Tell A Tail Dog Training

Wendy is a gifted trainer who has taken my dog and me from a place where we didn't seem to understand each other in nosework trials, to a place where I love working with my dog, and he has discovered a new enthusiasm for learning, and searching. She knows what she's talking about and is a keen observer of how I interact with my dog that leads to breakthrough understanding on my part. Taking classes from Wendy has really changed my relationship with my dog and given me insights into training and behavior that I never possessed.

I started taking K9 Nose Work classes from Sarah and Wendy a year ago. Yesterday, my little Norwich Terrier, affectionately known as "The Hamster, " passed her ORT (odor recognition test) for all three odors, and is now eligible to compete for Level 1 titles. I've never competed in any dog sport before, but nose work is so much fun, for both dog and handler. Wendy and all the instructors at Tell a Tail are so gentle, supportive, and good at what they do, that all the dogs succeed and have a great time doing so.

Nose work is a sport open to all dogs -- purebreds, mutts, seniors, dogs with physical disabilities, shy dogs, reactive dogs, and more. It's been wonderful to see how much fun they all have, and how dogs with problems just blossom in this environment. I couldn't recommend Wendy and Tell a Tail more highly. Wonderful, knowledgeable people in a warm and caring, yet completely professional, environment.

Bean graduated the puppy class a few months ago! I found this place thanks to Yelp and had a great experience. Wendy had a lot of helpful info in socializing my shy chi, as well as helping her learn basic commands. I actually looked froward to going to class because I could tell the great progress Bean and I were making. Pepe is next in line for training!

Fantastic dog class. I spent plenty of time surfing the internet to find just the right class for my new dog. Tell a Tail's Family Dog class was just what we needed! Wendy and her colleagues use the latest and best positive training approaches. They are warm, friendly, and knowledgable. There were a mix of dogs and behaviors in the class (from small to large dogs, shy dogs, aggressive dogs, barking dogs, jumping dogs, etc.).

We all learned the basics and had plenty of time for questions and discussions about our unique dog issues. When my dog started displaying some aggressive/resource guarding behaviors (on top of many other issues), I became a bit panicky and overwhelmed. My husband suggested we might consider giving the dog back to the shelter or finding another home for him. Instead, we consulted with Wendy.

She gave us additional tips, suggested some books, a dvd, and recommended an individual dog trainer. She was calm and understanding through what was a very difficult and emotional time for us. Last night was our last class and what a difference we've seen in just over a month! Our dog is doing much better and we feel confident that we can continue to work with him and see improvements. We also have a stronger relationship with our dog -- who actually enjoys practicing his new skills. I highly recommend Tell a Tail's classes.

Wendy is a GREAT instructor, using positive methods, encouragement and humor to make her classes fun and the dogs successful. In 2008 we adopted an adult dog who was terrified of everyone and everything. Wendy taught me how to help my dog "handle life, " trust people, build confidence - and really start enjoying life. My dog not only learned obedience and tricks, but it changed her from a fearful, insecure dog into a happy dog who is full of spunk and fun. We've been taking Wendy's Nose Work classes for the last 1 1/2 years and my dog has turned into an amazing little scent hunting "machine" who lives to do Nose Work. Wendy makes every week's class challenging and fun and helps us to continue to grow and improve. I highly recommend Wendy's classes.

I highly recommend Wendy. She is wonderful. I took Family Dog II with her and she was so great at addressing the individual needs of each dog even though it was a group class. She is great at explaining things and has really good helpful hints and tricks for day to day issues. Great place for positive dog training (which in my opinion is the only way to train a dog!)

Wendy is hands down the best trainer I've ever worked with when I lived in the tri-valley. I took her puppy kindergarten class years ago, but I still remember how great her class was. She offers excellent positive reinforcement clicker training and practical techniques for problem resolution. Her golden retrievers were excellent "assistants." I've taken other "positive" reinforcement classes closer to where I live now, but nothing ever quite compared!

My husband and I adopted a fearful/timid dog from the humane society. We took Wendy's Family Dog class and I am currently taking the Agility for Fun class. Both classes have helped Abby to be more brave and successful. Wendy doesn't advocate using negative punishment, but instead uses positive reinforcement, clicker training, etc. Abby has responded in a positive way to the training and she is becoming less fearful. Next, I plan to take Wendy's Nose Work class and I think it will also be a great class.

Wendy is great instructor and very easy to work with. You and your dog will learn useful stuff that can be applied in real world situations. She teaches positive training which is a plus.

Wendy will teach you how to positively work with your dog, and love working with your dog. She just naturally gets to the root of an issue by observation and comes up with solutions. I have attended a variety of her classes with my own dogs, and also hired her for private instruction. I am a professional petsitter and I recommend her to my friends and clients who also have had dogs in her classes or have hired her privately. Leisa Pleasanton Petsitting

A year ago I found Wendy by reading online reviews and have to say that she is definitely the "dog whisperer"! We weren't as diligent in following all instructions or practicing between classes as much as we should of but her words of wisdom are still with us and we're very grateful that Wendy shared her training wisdom with us. Also the leash that hooks on our VERY ENERGETIC and STRONG Dog's chest was an invaluable tool which allowed us to enjoy walks with the dog!

We took our Australian Shepherd to Wendy when we first got her. The poor girl was scared of everything as she'd been locked in a garage for a year and then dumped at the shelter. She was rescued by NorCal Aussie Rescue and we adopted her from there. Wendy was wonderful with her and understood her issues. We received great direction on handling her problems and getting her socialized.

I would (and do) highly recommend anyone who gets a puppy or new dog to the household to take her puppy socialization class or family dog class. It'll make all the difference both to you and to your furry friends.

I recently completed the Family Dog I class with Wendy, and it was great. She is so knowledgeable, and it really shows - she brought her dogs to class and it was fascinating to see how well trained they were, yet very happy at the same time. Wendy focuses on positive reinforcement, which is exactly what I was looking for in a training instructor. All of the training guidance and tips were positive, and I didn't have to worry about hurting my dog like I would have with other trainers.

She spent time with each individual in the class and addressed behavior problems that the different dogs were facing - it was more than just a simple class about teaching the dog to sit. I would definitely take another class with Wendy. I learned a lot and the class definitely helped me bond more with my dog. I just wish she was closer to where I live!

Wendy has made us believers in the power of dog training! Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! And yes, you can train puppies! I had no idea! Wendy has made having dogs, even crazy puppies and untrained old dogs fun for us! I will never look at a dog the same way. We regularly attend her classes and each one always has new and fun things to learn. Wendy also volunteers with dog rescue and guide dog training! I think that is what makes her such a great trainer. she just loves dogs!