Testimonials
Eiko and Scooby
We adopted Scooby (100 lb Red Doberman) from LA Animal Shelter when he was 13 months old. He is very laid back, people-friendly dog, but didn’t know any commands, how to ride in a car, nor walk on the leash. After a month or so, he started reacting to other dogs – any sight of dog made him flair up, barking, lunging, and pulling. I began hiding behind cars, and avoided walking any street with barking dogs. Since he’s a Doberman, everyone was so afraid of him, and we were very embarrassed and felt helpless.
After 4 trainers and 2 group lessons, he still had same reaction to other dogs. I finally decided to contact Sean. Many of our previous trainers came highly recommended and had been in business for a long time, but I noticed that they seemed to force their training styles, even there were no improvement after a few sessions. One trainer even said Scooby had mental problems when we did not see any improvement after 5 lessons. What made Sean different from other trainers is that he actually listened to our problems and concerns and pin-pointed Scooby’s problem (he is not vicious and aggressive, he is very nervous around other dogs) and showed us how to handle him on the walk. The best thing is that he made me feel more comfortable walking Scooby. I know Scooby is not anywhere near perfect, but he can tolerate other dogs much much better and I am not hiding behind the cars any longer! Even some of our neighbors noticed Scooby’s change and commented how far Scooby has come! Now he is a regular member of Sean’s pack walk twice a week with many other dogs.
Thank you very much Sean for helping me to control Scooby on the walk and making me feel much comfortable doing so.
Sarah & Jason Thrift
We would like to thank you again for taking our Annie for board and train and e-collar training and returning to us a happier, well behaved joy. You really did change our lives! The foundation you laid with her and then the training you gave to us to continue with her in the right direction has made a world of difference. We are now able to take her virtually anywhere we want (both on leash and off where we can) and know that she will be well behaved and under our control. And the “place” command has completely changed how we handle her at home. No more jumping on guests and bouncing off the furniture. Annie had no real problems before. She was just an over-exuberant puppy without enough rules and boundaries. But with your help we now enjoy a calm confidence about her that we thought would take years to achieve. The Good Dog Training and Rehabilitation has not only transformed our dog but our entire family. Thank you so much!
Robyn the Daschund
Sean was referred to me through my work at a vet hospital and I never thought I could be so impressed. I finally called Sean about my 3yr old dachshund Robyn who, for over a year, was putting on the breaks EVERY time I tried to walk her. She also had issues while at work with me– aggression toward dogs coming in and out of the hospital and incessantly jumping from chair to counter. While some people thought she was a cute greeter, my coworkers were tired of having charts walked on and I didn’t like her barking at boisterous dogs that came into reception.
Sean did an initial 2 hour session with me which COMPLETELY transformed my dog on her walking. He pinpointed her issue as insecurity (rather than what I assumed was a Napoleon complex) and over the next few weeks, worked with me to conquer her insecurities and dependence as well as teach my husband and I how to shift our relationship with her.
Sean had an ENDLESS amount of knowledge on our relationships with our dogs and how it affects the dynamic. He taught us how to be more authoritative and trustworthy to her without any kind of emotional or physical abuse, the fear of which often deters a lot of people from hiring a trainer. He was patient and incredibly observant about things I never would have picked up on.
Now, Robyn is a star on her long walks!! She is no longer jumping on chairs or barking at dogs that she hears come into the hospital. She stays in her “place” calmly and all my coworkers are stunned by her swift transformation! She isn’t perfect but the training continues to be a rewarding process and Sean gave us the tools to continue. I would recommend him to ANYONE because he knows that doing everything you can to make your dog feel secure and calm through behavior-modification is the highest form of love we can give. He is such an awesome person with a truly synergistic approach to dog training. I could slap myself for not calling him sooner. THANK YOU SEAN!!
Schuyler Kent & Keith Feldman
Our dog, Woody–a 20lb Border Terrier, was a lost cause. By age 6, his dog aggression had reached dangerous levels. Not only was he vicious toward other dogs but, if thwarted, would attack anything nearby including me, the dog walker, and a few other people. One of my greatest fears was that he would bite a child–mine or someone else’s. In addition to his dog issues, he was rapidly becoming unmanageable inside the house, as well. He was constantly jumping on people, scaring kids with his over-excited behavior, stealing food off the table, darting out the front door…he was completely unmanageable and had to be locked in a room whenever we had guests over.
Over the years, we’d tried many times to solve Woody’s problems. We’d spent more than ten thousand dollars and tried numerous reputable dog trainers who used reward-based training–clickers, treats, distraction, spray bottles, penny cans, you name it– with absolutely zero results. After all that time and money, he could do a perfect SIT but he’d snarl and practically froth at the mouth when he saw any dogs–even on tv!
The last trainer we hired, after 6 weeks board and train, actually told us Woody had a “wire loose” in his head and was “unfixable.” We had resigned ourselves to constant vigilance and the thought that Woody would probably live a short life–either he’d attack the wrong dog or bite a child and have to be put down. It was an extremely stressful situation.
Then someone online mentioned Sean O’Shea and The Good Dog and how great Sean was at dealing with aggressive dogs. We visited The Good Dog website and emailed Sean and told him our story. After a bunch of emails and a long phone conversation, he convinced us he could help. Still somewhat skeptical, we agreed and Woody went to Sean for 3 weeks of board and training.
As the days went by, we watched videos of Woody’s progress with growing hope and amazement. Woody took walks with other dogs! He sat, relaxing, next to other dogs and there wasn’t a single growl or bark or attack or anything!
When Woody came home after his training was finished, he was like a different dog. He was calmer and didn’t jump on anyone. He didn’t dart out the front door. He was more responsive and better behaved. Even our friends who said it wouldn’t work were completely amazed. It’s like night and day. We still have to keep the training going and it takes a bit of work but compared to what we dealt with before, this is SO much less stressful and has such a positive result that it’s worth every effort.
This training has made our lives, and Woody’s, so much better. Taking a chance on Sean is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Our only regret is that we didn’t find Sean years ago. He is amazing. After Woody, we truly believe he can help any dog with any issue. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
Venus and Marilyn
As I am writing this review, a plumber is in my house fixing my sink while my Shepherd Mix, Venus, is in her down stay sleeping. This is not the same dog I had five weeks ago… thanks to Sean.
Prior to becoming acquainted with Sean’s services, I had been using treat-based training for the past year to help her with social interactions. She had been a nervous, anxious dog and when people walked through my door, she’d lunge—attempting to bite them. For over one year, Venus’ behavior did not improve with the treat-based training method. Her poor social skills did not end with strangers. I was completely distraught when Venus put my 16-year-old dachshund in her mouth—her own “sister”—and hurt her. I knew I had to do something more productive to help Venus, because I was committed to training my dog, and to keeping my family and friends safe. Just as I was at a loss with what to do, I found Sean.
Initially, I was against prong and e-collar training. When I spoke to Sean, however, he put me at ease. He was patient and listened to my concerns regarding his method. Something about his calm demeanor and explanation regarding his style told me instinctively that I could trust him. Believing he was the man for the job, I took a risk. Shortly after working closely with Sean and his assistant Laura, my relationship with Venus took a turn for the better. Sean helped me to realize that there was a way to become authoritative, without allowing Venus to run my guests out of town, and me right behind them. Now, I’ve gained an inner peace with Venus, and I am in charge. Sean is a skilled dog trainer who knows how to get the job done in an organized and efficient manner. He was up to the task, took the challenge and succeeded. His training methods have managed to make us all happy. I am grateful to Sean for knowing intuitively just what we all needed. Venus is thankful as well! I cannot recommend him highly enough.