This is how dog training should be; based on love, trust and respect, not treats, devices and fear. See why Tenderfoot is better by nature. Three easy-to-learn drills that offer a lifetime of phenomenal results. For any dog and every issue. The Tenderfoot 3-Step is the missing link in dog training, a remarkable combination of behavior science, boundary setting and intuitive/interpretive communication. Whether through in-person, remote training or video streamed lessons, you will be absolutely amazed by the outcome.
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Since 1985, Doug and Elizabeth Simpson have made it their life's mission to help people live in harmony with their dogs. Their dog whisperer-like ability to understand the canine body, mind and spirit is translated into natural dog training unlike any other. If you want to tap into your dog's unique "dogonality" and truly communicate with them.
Every Tenderfoot trainer shares a strong dedication to always do right by the dogs and owners we serve, as well as a deep connection and commitment to dogs. One of the reasons I was attracted to Elizabeth was her deep compassion for all animals, and her strong desire to change how people interacted with them.
Tenderfoot 3-Step training echoes how animals teach each other in nature. Therefore, dogs learn the basics of the Tenderfoot 3-Step quickly-usually after 3-5 repetitions of each drill. Many folks get everything they need from just the first 2-hour session. They do the drills, practice, and their dog's behavior changes just as they hoped.
Tenderfoot Natural Dog Training is committed to their clients' success through all stages of your dog's development. It's important that all client questions are answered prior to, during, and after training. If you don't find answers to your questions, please contact us. Many years ago, we were introduced to natural horsemanship through Buck Brannaman, and our journey into natural animal training began.
Reviews (9)
Carol Turpin
Jun 26, 2022
I recently moved from a mountain community into Boulder. My 18 month old dog needed some help with "city manners." Elizabeth has been amazing at both training him and training me in how to get the best out of him. The videos have been an amazing support, also. I cannot recommend Tenderfoot Training enough! They are GREAT!
Peter Lynch
May 15, 2022
I know Elizabeth through my dog Albi's breed community's Facebook page. Though our initial cyberencounter featured a rather sharp disagreement over raw food, an approach to food with which I had become disillusioned after diving into it perhaps too enthusiastically, her subsequent comments have impressed me by her exercise of tact, her display of transparent wisdom, and her clear interest in occupying a balanced middle ground in debates in the training community, otherwise notably lacking in anything one would recognize as moderation.
She has strong opinions without being an ideologue, a mark of intelligence I respect. I asked if we could meet for lunch to discuss a breed communty issue, not knowing her husband Doug would be part of the conversation--a real bonus for me, and for Albi, with whom they both gave me a demonstration of their keenly attuned and highly intuitive working method.
They also offered some very perceptive observations on Albi and on our relationship, incisive and not entirely comfortable but delivered gently and with obviously constructive intent. In a couple of hours I learned a great deal about what I have been doing well, what not so well, and what equipment changes to make. We will be back for a formal--a non-sequitur given their easy informality--lesson later this summer.
I have worked with a couple of trainers from the Boulder area, one in particular who I came to see as an ideologue of the most confirmed and pernicious kind. I have seen in the senior leadership of my dog's breed group what can happen when experienced dog people become too convinced of their ideas and too remote from their dogs. Neither applies to Doug and Elizabeth.
They are enthusiasts, certainly, but trust me. It will take them thirty seconds with your dog to convince you of their extraordinary ability to communicate energetically with animals, commanding their attention without ever demanding it. They have a gift. They have honed it over time. You owe it to yourself and your dog to allow them to share it with the two of you. That sharing could change your lives.
She has strong opinions without being an ideologue, a mark of intelligence I respect. I asked if we could meet for lunch to discuss a breed communty issue, not knowing her husband Doug would be part of the conversation--a real bonus for me, and for Albi, with whom they both gave me a demonstration of their keenly attuned and highly intuitive working method.
They also offered some very perceptive observations on Albi and on our relationship, incisive and not entirely comfortable but delivered gently and with obviously constructive intent. In a couple of hours I learned a great deal about what I have been doing well, what not so well, and what equipment changes to make. We will be back for a formal--a non-sequitur given their easy informality--lesson later this summer.
I have worked with a couple of trainers from the Boulder area, one in particular who I came to see as an ideologue of the most confirmed and pernicious kind. I have seen in the senior leadership of my dog's breed group what can happen when experienced dog people become too convinced of their ideas and too remote from their dogs. Neither applies to Doug and Elizabeth.
They are enthusiasts, certainly, but trust me. It will take them thirty seconds with your dog to convince you of their extraordinary ability to communicate energetically with animals, commanding their attention without ever demanding it. They have a gift. They have honed it over time. You owe it to yourself and your dog to allow them to share it with the two of you. That sharing could change your lives.
Blair Diamond
May 14, 2022
Absolutely amazing! We took our rescue dog in after a week and Elizabeth had his number in 20 minutes. She was able to read him and give us personalized tips to help him be as successful as possible. She also trained us, which was the harder part! The documentation they provided us (handouts and videos) are also helpful to have as backup/reminders from the in-person training. Highly recommend if you truly want to build a healthy relationship with your animal.
