Better Dog Behavior Now

Doug is a miracle worker!! We reached out to Doug this spring as our 6 month old rescue puppy seemed to have some pretty bad anxiety and reactivity issues while on walks. She was a nervous, whining wreck and pulled to the point where walks were frustrating and upsetting for the both of us. I had tried training on my own for months but realized we needed the help of a professional who had experience with anxiety issues, which is a whole other level of training! I was thrilled that Doug did not use adverse training methods and used only positive reinforcement, which we were looking for. I was able to see a difference in Libbie in under a week - we slowly built up progress over the summer and are now able to take 3+ mile walks together and she is a more confident, obedient, and happy dog. This training has also translated to different environments/scenarios - I never thought we would be able to take Libbie to breweries with other dogs due to her reactivity, but here we are! If you have a dog with behavioral issues or you feel like you have tried everything, contact Doug!!! It is worth every penny and minute of training to make your dog's life better! Thank you Doug for everything!

I’ve been working with Doug Poynter of Better Dog Behavior Now! for a couple months now doing one hour sessions about every other week. He was originally recommended by another training organization to help with my newly adopted “aggressive” dog Darcy who is a 2.5 y/o German shepherd mix of some kind. He’s taught me how to use positive reinforcement training using a clicker & treats to effectively teach Darcy all basic obedience like heeling, sit, down, stay & come, as well as help her get used to being around other people & in new places. Doug tailors every training to the specific needs & level you and your dog are at. Darcy has transformed from a completely untrained & super reactive dog to enthusiastically following commands and doing her “job” thanks to Doug’s expertise, & my willingness to follow through with our homework in between sessions. Darcy is now much happier, better behaved & well adjusted, and our bond has strengthened greatly as a result. I highly recommend Doug & Better Dog Behavior Now! for anyone that wants to see great improvement in your dogs behavior, especially if you think your dog is “untrainable” or are dealing with any aggression issues.

I am so grateful I decided to sign up for Better Dog Behavior Now! I'll be honest, I waffled a little at first because it is a bit of an investment, but the information and training Doug provided us with during his 5-session bundle was priceless! My husband and I had read countless books, blogs, and message boards in attempt to stop our dogs' multiple mal-adaptive behaviors, but to no avail. Doug was able to clearly show us why our dogs were acting a certain way and how to use positive reinforcement to improve the dogs' behaviors and our relationships to them. Doug is no-nonsense and straight-forward. He gives you lots of homework assignments to practice in between sessions so you can see fast and lasting improvements. He is also honest upfront during his initial (free) screening call and won't proceed with you as a client unless he feels that you are serious about putting in the practice necessary for behavior re-adjustments to work. I personally respect this as I want to know what I'm getting into and don't want to waste anybody's money or time. Our dogs still aren't perfect and neither are my husband and I, but we have all come a long way and have the tools to continue the work of cultivating well-adjusted and well-behaved dogs thanks to Doug's talents. If you are on the fence, I highly suggest you at least try the one-time visit. You won't regret it!

My 15 year old, male Jack Russell terrier Flash, was a long time biter and very dog aggressive. I just kept ignoring it and making excuses for the dog when my husband finally had had it with his behavior. I was now sadly forced to consider putting him down. I was totally devastated. In an attempt to give Flash one last chance I began looking for a trainer who specialized in aggressive dogs. Doug was recommended to me and what a miracle worker he is!!! Even my very skeptical husband agreed that Doug changed that dog after just one session! I immediately booked a training package with him and never regretted it! I loved working with Doug and enjoyed the follow up training "homework!" I think Flash enjoyed it too! After Flash’s and my training with Doug everyone could see a change in him. I was easily able to walk Flash at the dog busy Pony Pasture Park and he was sooo good! He constantly checked with me while we walked, no barking, no growling, no lunging at other dogs or young kids. During holidays when our family would visit he was so good that everyone commented on his new behavior. To me, Doug’s training was a miracle! I enthusiastically recommend Doug Poynter of Better Dog Behavior Now for teaching you to rid your dog of bad behavior! It is true….you can teach old dogs new tricks! Lynda Richardson