Tug Dogs

“I adopted a 3 year old pit bull in September 2016 and I was in way over my head; Lou is very sweet, but she had no leash manners and reacted severely when she saw a dog even in the distance. Overall she had no impulse control. While she is not aggressive, I was afraid she would get herself into trouble, because she essentially was a 68 pound toddler who had no manners. Walking her was a nightmare. She didn’t have good leash manners to begin with, but it would get even worse when she saw or even heard a dog bark – she lunged, spun in the air and was very vocal. Oftentimes she wouldn’t calm down at all until we got home. Needless to say, while I loved her and was committed to her, it was extremely frustrating. Walks often ended in tears. I worked with another dog trainer, who came to our house and we also did group lessons. I saw small improvements in her every day obedience, but really her reactivity when seeing or even hearing another dog pretty much didn’t change. I first came to Tug Dogs Spring of 2017 and it changed everything, I’m so glad I looked for other trainers! One of the key differences between Tug Dogs and the other trainer is that Erin and the other Tug Dogs trainer take their time and work with the dog using individualized trading methods. And the other big difference is that they also work with you and how you contribute to the unwanted behavior. In my case, I had built up so much frustration, tension and fear that I set up Lou for failure without realizing it. Once Erin explained to me how important it is to be calm, to relax, not go faster, but rather go slower, a light bulb went on in my head. Tug Dogs changed everything for me. I’m much calmer and confident in my training. Lou and I continue to build a strong relationship based on calm, rules, consistency and a lot of love. A year ago I avoided busy parks, now I deliberately go into these situations to train with her. And a week ago we went out to an outdoor brewery! We take it day by day, some days are better than others, but overall we can now enjoy our time together and go on more adventures.”
– Hanni Geist

“Tug Dogs has changed my life! Recommitting to my education was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I went looking to add value for our pet sitting clients and structure for our employees. What I came away with is a new philosophy for life. Erin is an experienced and engaging educator. In a fast paced and chaotic world, she illuminated a path for success based upon years of experience in the field. Starting with consideration for the dog’s perspective, she teaches a zen inspired way of communicating with dogs in a simple, clear, and loving way. I’m just beginning my journey as a dog trainer but I see the path. After applying what I am learning, I had the feeling that Tug Dogs Dog Trainer Academy is just where I need to be. I do the homework and see results with our own dogs. I look forward to replicating this process with our clients’ dogs, to bring peace into their homes. Erin’s energy is infectious and that’s all I needed to encourage me to continue on this path. I’m so thankful to have been referred to Tug Dogs and look forward to taking the next steps of my education here.”
– James McKellips, Co-Owner of Peaceful Pets Pet Sitting Services

“NorCal Boxer Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing Boxers “In Need” all over Northern California. Roughly 90% of our rescue Boxers come from area shelters and although we pre-screen for severe behavioral issues we still often take Boxers with various behavioral issues ranging from mild to severe. Approximately 2.5 years ago we were referred to Tug Dogs for their board and train program. Over this period of time we have utilized the Tug Dogs organization for their board and train program, assessments and regular boarding. The professionalism and knowledge from the staff trainers, Erin, Stace and Rebecca is outstanding. They have helped our boxers with such issues as resource guarding, leash reactivity and separation anxiety just to name a few. NCBR is thrilled to be able to work with Tug Dogs in our quest to rehabilitate and train Boxers in need. Without Tug Dogs NCBR would undoubtedly be unable to save the number of Boxers that we do each year. Attached are pictures of just some of our “Success Stories” that with the assistance of the Tug Dogs organization have gone on to experience beautiful lives.”
– Deb Wood, NCBR Foster Home Coordinator