Florida Dog Training School

We worked with Helene to train two foster dogs that we ultimately adopted—one was under 2 years old and the other was only about 8 weeks old when we started. Since both dogs were going to grow into large, powerful adults dogs our goal wasn't to teach tricks. We wanted to learn how to confidently manage them, set boundaries, and create good behavior in our home. Before choosing Helene, I contacted a few other training options and felt like many of them followed a standard curriculum where every dog and owner went through the same program. What I appreciated about Helene was that the training was tailored to our specific situation, our dogs, and what we personally wanted to allow—or not allow—in our home. She also took each dog's individual personality into account. Even though our dogs were being trained at the same time, she recognized that they had different temperaments, strengths, and challenges, and adjusted her approach accordingly. That personalized attention made a big difference. She helped us with practical, real-life skills such as jumping up, leash walking, stay, place/go to bed, impulse control, and overall household manners. More importantly, she taught us how to work with our dogs and understand their behavior, which gave us the confidence to continue the training long after the sessions ended. Helene has a tremendous amount of knowledge and takes the time to explain the reasoning behind what she's teaching. The training never felt like a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, it was focused on helping us achieve the goals that mattered most to our family and creating a plan that worked for both us and our dogs. One thing that has especially stood out to me is that her promise that support doesn't end when our training sessions are over. She has emphasized that she's only a phone call away and that we can reach out anytime with questions or concerns. Knowing that ongoing support is available has been incredibly reassuring. Both of our dogs benefited greatly from the experience, and so did we. If you're looking for a trainer who will customize a plan for your specific dog, your household, and your goals rather than simply follow a script, I would highly recommend Helene. We wish her continued success and are grateful for everything she taught us.

I cannot recommend Helene enough! Before working with Helene I was struggling with my dogs behaviors. My dog is very noise sensitive, barked excessively, and had poop accidents in the house. She gave me great hints to help with the behavorial issues, for the barking i used a vibrating collar. I was skeptical but we only used it once (this only startles your dog, does not hurt them in any way)and my dog got the no bark command in one session. My dog will pee the minute she goes outside but I would be out with her for an hour and she would not poop but come right in the house and Bam!. Helene suggested to take her out to pee then put her in the cage for 5 minutes then take her back put. This has been a game changer! We took my dog to Lowe's and Panera to let her get use to noises along with learning the basic commands. Helene really knows dogs. You will not regret having her train your dog. She truly cares. Remember you have to be consistent but your dog will be so obedient afterwards! Its totally worth it! Thank you Helene!

When we first adopted Tony Lama he was having a hard time settling in to our routine and jumping and his rough biting play was out of control. My partner and I were nearly in tears daily with frustration and thought maybe we would have to re-home Tony. The first 5 minutes that Helene was in our home Tony stopped jumping and biting. The next few visits Helene got Tony to walk on a leash and follow basic commands. Helene is wonderful and an answer to our prayers. Her lessons with Tony were simple and straightforward but very effective. Now Tony has great manners and is a joy to be around. Walks are a breeze and play time is always fun.

We have a baby, and a very sweet and excited Doberman, Ferti, that we needed to get calmed down and under better control. This was made possible, and us capable, with help from Helene. She taught us how to treat and handle Ferti with compassion and love throughout our training, along with the proper amount of assertiveness. We recieved this knowledge and after just six weeks of training and working with her, we have been more comfortable to have Ferti interact with our baby more and more. Our walks have been more enjoyable, and safer for Ferti and I. I recently had a surgery that rendered my arm immobile, so this was very important to us.

Helene has been wonderful. So helpful with our 4 month old puppy. She truly cares and works hard to find solutions to make it easier for us during the puppy stages. I value her opinions and listen to what she says. It works if you put in the time. I will refer her over and over again. My Jill is doing much better, thanks to Helene's knowledge and understanding of our most precious pets.