Success Stories
“I highly recommend Heart & Soul Dog Training.
I was at the end of my rope with my dog Ginger. She was aggressive toward people and dogs. I was unable to walk her or even take her to the vet! I was unable to board her or get anyone to watch her if I wanted to leave town.
I was so blessed to find Vicki, Rich and Luc! After private lessons to have her evaluated I took her to ‘Board & Train,’ (that I was afraid would be a waste of time and money). After 3 weeks she is a completely different dog!!
Heart & Soul Dog Training
has given us our life back!
When I dropped her off, she was wearing a muzzle....the muzzle was gone the next day. She is a happy dog! Thank you
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!
Home for 10 days update: I brought Ginger home from Board & Train. She is improving every day. You have to keep working and not get lazy when training your dog. She has proven to me so many times that
Heart & Soul Dog Training
actually saved her life!
She was aggressive and I was at my wits end. Now we walk every day in the neighborhood and she is a totally different dog. Thanks to Vicki, Rich, and Luc for your knowledge, skill, and patience. So happy we found you!”
- Linda L, The Villages, Florida
“Victoria is an amazing, well-round, fully educated dog trainer & shares her knowledge so well. She explains all the steps and the why’s of things, so you can train to what works best for you/your needs and your service dog.
I love that she offers internet training so you don’t have to drive there every time.
I highly recommend Heart & Soul Dog Training to anyone looking to train a service dog. And if they are that good with service dogs, they will do wonders with your family pet dog!”
-Jennifer B, Bradenton, Florida
“I had an AMAZING experience with Heart & Soul, she was extremely knowledgeable and patient. I had never considered getting a dog trainer because my dog has never had any behavior that I felt like was bad enough to pay for a private training session. However, now that he’s 3, all of his bad behaviors are starting to get worse. So I decided to try this out. She came to my home, where we worked on how to properly use a crate, fear-based aggression, walking behaviors, and building my dogs confidence in my and in himself. This session blew me out of the water, I would 100% recommend Heart & Soul Dog Training and their services.”
-Hannah E, Cedar Key, Florida
“This past weekend has been an adventure full of learning and making memories!
Avalon and I attended the How To Train Your Service Dog Seminar with NePoPo®. We discussed the advantages of pairing clicker training with prongs and e-collars and how it relates to training service dogs.
Over the four days, we talked about box work to help with focusing around distractions, the take and hold box to help with retrieval and picking up dropped items, proprioception, temperament testing a prospect or older candidate for service work, and much more!
I made some new friends and have established connections with other trainers across the US.
Thanks again to Vicki, Rich, and Karen for this amazing seminar. I can’t wait to share this information with my students and continue to help owner trainers with their service dogs in training.”
-Blake F, Savannah, Georgia
“The Warfel family are excellent people. I’ve met with Victoria several times and you can always tell that the best interest of the animals and her clients is top priority.
I will say however, that if you’re the type who doesn’t make your dog’s training a priority, then her program may not be for you and she will probably tell you so.
This is because Heart & Soul Dog Training wants you to learn how to take things to the next level and have a dog that’s extraordinary! That takes time, money and effort, just like anything else in life that’s worth having.
They are worth every penny, and then some.”
-Tara S, Pensacola, Florida
“The best training and amazing people. I wouldn’t trust my dog with anyone else. They really care about the dogs and the customers, and treat them really well.
We did the board & train with our fear aggressive Rottweiler, Bella. She would lunge and growl, and try to bite anyone she would see.
Now she’s happy and calm, and we can take her places and have her meet new people, which was impossible. The change in Bella is amazing!
Vicki & Rich are always there if we have any questions, and are extremely knowledgeable about everything to do with dog training. Bella loves them and stays over for boarding all the time.”
- Kenney R, New Port Richey, Florida
“Victoria and Richard were an integral part of training our daughter’s service dog, Munich. We did group classes and one-on-one training, and were very pleased with their methods and approach.
Munich is now retired and living his best life with us as a beloved family member.
We definitely recommend
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!”
- Wendy F, Gainesville, Florida
“Victoria and Richard have aided in training my current medical alert dog and her future replacement.
They are phenomenal and nothing but professional with everything they dog. Top notch work and run a smooth program. They understand what it’s like to struggle with invisible disabilities and how a highly trained dog can be an absolute life changer.”
- Shayne H, Raleigh, North Carolina
“
Victoria has been great about answering any questions and explaining the hows and whys of training my service dog prospect. We are still growing together in our training!
S
he is kind and has a great personality. I also extremely appreciate her personal experiences and understanding of my conditions and complications.”
- Emily A, Cedar Falls, Iowa
“I highly recommend
Heart & Soul Dog Training
. Victoria & Rich are amazing. It has been a wonderful experience for Mac & I.
