Jules - First Puppy Training in 50 years!
Following the recent loss of my precious cockapoo Beethoven, I adopted my adorable mini Aussie-doodle puppy, Rube. I quickly came to realize with this new and amazingly smart puppy, that it had been almost 50 years since I had participated in any kind of formal dog training. After much internet research, it became clear to me that training methods had drastically changed over the years and that I needed a refresher or it was Rube who would be training me!
My research brought me to Deborah Rosen and Good Citizen Dog Training in Tacoma. I was looking for modern training programs such as Good Citizen Dog Training to enroll my Rube and myself in group classes, in part because I was shocked to read how so many people had rushed out to bring dogs into their shut-in lives because of the COVID Pandemic. Many of these dogs were also shut-in. Their lack of much needed exposure to the outside world created socialization and training problems in the dogs and local animal shelters and adoption agencies are now getting many dogs returned. Dogs of any age need socialization and training, but it is especially important during the puppy formative period. This is all to say why I am so glad to have found Good Citizen Dog Training.
Deborah has created an easy to navigate website for Good Citizen Dog Training with all the information you need to get started in her programs, but is also quick to respond to questions should you have them. Deborah’s classes are taught in a relaxed group or, if needed, a private environment where every dog (and human) gets personal instruction. I want my Rube to be able to travel with me, whether by plane, train or automobile, within the city, suburbia or the countryside in a safe enjoyable manner. After finishing Puppy Kindergarten class with Deborah and Good Citizen Dog Training, I can say with confidence that Rube is well on his way to being a well behaved and happy pup. And, I’m on my way to understanding modern dog training techniques and concepts. Thank you, Deborah! We will see you soon for the Intermediate Puppy Class!
Annie Thomas and Rube- Tacoma, WA
Mira - Our Pandemic Puppy!
This spring we decided to add a puppy to our household. In June we brought home our lovely little German Shepherd gal named Mira. Before we even got her home I knew we were going to need help training her. I have had dogs all my life, but never raised one from the ground up. I found Debroah and her Good CitiZEN training to be exactly what we needed. I was impressed that she was able to keep class sizes small and keep us outside during this crazy time. As someone with a background in early childhood education (but not early dog education) I found her explanations of the “why” behind the “what” we were learning to be particularly helpful.
Mira is now 4 months old and is able to sit, lay down, focus on my face, and so much more. She walks beautifully on a leash and is even learning to leave her geriatric cat sister alone (most of the time).. We recently went on a family camping trip with 2 other dogs, 5 kids under 5, and lots of food sitting around. Mira was able to interact with the kids and dogs, as well as leave them alone when directed. Not once did she try to get at the food on the tables or help herself to hotdogs in kids hands. When we were all playing a game that involved throwing sticks she was told once to “leave it” and then was content to watch the game with her own toy in her mouth (the other two dogs were losing their minds and had to be removed from the area). Without Deborah and her teaching, Mira would not be the happy, confident, mostly well behaved gal that she is. If you have a dog that you want to include in family fun and know they have the skills to behave, then Good CitiZEN Dog Training is the place you NEED to be.
- Christina & Cameron Moore, Tacoma, WA
Bandit! Not Your Average Golden Retriever
We have had many Golden Retrievers over the years, but our youngest one, Bandit, has been a real struggle to train. He’s very smart and very strong-willed. We were about to give up and return him to the breeder. Deborah was our second trainer, and she showed us a variety of new techniques to use with Bandit, and practiced them with us until all of us were doing the right things - she trains the people even more than the dogs! She worked with us at her home, in our home, and at different locations where Bandit could experience distractions while training, and it worked wonders. Bandit is much, much better behaved, and Deborah’s work is the reason why. You will not be disappointed if you go to her for training!
- Sue & Jim Cornwall, Gig Harbor, WA
Patience and Love for Sparky and Nate
I came across Good Citizen, and I cannot say enough good things about Deborah. She had me come in for a consultation where she spent about 2 hours with me showing me techniques and tricks that would aid in Sparky's training. The expertise and patience she showed not just with Sparky, but with me as well had me sold.
I am a disabled veteran who recently purchased a puppy with the goal of him eventually being my service dog. When Sparky was 5 months old I began looking for a "Board and Train" situation where he could learn the fundamentals. I called probably 15 different places looking for one that was affordable and would meet my needs. I talked with several trainers, and most of them seemed to lack the patience to help or were cost prohibitive.
Sparky spent three weeks with Deborah and came home a different dog. He was well behaved, a little more mellow, and had the fundamentals needed to continue with training. Deborah spent a few extra hours with me as well, training me how to work with him. I am grateful for her patience with me too, because I know I am difficult. Deborah continues to address all of my concerns as we continue training at Good Citizen. I can tell that Sparky has a real love for her, which tells me about her love for him as well.
If you are looking for a board and train program, I highly recommend Deborah and Good Citizen."
