Why Should I Train My Dog?
Training is good for you and your dog. It creates a healthy relationship between dog and owner by establishing boundaries the dog can understand and by creating a form of communication that is clear to the dog. A dog that knows what is expected of him is more relaxed, confident and happy. And so is his owner!
How Do I Find a Trainer that Will Meet My Needs?
There are many ways to find a trainer. You may get a referral from your vet, people at dog parks, groomers, or staff at a shelter. You can also go to www.apdt.com which lists trainers in your area and provides information about their services. APDT is an extremely well recognized organization in the dog training industry.
There are many methods of training. Be sure to use the type of trainer you are comfortable with and believe will meet your goals. Check the trainer's education and references. Prices can vary. Ask so you won't be surprised by the bill. The trainer may have expectations for you too. Ask any questions you may have before you sign up for classes.
Are Private Classes Worth the Extra Money?
Well, I think so. If you have a well mannered puppy, a group class may be right for you, however there are many advantages to private training. Training in your home affords me the opportunity to know you, your family and your dog on a more personal level. And your dog will show me his true colors the minute I walk through the door! You will receive personalized attention. I have time for your story, your kids and your other pets. We can train together and make it fun. It's convenient for you, at your home, when you are available. I take appointments from 10-8, Monday-Saturday.
How Much Will This Cost?
My prices are listed with the available training programs on the Training Programs page. I offer a 10% discount to military, seniors and members of Angie's List. Payment is requested at our first meeting, however a schedule of payments can be discussed. I accept cash and checks. I think of training as an investment in the dog and any other dogs you may have in the future. Having more than one dog may affect the cost if there are different behaviors involved. If I need more time to help you, the cost will be adjusted accordingly on a per hour basis.
How Do I Know If You're Any Good?
You can call me and I will gladly supply you with references or you can check with any of the organizations listed on this website. You may also read reviews on Angie's List.
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Absolutely!
Testimonials:
"Maggie Marshall is the reason we love our dog so much! We started training with her from day 1. She literally came to the shelter and helped us choose the puppy that would become such a huge part of our family. She had our dog sitting and and following simple, helpful commands after her first visit with us. Her patience (with us AND the dog) is neverending, and she is a joy to work with. As a result of Maggie's hard work with Dyson, and her follow through with us, we can honestly say we have one of the very best dogs in JAX." -The Myers Family and Dyson, Jacksonville
"Maggie has been a blessing. I was at the end of my rope with my two year old dog Clancy when I contacted Maggie. I’ve had numerous trainers in the past for Clancy and hardly any of it had worked. I was hesitant at first about clicker training, especially after so many other methods had produced limited results or outright failed. I was pleasantly surprised that clicker training worked! But it wasn’t just the clicker training – it was Maggie’s comprehensive approach to dog training, ability to assess the situation, and provide solutions that turned Clancy around, and me too.
Maggie provided me with the insight, tools, and techniques to manage and resolve Clancy’s incessant barking, toy possessiveness, kitchen counter surfing, and leash pulling on walks. She has a keen insight into dog behavior and a common sense approach. I was particularly impressed that she was always available in between training sessions to talk about issues on the phone or via email. She also provided me with written step-by-step personalized instructions on how to deal with Clancy’s problems. Maggie always gave a lot of thought to why he was misbehaving and formulated solutions to correct them.
Using what Maggie has taught me, I see improvement every day with Clancy. It’s like a miracle has occurred. Everyone comments on what a different dog Clancy seems to be, and he is. And I am a different owner and it is all because of Maggie. Plus these positive changes all occurred with only a few lessons, not months and months of training. I’m not saying that Clancy is perfect but he is so much better and I can’t thank Maggie enough. Maggie is a super dog trainer!! "
-Michal Cox, Owner of Clancy, Fleming Island
"I met Maggie when she came to the shelter to work with our dogs as part of her trainer certification program. I am usually very skeptical when it comes to trainers, I have met too many who claim they use positive reinforcement only and then they incorporate physical punishment into their training regime. I have literally walked out of a class with my dog, when the trainer suggested to use a prong collar on another dog. So I observed Maggie when she started working with our dogs and I can assure you that she does not use any physical punishment. She also recognized immediately the specific problem a certain dog had, and knew how to effectively work with this dog. She achieved a difference in the behavior very quickly. She also made valuable suggestions to the kennel staff and our volunteer dog walkers how to deal with certain problems a specific dog had. I can highly recommend Maggie as a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement and I am very glad and excited that we have such a trainer in our area. And if the need arises, I would hire Maggie to work with one of my own dogs, or attend one of her classes without hesitation."
-Dagmar Lake, KennelSupervisor, Safe Animal Shelter
"Maggie volunteered at the Safe Animal Shelter as a requirement for her training certification program. She was punctual, professional and great with the dogs. She's decided to stay on as a volunteer and we're happy to have her!"
-Patti, Volunteer Coordinator at the Safe Animal Shelter
"I met Maggie in a park on Cape Cod when I was desperately searching for someone to keep my dog (Buckley) during the day while my husband was in and out of hospitals. Buckley also needed further training and socializing as he was very young. That day, I also met Maggie's children, who fell in love with Buckley and he seemed to be just as happy with them and also with their dog, Callie. So, we started dogsitting and it was a huge success. If I mentioned the name "Callie" to Buckley too soon before we were ready to leave, he would go crazy trying to get out the door. Buckley was so happy with Maggie and her family and was coming along so well with his training that I decided to make a gift of him to Maggie since I was allergic to him and shouldn't have had him anyway. After my husband died I gave Buckley to the Marshalls. I haven't regretted it at all. He is so loved and so well cared for by them. Maggie has done a great job with Buckley. You can trust your dog with Maggie for training and for loving!"
-Dorothy Harder, friend and former owner of Buckley
"It has been such a wonderful pleasure meeting Maggie and working with her at the Humane Society. I am so excited and thrilled that her business is booming. She is a proven talent! I knew from the first day I met Maggie, that she's GOT IT. " -Stacy Strickland, APDT, Dog Obedience Instructor and Consultant, Jacksonville Humane Society'Trainer.
