Testimonials - Click on Picture for Trainer Specific Testimonials

Maureen Haggerty	Amy Tunell	Lynn Silvis	Danielle Graczyk	Jeff Yoon	Cele Danner
Blair Hauser	Jordan Phillips	Jess Kittredge	Jackie Pospisil	Alex Hermundson

See what Yelp users are saying.

I just wanted to send you a "thank you" from my dog Angus and myself. Your enthusiasm, patience and skill in teaching opened a new door for me in communicating with my dogs. It has allowed my to train Angus in a way this is fun, rewarding and loving. I will continue to us the fantastic homework sheets and reinforce the lessons that we both learned together. Most of all I am grateful to you and the Canine Coach for enlightening numerous dog owners that there is another way besides punishing a dog for not knowing. In your way you are helping keep dogs in there homes and out of shelters.

Warm regards,
Lynn T.

Just wanted to let you know how I value the service provided. My 8 month old Dixie, a Shepherd-Collie mix seemed to always to on high alert during her walks and would bark uncontrollably at other dogs, pop up on her leash when she saw a rabbit or squirrel and I would have to say the only way I could do loose leash walking was to sort of run to catch up to her.

Within two hours you taught me a few very simple techniques that put me back into control and I have to say Dixie and my walks are now enjoyable and she seems so much more relaxed. Not perfect yet but with consistency I know she will continue to improve and seems to understand finally what I am asking of her. Tried other trainers with very limited results so I contacted Canine Coach. I am glad I made the call.

After a week I have continued to see so much improvement that I no longer use a leash to take Dixie to the back yard or to the neighbor's house since she follows me. We seem to be finally communicating with each other. Lovely dog, high energy and now I have the tools to communicate with her in a way she seems to understand what I am asking of her.

Karen L. St. Paul

I am absolutely amazed at your skill in training these animals and conducting classes. WOW! Thank you for all your good work.

Doug C.

You guys are awesome and I never hear anything but rave reviews from those who have had behavioral evals. You should know that I also appreciate always being willing to work with my crazy requests of new foster trainings, aggression 101 sessions, fly-by emails I send you to pick your brain about something (like aggressive puppies), and that you'll let me call you for issues too.

It's great having you and your trainers as a resource for Pet Haven. Our fosters have more confidence working with their foster dogs, and most important - we are able to benefit the dogs we adopt out. We couldn't be working with a more professional and supportive group of trainers for our rescue.

Jenny Jurek - Director of the Dog Division for Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the excellent training Layla and I received at boot camp. I was nervous about spending this kind of money on training for a 4-5 year old rescue dog with lots of bad habits and a dog family with even worse training habits. I am so glad I did, the training both Layla and I received from Cele is priceless!

Layla now walks by my side with out pulling me over as she is trying to chase a squirrel, when she sees something like a squirrel or a bunny, she "leaves it" and just keeps walking! We are able to let her off the leash and actually have her come when she is called!!! This is truly amazing given where she was before boot-camp.

I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of the training. Cele, you are way way better than the dog whisper! Thanks to all of you, this training has dramatically impacted the amount of fun we are now able to have with Layla.

Kathy Conner, St. Paul

Thank you for your help on Wednesday. Levi and I are making incredible progress! We have been using your system for less than 3 days and already our walks are more enjoyable. Prepare to have your socks blown off when you come back in 2 weeks to show us the next step!

Sarah B. St. Paul

Hi Blair,

I just wanted to thank you for the great classes Cam and I have had with you--you're a terrific trainer and a delight to be around! Good luck with that puppy and maybe we'll see you sometime in the future at another class. Thanks again!

Liz A.

Both of my dogs, Greta and Rhoda, have had such a good experience with Danielle! She is so knowledgeable about dogs and she has the ability to really teach the owners the whole picture rather than just the "how to". This is the best, most comprehensive training I've ever done with dogs and I just cannot say enough good about Danielle and The Canine Coach. Thank you!

Pam O. Minneapolis

My bulldog, Jes, loves Jeff. If you awe at those dog trainers on TV, you should go see Jeff. He's every bit as good as the Dog Whisperer and the British woman. And he's right here in the Twin Cities.

Stacey M. Eagan

Amy, I wanted to make sure that you knew how much we've enjoyed participating in your classes. You definitely know how to bring out the best in dogs (and owners, too) and do it with such a relaxed, enjoyable and most of all fun way. We were always excited to come to class and you were one of the top reasons why.

Thanks, Amy, you're the best!

Teddy and Jan and Duane B.

We took the previous class with Jeff, and both my husband and I couldn’t believe how great he was to work with! He is a fantastic dog (and human!) trainer!

Best,

Liz

Thanks so much! I have enjoyed ALL of the classes I’ve taken at The Canine Coach (all instructors great, especially love Jordan) and look forward to hopefully getting little Leo into therapy dog volunteering someday soon.

Cari L.

It's been a wonderful experience, and I will continue to recommend you and K-9 Coach in my local community.

Jane C.

Cele,

We want to take this moment to say THANK YOU for doing such an AMAZING job with Cooper. The progress he has made over the past month has definitely exceeded our expectations. We know that Cooper is a unique dog, with unique challenges and we so appreciate all your patience andlove you gave him during training. We feel so much more confindent that Cooper will now make a great big brother.

You are an amazing trainer wtih an amazing gift! Thank you - Thank you!!

The Donavon's, Minneapolis

Hi, Lynn. Just wanted to update you on Stella. She took to her kennel training immediately. In fact I have to pick it up and put it away so she won't crawl in to await treats for good behavior. haven't made a plane trip yet, that is next week but I hope the 2-3 times a day training will inbed the routine. I'll keep you posted after our first flight but instead of dreading it, I am almost looking forward to it. You are a miracle worker,Thanks!!!