He has come a long ways in a short time with great guidance from Vicki & Rich. When we started Mac had quite an attitude problem. The vet couldn’t give him his shots or trim his nails. Since going to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, he’s had his shots and I’ve been able to trim his nails. He is wonderful on a leash and sits, downs, stay on place and we’re working on come when called. It’s a lot of work but totally worth it. Definitely 5⭐️! Thanks guys!”
— Pam T, Bushnell, Florida
“I had Victoria & Richard train my dog, Marvel, in their service dog program. I have been working with them for five months with him. I just wanted to say thank you for all the help and the training you did with Marvel.
I like their positive direction that they use for training, and they are open to talk whenever you need an answer to a question that you have. They know a lot of information about how to go about the correct way to train your dog.
If you are looking for someone that truly cares about your dog and their well-being, and has great customer service, they are the trainers for you!”
— Cheryl P, Clearwater, Florida
“Victoria and her staff has been working with my daughter and her dog for the past 4 months. I have observed the online, video and one on one training, and their knowledge and professionalism is superb.
We dropped of Willow for board and train, and Victoria and Rich worked with Willow alone and with my daughter for several days at the ranch, a trip to Disney, the farmers market, and out for a meal. We will soon pick up Willow and the personalized training will continue. This training team treats you like family and are always available for your questions or concerns. Which ever training program you choose you will be treated the same. They are there for you and your dogs success.”
— Joy C, Atlanta, Georgia
“Before training, Honey was a wild child.
She did not really obey commands and her ability was limited to Sit & Down. It was shortly into the first lesson that I learned it was us that needed the training, rather than Honey. She is a smart dog, but we did not know how to teach her. Victoria helped us learn how to train our dog and gave us principles that we can use long after class.
Today, Honey can sit, down, stay, leave it, find it, walk on a loose leash, come, spin, high five, crawl and play dead!
We are even thinking about enrolling our STAR pup into agility classes. Honey is having so much more fun with new challenges and we are enjoying our time much more thoroughly with our puppy.
We could not be more happy with Victoria and her excellent coaching! Thank you, Victoria!”
- Erik & Emily S, Gainesville, Florida
“Victoria’s training is awesome! My husband and I took both of our dogs and all four of us were able to get a lot out of it – Remy has learned so much and Piper is calming down!
The training has really helped de-stress our house, which is a huge help since we’re a terrier home. The dogs are exhausted after our training sessions (that are scattered throughout the day).
All of the extra tips and tricks you throw in there for us personally are truly appreciated.
Fireworks & Thunderstorms taught me a lot about dog behaviors and how to react to them. Piper slept through the last storm and is a much more chill companion these days!
I highly recommend using
Heart & Soul Dog Training
for any of your dog’s behavioral issues.”
- Amber W, Gainesville, Florida
“I thought of you this morning as Stella and I were out for our walk…
You see she got not 1, but 2 compliments from strangers about how well behaved she was (BTW, she was not on a leash, but her e-collar was working its magic).
One of the people said, “I wish all dogs I met while out walking were as well behaved as yours!” (She has to sit anytime we encounter people walking or running so they don’t have to be scared of the giant dog).
Stella and I go walking or running every morning, I carry her leash and her e-collar controller and off we go! She can chase squirrels and comes back as soon as I call, “Come!” She is also great with Heel, and our new one is Side when I want or need her to be right next to me!
Thank you for helping make Stella the awesome dog she is!”
- Mary Anne S, Gainesville, Florida
“WOW! What a difference!
Victoria is a MIRACLE WORKER!!!
Bella was the most untrainable boxer I have ever owned. Now she is awesome! I HIGHLY recommend Board & Train!
Bella is a whole new dog.”
- Alison B, Gainesville, Florida
“My 3 yr old yellow lab was perfectly trained in the house, but the minute we step out she was nutty on the leash. Well, I got a Mastiff puppy and I tried to make her better on leash walking. That didn’t work out so much…
I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
online.
At our first meeting, as I was sitting there, someone walked in and I was literally pulled part way across the room by my 2 dogs. Quite embarrassing to say the least.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
gave me the tools and knowledge to train my dogs and me.
By the end, we all sat together at a restaurant and my 110 pound Mastiff and my 70 pound Lab were perfectly behaved.
Thank you
Heart & Soul Dog Training
for making walking my dogs and socialization easier!”
- Tarel Roche, Orlando, Florida
“Our dog, Kenny, gives 4 paws up to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!
Kenny was very reactive to strange dogs and usually tried to bite them upon meeting them.
We just completed personal training with Rich as our trainer, and we are so impressed with the progress Kenny has made. At our final session this week, Kenny was able to walk side by side with another dog with no reaction at all.
