We would like to let you know the profound transformation Inga has undergone since she (and we) began your training this spring. As you know, Inga is a three-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix who we adopted at an adoption fair.

When we brought her home, we were struck at first by her love for people, and especially children, but we were horrified at her leash aggression towards other dogs. It got so bad that we were afraid to walk her on the streets where we live by the Philadelphia Art Museum. On more than one occasion, Inga bit each of us, and other family members who were walking her while trying to control her. She constantly pulled on her leash, and out of frustration we were very close to throwing in the towel.

Since your training, Inga has shown vast improvement in her ability to be calm in the presence of other dogs. Recently we took her to the dog field by Boat House Row. There were at least 20 other dogs either playing freely or on leash. Inga obeyed our commands to sit, get down, and stay down, even in the very close presence of these other dogs. We were able to chat with the other dog owners without any concern about her conduct.

No doubt, your coaching to us on the ways to be alpha around Inga has made all the difference. Thanks for making our (and her) experience an enjoyable one. --Sincerely, Josh Sarner & Nancy Pratt

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I am writing to commend you for your amazing efforts with our dog Leo. We adopted him from a Rescue in Virginia where we live, not knowing how badly he had been abused by his previous owners. Leo had the worst case of fear-aggression any trainer had ever seen. This dog was way more than we could handle. Constantly biting, howling in fear, and wild behavior. We boarded Leo with Dave and his team at Perfect Pooch with incredible results. Leo was not biting, losing control of his bowels, and was just happier knowing some basic commands when we picked him up. Dave treated Leo and us with respect and kindness. I will recommend Dave to anyone who has a ‘problem-dog’ or any dog who may only need a little help, as he is practically a miracle worker and has patience beyond any trainer we have ever worked with. His team of experts are excellent, and his knowledge of dog behavior is incredible. Thank you Dave and Perfect Pooch!  --Respectfully, John and Ariana Gillette Mclean, VA

 

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 I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Dave for the great work he has done with the training of both my dogs, Katie and Misty. Nothing is more rewarding than to hear someone say, “Wow, your dog is so well behaved. I want one just like your dog.” Or “I wish my dog was as well behaved as your dog.” I always respond by saying you need to take your dog to Perfect Pooch. I have known Dave for almost 5 years now and during that time he has always been a great resource for me whenever I have encountered problems with either of my dogs. His consistency and determination helped me to stay focused and stick with the program. My dog Misty had serious socialization issues when she came into our home. However, since entering the Perfect Pooch training program, she has improved vastly. So much so, that people are now asking me if she is the same dog they met a year prior.

I also would like to thank the staff at Perfect Pooch for always returning to me 2 happy and well cared for dogs. I have great confidence in the staff and know that when my dogs are attending doggy daycare they are receiving the best care and attention possible. Great job Joe, Suzy and Kevin! Thank you all!! -- Monica R. Buck

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After a year of meticulously researching and attempting various training methods, we were almost resigned to being pulled down the street by our very energetic Old English Sheepdog. We'd also given up on the hope of inviting visitors into the house without having to put Henry in another room. He could sit, stay, down, et cetera, but he didn't get that the rest of the time he couldn't do whatever he pleased. We figured we'd give it one last try with Perfect Pooch, but otherwise we'd just use a gentle leader to walk Henry and we'd keep him separated from guests.

After two weeks at Perfect Pooch, Henry was ready for us to start expecting more from him. Dave explained to us that we would still have a lot of "history" to overcome with Henry, but as we followed Dave's instructions over the next few weeks and months, we realized that we truly did have a new relationship with Henry. Dave had seemingly "re-set" the clock and gave us the opportunity to start afresh and interact with Henry as positive leaders. We were amazed!

