Buddy's Chance, LLC, Austin Dog Trainer

12/08/09

Reactive Dog Class

by doglove848 at Citysearch

My little papillon mix, Zoey, has the little dog syndrome. I got her when she was 5 months from the San Marcos Shelter. She was also aggressive towards bigger dogs and some human males. I don't know her story or how she came to be at the shelter, but that did not matter to Cara. It was not important on how your dog developed this behavior, rather it was important to fix it in a healthy positive matter. Zoey started to get worse once we got a boxer puppy. I initially thought if she sees a puppy grow into a big dog she won't be as scared because she will have bonded with it along the way. NOT so true! She was very jealous and would growl and bite at him. Then I knew I had to enroll her in class. With in weeks we could see the difference. We even began using the methods on our puppy which has made a world of difference for him, not because he is aggressive but because he is so hyper. Many people could see the difference in Zoey and most importantly I think she feels calmer and more relaxed. I recommend this class to anyone!

• Pros: Flexible, Easy to learn, Quick results
• Cons: Have to be consistant everywhere you go

10/06/09

Great Class for Happy and Exuberant Dog

by marybev at Citysearch

My one-year old dog and I attended a canine good citizen class and we both had a great time as well as learning a lot about good behavior in social settings with other dogs and people. The instructors were able to give individual attention and strategies for the needs of each dog in the class. I was able to use the strategies in many other settings. My dog enjoyed the class, learned good behaviors, and is working on her manners in public and social settings. She is a very friendly dog and people want to always pet her so I had to learn ways to reinforce good dog behaviors and manners in public settings. I would highly recommend Buddy's Chance for whatever training needs your dog may have!

• Pros: Very knowledgeable instructors and great training techniques
• Cons: None

10/05/09

Effective! Knowledgeable! a MUST for reactive dogs!

by s patel at Citysearch

i am a first time dog owner but have loved dogs all my life. i finally rescued an adorable pup at the age of 6wks last year. we went through all the basic training classes and he did great, however we had an "encounter" with a friend's dog. even though they still played and were around each other after, it definitely left its mark on milo. he has never been the same, always on guard - protective and very very vocal! our routine of going out to off-leash parks and hanging out in public places came to a halt. i was in another training class when I found out about Buddy's Chance - i quit that class (no refund might i add! - but goes to show how ineffective the class was - especially the trainers if they were not willing to help further with milo's struggles) i met with cara at buddys chance and we discussed issues/struggles milo and i were having, she listened and EXPLAINED! that was a first! after being in several classes, finally someone who not only cared - but explained the steps/approaches we would be taking, taking time to answer questions, might i add very thorough at that as well. milo has made great strides in this class! we have a ways to go, but we are definitely moving forward and it feels great! for any owner who has a dog with fear/aggression or any issue - i would and already have recommended Buddys Chance. training is not a quick process, but dedicate time, love and passion and you can help your dog come over whatever issues he/she is facing! cara has truly made me feel better about where milo and i are, and instead of wasting time/money searching for trainers - i am finally focusing on training and we are making progress! thanks buddys chance!

• Pros: understanding, experienced - caring!
• Cons: as a dog owner, you need to be patient & persistent!

09/17/09

Effective new approach to aggressive dog training

by sbrierty at Citysearch

We had one of our two littermates in the reactive dog training class. After a few of the group classes and sticking with the training routine at home we began to see results. We have seen a definite difference in the way our dog responds to other dogs while out on walks. She is much less apprehensive around other dogs while she is on leash. The trainers were very friendly and seemed to really care about the problems our dogs were having. With the setup of the group classes it's difficult to get individual attention sometimes, but you can't argue with the results.

• Pros: Unique style, effective training, friendly trainers
• Cons: Difficult to get one on one attention

07/25/09

Very helpful reactive dog classes

by FishInFight at Citysearch

The method I learned to control my somewhat aggressive dog at Buddy's Chance has been working very well. We got plenty of individual attention in the group classes, plus the benefit of working with other dogs. When my dog responded to the basic method very quickly, Cara put us in a number of different situations to hone the technique, such as taking him out in public and seeing how he reacted off leash in the training facility. From the initial consult to the final class, she was completely straightforward about what we could expect and always open to questions. The only complaint I had was that since we had to go by the group schedule (which was very flexible, by the way), it sometimes took a while before we could try a new variation on the technique. But now I can take my dog out with confidence and without worry! It takes work, but he is much more manageable on walks and even calmer over all.