The focus on clear communication between dog and human has been very rewarding for both us and Kenny.
Kenny seems to truly enjoy his training session both at
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and at home.
As a trainer, Rich as been extremely patient and attentive, and does a great job explaining training concepts in terms we can understand. Victoria has been responsive and easy to communicate with when scheduling sessions. Overall, we have nothing but a positive experience with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and have already recommended them our friends!”
- Sam B, Columbus, Mississippi
“My testimonial is LONG overdue!
We cannot thank
Heart & Soul Dog Training
enough for the help and guidance they have given us with Loki. She is a completely different dog thanks to their program; everyone is saying it!
She has not only fully learned Place, she is now able to sit and socialize with our friends and family at our gatherings. We still have work to do, but we could not have arrived at this point without the help we received at
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
Eddie and I are so happy and so excited with the transformation Loki has taken on… We are still in shock!
Once a puppy who would jump, scratch, get in your face whenever someone came over to our home, tear all of her toys up, practically yank my arm off when I would take her out on walks — now she walks at my side, plays with her toys, instead of destroying them, sits in her Place like a good girl and lies down when people are over. 🙂
Thank you SOOO, so, so much!!!!!! I will forever recommend you and
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!!”
- Alejandra M, Gainesville, Florida
“Chloe's story is a success story for sure . We adopted her at 6 months old, she was very skittish!!!!
She displayed severe fear issues and I brought in a professional along with help from my vet.
I read every book I could get my hands on and followed the advice of the professional.
She eventually had to be put on dog Prozac.
She was on it a year and a half we have traveled everywhere with her. But you take her out of her comfort zone and you can hardly take her for a walk. She pulls on me so hard, bad for me and walks in a panic state at new noises. 😪
It broke our hearts and Boxers are prone to cancer, being this afraid can't be healthy.
Our daughter suggested
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
In our searches for help with this sweet dog, 3 times it was suggested to us by others in the field, are you sure you want her??? She's a life project, other people would put a dog down like this 😩
Can you even imagine giving up?
She is the sweetest, most loving dog and lives with Jada and our Ivy 3 legged chihuahua.
We needed new tools to help her and guess what? ❤️❤️❤️
She is off the drugs, Victoria and Richard use a holistic approach.
She has new training equipment, i.e. leashes and a new regime for us to follow.
She will always have fear, it's in her.
We now are better equipped to understand and deal with it.
I am over the moon with happiness as she brings us so much joy and to see her better because we found the right help and didn't give up!
She should be a poster dog for one size doesn't fit all training.
I truly believe had it not been us that adopted her she would no longer have life, the early days were so hard! She was so fearful, she dumped her anal glands at anything that spooked her. If you don't think that was tuff, lol think again. She then began to growl at my husband, so you can see how we had our work cut out for us.
Here we are today, 3 years old yesterday and she is a beautiful dog!
I glad we never gave up and thank God for people like Victoria and Richard!”
- Cathy W, Jennings, Florida
“We have used
Heart & Soul Dog Training
with two of our dogs and live in Ocala FL.
Our first is a black German Shepherd who had pretty serious anxiety issues. She had become destructive with furniture or anything else she could get her teeth around. We found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
a few years ago and put her in a 4 week program.
We could not have been any more delighted with the training our dog got. She came home so much calmer, happier and content.
We were given the information up front about the e-collar and walked through how it would be used and what for. Used correctly, which you're trained to do, it's simply a form of communication with your dog.
A few years later I went back to Victoria and Richard to train my service dog. Winter’s training is PHENOMENAL, she was with her trainer for 5 weeks, her training covered all the basics of service dog training so when I brought her home and continued the training Winter did great.
It has been 6 months since I worked with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, I have been invited several times to public outing for continued training and once a week meeting for training.
I can call them whenever I want for advice.
As a service animal, Winter conducts herself perfectly.
I get so many compliments on how well my dog is trained. People don't even know she's there most of the time.
I could not be happier because it was an investment to meet a great need and my need what met.
I couldn't have done it without Victoria and Rich.
I would recommend them to anyone.
But would add that this is your dog and you know them better than anyone do not hesitate to communicate what your dog needs while they are with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
. Your dog is safe in their care.”
- Debra G, Ocala, Florida
“Seniors and strong vigorous dogs sometimes need help along the way with issues that involve basic control.
Even a trained loving dog can become too much dog as we age or illness changes our circumstances.
After five years of working with my dog, I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and Victoria Warfel.
Vicki and Rich Warfel provided the solution I needed with my dog through their Board & Train Program and I will always be grateful for their help.
Vicki is an insightful and pragmatic young trainer with the skill to evaluate your problem, the issues with your dog, and zero in on a solution that will work in real life for both of you.