Deb L. Minneapolis

I had a fantastic personal lesson with Amy on Friday - she really helped me with how to handle Kyra's leash aggression. Wanted to tell you how great the work with Amy was! After about 5 - 10 minutes with Amy we were seeing huge improvements in Kyra. Advice I had been given by _____ and ______ was to ignore it - which wasn't working at all.

I will be looking to sign up for future training sessions at Canine Coach!

Sarah L. St Paul

Danielle, Kona and I are so thankful we found you and the rest of the gang at the Canine Coach. I was watching Kona in our last class as she was watching the other dogs in class and she looked relaxed, she even wagged her tail a few times. I would never have thought that was possible! And I see myself doing a much better job of helping her by changing what I am doing. I wish we had found you years ago. Thanks so much, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Carolyn P. Edina

I wanted to let you know how great Jeff Yoon is. We have a 5 year old Wheaten male. Cookie has always been aggressive with other dogs. When our other dog died, the aggression showed up even more as we wanted to be out and about more with him. I was fed up! A friend recommended the k9 coach. We started working with Jeff a couple of weeks ago. My husband 'went along' with this... mostly because I set it up and he had no choice! But the 1st night after Jeff left, I was so impressed. I didn't say a word to my husband. I didn't want to influence him.. I was curious about what he would say. Jeff drove away and my husband Blake said " wow - that guy REALLY knows what he is doing. I am impressed". My husband is NOT the type to heap praise.. and this was a HEAP. We are continuing to work with Jeff and will start one of your aggression classes as well. My kids come along, and Jeff is kind, funny and insightful. He is patient and REALLY good with Cookie. We are ALL so impressed.. we think there may be a possibility for Cookie to go to a dog park some day!

Thanks Again-- Jeff. We love working with you.

From COOKIE, Cynthia, Blake, Spencer and Isabella.

Hi Lynn! I'm the person you talked to on the phone twice one day last week about our new Bernese Mountain Dog puppy JoJo--the One Who Would Not Be Confined. We just returned from 3 nights with another family at their cabin, and JoJo did GREAT. Each night went wonderfully. We woke her up to take her out, gave her little hotdog pieces to reward her, and she didn't bark or whimper once on any of the 3 nights. She even began willingly going into her crate on her own. It was a miracle.

I am referring to you as The Good Dog Whisperer (as opposed to the other trainer from a different place who told me to pinch my puppy's Adam's apple and put her in her crate in our car all night, who I refer to as The Bad Dog Whisperer.) I am looking through the schedule and hope to sign up for your puppy class in St. Paul starting August 29th.
Thank you soooo much for taking the time to talk to me and help us make our sweet little puppy to not be fearful of her crate. You are amazing!

Sincerely,
Nancy B.

Hi Amy, I just wanted to thank you again for all of your help with the girls this winter. The girls run around in the back yard with eachother and we've gotten Jada to accept small dogs now too (very reluctantly). We dogsat a shih tzu-poodle mix and he and Jada played non-stop. I love it.

To think it wouldn't have happend without you!

Amanda N. Plymouth

I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed Jeff's puppy class. I learned a lot! Solo is still learning... He is a good trainer.

thanks,
Camie P. St. Paul

I just wanted to let you know what a God send Danielle is to our family. After a month of emotional stress after my dog bit a kid and wrestling with the decision of what to do. Danielle really did a wonderful job of helping me understand Kirby’s fear, and how to play my role as a leader. I feel much more confident and hopeful after today’s training session. I can’t wait to tell my husband how well he did and how Danielle thinks him to be a fast learner.

I really am inspired by today’s progress and her words of encouragement. Thank You!

Karla N.

Jeff, I want you to know that you are an incredible dog trainer and have changed the way Twyla and I walk together. Thank you for that.

Jean C. Minneapolis

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 H.

Hey Lynn, Thanks again for coming over last night. We appreciate your knowledge and your time and my mom is now raving about you. You have made another new fan. You have been so helpful in the past that I know we will be successful with sweet Leo too. Thank You!

Jodi P.

Hey Danielle,

I wanted to say thank you!! for allowing Cecilia (CC) and me to train with you. She was able to pass the Delta certification test to become a therapy dog! CC is a different dog than before she started the training. However, it's possible that I am a different pet owner than before I started the training. I feel a lot more in tune with my dog. It has really helped me bond with my dog and pay more attention to body language and nonverbal signs in animals and humans.

Danielle, thank you for all of your help and for making the classes so fun. I was dreading going to the classes at first. But after the first week I was really excited to go back because I was able to see changes in me and my dog after the first night. Again, thank you.

Addie W. Maplewood

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 L. 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!]

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 - 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 G. Minneapolis

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

Jeff, 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 T. 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 B.

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 M. 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 F. 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 H. Woodbury
[Luna is a Doberman mix who was suffering from separation anxiety.]

Jeff, 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 F. South St. Paul

Hi Jeff!!!

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 D. Minneapolis

Hi Jeff,

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, Jeff, and we'll see you soon.

Andrea L. 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 C. Minneapolis

The leash walking class I am taking with Jeff is already working!

Diane R. Minneapolis

Hey Jeff!

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 M. 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 P. 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 K. 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 L. 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 Jeff,

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 T. 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 Z. 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 S. 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 A., 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 L. 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 M. 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 N. 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 C. (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 H. St. Paul

Thanks for your help, Maureen. The information you have provided us has been worth every penny."

- John H. 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 H. 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 F. 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 R. 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 J. 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 B. 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 S. 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 R. 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 M. Minneapolis

The clicker is amazing, really. The training is super. See you on Saturday. Many thanks,"
- Lynette N. 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 B.