Joe Zoller
Apr 15, 2022
After spending months trying to train our new 1 year old, high energy, poorly socialized border collie cross using Youtube advice, we got a recommendation for Tenderfoot Training from the dog park. We purchased both the set of videos and the in-person training from Doug, and both are amazing! The videos contain a lot of the information from the in-person training, more than enough to handle the training ourselves.
But the in-person training with Doug provided even more insight, and he was able to suggest methods for handling specific issues our dog was facing. It's incredibly gratifying to see our stubborn, lovable dog respond so well, just by a few simple changes in training. We still have a lot of work to do, but now feel like we have the tools to do it.
But the in-person training with Doug provided even more insight, and he was able to suggest methods for handling specific issues our dog was facing. It's incredibly gratifying to see our stubborn, lovable dog respond so well, just by a few simple changes in training. We still have a lot of work to do, but now feel like we have the tools to do it.
Lysa Burianek
Apr 08, 2022
I went to Doug and Elizabeth to work with my 3 year old dog who has had a lot of "treat and device" type training. I was never able to wean her from the treats and devices. I love this philosophy and my pup was learning so quickly on day 1! Tenderfoot methods are easy to fit into my every day life and I don't have to remember a special device or enough treats when I am working with her!
Anne Upczak-Garcia
Mar 20, 2022
We took our new puppy, Penelope, to work with Doug. She is a Golden Pyrenees and we were worried her eventual size would cause problems. We decided to work with her from an early age. The kids and I all went and were enamored with Doug's gentle ability to connect with Penelope and teach us how to as well. The tools he gave us have continued to help all of us communicate and made our lives stress free when it comes to having a very large and energetic dog. Thanks to Doug, we are able to work with her, talk with her and love each other in a very holistic way. Thank you so much! Doug is a true Dog Whisperer.
Persnickety Pet Grooming
Jan 12, 2022
As a professional in this industry for almost 2 decades, these are the ONLY trainers I will recommend, and I have come in contact with a lot of trainers. Doug & Elizabeth teach you how to communicate with your dogs. This skill is INVALUABLE & as a groomer! I always especially appreciate working with dogs who know how to communicate & are well behaved.
Adrienne Custode
Dec 16, 2021
I had 14.5 yrs with wonderful Yogi, my Aussie/Border cross because of Doug and Elizabeth. Yogi had a huge vocabulary and looked to me as his leader to guide his choices throughout his life. Now we have new challenges with China, a semi-feral and very insecure rescue out of AZ and we're confident that by re-watching the new videos and some back to basic lessons with Doug, we'll get her on the right track to have a successful life.
We couldn't be happier with this philosophy. Thanks for the productive lesson today and you'll see us in a few weeks for a follow up at your ranch, and hopefully we'll be well on our way to a happier and more secure little China girl.
We couldn't be happier with this philosophy. Thanks for the productive lesson today and you'll see us in a few weeks for a follow up at your ranch, and hopefully we'll be well on our way to a happier and more secure little China girl.
Amy Ippoliti
Aug 23, 2021
Tenderfoot Training is like a miracle! When we first started training our 15-week old puppy, Mocha he was already showing signs of being a "velcro dog", he had no understanding of a leash, would whimper to get out of his crate, and would only do things if we bribed him with a treat. In just two hours he was completely transformed! This was because Elizabeth helped us establish a RELATIONSHIP of trust, love, and mutual respect with our dog instead of depending on treats.
This has served as a foundation to build his skills, vocabulary, and training both at home and in a few follow up visits. Doug and Elizabeth have been so generous with their time, promptly answering questions in between visits and giving invaluable advice not only for Mocha but two other dogs in our extended family who've had equally excellent results.
We recently took Mocha to NYC and he crushed it on his first airplane trip (so calm in his carrier), walked all around the city with a loose leash, dealing w/ sirens and loud noises no problem, and everyone commented on what a calm, well mannered dog he was. He had zero potty accidents on the trip, and socialized with tons of dogs fearlessly even though he's only 4 lbs and used to be terrified of all dogs! We can't thank Tenderfoot enough for helping us make our loving little guy into a total rockstar!
This has served as a foundation to build his skills, vocabulary, and training both at home and in a few follow up visits. Doug and Elizabeth have been so generous with their time, promptly answering questions in between visits and giving invaluable advice not only for Mocha but two other dogs in our extended family who've had equally excellent results.
We recently took Mocha to NYC and he crushed it on his first airplane trip (so calm in his carrier), walked all around the city with a loose leash, dealing w/ sirens and loud noises no problem, and everyone commented on what a calm, well mannered dog he was. He had zero potty accidents on the trip, and socialized with tons of dogs fearlessly even though he's only 4 lbs and used to be terrified of all dogs! We can't thank Tenderfoot enough for helping us make our loving little guy into a total rockstar!
