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September 2023 by Jamie Ewoldt
Expect no returned calls
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April 2023 by S Barfield
Donna is simply the best at her craft! She came highly recommended to us for a quality dog training experience. She is professional, communicates openly, and provides the dog owner with just as much training and constructive feedback as she does the dogs. I can't say enough positive things about Donna and her training style. Her facility is spacious and immaculate. Her home "follow-up" visits are helpful, and our dog absolutely loves her. We do too!
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April 2023 by Ray Chase
Donna is the best! If you want excellent results, this is the place. There aren't words for how much she cares about her clients & especially their dogs. You won't find better within 2 hour drive. Probably further. I just haven't looked past a hundred miles. But I doubt there are any better, maybe some as good, but, none better.
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March 2023 by Joanne Hansen
I was having trouble walking my dog because she kept pulling me. I need a walker to walk and I was afraid I would fall. Donna was very helpful and was able to teach us to walk safely .
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February 2023 by Barb Wells
I adopted a seven year old Yorkie mix male. I am his third owner. He has a history of abuse by his first owner’s SO. Reportedly, he was picked up in his crate and thrown on multiple occasions. He has a high level of anxiety and fear. All was great for about four months and then his true nature emerged. He became aggressive towards me and would bite me at times when he was afraid of sounds outside like the mailman, doorbell and knocking, loud vehicles, etc. There were also bites that originated from his need to be dominant over his territory. Donna taught me techniques to deal with his anxieties and fears. She also stressed the need for me to be the “leader”, the one that makes rules, sets limits and expects appropriate behavior. I learned to walk him, using the lead to control and communicate so that he knew which of us is “in charge”. I went to training expecting Amos to be the learner. As it turned out, I learned much more than he did. He is a happier dog and I a happy mom. I strongly recommend Donna if you are looking for a trainer. She is a patient and caring teacher.
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February 2023 by Tracy Fleck
Highly recommended. Donna is very knowledgeable and is great with the dogs but especially great at coaching the owners.
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February 2023 by Sam Keefe
My boyfriend and I brought our 4 year old female mixed breed, very fear reactive dog to Donna. Daisy (our dog) was very anxious and stressed (she would bark/ growl and lunge) when we would go on walks or when people would come into the house or even when she would see other dogs from a mile away. What a difference 6 classes has made in our dog!! She has the confidence to walk by people in a store or while on a walk and even when walking by other dogs she is minding her own business! Donna has been helpful even since our evaluation and gave us the confidence that there was hope for Daisy to have an easier doggy life as long as we were willing to put in the work! Daisy will never be the kind of dog that strangers (people or dogs) can easily approach, that’s just not the kind of dog she is, but with Donna’a help we have seen such a huge difference in Daisy’s temperament and gave us a new perspective on how to approach things with Daisy. We look forward to continue bringing Daisy (she loves working and she loves Donna!) and new puppies in the future! Donna, and everyone at Big River is amazing we’d recommend them to anyone! Thank you so much for giving us the tools to help Daisy!!!
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January 2023 by Mickey Stage Woods
When we first took our puppy there we were very nervous, and so was he! We walked in and it smelled so clean, they took us on a tour, showed where he would sleep, play, go outside, ect! ALL very nice! We dropped him off the first time and felt pretty good about it, while gone they posted pics of him on their website?. When we picked him up they said he was very good and made friends that had fun together!!! He was so worn out from all the play, it melted my heart! He has gone back a few times now and always had fun!!! Thanks for taking such good care of our Rizzo!!!?
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January 2023 by Jeff Wright
Donna is the best she thrives on training your dog plus training youShe was wonderful when she came to our house and even when our dog needed vaccines at the vet she was right thereDonna your the best
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January 2023 by Sandra Hanke
Very knowledgeable and she takes time to explain things clearly.
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January 2023 by Brenda Doty
Very helpful very patient and took the time to listen to me about my concerns
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January 2022 by Tia Desvignes
I met with Donna to discuss my young golden retriever's jumping and leash pulling problems. Donna was super helpful and informative on how to correct these issues. Tonight was the fifth of our sixth obedience class and I just have to say I am so grateful for everything that she has taught me and helped me teach my pup. Our lives are truly changed for the better. She has helped shape me into a better dog owner and my girl into a great dog. 10 out of 10 would recommend. The only thing some may view as a negative, is be ready for some criticism. She is not afraid to tell you when you are doing something wrong, and show you how to do it right. All very necessary for getting everything her training classes have to offer.
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January 2022 by Stephen Apolloni
Donna is top tier and cannot be recommended enough. Our introduction to her alone was worth the fee for training our pup. It is no exaggeration to say that we saw immediate improvement in his behavior, and levels of training and discipline. What’s more, the training goes beyond your pet; she trains the owner too, so that you can ensure the best possible life for your pooch. We are excited to continue training, and moving forward, we will only ever entrust our furry family member, Wellington, to Donna and her staff.
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January 2022 by Erik Feick
I had a stray coonhound that showed up on our property stay with Donna for a board and train. He was timid, a runner, afraid of strangers, everything. We had him for a year, and we're unable to get through to him. After the stay with Donna, and a month or so for us to know how to react, the dog since has done a complete 180. We are roughly two months out of Donna's training. He learned how to be a family dog, does almost always does what we ask. I've told many people that the money we spent was the best money I ever spent. I would not hesitate to recommend Donna and Big River. Canine to anyone. Thank you Donna!
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January 2022 by Amy McDanel
I called to get help with my dog. Right away Donna is very negative and rude. She said something about exscuses. My exscuse is I was deathly sick. I'm still recovering. I told her my dog pulls me. Sometimes I fall. She thought it was funny. Reason he can pull me is because I'm still very weak. REAL FUNNY DONNA. They way she acts, she doesn't have time for disabled people. Now on to find a trainer with compassion. I was warned about Donna. I should of listened but thats not me. Now I know the truth