- Nathan O'Day, Federal Way, WA
Advanced Meet & Greet for Reactivity
Highly recommend the Good CitiZEN Dog Training’s Advanced Meet and Greet course! Our dog, Daryl, is a 2 year old, high energy, very excitable pitbull rescue and he gets overwhelmed in busy social situations. We went through Deborah’s class and learned so many good training tools that have allowed us to help Daryl feel more comfortable in these situations. Each class has many other types of dogs with varying levels of reactivity which was great exposure for Daryl. About 6 months after we went through the class the first time, we noticed he needed more intensive repetition to really get those skills to stick. We took the class a second time and we were able to get even more out of the class since we had set a good foundation in place. Daryl was so much more manageable during the second class so we really got to fine tune everything we learned. Now we can take him to places with a lot of people, other dogs, and feel confident that we can help him be his best. He certainly is a crowd pleaser and we get many compliments on his good behavior! Thanks Good CitiZEN Dog!
Kayla, Charlotte & Daryl (of course!)
Albus Dumbledog (Private and Group Training)
Deborah and her team have quickly become like family. Albus has spent time in Good Citizen Dog daycare and we have enrolled in both the Good Citizen Dog Puppy Kindergarten and Pupoy II classes. I could not be more impressed. Because of Deborah and her staff's training, Albus, at just over 6 months old, constantly receives compliments on how well behaved and trained he is. Because the instruction he (and I) have received, I'm able to have him join me throughout most of my work days, fulfilling a dream of having a constant companion, not just a "home" dog.
They are patient with questions, and make it their mission to set you up for success with recommendations for everything from collars, to toys, to food. You really feel like you are getting the expert shortcuts every step of the way.
As a fellow business owner, I appreciate the time and care that has been put into creating a holistic experience, intentionally engineered to support Albus's development. If you want the best training and the safest environment you could find for your 4-legged family member, look no further.
- Aaron Jacobs, and Albus Dumbledog, Tacoma WA
Kuma the Rescue Pom (Private Training)
I'm so glad that I picked up the phone and made the appointment to meet Deborah. She is an amazing trainer; very honest, nice and straight forward when it comes to training you and your dog on how to correct bad behaviors and achieve good ones. I appreciate her honesty and advice when it comes to how I can be a better dog Mom to my fur baby. Kuma has become a more well rounded dog because of how they get the dogs of all breeds and sizes to interact with each other in a peaceful and fun way. Since bringing Kuma there she has built up her confidence and she is now playing with big dogs which is something that terrified her before I brought her there. Good CitiZEN Dog is absolutely best!
- Nikki S. Loehmer and Kuma, Tacoma, WA
Private Training & Group Classes
I started out my puppy early around 8 weeks at a national chain pet store that charged $199 +tax for 6 sessions. My pup wasn't much better at listening or having any kind of focus or calmness to him. I sought out other trainers in the area. I decided on a home trainer that had decent reviews. I was HORRIFIED with what happened with my dog. I came to Good CitiZEN after the HORRIFIC experience with the other trainer that I felt had "broken" my 12 week old pup.
Costa is a Husky with a very stubborn mind. It's been such a blessing to have Good CitiZEN Dog Training work with him. In only 4 sessions it's like I have a new dog! I still have plenty of work to do with him, but I will do all of the work with Good CitiZEN. The training is ALL positive and Costa gets SO excited to come to his weekly trainings. I even signed him up for doggie daycare and found that after a day of fun, supervised play that my pup is more focused to work at home on his training. I HIGHLY recommend training and daycare at Good CitiZEN. Don't go anywhere else!! Good CitiZEN is such a VALUE that I can't believe the low cost for the "product" that you get. My pup LOVES going every week to training, is more focused and now from the training he and I've learned from the sessions, he finds his practice FUN! This is the place to go for training and daycare. Don't waste you money anywhere else!
- Stephanie Lewis and Costa
Private Training
I can’t say enough good things about Deborah, and Good Citizen Dog Training. My beautiful 10 month old Doberman puppy Sophie was into everything and out of control. One private lesson later and it was like I have had a new dog. Sophie and I both learned a ton of new tricks and great exercises to keep us both happy. Amazing results.
I am so impressed that we are signing up for the Pupppy II class and doggy day care. The programs offered by Good Citizen are well worth the investment, now I have a well behaved best friend. Thanks for all you guys do.
- Rebecca Hertzog, Sophie’s Mom, Port Orchard, WA.
Puppy Class
“Deborah helped us train our new puppy, Kato, when he was 10 weeks old. We went to every obedience class and he quickly became the dog we always wanted – attentive, happy and easy to train. When he began to show signs of resource guarding we knew that Good CitiZEN would be there to help. The Growly Class was truly superb and was not offered elsewhere. Kato learned to share his toys with other dogs and his guarding nature is under control. He is absolutely the best canine companion and we have Deborah and Good CitiZEN to thank.”
- Joe Barlow and Bethany Maines from Tacoma, WA.
