank you!

Kit Prendergast, Stillwater
Maureen, your advice with Sophie has helped so much I would travel to you anywhere in the twin cities area! Just the voice change makes 100% difference in Sophie's reaction, it's amazing.

Heather Kliebenstein, Minneapolis
Maureen, did I say thanks?  I really mean it.  Sammy and I had a great walk this morning!  He went to garage sales with me and to the local farmers market. His new collar [NewTrix head collar] is the best and he really does behave himself. He got a little over stimulated at the market but I didn't push him too hard there. We couldn't have done it without your teaching!

Rita Lowinske , Minneapolis
[Sammy is a Pitbull Terrier fostered by Rita. Sammy couldn't attend the adoption events because of his aggressive behavior. He would lunge out at the other dogs and people who walked by. Rita stopped walking him in public because of his behavior. Rita did fabulously at walking him, keeping him calm and at her side after one visit.]

Hi Canine Coach,

It has been a couple weeks since you met with us about Daisy and her potty issues. I am happy to say that she has been accident free and the kennel training is going very well.

Thanks,

Monica & Shawn, Richfield

Things with Sadie are generally going GREAT!....Feel free to give my name to anyone wanting a reference.  I very much appreciated the fact that you were willing and able to work with my particular situation as you were teaching what would work for Sadie.

JoAnne M. Tomczak, Minneapolis
Hey, Maureen! Not that you probably need a weekly update but my house has been very, very peaceful! The exercises are great, and there hasn't been one glare or hackle. It's SO MUCH BETTER! So, thanks!!

Jenny Zanner, Minneapolis
[Jenny's American Bulldog and Boxer were getting into regular fights.]
Hey Maureen,
This new space sounds ideal. As far as the new location, since I live in Minneapolis, it works for me. However, I would travel out to most suburbs of the Twin Cities too for a quality program like yours.

Good Luck!

Cathy Scanlon, Minneapolis
Thank you so much, Maureen, for the excellent training you did for Geena AND her human family! We appreciate your positive approach to training, which makes it a real learning experience that is fun for the pet and her humans!

With your training and suggestions, she's overcome her separation anxiety, which is a relief to all of us -- mostly, of course, to Geena! With the new type of head halter (New Trix) you introduced us to, it's now a pleasure to take her for walks! (We also learned lots from the articles on your website.) We'll recommended you to our friends and family. Thank you, again!"

Mary, Craig, and Geena Anderson, St. Paul
Maureen,
You are so awesome. You have worked magic on our pup scared, timid pup. After you left today we introduced Lucia to 3 new people and 2 new dogs. The first interaction was with my friend and her 8 month old Golden Retriever. Her dog was so hyper you would hardly believe it. After about 15-30 minutes of intensive treats and progressively moving closer and closer to the dog, Lucia started initiating interactions with the dog to the point of running full speed across the yard to jump on the dog and play.

The second interaction was with our neighbors and their very elderly and mellow huge Golden Retriever. By the end of that interaction she was running underneath him and biting his tail, all the while her tail was wagging. It was great.

Thank you so much for your help. We are so incredibly appreciative.

Angela Luizzi, Minneapolis
Winnie and I are enjoying your classes so much and definately want to continue on with more classes. I am seeing such a difference in her behavior and we have so much fun practicing together!!  You're a great instructor... I'm glad we found you!

-Karmen McQuitty, Minneapolis

You have worked magic! I have not been bitten once since you have
been here. She has the door answering routine down as well. Thanks for the help!"

- Maureen Norman, Shoreview
I just wanted to let you know that I think that you do a fantastic job and I have really enjoyed the classes. Thanks."

-Leah Carlson (and Legend), Minneapolis
Maureen, your attention to Cyri is much appreciated. She just keeps becoming a better dog week by week. Your enthusiasm is infectious - I think, perhaps, you were a dog yourself in another life."

-David Haynes, St. Paul
Thanks for your help, Maureen. The information you have provided us has been worth every penny."

- John Hustad, Falcon Heights
Thanks for the class last night! Mariana and I both thought it was wonderful! I am so impressed WITH WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED !

Even in the car just after class - we were able to use your advice to get Loki out of the driver seat and into another one after he had decided he was going to sleep there/or drive us home! Also - during play biting - your advice worked! He certainly learned that the fun would stop if he bit us too hard. Ignoring him is SO much easier than telling him "no!" He caught on right away - and the play was able to resume once he realized we weren't chew toys!

