Contented Canines

I cannot say enough about our experience with Tom Kelly and Contented Canines. His courses go above and beyond the basic “sit, stay, and come.” Tom teaches owners about dog psychology and the reasons behind why dogs do (or don’t do) what they are told. Tom’s training style is firm but thorough, and dogs absolutely adore him. Tom provided us with an abundance of resources and tools to try at home with our puppy. We were able to teach our 8 month old lab/pitt mix how to self-regulate (control himself when he wants attention or isn’t doing what he’s told), how to walk right next to us on a leash, how to “place” or sit in a specific spot until we tell him the word “free,” and so much more. We constantly receive compliments on how well our dog behaves, and we have no anxiety about bringing him to public events or on car trips. Tom taught us how to work our way up to situations that may be challenging for our dog with patience, practice, and trust. We learned what his various barks and body language mean, and we learned about how dogs mirror our energy – so, if I am frustrated with the dog and I am yelling at him, he is going to panic as well and is less likely to listen to me. If you want positive results from your dog, you need to begin the training opportunity with a positive mindset/energy and a willingness to learn from your dog as much as he is learning from you. Contented Canines is an investment that will lay those groundworks for you and help you establish a bond that will provide you and your dog with love, understanding, and joy.

Tom has done wonders with our 1 yr old Shepherd rescue. She was a hot mess. Very excited and unable to relax. The methods taught have also taught us how and when to apply the concepts. It's a journey, and the destination is now beginning to show. As Tom would say, you have to melt the iceberg. We are still doing this, but seeing improvement. Tom showed us ways to teach her without saying a word to her. How to change the way she feels about situations. The lessons we do with her have helped her to now begin to be calm and if she is not calm, we now have ammunition and options. I highly recommend Contented Canines.

This is the place to go if you are in need of dog behavioral training with positive reinforcement. My daughter adopted a 65 lb dog from a shelter that had an unknown history last March. For 3 months, all was well, but then the trouble began. The final straw was him biting me because he didn't want restraint from pursuing a squirrel. I took him back to the shelter but they were intent on euthanasia if we left him. I researched behavioral trainers where Bentley would be located and Tom Kelly came up. He was incredibly patient as I peppered him with endless questions and concerns. The first lesson was attended by my daughter and me and I was surprised at how you could learn to communicate with your dog and vice versa. Bentley needed to understand what we wanted and how to get what he wanted. We still use the leash with the slip to keep him from pulling on walks as well as gentle directions to stop unwanted activity. Bentley went from trying to make the rules to being secure and confident in the humans. Walking him is comfortable and enjoyable. It's a relief to see the change in Bentley and to know he can be part of my daughter's life. I encourage any interested dog owners to take the assessment and let Tom Kelly show you how to enjoy your dog.