K-9 Partnership

After adopting my first puppy I was looking for someone to train me and my dog. A chance meeting at «Bark in the Park» put me in contact with Daphne.
After studying her website, I was praying that she would agree to work with Macy Gray and me.
Over the next 4 months, Daphne met with us in different settings to work on basic commands and showed me how to help my dog (and me) deal with people, dogs and everything else that is out there in the big scary world.
Her positive reinforcement methods are incredibly refreshing and fun. My goal was the use clicker training for Macy and it has turned out to be the best decision I made for her. Daphne is a wonderful teacher and has a great sense of humor. Both Macy and I enjoyed every meeting. We worked hard; laughed a lot and always left with a renewed enthusiasm for learning.
Her constant support via e-​mail and phone, when we were not meeting in person, and her endless knowledge and enthusiasm for all things animal, gave me the practical advice I needed to solve a problem before it would get worse; books and other material to read that enriched my knowledge; and YouTube videos to watch so I could see how experienced people were teaching their dog the behavior I was trying to teach Macy Gray.
Daphne’s move to Seattle is a great loss to us but I will follow her on Facebook, and whenever she’s back in the Bay Area to teach a workshop, we will be there! We are a fan forever!

I believe in changed behavior, and it’s all in thanks to one wonderful woman named Daphne. With her positive reinforcement training methods, endless knowledge of canines, patience, firm but caring mannerisms and a stellar personality to boot, Daphne is one outstanding trainer.
I found Daphne through recommendation from another trainer, who noted that Daphne specialized in dog aggression. With a temperamental dog, I needed someone who understood the stress and frustration of raising one who already had behavioral issues. That’s where Daphne came in. From the first day she met us for training, she was intuitive to what both I and my dog needed, because isn’t half the training for the owners, anyhow?
Daphne gave us tips on simple tricks for mental exercises, walking on a loose leash, distraction treats and tactics when approaching other dogs, various harnesses, leashes and toys, you name it, she had recs for everything! She’s honest, upfront and professional as well as down to earth, friendly and caring.
A bonus is, even when we weren’t active in lessons with Daphne, she was always available for advice through email and the email group. She clearly has a passion for animals and it shows in her work. Her credentials speak for themselves.
I highly recommend working with Daphne; she will provide you with a realistic outlook on paving a road for you and your doggie to a happier relationship.

We have a german shepherd, Bella, who have gone through 2 private trainers (not to mention group training) since she was a puppy. I had a lot of trouble walking her, and when we approach other dogs, specially small ones, she turns into a monster! Trying to stop an 80 lb dog is not fun at all! Daphne was amazing with Bella. She had that 6^th sense with dogs and she truly understood my dogs multiple (personality) behavioral problems. Her techniques is very unique, granting that Ive read gazzilions of dog-​training books. We thought Bella was hopeless. She is very patient and very confident too. We saw major improvement with my Bella after just 2 sessions! I definitely recommend her specially since she specializes in dog aggression!

Daphne could actually be our marriage counselor.
We adopted two Lancashire Heelers that promised to be the little puppies of our dreams. they are so damn cute and intelligent that anyone would love the breed. Unfortunately we got a pair and one of them has substantial fear as well as some separation anxiety issues, neither has been socialized — they were 6 mos. old at adoption.
Selecting a trainer is much harder than it appears. We started by asking the staff at our Vet’s office 40 miles away and they gave us a list with everybody well, 40 miles away. I spoke to 2 trainers and they felt it would be better if we used a trainer closer to us and Daphne was mentioned by other trainers. There is also the issue of credentials. Another trainer said that it is important in this day and age to look for the credentials (association and training) since everyone wants to be a trainer. Daphne has credentials that are held by a surprising few in our area.
Daphne identified the fear issue and gave us a ton of information so we could identify and recognize for ourselves the fearful dog and separation anxiety signs and symptoms. When starting a new relationship in an area that you are not an expert having this backup of understanding of what we are trying to do is priceless.
Daphne works with positive reinforcement which is now right up our alley, not like the way we used to be… She is patient with us and explains everything we ask, which is a lot but then it all makes sense.
We can see the improvements in the behavioral issues but realize we have a long way to go and with Daphne’s help we know we will get there.
The reason we feel she could be a marriage counselor is that it is very stressful when you realize that you have a «problem» dog. A lot of your focus goes to taking care of the issue and you get lost in the fog of concern and doubt. Daphne brings it all back down to earth with honest evaluations but with the feeling that it will get done. We really needed that.
I think that you need to interview your trainer and I think you will be happy if Daphne can fit you into her schedule.