Dog Training Reviews

Madeline has done work for North Star in the training of service dog that they provide.

Patty Dobbs Gross, the Founder of North Star, wrote the following to Madeline in February 2007:

"Wow...you get a gold star for the most thoughtful and insightful post ever written to me about a training session...your work with Kenya is awesome and it is apparent that your knowledge of both dogs as well as children on the spectrum are working in your favor...I definitely appreciate your efforts, and in fact wonder if you might want to write a bit about this placement for my next book...Let me know what you think...just a few pages would be great...we can perhaps even use your notes, as they are so straightforward and clear...keep them coming!'

Kind regards,
Patty"

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Lisa and Michael M. of NYC write:

"The reason we contacted Madeline was because our dog Monty started marking the furniture in our apartment a few months after we brought another dog into our apartment last year. Monty was neutered and we thought that neutered dogs don't mark. Monty was lifting his leg in our apartment all day long, even after walks. Madeline explained to us why the marking could happen even with a neutered dog and even gave us some medical reasons why it could happen...and gave us ways to make it easier to keep an eye an Monty and behavior exercises to do to stop the marking behavior. It took three visits with Madeline and now Monty has not marked in our apt. in over a month...finally we can get the new furniture we want without having to worry about it being ruined. She also showed us that Noodle, our other dog, has some separation problems. This is not even what we hired her for, but she identified Noodle's separation problems during part of the first lesson for Monty based on what we told her during her first interview with us...we thought this behavior was normal and that all dogs did this [Madeline interjects: Lisa and Michael are referring to what Noodle was doing that indicated separation distress to me]. We tried the things she told us to do and read the book she suggested...after about a week Noodle's separation problems were gone! We definitely think we got value. To be honest, at first we thought that prices for training in the city were expensive but...Madeline is worth every dollar and we told her she should probably charge more than she does! Knowledgeable, professional, sensitive trainer, funny in an offbeat way and fun to work with, always on time. Our dogs just love her."

Lisa and Michael M., NYC, February 2007

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Terri Jones writes: "The dogs are doing great!  ...we don't have them on leash very often any more...and they are getting along beautifully.  One of the best things that you taught me was feeding them to distract them.  We went to racing last weekend and Snoopy was so much better behaved!  I was able to distract him from the bunny and hisbehavior has greatly improved!  By next weekend, he should have his championship, too.  He only needs 1 1/2 more points to have his Gazehound Racing Championship.  He is getting along with other dogs and not barking at them as much.  ...he has never been happier.  Me too. Thank you."

Terri Jones (Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2004)

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Carina G. of Hamilton, NJ writes: No question was ever too small for Madeline. I actually contacted seven trainers in total that I was considering, and there are many reasons Madeline stood above the rest. ...her methodology was explained. She stressed humane tactics, and more importantly, she had VARIED tactics...and when something didn't work, she showed she would have an arsenal of alternatives at her disposal. She would assess any situation with a detail I've never seen anyone use with an animal before, and would always project how this particular animal might learn best, or what approach would work best with an animal of that temperament. I would not hesitate to refer Madeline to others, and already have. You can tell by looking into her eyes that Madeline loves not only what she does, but absolutely loves the dogs involved as well. (To contact Carina for a reference, please call me for her contact information.)

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Cindy Newman of Westfield writes: "The reason I contacted Madeline was that Mason (my boxer) was out of control and would not listen. Madeline got Mason under control. Madeline was courteous and kind in a fun way, and very knowledgeable. She catered her training to what we needed/wanted. Her extensive education and experience in this area was very beneficial. Promptness? You could set your watch by her." (To contact Cindy for a reference, please call me for her information on how to contact her.)

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Quinn G. of northern NJ writes: "I had a puppy and wanted to get her training going in the right direction. This is the first dog I have owned. She was able to help me train the dog to eliminate in the proper place. She helped me teach the dog basic commands (sit, down, e.g.). She also worked with me on recall (come when called). I chose Madeline of Innovative Reality Dog Training from other trainers contacted because when I spoke with her, she seemed to be more personable than the other trainers with which I had spoken. Madeline was always on time and conducted herself in a consistently professional manner. She always had a prompt and accurate response to questions asked. My dog was nervous about going outside, and Madeline walked her with me to show me how I could make going outside a better experience for her. Everything was explained thoroughly, and the training recaps emphasized all of the important points of the sessions. I thought the training was thorough and all of the training sessions were enjoyable."

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Vlada S. of NJ writes: "Lola (boxer) is more comfortable with authority and responds to commands...great class, great basic training!" (Vlada and Lola took a group class in Basic Skills)

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Gloria M. of NJ writes: The thing I enjoyed most about the classes was "working with Shamus (black Lab) and watching his enthusiasm for training grow. This was an enjoyable session. Madeline ran a well organized session, moving swiftly through all commands. I especially enjoyed the 'Bonus Bones.' It's a nice touch on setting your dog up for success!! There was plenty of room to work on moving exercises with comfortable distance between the dogs. We're looking forward to training with you in the near future." (Gloria and Shamus took a group class in Basic Skills)