Happy Pup Training — Local services in Mount Vernon

Excellent results with our VERY stubborn puppy!

We have had three English Mastiffs over the past 11 years, and decided to give it one more go with a new puppy this year. This little guy was unfortunately born alone (essentially) and experienced a very different early puppyhood than most dogs experience. He came to us with a wonderfully brave and undeterred attitude, but also with a very strong stubborn streak.

Based on our past experience with mastiffs, we knew that training was going to be critically important right away. These dogs are typically 100 lbs by the time they are 6 months old ... so there is no time to waste.

We engaged with Judy in private training right away when he was 5 wks old. She immediately tapped in to his strengths and weaknesses, and identified ways for us to begin training him effectively right away.

We also did a board and train experience with Judy, and our little guy blossomed even more following those few intensive (but fun) days with Judy.

We're now enrolled in the group puppy class, and our little guy continue to learn and thrive.

He still isn't perfect, but we feel perfectly prepared to continue teaching him how to be our partner. We have no concerns about the progress he is making, and we are very grateful for Judy's continued guidance.

Put simply, we would be lost without Judy. This is not our first rodeo, but she has taught us MANY new things we' needed with this unique dog.

We cannot recommend her...

Judy at Happy Pup Training was absolutely fabulous for basic obedience training! After a previous bad experience with a different trainer, Judy was a breath of fresh air. I hadn’t had a puppy in 14 years and my new pup is much more active than I had anticipated. Judy brought out the best in my pup and showed me how to do the same. She spent extra time going over anything we needed a little more time on.

Her knowledge on training was evident and my pup loved working with her. The training area was sufficient size and Judy had all necessary equipment, props and such. Due to Covid, we wore our masks and kept a distance of 6 feet. The training facility is conveniently located and has ample parking.

I preferred the one on one training; however, we did one group session which didn’t fit us as well at all.

My pup does not eat table food. The initial visit was full of treats consisting of cheese, hot dogs and a different dog food than my pup normally had. My pup became very ill and had to see the vet. After letting Judy know what happened, she purchased the treats my pup was used to to ensure my pup would be ok.

I would recommend the basic obedience training offered by Judy at Happy...

When we got a new basset puppy last year, we knew were going to need to sign him up for some type of puppy class. Basset hounds are notoriously stubborn and independent, often taking several months to even potty train. Additionally, our new puppy was extremely fearful of new dogs and places.

However, through Judy’s positive training, he was transformed. He started to realize how fun it could be to do what we asked him to, and even loved being asked to do it. His new favorite thing in class became being the example puppy, even whining when other dogs were chosen and he wasn’t. Judy taught us and him the basics of walking on leash, staying, sitting, and leaving food alone.

Over a year later (of us not practicing nearly as much as we should) he’s still excellent at all the behaviors covered in class.

He also got a wonderful chance to interact with other puppies his age, and Judy always helped manage the situation so he never felt forced or overwhelmed. Her kindness with our very sensitive dog was...