Puppy ping pong is AMAZING! He now "Comes" when we walk him past a distraction. Can't wait for next week!"

- Suzie Holzinger, Minneapolis
Maureen Haggerty has an obvious passion for animals & training. Her enthusiasm is highly motivating for her stidents. Everyone was very eager to do their best. Her compassionate approach to training is highly effective. Her techniques are much more effectiove & enjoyable then the heavy handed alpha approach. I would recommend her to my clients without hestitation."

- Margaret A. Frank, DVM, Cottage Grove
"My dog, Spunky, and I were in Maureen's obedience class I this summer. Spunky, a pom, came into the class without knowing any commands or verbal/nonverbal cues. Within 8 weeks, Spinky could sit, stay, drop it, ,leave it, down, loose leash walk, and come. My family and friends were amazed at the difference!"Maureen uses a "positive reinforcement" approach in working with the dogs and owners. She was a very effective trainer and all of us in the class noticed marked progress in our dogs' behaviors. She gives owners great feedback on working with their pets; provides valuable written matierials between classes; and structures the learning to insure a win-win environment for both the dog and owner. Generous with her time, MArueen remained after class to help owners with special questions. Maureen relates exceptionally well to both people and dogs. It is very evident that she wants both to be successful."

- Mary Ann Ryan, St. Paul
"Maureen - Jake is doing so well, due to your support and advise! He walks on the leash like a gentleman (doesn't even pull for rabbits that run in front of us anymore), barks only once at new folks (just to let us know they're here), and is slowly but surely getting over his separation anxiety (even ate his whole "special treat") in the kennel this afternoon and was not "antsy" a bit when I came to let him out).

This weekend, we had a large (150 people) graduation party at my parent's cabin. He barked at the first few visitors, but then became accustomed to the commotion. He just roamed the yard, watched the yard games, and got lots of attention. He doesn't run away out there - stays in the yard and is getting quite good at "come" and "this way". He didn't even sniff at the food table too closely or beg too much. Of course, folks thought he was "so well behaved" that they all wanted him to sit by them and he got lots of treats. Since then, he has exhibited more independence (lays in a diffferent room than me - gladly took a walk with the neighbor, leaving me at home).

You were right - it just takes awhile to build trust. I think we're almost there...

We can't thank you enough for the advise you gave us. You are quite good at what you do - and I've recommended you to a number of folks. Hopefully they give you a call!

Thank you again..."

Sue James, Bloomington
“Maureen’s extensive knowledge of aggression and a sensible course of action has made the difference between panic and reason in our household. She has a clear diagnosis for problems and solutions that work and are positive in method. My fear aggressive Doberman Pincher has been too much for other trainers I have worked with; Maureen not only stepped up to the plate to take on this situation, but set the bar in working with and living with an aggressive dog. I would highly recommend her to anyone with any type of dog and any type of behavior problem.”

Elaine Berg, Evergreen, Colorado
To let you know how much the techniques you have taught us in gaining Fozzy's trust and helping with his behavior problems have helped, Jon and Fozzy spent about 5 hours in a photographer's studio this weekend (totally new environment), where he had free range over the entire floor of the warehouse building and was accosted by 2 kids, including one that surprised him from behind. He did not growl or snap and was very well behaved all day, staying close and coming when called. Just thought you might want to hear a happy story instead of a problem!"

Emily Schlough, Minneapolis

Thank you for letting me observe your class last Saturday. I like how each student was encouraged to work at the level where they would best achieve success, how you used the space for the reactive/fearful dogs and that you were organized and enthusiastic!"

Laura Jean Rathmann, St. Paul
Hi Maureen,I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how great Gobi is doing. He is wonderful with the basic commands: “sit”, “down”, “come”, “stay”, “shake”, etc. He and I are best pals now, and he listens to me very well. Dennis and I can’t believe how far he has come since the days prior to your visits!"

Alison Marron, Minneapolis
The clicker is amazing, really. The training is super. See you on Saturday. Many thanks,"

-Lynette Nyman, St. Paul

Maureen,
I wanted to personally thank you for the good advice you gave out. Bruno is now a happy well adjusted bulldog and his new family; Max(corgi) and Nakita(retriever) are very fond of him. He still tries to push the envelope but we have a NO tolerance policy and he has quickly learned bad behavior equals time out. My hubby and daughters have bonded with him now as well, but he's still a mama's boy. We are forever greatful for the help you provided and wish you great success in your business! Your clients are lucky to have you!!!!!!!!!!"

Sincerely,

Yvonne Ballara