The solution begins when you need it most, NOW……….not sometime in the distant future. Program support is continuous and her goal is your goal… a well behaved, happy dog for a caring owner.”
- Margaret Z, Gainesville, Florida
“
I believed my little Princess was perfect until I learned that she was terribly aggressive towards other dogs and cats.
My partner and I struggled to train her as we didn't know how to handle the situation. Walks were a hassle and outings were stressful. I didn't want her continue a life restricted from the outside world because she was a danger, and that's when we decided to look for dog trainers.
We found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and I felt very comfortable leaving my little girl with Victoria and Richard for a whole month while she did her board & train. I knew she would be happy to be on the farm and I was happy that she would have the opportunity to be around other dogs.
I was kept updated of Princess' progress through Instagram and Facebook; it was so almost surreal seeing her around dogs and cats and be completely fine.
When we went to pick her up, I definitely saw a change in her demeanor. That, however, was not the ending of the training journey.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
has a variety of the learning tools for owners to continue the same training at home and it's exactly what you need when your dog comes home. It is crucial to maintain the training so the dog learns that you are now in authority. This part was much easier after Victoria and Richard worked on her.
At this point, walks with Princess are fun and calm. She listens much better and has a blast while we work on our little training sessions. We will be welcoming a new pup in our home and we feel very comfortable handling the situation thanks to
Heart & Soul Dog Training’s
guidance.”
- Karina A, Gainesville, Florida
“
It has been 6 years since we took our surrender/rescue labrador retriever to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
. Samson is a gorgeous full bred lab. We appropriately changed his name to match his size, hair and strength.
However, Samson (at 3 years old) was a bit untamed due to his lack of training from his original owners. They were simply too ill to train and care for him properly, thus they surrendered him. My wife and I said "if we can get him under control, he will be a treasured gift."
Somehow we found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
Victoria has a love for each dog which comes in to her establishment which can only be understood by attending classes.
Enough rambling.
Samson graduated and has been the most amazing, loving dog. Any dogs we acquire in the future are also going to be
Heart & Soul Dog Training
students. There simply isn't a better place to take your dog if you want him/her trained to be the pet you have always desired.”
- Chris B, Gainesville, Florida
“
We are currently going through Service Dog training with our 9 month old GSD, and let me say that it has been nothing but wonderful progress.
My fiance and I are very pleased with how well structured the program is and how quick Zion (our GSD) has responded to the training, of course with constant daily effort on our part. We tend to travel a lot to Orlando so it is SUPER convenient that
Heart & Soul Dog Training
provides a flexible schedule in their program.
Zion is halfway through his training and closing up on his 5 week boarding. The trainers are amazing, helpful, and have guided us so much with Zion's training. So far everything has been phenomenal!”
- Juan V, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“
I took my Chihuahua/Spaniel to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
to be trained as a service dog and they were wonderful.
I remember feeling anxious in the beginning, but when my dog went to Rich without a problem I felt at ease. They treated her so well and she learned so much and so did I.
Now Heart is a part of their family and whenever I go out of town and I decide not to take her,
Heart & Soul Dog Training
is her second home with Auntie Victoria and Uncle Richard.
I know they will treat Heart as if she was one of their own.
I’m glad I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and of you use them, I promise you will not regret it!”
- Rosalyn C, Gainesville, Florida
“I started taking my chocolate lab to Victoria at
Heart & Soul Dog Training
since he was 4 months old and it has been the best decision. It is never too young to start training.
They are so knowledgeable and patient. He is the best behaving dog I have ever had and it is all thanks to them.”
- Rebecca M, Tampa, Florida
“
Thank you so much for the amazing training for Molly, our Labrador Retriever.
She became a completely different dog once I started the training.
I really appreciate all the personal attention you gave us and how you incorporated my two daughters into the training. I went from being lost, angry and frustrated to loving my dog and just an overall excitement to practice what you taught me. Your positive approach made the experience fun and rewarding. THANK YOU!”
- Jaime M, Gainesville, Florida
“
The
Heart & Soul Dog Training
team is amazing!
They helped us train our puppy from scratch and retrain our 7-year old pup that hadn’t had to mind in a long time. Both of our dogs have learned so much in just a few short months since I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
We can even take them to a restaurant and eat a meal with them by our side now! It was great to get feedback on what I was doing wrong so I could train my dogs all the time, not just when I was in class. My dogs learning to “place” has been a very valuable tool to use to calm my dogs.
I highly recommend
Heart & Soul Dog Training
to anyone with a dog!”
- Kimmy B, Gainesville, Florida
“
We were walking Beta and Duke the other morning, and both Mark and I commented on how we never thought it would be possible to walk them without the pulling, barking, chasing and all around craziness.
Months after training and they are still doing wonderful.
We are forever grateful for all your help!”
