A Sound Beginning

My partner and I came to Steve at A Sound Beginning feeling like cohabitation with our dogs just wasn’t possible. Both Greta and Harry had significant anxiety and reactivity (including bite histories), and we had already resigned ourselves to living in a fully separated household long-term. Steve worked with us over several months, guiding us step by step through safe introductions and helping both dogs build trust—on their own and with each other. When move-in day came, we were absolutely expecting the worst. But within a few weeks of sticking to his plan, they were peacefully coexisting… and then somehow became best friends. We still can’t believe it. Nearly 3 years later, they haven’t had a single issue—no fights, no tension. They cuddle, hang out, and move through the house together like a little team. What’s even more amazing is Greta’s transformation with people. She used to be extremely fearful and reactive, and now she’s genuinely social and loves meeting new people—something I never thought I’d see. Steve is incredibly knowledgeable, calm, and completely judgment-free. His approach made us feel supported the entire time, and it truly changed our lives. What once felt impossible is now just our everyday reality, and we’re beyond grateful.

I had a session with Erica from A Sound Beginning a few days ago and already the difference in my dog is amazing. I had given up hope that my dog would ever be able to walk well on a leash and after only an hour session, I feel like I know what to do to get my dog where I want him to be. It will take time and consistency but I can already see the difference in my dog. I can also see myself setting up more sessions in the future to work on other skills. Very happy I worked with them and would recommend them, especially Erica!

We did the 3 private in home lessons package here for our reactive dog (behavioral). It was good basic 'what is reactivity' info but we got a different trainer the second time than the first time and when I asked they said we wouldn't be covering the same things for the second lesson with the new trainer but we obviously did because the second trainer was seeing my dog for the first time so I felt like we wasted a lesson which was quite expensive. Secondly, we are in the city itself and didn't find that the trainers were too equipped for understanding the different needs in the city vs the suburbs. I think they do most of their work in the suburbs so this is probably fine for most people.