What our students are saying about Dogwood!

***** Reviews from Students

5-1-08

I finally figured it out. I found Spices button. I have always praised her when she does well, but her button is overly excited praise. I make a biggest deal out of the littlest things the last few days and she is doing commands much better. Almost like a light has clicked and said oh she thinks thats cool wait untill I do it the next time. I have to tell you both THANK YOU so much for what you do. I love my dogs with all my heart, but man do you make it even better. I think the classes I have been taking with you guys and Spice has made my life more fun then it has ever been...

Thank you!

Heather Ferry

4-20-08

Dear Friends,

This is a picture of Matthew and his new best friend Pippi. I can’t explain how far we’ve come because of this puppy. One of the things most difficult to do with Autistic children is to have them bond with something outside of their immediate focus. Pippi, has made Matthew pay attention to her. For a 3 month old puppy, she doesn’t bark around him, she senses that he doesn’t like it. Matthew has no speech but can say...pi pi pi...which sounds like Pippi. The puppy comes from an extremely long line of Championship Aussies all very versatile and highly accredited. Pippi’s grandfather is the great “Bandit” whose progeny has titled in every venue of an Aussies life. Her sire. Champion Warner, is not only a Show Champion both AKC and CKC but a Trial Champion Stock dog and works every day with the Manuels on their ranch in Montana. We are blessed that Judie Manuel saw fit to allow us to have Pippi as a gift to our boy Matthew. Pippi will be trained under the guidance of Debbie Quigley at Dogwood Training facility and mentored into the service/companion that will help our Matthew live a more productive life. God Bless every one interested in this project. I can’t tell you how my heart soared when Matthew and Pippi and I took a walk yesterday and Matthew held her lead all the way around the block. God Blesses us in various ways..and Australian Shepherds are bringing life to our family. Thanks

Jim and Cathy MacKrell

12-18-07

Debby,

I'd like to commend you on a very well run facility. We moved here 2 years ago from Bellingham, Washington. I have been searching for a training facility such as yours that entire time. (my internet search skills are not that great or I might have found you earlier) During the Tomball DogFest this year I was told about Dogwood. I contacted your office and was told the class (basic obedience) was full but I could go on a waiting list. Imagine my surprise when your staff phoned me a few days later to tell me that George and I had a spot due to a cancellation. The class was run extremely well. I felt all the instructors were very qualified and answered all my questions. We live in Sealy so our drive is 49 miles one way but your professional classes are well worth the drive by a long shot. I think Jan Nuzzo, Kathy Spenser and Bonnie Crews and Haley are the best. Thank you for having such an outstanding facility. I look forward to continuing George's training at Dogwood. We signed up for the next class which begins January 31 so we'll see you then.

I do wish you were closer to Sealy as there are many folks out this way who are always asking about "good" trainers but aren't willing or can not make the long drive.

Thank you again and see you next year.

Kathleen Laughlin and George

October 23, 2007

Debbie...

Well, Rowdy and I graduated and really had a great time...Bonnie and the other trainers were sensational, caring and offered a lot of personal attention.
Your program was perfect for us, and we can’t wait to sign up for...”what ever is next”. I am very impressed with not only your facilty but the people we’ve been in contact with.
So, what is next. Bonnie suggested that we let you know that we want to sign up for either the next ‘beyond basic’ or ‘pre comp’ class and wouldn’t mind being placed on a waiting list.
From what we’ve seen so far..we will be clients of yours for a long time...again, thanks to you all...you really made us feel at home.

Jim MacKrell

October 10, 2007

Okay I have to tell y'all about Sako.

I took her to bulloween last weekend. We stayed in a hotel in Forth Worth. She was SOOO good in the fund raiser. Everyone was so amazed at how sweet she is but even better her behavior was off the hook! Perfect! She didn't lay down in fear ...nothing. She stood next to me and walked when I walked. AND pee peed only when appropriate. Now the hotel stay. I thought for sure she would pee in the hotel room if not on the bed and she didn't. I must have walked through the streets of downtown for several miles looking for a place to potty. She walked stopped and stood next to me like in we were in a training class. She even stepped on metal covers that are over drains. Id made a loud noise and she just kept on trucking. The only blooper we had was when we were in front of a bakery she laid down. I think that was deliberate to get something yummy. It was cute everyone around chuckled. LOL it was amazing she is a different dog!

Thank you! I will be back for more training when I can work out the schedule with my son.

