Marianne

Can an older dog learn new tricks? -yes – if the trainer is John from Confetti Dogs. We have a 7 year old female bichon mix who is a wonderful dog if you are not walking her outside. Since the day we got her 3 years ago (she is a rescue) when I walked her in our neighborhood she barked at every car, person, dog and birds. I could not talk to any of my neighbors because of her non-stop barking. She also constantly pulled me and lunged at cars. This 12 pound terror had been through training with someone who suggested that once she was spayed she would calm down (she didn’t), a citronella collar, an e-collar (it didn’t stop her barking at any intensity), a barking specialist (she only didn’t bark for him), a behavior vet who wanted her sedated before every walk…..we failed with everything. Then one day I saw the Confetti Dog van that described my dog. We set up a phone call, then an in home evaluation and then started working with John. He is so calm and pleasant. Using his method of food claiming, a deterrent to unwanted behavior (a spray bottle with water), treats for good behavior, walking when not hyper, a micro prong collar etc. after 5 weeks of twice weekly classes, Toni is not pulling, not barking at cars, dogs, people, bikes. The best part is all the training was done in my house and neighborhood where all my walking problems occur. I have been able to stop and talk to people for the first time in 3 years with my dog. John trains the person as much as your dog. We even had classes in Baker Park, a place I was afraid to go with Toni since she had barked at every person and dog there in the past; it was a pleasant experience after all the training John had done with Toni. I now look forward to my walks-what a difference 6 weeks has made in my life and Toni’s. John and Confetti Dogs have had such a positive effect on us. THANK YOU!!!

Nala

“Before Nala started her training with John she used to jump to people and to my grandkids when they came to visit, jumped on the sofa, and pulled very hard those who walk her during her walkings. This was the main reason why I contacted John. Also she wasn’t able to calm down when I received visits and used to get very close to them when eating time arrived forcing us to put her in her cage. She was able to follow the command sit and stay but not for long and wasn’t able to follow other commands such as place, down, stay, etc like she does now. Now Nala is able to follow more than those commands, stay for long periods of time, people can eat around her without her touching their plates. Not jumping in people as much as she used to, and the pulling has improved way better. She even understand the concept of place and does it automatically. She is now able to stay around my visitors without being such a space invader. John was always willing to answer all our questions, gave us homework to practice during the week for the next session, very patient with Nala and would check in on Nala during the week to see how she was doing at home. The results of these training sessions exceed my expectations and I would recommend him 100%. Thank you John for everything you did for Nala and our family!”
-Waleska

 

Carol

“In September of 2021, my dog Carol and I were fortunate to meet John of Confetti Dogs and our lives are much better for it. Since the first meeting in western Maryland my anxiety around not being the best dog parent that I could be melted away. Johns’s approach is compassionate and Carol warmed up to him right away. I say this first because in the past Carol has been really afraid of men due to past trauma. She wasn’t jumping all over him so to speak but he knew what to do and gave me proper advice on how to handle our first meeting. Not only is john good with our furry children he is gentle and firm with us humans. That is really what needs to happen to start with us to allow space to grow with confidence so our dogs can feel that within themselves. Carol and I always had trouble walking in parks around people and other dogs and now with the e collar and prong (both things I never wanted to do but now see how wonderfully safe they are), we can easily be in any situation that unfolds. Also, I have complete confidence in myself and in Carol and this has created an even stronger bond between us. John also has dedicated time to talk with me and spend alone time with Carol so we tighten all the curriculum for her to be safe and confident at our home on a farm and within other spaces ( we travel around a lot and this has been a godsend). Confetti Dogs has created an opportunity here in Maryland for people to have a safe and comfortable training experience. Deep gratitude for the guidance, support, and compassion that Confetti Dogs has shown us.”
-Jan

Ray

“Our dog, Ray, is a good boy, but he had a few bad habits. Prior to training, he would bark excessively at passersby, become aggressive toward other dogs, and pull intensely on our walks. John, with Confetti Dogs, helped us correct those habits. He gave us insight as to why the behaviors were there. Now, there is so much less stress in our household. We enjoy walking Ray; we can allow him to socialize with other dogs without fear and he no longer feels the need to bark excessively. I highly recommend Confetti Dogs. Confetti Dogs helps you become a better dog owner. Their training allows you to love your dog well and set healthy boundaries within your house, which allows your dog so much more freedom.”

-Josh