Two months later, Henry no longer strains to pull forward during every step of our walks (we still have some work to do, but Dave continues to help us with that!), he comes to us when we call him, not only at home, but also in a dog park full of his canine friends, and he lets visitors to our home get settled before he calmly allows himself to be pet. Henry is obviously more relaxed - he knows what he's supposed to be doing and what his role is - and we get to see his goofy, eager-to-please personality. We are grateful for Dave's guidance and expertise, and appreciate the deep shift that has occurred in our relationship with Henry because of his continually high expectations for us. -- Sam & Katrina

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When we moved to the area last summer, my hyperactive but sweet and loving 8-year-old Vizsla did not handle the change very well. He became destructive at home, chewing moldings, ripping carpeting off the floor. On some occasions, he also displayed aggressive behavior with some of our guests, and even bit a friend who was reaching to pet him!

The situation was getting tense, when one of our neighbors mentioned the great training her dog received from Perfect Pooch! I immediately called and got in contact with Dave, who stated that he would try his best, but did not expect miracles with a dog that age. Well, not only did the training turn out well, and Clay is better controlled, but he no longer reacts out of fear, since he learned that as a "follower" of the pack, he can lean on his "leader". (See, I got the lesson as well!).

I can sincerely say that Perfect Pooch was a life savior for us and allowed us to enjoy the relationship with a wonderful loving dog. Now we have a place where we can bring Clay and know he'll enjoy his time playing and socializing with other dogs, and where we trust he is well taken care off. Thank you, Dave! -- Marie

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Ginger, my Bernese Mountain Dog, loves to go to Perfect Pooch. For Ginger going to your location is much like a child going to Disney World. When she drives into your complex she immediately gets excited. As you or your staff greet her, she forgets all about her loving owner, and her tail begins to wag and she is ready to play with whoever is there that day. I often try to say goodbye to her, and she is already busy making new friends. For Ginger, going to Perfect Pooch is her chance to make new friends and socialize with the other dogs.

Perfect Pooch is an amazing place for people who care about their pets. As an pet owner, I never have to worry about if my dog will be ok when she is at the kennel, or if she is being bored. From the pictures you send of her out with the other dogs and from how she returns home, you can tell that being at Perfect Pooch is as much a vacation for her as it is for us. Thanks for providing such a great place for my dog!  -- Fred

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My husband Andy and I wanted to send a note of thanks to Brian and the rest of the staff at Perfect Pooch. We brought our two year old chocolate lab, Josie, in for training because she was completely unruly. We couldn't invite people to the house, we couldn't leave food on the counter and we couldn't take her for walks to get the exercise, which she desperately needed. After ten days of training at Perfect Pooch, we now have a dog that is fun to be around and she is a much happier dog.
The best part of Perfect Pooch is the relationship that the owners and trainers have with the animals and their owners. We now bring Josie in for socializing and boarding because we know that she will get attention and care that she would normally get at home. Our trainer, Brian, is in tune with Josie and asks questions about her continued training at home and we know we can call whenever there is a problem. It's that personal touch that makes us comfortable with leaving our dog there for days.

Thanks, Perfect Pooch staff for giving us what we've always wanted. A dog who listens!  --Amy

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I just wanted to let all of you know that Isabelle is doing so well!!! I cannot believe that only after bringing her home, within one week I was ready to just find her a new home!! But then I called the Perfect Pooch and it was definitely the best decision I've ever made!!
Everywhere we go with Isabelle and when people visit our house, they cannot believe how well behaved and calm she is!! My immediate response is The Perfect Pooch!! Even at the Radnor doggie Park Isabell is amazing, she sits and lets people come to her, no jumping on anyone, and it just soooo nice to hear people say you dog is just so good!! She's only 6 months old, and she does pull her little stunts, but she knows the second we say sit we mean business!!

Dave, Brian and the rest of your staff, thank you sooooo much for helping Nikki and I with Isabelle!! Isabelle is not only the most adorable puppy in the world, but Nikki and I feel that she is definitely our Perfect Pooch!!!!   --Mary

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Perfect-Pooch is the best "doggie hotel/resort" that Parker has ever had the pleasure of being a guest. The service, dedication and love provided by the staff truly makes the Perfect-Pooch a luxury vacation destination.
Perfect Pooch's training has changed Parker from a 100 pound out of control Black Lab into a responsible, playful and loving 3 year old. Perfect Pooch did a great job training me as well!

