Toni is a brilliant dog trainer!
It is so obvious that Toni has a focus and passion to help dogs and their humans communicate to develop a strong pack bond. Her approach utilizes a team effort working with dogs and their owners together, as well as a review of the home environment and dog’s diet, and yields outstanding results.
I had adopted Lily (a young female Chihuahua mix) who was aggressive in public towards other dogs and strangers. Following the methods and training from Toni, Lily has been transformed from a little monster who channeled “Cujo” to a sweet, lovable little girl who is excited about her training routine.
Thank you so much Toni! Lily and I look forward to seeing you often!
-Linda Murphy
West Babylon, NY
To Anyone Seeking a Dog Trainer;
This is my second attempt at writing a testimonial letter about Toni, her skills and her shop. That previous letter was more about dogs and our relationship with them. It was way too philosophical and I suspect it was really my attempt at getting to the roots of why I need to have another dog in my life. That said let me just say this about Toni: WHAT A RESOURCE!
When Piper came into our home some months ago as a puppy my wife and I quickly realized she was bright but also a bit willful. Friends were quick to recommend this “gal” in West Babylon (Toni) but we were advised to seek her out only if we were completely serious about the training and would do the assigned homework with Piper. We’re serious people and were excited about the idea of working with someone who would meet our needs.
Toni’s passion for providing us dog owners with all the tools we will need to develop a loving, responsible relationship with our pet is only to be matched by her enthusiasm for being a complete resource. I believe Toni’s fund of information about dogs (and cats) is not to be surpassed. And its not just about training. She is most helpful with regard to healthy feeding, exercise, socializing with people and other dogs, and vets that are above the average. And all this happens in a relatively small shop in West Babylon. And lastly I’m not sure I want Toni to read this but I believe her fees and prices are better than those “big box” stores.
Piper has graduated from Toni’s seven-week basic training program last month and we’ve enrolled her in the next program. Enough said?
Sincerely,
-Jim and Donna Westpfahl
Dear Toni,
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. You have helped me do something I have been trying to do but found to be difficult. As much as this might surprise you – it is not all about the dog. Even though the classes are great, the direction, support and education were insightful and often inspiring; I got so much more out of it.
You see, I am a survivor of a very violent attack. Tess does not know of the attack. My wish has always been to teach my daughter to be strong. My fear was that I might instill in her my own fears, a burden I did not want her to carry. I have tried to give her life lessons that would help her along the way, and then we found you. You have done in a few weeks what I have found to be challenging for years. You taught her confidence. You taught her assertiveness without being aggressive. You taught her to be in control of her surroundings to anticipate what is ahead of her and how to react and adjust. She stands a little taller (not so easy for such a short kid); she has found her deep voice and a surer footing – both with our dog as well as for herself.
From the heart of a mother who only wants only good things, safe things, for her daughter – I would like to say one more time – thank you.
(Tess and Maddie’s mother)
Commack, New York
Toni,
We came to Toni in a desperate moment after two other trainers had failed to quell Lucie's aggression and she had attacked yet a third guest in our home. We were completely smitten with our dog, who is charming, whip-smart, affectionate, playful, so relentlessly sweet to those within "the circle of trust," and up for an adventure at any hour of the day--all the stuff that good dogs are made of. But we were stricken with panic at the thought of her hurting someone: a guest, a neighbor, God forbid, a child! We started to lose hope and feared we would be forced to give her away or wait for something terrible to happen that would require her to be destroyed, and the thought of this was crushing. As a young couple looking to start a family, what were we to do?
Our dogwalker recommended Toni. Honestly, after the boot-camp obedience school we'd taken her to, the books we'd read and implemented, an e-collar, and Petco kindergarten had all failed, we had little faith that yet another trainer would be the silver bullet to fix the dog, but we had nothing to lose. On Toni's recommendation, we enrolled in the beginner training course, and faithfully implemented the whole program, homework assignments and all. It required a commitment of time and energy that may have daunted some, but anything was better than the alternative.
While nothing in life is perfect, we're happy to say that we have a renewed sense of hope with Lucie. We had 15 people in my house for Thanksgiving, 20 people for a holiday party in December, and a dinner party of 10 for Christmas; by following Toni's advice and insights, we were able to include her in the festivities with our family and friends rather than keeping her locked in a cage--a far cry from the previous Thanksgiving when she tackled Aunt Gladys in an act of territorial aggression. Her obedience to commands has improved. The incidents of mouthing and jumping have grown fewer and farther between. We can open our front door again without a maniacal German shepherd chomping at the bit to scare the wits out of whatever poor victim awaits on the other side. There is still work to be done--she's feisty and emotional--but this training has given us a way forward.
Thank you,
-Bob and Amber Huffine
I have been coming to Toni's for about 13 years now. I took her dog obedience class (1994) when I got Beethoven, a highly energetic terrier mix from the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. She helped me deal with his quirks and made me realize you have to understand a dogs breed and help them be their breed in a positive way. I even took another training class recently when I got my Mastiff Thor. She is always on the look out for healthier pet food, and good quality toys. I also bring my long haired Himalayan cat Dee Dee in to be groomed. I trust Toni and her staff with all my four legged friends needs. I know she loves them as much as I do.
