Sidekick Dog Training

"You were great!  One of the things we really appreciate about your training approach is your flexibility in applying different mechanisms to work with the family and the dog THAT FIT WITH OUR LIFESTYLE.  It’s not a one option approach (and if you don’t do it – then you and your dog fail). 

"I can’t tell you how heartened I felt while we worked through options to stop the behavior we didn’t want and encourage the behavior that we did want.  It’s nice to know we are not the only family that’s trying to blend dogs, kids, neighbors, friends and social activities together! 

"We had great fun with you – and are so grateful to have you and your fabulous ideas as a part of our life."

Angela, Lou, Bella and & Kea (Kenmore, WA)

"I just want to say, since I've become a bit of a serial dog training class hopper and continue to be exposed to a variety of training styles and trainers, you are in my opinion by far the most effective that I've run into. I think it has something to do with your clarity, organization and lightness. Plus it's cool that you're able to kindly but firmly correct the humans; that must be the hardest part...dealing wih us clueless humans.

"I bet most people who haven't had other trainers before you don't FULLY appreciate what they're getting (but I bet all the dogs do!). So thanks."

Suki (left) and Charlotte (right), Dog Manners alumni, enjoy a lazy afternoon with a friend (middle).

Y. Liou (Bellevue, WA)

"I have lived with and trained dogs for 20 years. In our latest search for two separate companion dogs we hired Amanda on two different occassions to evaluate a group of dogs and puppies, as we reside in another state. Amanda was a joy to work with. Extremely professional. But most of all incredibly talented in her understanding of canines. She filed a report with us that led us to chose two different dogs with the finest temperament and health we have ever had. Without her high level of skill and experience we would have chosen different animals, both of which had health and temperament issues that others (including myself) had not diagnosed. Because of her we ended up with a puppy and an adult dog that are the finest animals I have ever owned. Amanda was challenged during this evaluation by lengthy travel and difficult personalities. She dealt with both - with grace and ease.

"I will hire her and fly her anywhere in the world whenever we purchase any other dogs, as her abilities are priceless."

P. Ryals (El Segundo, CA)

"It's been a blessing having you in our lives. Five weeks ago Zach was driving me noodles with his teething and mouthing  me. Now, he's just a pleasure even when he goes into his puppy melt  down. Thank you so much!!!!"

S. Cohen (Seattle, WA)

"Amanda gave me tools that WORK for every single goal we had. She also gave me written follow up and instruction, which is rare and priceless. Thank you!!!!! Our life with Leyla WAS great but is now BETTER because of the tools we got from Sidekick and Amanda!!"

M. Gorman (Seattle, WA)

"I took Desi on a walk to Wallace Falls on Friday. I've done this a few other times, but he always pulled on the leash, & there are lots of dogs & he would go mad. It was never a pleasant experience so I just stopped. On a scale on 1 - 10, I would rate his prior behavior at MINUS 20. Friday, I would give him a 7!!!!! It was amazing! Thank you so much for helping us become a better team. I look forward to continuing to learn more from you."

 

Rita and Desi (Monroe, WA)

"I want to thank you for all of your help, assistance and training during our classes and I must say we really benefited from your excellent guidance. I feel we received the best professional training available."

J. Peabody (Bellevue, WA)

"Thank you so much, Amanda! You really helped me out in a tough situation. I didn’t plan on inheriting two dogs right before starting grad school. Before our sessions, I was very concerned about Rascal and Max getting along and how I was going to handle them on a cross-country move. You helped me understand what was going on between them and how to train them. Before our sessions, the dogs were a big concern in my life. Now I’m confident in how to work with them and I can relax and have fun with them!"

K. Reid (Bellevue, WA)

"We felt alone and trapped with our 'issues' dog that we rescued from a shelter.  We were trying everything to make it work with our dog, but after an expert evaluation session with Amanda, she helped us to realize that the best course for us and our dog was to re-home him.  It was what we knew was right in our heart, but having her expert opinion gave us the freedom of mind to follow through.  Amanda even helped us to find our dog an excellent home on a ranch in Idaho.  She was truly a life-saver, not only for us, but for our much-loved dog! "

A. Johnson (Bellevue, WA)

"I went and observed at least six or seven different schools and classes before I decided on one. Amanda's class that I observed was heads and tails above the others! And after multiple times per week with her, I still am impressed with the coherent and fun way she has of teaching. She is so patient and fair with everyone! Her analogies and examples make us all laugh and remember the lessons. Even my husband has remembered a few things due to the story telling/examples way she presents the dos & don'ts! I just can't say enough good things about her as a teacher, especially for new puppy parents."

L.L. Bailey (Seattle, WA)

"Not only is Amanda a superb trainer, but she is genuinely a pleasure to be around because of her obvious love of dogs and what she does for a living.  I was never a dog person until I got my first Bernese Mountain dog three years ago.  Now I frolic with my puppies and can not imagine life without them….they are my babies and I am extremely protective about their vet, their trainer, the people I board them with, etc.  I only want the best working with my dogs and Amanda is simply the best."

Read the full letter here. 

K. Oakes (Mill Creek, WA)

"I loved how kind, calm, and focused Amanda was when working with my dog.  She was very patient when working with me as well! I liked it that she had a variety of things up her sleeve and was willing to change approaches in midstream when the first approach was taking quite a long time. I also liked it that a post-session write-up was part of the session. That was very helpful to me for remembering all the nuances of what we did and what the training plan was.

"Amanda was able to see all the different things that were driving my dog's barking (i.e. protectiveness, excitement, demanding attention).  She was able to find a way to work with each of those things that successfully lowered the amount of barking."

S. Emory (Seattle, WA)

"Hi Amanda,

"I just wanted to take a minute and write you a little note. When Leah and I got Chester last winter he was hurt and scared. We were hoping to make him comfortable for as long as we had him. After he got the medical care he needed, we thought he might benefit from sitting through some obedience classes although we didn’t really expect him to learn any commands. All we hoped for is that he would be somewhat less anxious around other dogs and men.

"You were so supportive, patient, and wise that Chester did overcome much of his anxiety, learn most of the commands, and Leah and I have a better handle on how to help him through the rest. His world is much bigger and happier now and I wanted you to know that you are a big part of that. Keep doing what you’re doing, little guys like Chester truly benefit! Thank you!"

 
Cyndie-Lea, Leah and Chester

"Scott & I want to thank you so much for the great classes in basic manners.  It really helped us become better partners with our dog Kit.  Thanks again from all of us."

Linda, Scott & Kit (Bellevue, WA)

"[Ringo] rocked [CGC class yesterday]!  I have never seen him so relaxed outside the house. This is by far the most satisfying work I’ve done in eons – and he is teaching me patience, which has never been my strong point! Thanks for helping us along this journey and recognizing what a wonderful dog he is underneath all the barkiness."

Randi (Bothell, WA)