Testimonials

The classes gave us specific behaviors to work on and build on together, but the continual exposure to new people and new dogs in such nurturing surroundings was wonderful for her. She was constantly being praised by so many people for her affectionate nature, for her response to other dogs, for her obedience work in class, etc. How could she not blossom? All this is to say that I think your classes are absolutely invaluable and believe me I do no take them for granted. I am very grateful for them and for you.  Ellen and Mia, Ossining, NY

Your training has worked wonders with Reece. Now as soon as she spots an animal (dog, bird, etc.) she stops, looks to us for a treat, and praise.  Who is this dog?

We still have to be vigilant in our walks (I suppose we always will) but it sure beats winding up on the ground with one arm longer than another.  Again, thanks for everything…

(A few months later…)

We continue to sing your praises. There are times I don’t even know there is a dog at the end of the leash. We have the most wonderful girl in Reece now, thanks to you.  Sherry, Matt & Reece – Mt. Kisco, NY

The class was great and we continue to use everything we learned. He has really relaxed here and is a huge goofball. Maude keeps him in line.

Thanks for helping us to shape Kramer into the great dog that he is. I still can’t believe he waited 3 years for someone to love him.

Maureen, John, Maude & Kramer – Stormville, NY

Lisa,

Thanks to your classes, Moose is a pleasure to live with. I never thought we’d be able to say that! You’ve done an excellent job of clearing up all the myths that are out there regarding dog behavior, and we appreciate that you are always ready to share the latest and greatest information that you’ve learned with us. Every time we come to a class we learn something new – and we all have a great time!

Danielle, Joe & Moose – Shrub Oak, NY

Hi Lisa,

I wanted to thank you for such a great class yesterday – I talked about it all day! I wish it had been videotaped – I hope I can recreate the focus and connection Jackson and I had – both in the future with him and then with my future dogs. We were “in the zone!”

Kendra and Jackson, Carmel, NY

… Kindness and attention really work better even if taking longer, and are infinitely better for the human as well. The Dalai Lama says that kindness is at the heart of Buddhism. Positive training is such a clear showing of kindness as opposed to unkindness… it’s strange to see people arguing against it.

A long time ago I heard Michael Tilson Thomas say that what’s required in making good music are time and attention and love. I think of that with dog training; also the training is animal-assisted therapy for the trainer. If you could see how gently Johnny tells me that he needs to go out, or greets my mother, you might not recognize that little dog who was shredding our sleeves on the lawn at South Putnam Animal Hospital.

Anyway, this has all been a great gift and I thank you as always.

Susan and Johnny B. Good – Hartsdale, NY

Kinsey was 4 months old when we signed up for puppy class. We were so fortunate that Lisa Edwards was the trainer. We still attend classes with Lisa! Kinsey (now 5) and Shelby (two years younger than Kinsey) have been in Lisa’s classes since puppy-hood and still attend the ever popular and fun Distract-A-Doggie classes. We were thrilled when Lisa started her “Three Dogs Training” business. The “girls” love going to school. Kinsey trained with Lisa to be a pet therapy Delta dog before she was one year old. And although she didn’t pass the test the first time, she did earn her CGC certificate and through more training, perseverance, maturity and patience, she is now a Delta therapy dog, and is great! Shelby, however, has no such interest. Her favorite song is “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.”

The classes are for us humans also. We keep going to help us do the right thing for our pups. Through Lisa’s guidance, sense of humor, creativity and good judgment our girls have blossomed into fine doggies and we have blossomed into fine humans for our doggies.

Jill & Linda, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

The handling skills that I learned with my dog, Sophie, in Lisa Edwards’ AAT class gave us a wonderful foundation for the visiting that we began soon after completing the course. In the area where we live, there are dog/handler classes for obedience, rally agility and tracking, but none that teach the skills specific to therapy work, so we commuted from update NY to Mahopac for the 10 week class. There’s no doubt in my mind that I would do it again without hesitation.

The exercises, the work amidst distractions and the role playing gave meaning to the material we studied and prepared us “for the real world.” Being able to practice and hone our handling skills under Lisa’s watchful eye gave me confidence and helped build a relationship of trust with my dog. I have no doubt that we are a stronger team because of her class.

Jean and Sophie, Ithaca, NY

Just a note to let you know what Tucker’s been up to. He was given the Rising Star award at Northern Westchester Hospital. There were over eighty awards given to nurses, doctors, administrators, technicians, etc., Tucker was the only dog (first in the history of the hospital).

After we finished with your class we continued on with daily practice… Then…

We went down to the ASPCA and passed the Delta evaluations. I expect that we will be starting visits to Ronald McDonald House in a few weeks.

I wanted to thank you for all the help and encouragement you gave us. We could not have done it without you.

Dick and Tucker, Bedford Hills, NY

One thing that impressed me the most about Lisa’s classes is that there are no “stars” (either human or pet). Everyone participates – with the same goal – to help the other humans and pets understand and enjoy each other a little better.

After just two classes with both of my dogs in the same class, the change was obvious to me and to all who visited our home. The dogs’ demeanors changed drastically for the better – toward guests and toward each other. And the best part – no more pulling on leashes and no more need for the Gentle Leader.

Lisa’s knowledge and intuitiveness of dog behavior was readily apparent from the first class and from the respect she gets from the outset from the owners of and from the dogs. More importantly, Lisa makes the class fun for all, and heaven knows, we humans sometimes have to chill.

Thanks to Lisa, Cobber and I passed the Delta evaluation (although I’m still peeved that Cobber received a higher score than I did) and we look forward to doing visits in conjunction with the HEART Program. And, time permitting, I will be back in the Spring for the Delta class with Dodger.

Cobber, Donald, and Dodger, Garrison, NY

Dear Lisa,

Had it not been for your knowledge, patience and creativity we would not have passed the Delta evaluation. After failing twice I was beginning to think that this might not be for us.

Orville and I had been to other trainers without success. No other trainer was able to figure out how to get Orville to understand the requirements for being a therapy dog were different from his former experience as a show dog.

Thank you for giving us the ability to participate in his gratifying experience. Orville and I have been doing a lot of therapy work and as you predicted he is perfect for the job.

There is a boy in the local Children’s Hospital, who is waiting for a heart to be transplanted and he loves Orville. Orville has also become attached to him and when we go into his room Orville jumps up on the bed and does his lap dog routine. Yesterday while on a visit two Pediatric Cardiologists came in to examine the little boy. I had previously told him that I would be back on Tuesday. The doctors informed him that he was going to have a diagnostic procedure done either Tuesday or Wednesday. The little boy replied that Tuesday would not work for him. The doctors asked why not Tuesday and he replied Orville will be visiting.

Lisa I know it is your profession but I have to thank you again for helping both of us have these incredible experiences.

With my very best regards,

Michael Galuskin
West Nyack, NY