- Jessica C, Gainesville, Florida
“
Training was awesome! We can’t wait to bring Nemo back for more.
Since we started training, he’s been much more polite and calm when around strangers. When people walk up to pet him, he immediately sits down and chills out, and when we pass other dogs on walks he just keeps walking like normal.”
-Benjamin L, Gainesville, Florida
“
My 7 month old SDIT was board trained for 4 weeks for scent training and obedience/public access so that he will one day be a diabetic alert dog for me.
Though I live in Atlanta, I chose
Heart & Soul Dog Training
because when I first contacted Victoria it was evident that she was on same page as me as to the plan for training. I also felt that she had a sincere interest in helping my dog prepare for SD work.
I had taken him to a beginner group class locally, before he went to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, so he had a basic foundation and I found that when he returned home he was much tighter and focused on his obedience training.
Most importantly, after board & train, he had the scent down to detect low blood sugar and was able to give a live alert within a few days of coming home.
I feel that
Heart & Soul Dog Training
provided me and my dog with the needed knowledge and tools to continue our scent training and be a successful team. My dog also began e-collar training with them and his recall has greatly improved in just a weeks time. I was able to keep up with his progress through FB and Instagram and Victoria responded to all of my texts very quickly. It is nice knowing that I have her continued support, as well. I highly recommend
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!
- Julie A, Stone Mountain, Georgia
“
Oh my goodness, don’t walk, RUN to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!
Before starting class there my young German Shepherd, Stark, knew basic obedience but didn’t know how to meet other dogs. He had a short fuse and would get overly excited when he saw another dog. His excitement could quickly turn escalate out of control.
Vicki and Rich gave me a few tips during our evaluation. Stark and I started training on Monday. After class we stopped at Petsmart. Stark was almost the perfect gentleman, and calmed down immediately.
Today, Saturday, I took Stark and his brother Conner to the vet and then to Petsmart. Again no crazy barking, and Stark immediately calmed down with only mild corrections the few times it was necessary. Stark even ignored all the dogs that were barking at us.
This afternoon some friends brought their great dane over for me to dog-sit. We introduced all 3 dogs in the street, took them for a short walk and let them interact in the back yard before bringing them in the house. After my friends left I took the dogs in the back yard so Stark and Conner could run and play with their new best friend.
Two weeks ago this would not have been possible.
Thank you Victoria, Richard, and all of your staff, for giving me the tools to help Stark become another dream dog!
- Christine B, Gainesville, Florida
“
I cannot speak more highly of
Heart & Soul Dog Training
!
I have worked with them over the past two years, and it has been wonderful. My dog had always been uncomfortable socializing with other dogs, which means that I don't take her to dog parks and used to be very anxious about boarding her/sending her to day care before working with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
We completed the individual training sessions and have been using their boarding services regularly over the past two years (ranging from weekends to longer trips). The training sessions are very detailed, client/dog centered, and all staff with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
were very knowledgable and helpful.
I was embarrassed about my dogs training prior to finding
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
When I need to leave my dog in boarding with Rich and Vicki (at the farm), I have no worries. She is ALWAYS taken care of - and all staff are very communicative if there is an issue or concern that arises. They also update with plenty of pictures.
It's the first time i have taken work trips and vacations without worrying about my dog the entire time.
The company is always keeping us in the loop with new training opportunities and update. I am so happy I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and would recommend them to any of my friend, family, or other dog owners.
- Mary J, Newberry, Florida
“
Heart & Soul Dog Training
are the best!
They really helped me with Parris’s resource guarding. He now eats side by side with my other dog. He has such good manners. He walks right beside me without a leash. He knows no means no. He chills out. No more counter surfing, no more jumping on guests and me.
And the best part is he is still his happy, goofy self, only the 6.o+ version.
All thanks to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
. Nobody likes kids with no manners, kids who are bullies and pushy. Same with dogs.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
trained my dog and in the process taught me how to be a better and more responsible pet parent. I recommend them to everyone.”
- Camille M, St Augustine, Florida
“
I am beyond impressed with the change I see in Zen!
He’s my same silly boy, but a far better listener.
He has been home two days and has had several opportunities to aggress towards animals he has previously had problems with. Even where food is involved! He is such a pleasure to have around.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
did more with him in 4 weeks than the training I got him from did in 6 months. I would recommend
Heart & Soul Dog Training
to anyone who wants help training their dog at any level. I am beyond grateful!”
- Katherine C, Jacksonville, Florida
“
I have a pitbull who, though very well behaved, needed some fine tuning before he could be a working dog in the public.
I have not got him back from his board & train yet but at the half way meet up I saw so many amazing changes in my Valentine. He was willingly calm and walked right at my heel, he followed commands, and he reacted so well to the slightest leash communication.
