Hope For Canines

I think it’s time I wrote a review for Johanna and her canine training program known as Hope for Canines. I found Johanna through a search on the Karen Pryor Academy website as I knew I wanted to clicker train my Yellow Lab puppy. Following the KPA search, I googled in our area for dog trainers and Johanna’s website was the most thorough about her and her background in training. She was also the quickest to reply to me after emailing a few trainers with no response. We spoke on the phone about my requirements regarding training Targa, and she recommended the 6-​session in-​home pack.
We met on average once a week at my house and begin working on the basics for my puppy. I had done a lot of research regarding training and sort had the gist of what we were doing, but knew I’d need accountability, and frankly, I’m not an expert at dog training so I know I’d have questions.
In each of our hour long sessions we worked on a few different things, increasing in difficulty as we progressed, and I took in everything she said. She always follows up each session with notes and «homework» as well as articles on some of the things we worked on in a Google Drive folder. Most weeks I worked diligently with Targa and texted often with questions when I needed help with a trick or getting Targa to do (or not do) something. Johanna was always quick to reply and always had helpful advice.
I also have to mention how well she worked with Targa. He was always so excited to see her every time she came over he couldn’t wait to get started with learning something else. You can really tell that she loves animals and that animals and training are her passion.
After 6 sessions, Targa was certified as an AKC Star Puppy, as he is well versed in everything from Sit, Down, On/​off your mat, Stay, and a few other things.
Johanna also offers boarding and has taken Targa when I’m on vacation a number of times now. She checks in with me often, sending pictures and making sure I’m informed that he’s doing well. When she drops him back off, he always looks for her and I know he can’t wait to go back next time!
I can’t recommend Johanna and Hope for Canines training enough. I’m thankful to have found her, and I have a wonderful dog today because she enabled and empowered me to train him well. You can try going at dog training alone, but to have a local resource is a much better way to do it.
On that note, I’m signed up for another six sessions and the outdoor class she now offers to increase Targa’s training and make sure he’s got a solid foundation of training while he’s young.