-Kerry Mazzeo
Licensed Insurance Sales Associate
Toni,
We want to thank you for the excellent training classes for our German shepherd dog Max. At the beginning Max was eager to learn but not happy about sharing you with other dogs. You taught us how to socialize and correct him properly. We learned alot about health, nutrition and safety. Max was a different dog by the time he graduated your classes. It's great not being dragged down the street when we go for a walk now. We accomplished our goal of having a wonderful dog that follows commands and is a great friend.
Thank you,
-Joe & Carolyn Franco
I first heard about Toni from a friend of mine, who, I thought, was a little 'over the top' about his pet. He spoke of 'pack leaders' and 'healthy dog food' and other things he learned from his dogtrainer. Okay, I thought, if that works for you, but I just wanted someone to groom my dog and to teach her not to run away when I take her outside.
Then I met two other people who had gone to Toni with their dogs and were very happy with the results. So, I called her. From the first visit, I realized, this was not just a dog groomer and trainer, but an animal lover who trains dogs and grooms them. Toni interviewed me (and I must confess, I was nervous) and asked all sorts of questions not just about my dog but also about my care and feeding of her. Toni was the first person I ever met who made me realize being a pet owner means more than just having a pet. I thought I would just be sending my dog off to be trained and at the end of school, I would get a well behaved dog. Imagine my surprise when I realized that "I" was also being taught. Toni's approach to dog training teaches not only 'how to' but also why. Like so many other pet owners, I treated my dog like a member of the family, as in "my little baby". And in doing that, I was constantly frustrated with my dog's frequent misbehaving. The things I learned from Toni, not just about training but really understanding my dog has completely turned my attitude around. I'm a happier owner and my dog is a happier dog. And it's all because of Toni. She is extremely knowledgeable, totally dedicated and confident, and her love for her work is so obvious. And she is funny. Two minutes around Toni and you know you have the best.
Over the years, I've heard people say " it's good to have a doctor in the family, or it's good to have a lawyer in the family". In today's world it would be good to have a computer expert in the family. But I say to all dog lovers, " it would be a good thing to have someone like Toni in the family."
Eunice Loesch
MY FAMILY IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING TRAINING CLASSES WITH TONI AND OUR 7 MONTH OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER "BUDDY"
THIS IS ACTUALLY OUR SECOND DOG THAT WE HAVE TRAINED WITH TONI. 11 YEARS AGO WE HAD ANOTHER GOLDEN NAMED "ZEKE" AND THINGS WENT SO WELL THAT WE NEVER HAD TO GIVE A SECOND THOUGHT AS TO WHO TO GO TO WITH OUR NEW PUPPY.
WE ARE INTO WEEK 4 OF THE 7 WEEK PROGRAM, AND THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR DOG IS NIGHT AND DAY. WE BROUGHT HIM IN AS A WILD PUPPY, AND HE IS NOW HEALING, SITTING, STAYING DOWN, AND COMING WHEN WHISTLED AT.
WHEN YOU START YOU THINK YOUR DOG COULD NEVER FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS AND BECOME A "GOOD DOG" WELL........HE HAS BECOME THAT GOOD DOG.
TONI'S DIRECTIONS ARE EASY TO FOLLOW, AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, SHE IS EAGER TO ANSWER, OR YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE TRAINING BOOK TO TURN TO.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS CLASS TO ALL PUPPY OWNERS.
OUR ONE FRIEND IS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE DOGS PROGRESS, THAT THEY ARE NOW SIGNED UP FOR THE NEXT CLASS.
THANKS FOR HELPING AND CARING
-BARBARA TOM AND TYLER SMITH
OAKDALE, NY
We have been clients of Toni's for over 20 years. Our first dog attended classes with great results. The real challenge was when we added Buddy a yellow lab to our family. He was 4 months old, already sixty-five pounds and completely out of control. We enrolled him in the beginners class and I must admit those first few classes were a real challenge and hard work. At the end of the 7 weeks Buddy was walking on a leash not pulling, sitting, and coming when called.
He was like a different dog. We were so pleased we continued the group lessons. Buddy is now a wonderful addition to our family. We have left him with friends when traveling and he is always invited back.
Toni is extremely knowledgeable in health, nutrition, and wellness. She is always willing to share her knowledge and ideas. Our dog has allergies and had some severe skin problems. Toni helped us with Buddy's nutritional needs added some supplements and he has not had an outbreak in over 2 years thanks to her expertise. Toni's love for her work is obvious and she is truly a professional.
We have and will continue to recommend Toni's Dog Grooming and Training Center.
-Cathy & Tommy LoPresti
Toni,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just finished your seven week class with my nine month old, yellow lab, Ralphie.
When we first started the class, I was clueless. Ralphie would pull on walks, he was also afraid of other dogs (he was charged by a German Shepard when he was seven months old). It was clear how insecure he was. The first day of class I was so embarrassed by Ralphies behavior, I was determined to make a big change. Well, thanks to you and the way you teach your class, Ralphie has made a complete turn around. You taught me how to be a pack leader not a “litter mate!” Ralphie is no longer afraid of other dogs. When we go for walks, he walks at my side and at my pace, not his. Ralphie now walks with pride and confidence. Thank you again and I look forward to taking more classes with you.
-Linda Cerreta & Ralphie