Seriously, my family would never consider boarding Parker anywhere else. Whether Parker visits Perfect-Pooch for a day, a long weekend or a long vacation, Parker always comes home well taken care of, happy, and tired from all of the exercise and fun.

Dave's training gave us the tools to train and effectively communicate with Parker. Last night while taking a walk together, Parker and I had a long discussion about politics, the Supreme Court nomination, Iraq, the G-8 Summit, the London terrorist attack, and religion. Parker's definitive statement was "what's so funny... about peace, love and... understanding". (Parker is an Elvis Costello groupie).  --Jon

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We got our dog Spider, a Portuguese Water dog, in June of 2004 when he was four months old. Our family of four - myself , my husband, and our two boys aged 10 and 12 -fell immediately in love with him. We went straight to dog training classes , as we had been advised, and he did beautifully- he came, sat, heeled etc. just as he was taught.
But slowly over the next months he took over our house. He jumped up on anyone who entered the room, and most alarmingly began nipping constantly. It got so bad that I worried about having my children's friends over for fear that he might bite them. One day while my younger child was running outside Spider jumped up on him and bit his shirt tearing in in two! Although it still all seemed playful, it was out of control......Then he actually bit our electrician.... That was when we called you. Spider was half way out our door.

We left Spider with you for ten days over winter-break in December 2004. I was not very hopeful as I felt we had already done all the training that we could. You were very relaxed and supportive and totally confident, telling me that this would be an easy job! You returned a totally different dog to us than the one that we left. He was still loving and fun and smart as he had always been, but now he absolutely listened to what ever we said. We followed through with five weeks of classes which seemed to solidify everything that you taught him The nipping has never again been a problem.

When ever we notice that he is starting to run the show again we return to insisting on at least one thirty minute sit-stay per day with more formal heeling commands and he quickly remembers who is boss! Before we brought him to you we had totally given up on entertaining, now he can sit through a dinner party at my husband's side without moving! Of course, most of the time he is running around and having fun. So thank you so much. We are forever grateful. Do let us know when you are ready to do your magic with human children!  --Julie

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Just a quick email to let you know how much Finnegan, our Lab, loves going to Perfect Pooch for doggie day care. Every day, he sits by the front door hoping that he will get to go that day. We try to send him about once a week and when he knows he is going, he is beside himself with joy and excitement. He just loves going.
It works very well for us as he gets a chance to visit with the other dogs and to run and play and get rid of some of his excess energy.

John and I were also very pleased with his training and his boarding. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend all of your services, training, boarding, and day care to anyone. Don't know what we would do without you.
--Beverly

 

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Perfect Pooch gives Max what being home alone all day lacks - fun, stimulation, and exercise. Perfect Pooch training has been the ultimate experience for both of us. Max was a puppy kindergarten drop out because I lacked the skills and confidence to train him properly. After a two week training experience with Perfect Pooch, Max has become a disciplined, obedient, dog. Making him the envy of many of our friends and family.

--Maureen

  

 

 

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Perfect Pooch is an exceptional facility that has provided both of our dogs with the opportunity to meet new four-legged friends and have a great time exerting all of their energy. The owners and staff are true animal lovers and only provide the best care and environment for our pets. We been a client of Dave Cugno's for almost 4 years and he has done an amazing job with training our dogs with the obedience needed to be well-behaved members of our family. I highly recommend Perfect Pooch for all of their services, especially daycare and obedience training. They are an accommodating and friendly place to deal with that we have successfully recommended friends to. Thank you Perfect Pooch for being a "Top Dog" in all you do!!

 --Ryan & Jessica, Bridgeport, PA

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We could never find a more loving and caring place to send our dogs. They are so well taken care of and every time we open the car door they jump in with tails wagging looking forward to visiting there best friends at Perfect Pooch. The pictures we get emailed are an extra bonus we love getting them. We feel so good to be able to go away and not worry about our dogs at all. Perfect pooch has become a second home for our 2 dogs Thank you Perfect Pooch for all of your personal attention.
--Kimberli and Scott