Diana Blansett

Sept 25, 2007

Since I'm not sure whether I'll be able to make tonight's final class, I want to be sure to deliver Kudos to Dogwood. In just a few weeks at Dogwood, my crazy, obsessed border collie has gone sled dog style walks to receiving compliments from neighbors on what a well behaved, great dog she is. Still have to avoid high traffic times to leave the house, but what progress!

Not having been around dogs for twenty-five years or so, I was amazed at the changes in philosophies regarding dog training. I wasted precious time at another training facility where they taught new age Montessori style dog training: never tell your dog, "No," never physically position your dog to a command, and never, ever use the cruel and inhumane instrument of torture, the prong collar! What a relief to find Dogwood, where common sense and insight are used to educate dog and handler together. Good job!

Jeanne Rice

Smarty/Randy and Meg/Jim finishing their Junior Hunter Titles

Debby and Judy,

I would like to update you on Smarty's field training. He is doing very well!

We trained at the Brookshire lease today. We used quail today for the first time and planted birds for Smarty. This was also the first day to shoot birds for him. Until today, we have been firing a starter pistol and flushing pigeons. As this is all very exciting for the dogs, it is very typical of young dogs to rush and flush the birds before they are commanded!

But, Smarty proved that he is just not another young dog! He did not move prematurely. Instead, waited for the “fetch” command. After given the command, he raced to find the bird. He accomplished several very nice retrieves.

I am so encouraged with Smarty's progress that I have decided to enter him in some Senior Hunt Tests in January. I do expect him to do well and qualify at that time!

I am convinced Smarty is progressing so nicely in his field work because of all the training he and I have participated in at Dogwood. His enthusiasm and ability to focus is obviously a direct result of the program he has participated in at Dogwood. Thank you both! I am pumped and can't wait to compete!

Sincerely,

Randy Edwards



Debby and Judy,

I wanted to let you know about Meg's hunt test progress. This last weekend she got her Junior Hunter Title. She got it in the four required test. Two of the tests she found the only birds in her brace. That is focus. Not bad for a dog that has just turned one year old.

Meg is turly a product of Dogwood. From advise from both of you on chosing a performance puppy. Meg started coming to Dogwood as a seven week old. All of her puppy training in obedience and then the start of her performance obedience training. She has started agility training at Dogwood. Always in all her training is focus for her considable energy. It really paid off in her field training.

I so very pleased were Meg is in her obedience and agility training. One of the best things about training at Dogwood is your experence in all areas of dog training. Whether it is obedience, agility or field training, you have the knowledge and experience to help me in my successes. Also, I would like to thank you both for your support and encouragement. I also know that you care about me as a person. That is turly what sets Dogwood head and shoulders above the rest.

Thank you,

Jim Bryson owned and handle by Meg

Hi Debby,

Tomorrow is our last day going to “puppy school”. I have to tell you that we really have enjoyed taking this course with our puppy. I only wish we had taken our previous dog through this great course.

I just wanted to let you know how much we’ve learned. It’s amazing as a parent that we’re the ones that are getting trained to train them. It really has been beneficial for both my husband and me.

I also wanted to tell you that Judy is a wonderful instructor. All the other assistants in the class are also nice and very helpful. We were glad to see a good number of different size and breeds of dogs in this course.

You came highly recommended to us by Penny at Bark’s 5th Avenue. I will tell others about your great program. I feel like each person with a dog must go to this training or some type of training. I can’t believe how much more we’ve learned about behavior in dogs since we’ve taken this class.

Thank you again for giving us this opportunity to take this wonderful course. I will let others know how good your classes have been and highly recommended your services.

Sincerely,

Margaret Maxey

Dear Ms. Quigley:
I'd like to add to my hurriedly completed evaluation of the class my puppy Molly completed last night. The instructors were fantastic and went above and beyond the call of duty to answer my every need and concern - both during class and between classes. Jan answered phone calls and e-mail regularly between classes and spent considerable time addressing my individual concerns before and after class. Kathy and Vikki had helpful suggestions each time we visited. Suki offered her assistance when she was visiting the class, and DeNise was full of helpful suggestions and stayed by my side throughout one of the classes. The instructors even offered to help me out with continuing problems until I begin the next class and to meet with me individually before the next class begins, if necessary. Everyone involved with Dogwood has offered ideas and assistance. Without their encouragement (and the experience of seeing other puppies behaving in a similar manner) I may have given up on Molly. With the promise of continued assistance, I am going to try to train Molly to become the pet I hoped to have. The instructors worked to make the Puppy Obedience class more than an instructional course. Puppy Obedience was - and continues to be - a support group. I could not have found a better value anywhere.

Thank you for your school!

Sincerely,

Susan Owens
(Molly the Wayward Sheltie's "Mama")