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Kim A. & Asha,
Alana's advice has been invaluable in helping Asha become less anxious and happier in her environment. Asha was rescued off the street and had to be declawed because she constantly attacked people and animals. She has been living with me for one year and now enjoys being brushed and petted. She also enjoys playing with string toys, which in the beginning she found too frightening to do. She still doesn't tolerate other cats well, and I still can't pick her up, but she continues to become more relaxed each day. I am grateful to have her in my life and grateful for Alana's assistance in helping us develop a better relationship.
Wynessa B. & Jazmine,
Alana was instrumental in helping me to resolve Jazmine's peeing problems. Jazmine for a few years stopped using her litter pan. It turned out she had a urinary infection and then developed a preference for our carpet. Once her infection was cured, she still would not use her litter pan. Alana told me ways to solve Jazmine's peeing problems. Jazmine has had very few accidents since I consulted with Alana. She is using the litter pan reliably now.
Noga Z. and Cadence
When I first started working with Alana, I was in despair regarding my relationship with my dog, Cadence. He was engaging in destructive behavior almost daily, had developed a number of very neurotic habits, and was unable to demonstrate skills he seemed to have known for months. I was overwhelmed and having many doubts about my ability to help him. Before my lessons with Alana, I took Cadence to a trainer who showed me how to keep Cadence lying at my feet by holding his shoulders down by force with my hand. Simultaneously, I was to step on the leash inches from his head so he was unable to get up. I was to maintain this exercise for a half-hour daily. Cadence was clearly unhappy and so was I. I left beneath a cloud of disappointment at the prospect of hours spent forcing my dog into positions. Thankfully, I didn't go back.
Immediately after the first lesson Cadence and I had with Alana, the cloud of despair lifted! I had never imagined that training could be such a positive bonding experience for Cadence and me. Cadence, who is hesitant and nervous with strangers, adored Alana immediately. He was so enthusiastic during our lessons and at our at-home practice sessions. As I learned to communicate with him in better ways, the blank stares which had previously greeted me disappeared. I quickly found that I had an alert, fast-paced pup who wanted to carry out anything I could request of him, as long as I could explain it to him in a way he could understand. It was clear he experienced a great sense of accomplishment after Alana's lessons.
As Cadence and I practiced, we progressed in leaps and bounds. The process appeared to be rapidly building his confidence; he was clearly shining and glowing with pride. He would prance around, doing spontaneous tricks to induce practice sessions, which is now one of his favorite activities and his behavioral problems have lessened significantly! The more positive behaviors he learned, the more radically the destructive behaviors were minimized! Cadence's father, Blue, who is my other dog, eagerly joined in the practice sessions at home. I had never seen such teamwork between the two of them. While Blue did not have any problematic behaviors, it was clear he was happy with my enhanced canine communication skills.
Alana has enabled me to have a dramatically better relationship with both my dogs. They love her methods, and exhibit dedication, enthusiasm, and enjoyment every step of the way. The tools I have gained from Alana's lessons have allowed me to be a better dog partner than I ever imagined!
Colleen, John and Roshi
John and I are both very grateful for all we've learned from Alana. I only wish I had known about her methods when I had my first dog. After doing it all wrong the first time, including going to obedience classes that taught us to use prong collars and other harsh methods that didn't work, I was determined to do it differently with Roshi.
Alana's positive training methods have been so effective. Now we know how to communicate with Roshi and we catch ourselves when we unintentionally reinforce behaviors we don't want. It makes so much sense! We're enjoying our puppy so much more than we would if we were using punishments.
Roshi responded to Alana's training methods so quickly. It was obvious she really knows how dogs learn. After taking private lessons with Alana, we continued with her group class to socialize Roshi with other dogs. We saw her methods work just as successfully with the other dogs in the class. It's really reassuring to know that she'll be able to help us if we have any problems that we can't handle in the future. Roshi just loves her!
Marta H. and Baily
When I met Alana, I felt like I had known her my whole life. She is such a sweet and caring person. She began discussing what type of training methods she used, and explained a little about the psyche of the dog and how positive training can train ANY dog. I signed right up for her to give me a consultation on my 3 year old beautiful Lhasa Apso, Baily. Alana came to my home and was generous with her time. She explained to me how dogs think and interact. She introduced calming signals and explained how dogs live in the moment. I was used to the obedience training that I knew in NH that included choke collars, forcing a sit, etc., taught by trainers who believed dogs don't have emotions.
She was able to train Baily to sit, stand and down within 5 minutes without any type of restraint. I was speechless! Alana also gave me nutritional information on Baily's diet. Baily would never eat his food right away, and once I bought the food Alana suggested, I was amazed. I gave Baily his new food and put in a handful of his old. Baily removed all of his old food from the food bowl and ate all of his new food! He eats his food when I put it down now. Alana has given me such valuable information that will help me as I grow my clientele at Auntie Marta's Pet Sitting Services LLC in Halfmoon, NY. Baily loves his training, and it's such fun teaching him!
