Samantha Secular
Dec. 29, 2024
Where we started and where we've landed after training with John at DTE has been astounding.
THE CONTEXT: I have a (now) 3.5 year old German Shepherd who was born and raised in Denver during the Covid lockdown. He was attacked by 2 other dogs as a puppy, giving rise to difficult behaviors and reactivity such as excessive barking/lunging at other people and dogs, pulling on the leash, severe anxiety, and even aggression. This made socializing him extremely challenging. His reactivity was further exacerbated when I had to move into my family home for 2 years with my mom who is terminally ill. The environment was tense and tragic no matter what we did – par for the course.
When I found DTE, I had already worked with a few other reputable trainers in SF. They were competent and knowledgeable, but it didn’t “click” and it was difficult to schedule enough sessions to make it count. I then got bogged down in all the BS of Google Searches again until a local friend recommended the owner of DTE in Utah. When I called them, I thought I would have to do this process out of state, but they informed me that they had just opened an NM branch.
From my initial consultation, I knew John was the right trainer for my dog, and he has far exceeded my hopes/expectations by going so far above and BEYOND for us. He didn't scold me like other trainers and vets had prior - he showed empathy, warmth, and good vibes that my dog responded well to. John is absolutely fearless – he’s even the type of guy who, when he was a dog groomer prior to becoming a trainer, would make his own products like shampoo and conditioner to be safe for the dog, as well as trying all grooming and food products for himself to ensure its safety.
Through tremendously difficult times, John helped my dog not only see another dog without all the excessive barking and lunging, but even be AROUND them without a muzzle at the park and in the home. We are now at the stage where my dog is participating in DTE’s group classes, and no one (I mean NO one) would believe where we are now if they had met my dog prior. It’s like a movie. Even some of the people at the group class recognized my dog from the park when we started our socialization sessions, and they were so happy/amazed to see him there. It’s miraculous. In fact, when John began my dog’s socialization training, my dog’s reaction was scary and he was too strong for me to handle on my own. John literally strapped my dog around his body and wore it as a belt to ensure that he had full control for my dog’s first meeting with another dog just to finally break the ice. I have never seen anyone do something like this or met anyone like John who will go THAT far for an animal and get THIS creative towards tailoring their training in any context. Top tier resourcefulness right there.
And the thing is, it’s not just about my dog - John is the most patient and positive person you’ll find where he really transforms both you AND your animal. He has given me so much confidence to handle a reactive German Shepherd despite being a small woman with chronic illness. Where we’re at now is a testament to his unique talent in reaching both the dog and the trainer where they are at AND going the extra mile…and then some…and then some more.
SUMMARY: You won’t get this kind of support for your animal anywhere else in the state that I know of, and I did my research for 2 years. Training is HARD, and it’s a lifetime journey for our animals AND us. If you want to take your training seriously and give your dog their absolute best shot at a whole and happy life like I did, please consider DTE.
P.S. If you are worried about scheduling since consistent training is key (and yet very difficult to land with a good local trainer these days), the DTE team is so accommodating and will do their best to help you get your 8 sessions in a row. Thank you SO much, Justin and John! My schedule was so hectic for the first 8 weeks and you guys were rockstars about it.
I'll edit in some before/after pics and videos soon!