My dog is ready to be out in the public and work with children, all because of the very capable trainers at
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
My favorite part is that he stays in the house as a part of the family during the whole training. Even at the half way point I notice such an amazing difference in my already well behaved dog. He loves all of the other trainers so much!!!”
- Amanda J, Gainesville, Florida
“
Jake was always overly adrenalized when I took him to the barn, or out anywhere for that matter. Now with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, Jake calmly stayed in a down in an aisle way surrounded by horses out in the pasture, focused on coming when I called him, and was able to change up his here command with a few downs in the middle.
I had an obedient dog before
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, but only when there was no distractions. I did not know how to handle him out in the real world. Now I have a Heart & Soul Dog wherever we go. Thank you Vicki and Rich!”
- Hannah H, Gainesville, Florida
“
When we first adopted Roxie she put forth a happy well-adjusted facade, much like a child who has had the misfortune to spend time in the foster care system. All the pictures we posted were happy and joyful….
The longer we had her, the more fear, anxiety, and nervousness we witnessed. I think she knew she was loved but her world had suddenly gotten so big and she was overwhelmed.
Before we took her to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, the only way she could feel safe was to hide, sometimes under beds, sometimes behind a recliner, many places, she still did want to be with us.
In the last 3 weeks she has gained confidence, security, and learned some much needed manners. When she comes home and finishes her treatment for heartworms, she will experience an even bigger and better life.
Thank you to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and all of their fabulous trainers!”
- Vicki D, Ocala, Florida
“
Before I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, my dog was not listening to me at all. I felt helpless, like it would never happen.
What set
Heart & Soul Dog Training
apart was their approach, how they communicated why these techniques were used and why and how they worked.
I realized that
Heart & Soul Dog Training
was actually working to solve my problem when I watched videos of the change in other dogs during their training, then got to watch the daily progress that our dog made. Now, life is happier and less stressful. I am so proud when people tell me how good she is!”
- Robyn A, Gainesville, Florida
“
Before I contacted
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, I was having issues with my dog focusing and holding certain commands. I felt defeated! It was so discouraging and it constantly brought me down.
In my search for a program, I had looked for hours upon hours. When I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
and saw their work and experience, I had confidence this would be what could help me.
I knew
Heart & Soul Dog Training
could help me on the night before I had actually called and signed up. While I was researching, I was looking on Victoria’s YouTube channel, and I just started crying because I saw how hard she worked to fix the problems the dogs had.
Now that we have trained with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, life is great! I train every other day (since my body has a hard time with everyday) with my dog. He is on track to possibly attend school with me in the first few months of 2018. We are preparing for our CGC, then more training until the public access test which we hope to take in early 2018.”
- Micayla R, Orlando, Florida
“
My little dog Homer was so shy around people and dogs that at the first session, I had to hold him in my arms while he was visible shaking in my arms.
Victoria was wonderful and helped ease his nervousness (and mine) by making us feel right at home and offering suggestions that may help. After listening to Victoria and Richard’s suggestions on what may help ease his shyness, my husband and I worked with Homer three to five times per day faithfully.
By the third class, Homer surprised us when he walked in by himself, went right to the door and when I opened it, he went right to the chairs where we sit. During the fourth class, Homer was even more sure of himself.
Victoria and Richard definitely love what they are doing and it shows in the way that they reach out to assist both the owners and their dogs with mastering their issues as well as their goals.
I must say that Victoria is definitely related to the dog whisperer and you will not leave
Heart & Soul Dog Training
without wanting to signing up for more.
I was skeptical about dog training, but if you follow what you learn and practice faithfully, you will will be totally amazed!!!! Thank you so much Victoria and Richard, you guys are GREAT!!!!”
- Ellen Q, Milford, Maine
“
We needed to do basic training and socialization with our two dogs.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
has a solid approach to effective, quick training of our pups. It was only our second class when my dog actually did what was expected, without charging other dogs
.
Not only has
Heart & Soul Dog Training
solved all our problems, but I now know how to train dogs myself. Of course,
Heart & Soul Dog Training
is critical for socialization.”
- Phil C, Anthony, Florida
“
Before training with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, my year old dog had never received any training. This was frustrating because poorly trained dogs are a pain!
Victoria was different because she took a very practical approach to training and focused on the individual dog, even in a group setting. Plus, she was just plain fun to be around!
I saw results at our very first session.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
is an amazing place to take your dog to train. Victoria is incredible with the dogs and all of us owners.
I am a big believer in
Heart & Soul Dog Training
! Shorty is happier and much healthier now that he can run off leash. This is a fantastic investment in your dog’s health and happiness. Now he can take off after a squirrel and immediately turn around and come when called.”
