"Bella, my pug, and I have been attending Lisa's training classes for over a year now. I have enrolled Bella in numerous obedience and agility classes and Lisa's positive method of training has made Bella so excited to attend her classes. Lisa is a highly experienced trainer and by just attending one class it shows. She really takes the time to evaluate each dog and owners' needs in order for your dog to perform at his best."
Shar Mompalao
"Lisa has an excellent working knowledge of behavior, both in a technical sense and a practical sense and can convey the information to her students in layman terms in a way that is not intimidating.
The class structure is very well organized with a clear outline of plans and expectations. Students present are very responsive to her teaching and presentation format.
I was very impressed."
Dr. Terri Morrison
Fanwood Animal Hospital
Hi Lisa,
I just wanted to say a big "thank you" for the change you made in Benji with your unique style of training.
Everyone thought we took on a BIG job when we adopted Benji from the Shelter, but Benji has turned into a wonderful companion with your help.
Our little guy sometimes takes the fun out of us asking him to perform because he does it himself before we can ask. Our Vet was astounded by the positive change in Benji. When he met Benji for the first time, he was a little terror in the Vet's office. Now he is mild mannered, calm and has learned to love people who he was once frightened of. The Vet was so impressed, he asked me for your name and some business cards!
I have used your method of training for his grooming, in the company of other dogs, etc. He's a quick learner so it is fun teaching him different things with your training method. When you watch him now, you would never know he was abused and neglected during his first year of life.
You were a wonderful positive force in our life, Lisa, and I cannot say thank you enough.
My best,
Judith McLaughlin
Sayreville, NJ
Lisa,
Your help was so crucial when it came to Allie. We are so glad you came into our home and showed us how to make Allie work out. We are so happy we stuck it out and have her today.
Robin Larson
Linden, NJ
Prestigious Paw provided in board training for out 9 week old puppy. We brought her right from the airport to Lisa. Daisy immediately took to Lisa and we felt quite comfortable leaving her.
Lisa was so loving with Daisy, while setting limits. She worked very well with teaching housebreaking, which was our first priority. In addition, Daisy socialized with many dogs in a variety of settings. Each 1/2 hour of Daisy's time there was tracked and given to us in writing. Best of all Lisa's positive training techniques worked ! We brought home a housebroken puppy, and she was only 12 weeks old!
Let me add one more important thing, Lisa is a doll to work with, exceptionally responsive to all of my questions, and so patient with my family's need for education about dog care.
I am extremely grateful to her for all of her hard work.
Jennifer Strauss
Westfield, NJ
We rescued Angelica a year ago after our second akita passed on. She is 4 years old and her name suits her. She is the sweetest akita that I have ever met. She is so happy to have a home , she aims to please. After a double series of private lessons with Lisa, I continued practicing the techniques that we learned.
This past Sept. we attended the annual ARWNY picnic where she received her CGC. About a month later, I received some info on the TDI test. After reading the requirements, it seemed to me that she could pass that too, and she did!
After the holidays , we will begin looking for therapy dog venues. Seniors and children love fussing over her and she loves the attention.
Pat Kolesa
Rahway, NJ
Mark is a very friendly and personable trainer who is easy to talk to and makes you and your dog feel comfortable. Our dog, Bear, loves him and responds very well to his personality and training techniques. Mark was able to handle Bear quickly and effectively in various situations and settings and always in a kind and positive manner to which Bear responds positively.
I would not hesitate to recommend Mark to my friends and family.
Michele Schafer
Westfield, NJ
Hi Lisa,
I really enjoyed Mark's class last evening. There are so few trainers out there who know what
they are doing and actually have people skills. You and Mark have the whole package. I loved the
handouts and the homework sheet! I am so relieved to have found you guys!
Lisa has trained both my 6 year old
Samoyed (therapy dog), as well as my 2 year old Pomeranian. We participated in the Outdoor
Adventures class which was held at a busy park in Westfield. My Pom was a rescue with SEVERE
fear issues. I had difficulty walking her in public because she was so reactive. She would bark and lunge at pedestrians, as well as other dogs. When my daughter's friends visited the house, she would chase after them and bark. I had several trainers come to my home to work with her. One trainer told me to scold her, the other said to lock her in my bedroom when visitors arrived.
All I can say is, by the end of Lisa's course, I was able to walk my Pom around that active park without a peep! The best part, was the fact that Lisa only used POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. I want my dogs to be calm, confident and happy. The last thing I want is for them to behave properly out of fear! In fact, I was amazed that my Pom actually out performed my therapy dog, who had previously participated in over a dozen courses! Lisa is truly outstanding!
I am equally thrilled with Mark! I also have a 6 month old pup. We participated in Puppy Preschool when she was 11 weeks old. I truly credit Mark for the success I have with her today. He really started us off on the right foot. Most puppy classes focus on socialization. While Mark did allow the pups to play at the end of a session as a reward, he focused on shaping behaviors for the majority of the class. He would not allow anyone to proceed to the next command, without having a clear understanding of the previous one. By the end of this course, my "Shiloh" was solid on all of her basic commands!
In fact, if it weren't for the confidence I have in Lisa, I would never have gone forward with this new pup. She is a White German Shepherd (my dream dog). I've wanted to own one all of my life, however, I was too nervous to proceed with this powerful, intelligent breed until I met Lisa. I knew I would be successful with her in my corner. Let's face it, an improperly trained GSD can be a dog owners worst nightmare (a real liability)!
I have worked with over a dozen trainers over the years. I've even traveled to New York to attend seminars offered by Delta Society Pet Partners. They are internationally know for their success in training therapy dogs for Animal Assisted Activities. Trust me, the Wance's can hold there own with the best!
I stumbled for many years and experienced a lot of frustration and anger working with some of the trainers out there. Many do not know how to deal with people without being condescending.
The icing on the cake is that in addition to their incredible knowledge, the Wance's are a pleasure to work with. They know how to communicate as effectively with the owners as they do with the canines! :0) This is so rare today! It is a sad reality, however, most of the trainers I've dealt with did more harm than good.
Thanks,
April Hobby
Martinsville, NJ