- Bill M, Gainesville, Florida
“
I just wanted to say thank you.
Before I found
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, Brody’s aggression left me feeling hopeless. But
Heart & Soul Dog Training
didn’t sugar coat the problem, and their unique approach to solving the problem was different from what I had already tried.
Brody has improved more than I ever thought possible. He is an absolute dream at the dog park, always listens to a command the first time I ask, waits for my approval at every threshold, and is just awesome.
Today he let maintenance into the apartment and work for over 45 minutes. He was completely relaxed and didn’t even think about getting off of place.
I had zero worries about him doing anything naughty.
He has come such a long way and it’s all because of you guys.
Thank you so much!”
- Amanda M, Gainesville, Florida
“
Heart & Soul Dog Training
training was a great investment that I am still getting rewards from, months after our actual lessons!
I emailed
Heart & Soul Dog Training
looking for training for my 4 and 6 year old boxer-mixes because they were unsocialized, stubborn, and terrible on a leash.
I LOVE the results I’ve gotten from
Heart & Soul Dog Training
. My dogs are amazing now and I even get compliments from strangers when we go on walks!
They also “got to place” and STAY there while I have guests over or eat dinner.
It’s amazing to be able to run my house myself instead of having it run by my dogs. Our training has also made my life so much easier. It’s helped me train my dogs not to bark at strangers and to come when called. I can let my dogs play off leash and I am not worried about them running off or getting into trouble
.
I’m making a big move to New York City this summer and I wanted to have great city dogs, which
Heart & Soul Dog Training
gave me.
My dogs can sit at a restaurant table no problem, greet new dogs in a friendly way, and walk by distractions with ease. I want to thank
Heart & Soul Dog Training
for replacing my crazy dogs with well-behaved ones!
I also love that with
Heart & Soul Dog Training
you get a lifetime of expert training advice from Victoria and Rich. They hold group classes, where you can work to socialize your dog and practice in groups. They also will answer any questions you have long after the training sessions re over. I cannot get over the changes I see in my dogs and it makes me so happy! I love this company and will miss them when I move!”
- Erika K, New York City, New York
“
Brie was a very anxious, adult dog, and we had tried training her with different trainers in the past.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
has worked a minor miracle with the overall behavior of Brie.
My husband was really impressed with the transformation within a 2 week time frame.
If you are the least bit hesitant about their training techniques – don’t be!
The results will make you ask, why didn’t I do this sooner?
We are believers!”
- Marcia B, Palm Coast, Florida
“
We sent two of our dogs to
Heart & Soul Dog Training
for the 4 week board & train. One is 5 years old and the other 10 years old. We have a new baby and it was vital that they get trained. With the help of
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, we trained our third dog at home.
We are on day 4 of the dogs being home and it has been amazing. I’m able to walk all three dogs together while wearing the baby with no problems. They are learning that the rules from training apply at home and are doing really well. It’s a lot of work following the 30 day home part of the training schedule but TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!
We could not be happier.
Thank you both!”
- Lauren F, St Augustine, Florida
“
BOTTOM LINE – The Warfel's are simply amazing at what they do!
Our little Lakai was struggling with basic obedience commands (e.g. would not go in the crate willingly), and was highly reactive to other dogs and strangers. Aggression was the primary concern. But beyond that, she was not compliant around other people and she suffered from severe separation anxiety whenever we left her alone (i.e. excessive panting, salivating, breaking out of several crates, etc.). We couldn’t walk her with confidence or control, we couldn’t get near her during feeding time, and we couldn’t take relatively new things out of her mouth when necessary.
The conventional training systems didn’t seem to work at all on Lakai. We tried using the “humane” (*emphasis on the air-quotes*) methods of positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Toys and play didn’t work at all. Food/treats would occasionally work.
However, what we found was that Lakai would only respond to treats if she was extremely hungry. We would have to not feed her all day (essentially starving her) so that her hunger would overcome her desire to act on her bad behavioral impulses. But, upon reflection, that was NOT HUMANE.
This is not to say that reward based training never works. It may work for some dogs, like it did for my late Golden Retriever Zack. He would eat anything anytime. He was highly responsive to treats. But Lakai is not like that.
We knew a different approach was required, and we were lucky to find
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
Their holistic approach, using verbal rewards, e-collar and leash (pressure/release), and essential oil therapy, among other tactics, worked wonders on Lakai. To be clear, she is the same dog…just better. She demonstrates self-control. She complies with commands 99% of the time. Walks are easier. Play time is safer. She is a joy to have around now.
I feared that the long would fundamentally change Lakai’s personality, which we obviously fell in love with. It didn’t.
I also feared that after leaving the farm and coming home, Lakai would simply return to her old ways. She didn’t.
However, WE had to follow through.
WE had to reinforce everything she learned with The Warfel's.
WE had to read the books, understand the methods, and practice, practice, practice. Sure enough, it worked.
We can’t thank you guys enough for literally saving our dog’s life. Critics of their methods should really reflect on and consider the alternative.
They should also actually read the literature before rendering opinions.
We knew that Lakai was not going to be re-homed. At a shelter, she would have surely been euthanized.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
is humane and it works.
If you have a troubled dog that struggles with aggression and doesn’t respond to reward-based training, look no further than
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.”
- Keven M, Gainesville, Florida
“
We contacted
Heart & Soul Dog Training
because we had what we thought was a simple issue with a newly adopted rescue. My daughter adopted a husky mix that was told by the rescue would be a good service dog candidate. His initial seemingly passive behavior in the beginning and that he knew some basic commands led her to adopt him. The rescue knew she lived on a third floor, however they didn’t test the dog on stairs, or bother to prep him as you’d figure a good rescue would do when considering pairs or placing an animal to a forever home. They dropped the dog to my daughter, he was terrified of stairways. Their staff couldn’t get him up but my daughter and I got him up ok but the training to go down was slow going, it was getting frustrating, and near end of day, so we decided it was time and that maybe
Heart & Soul Dog Training
could help.
They responded to our inquiry immediately, came over to help within 10 minutes, which is amazing service within itself. Most importantly though, they immediately identified serious problem in the dogs temperament, mainly aggression that he (and the rescue group) was hiding from us his first few days with us (we had him 4 days).
I’ve raised large dogs, mostly rescues themselves for over 30 years and never had such a terrifying experience, sure some have issues, most rescues have baggage, but in our experience, nothing to this level. Thankfully the dogs we have rescued and raised in the past were what you see what you get dogs, so we were so taken back and in disbelief that my daughters dog had turned out exactly opposite of what he had first appeared! When we first assessed this dog to pick, you’d never have thought he had an ounce of aggression, he spent most of the day snoozing, he appeared to be a relaxed well mannered dog.
Heart & Soul Dog Training
let us know that its not uncommon for dogs to show their true colors a few days or up to a week or two being in a new home. We were heartbroken, thinking we had found such a good dog only to see the full level of aggression come out, and realized immediately we’d have to return the husky mix and find a passive and more suitable dog.
What impressed me the most about
Heart & Soul Dog Training
, although we only paid for an hour ‘stairs” appt, they spent well over two hours with us at no extra charge as they stayed explaining to us our options if we had tried to keep the dog, they were even willing to credit back the charge payment since my daughter after seeing the aggression was going to return the dog, they stayed and comforted both my daughter and I, they even tried to speak to directly to the rescue, who refused to speak to them and my daughter and I, this “rescue” only sending text messages while trying to outright deny the dogs aggression to which we all had just witnessed. The rescue showed no concern or regard for my daughter’s safety or that of community, they basically didn’t want to take any responsibility for not disclosing the dogs past behavior problems.
Anyway,
I can’t thank
Heart & Soul Dog Training
enough, they went to answer what we all thought to be a fairly simple call, that turned into something much much worse than we ever expected, they handled themselves professionally, and went above and beyond their duties, they went the extra mile, gave their time to us, and most definitely saved my daughter or anyone else for that matter from getting seriously injured. The dog was quickly returned despite the objections of the “rescue.”
Heart & Soul Dog Training
also went above and beyond by offering to assist my daughter in the future with finding/ screening a suitable dog to help her. There aren’t many places that go the extra mile like that. I don’t know of many that would have stayed and walked us thru such an unexpected and horrible situation and do all that they did to help at no extra charge! It’s not about the buck for them, they truly care!!
Words just aren’t enough to thank you for saving my daughter’s well being, thank you for all that you did~we most highly and definitely recommend.”
- Susan W, Gainesville, Florida
“
Heart & Soul Dog Training
is absolutely amazing, I cannot say enough good things about them.
I brought my dog to them for their board and train program after another trainer said that she couldn't train my dog. Simply put, I was devastated. However, Victoria and Richard reassured me that they could work with my dog and make her into my dream dog.
Within a week, they had crate trained her--something that I NEVER expected to be possible. My husband and I had tried with very little results to crate train our dog, but it resulted in a lot of broken crates and sleepless nights.
Additionally, they really improved her basic obedience skills. Seriously, I was amazed by the progress she made with them in such little time.
One of the things that I loved about working with them is that they constantly gave me updates on her progress.
I got a lot of videos of them working with her and pictures of her playing with other dogs and relaxing in her crate.
My friends have all been amazed by the progress that Rosie has made and I eagerly recommend to them
Heart & Soul Dog Training
.
Victoria and her team are seriously the best.”
- Ellen C, Tallahassee, Florida