Dogmasf
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Training Pets Pet Services Dog Walkers Pet Training, Dog Walkers [Edit]
Mill Valley, CA 94941Serving Mill Valley and surrounding area
(415) 728-4285
Mike W. said: "I have know Lauren at Who Let the Dogs Out for about five years first as a dog trainer and in time as a friend. I worked with her and her dog Capone and was impressed immediately by her commitment to training specifically and care for…" read more »
33 reviews for Dogmasf
33 reviews in English
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Review from AnneMarie H.
Pacifica, CA
10/26/2010
DIANNE IS THE BEST!!!
I just finished my third private session with Dianne. I contacted her in August after getting two beautiful Labrador puppies. I decided to book her for three visits that we spaced out accordingly and I have never been happier with my decision or with my puppies. Dianne is simply the best!
Each session focused on a good balance between issues I wanted to work on with my pups and behavior development she thought would be important to initiate. We worked on classic concepts at first: name recognition, attention getting, sit, down and gaining focus from the dogs with distractions all around. Her simple, yet effective, pointers were beyond successful with our puppies. We had them laying down after just one command to do so at just 10 weeks old!!! She taught us the true importance of rewarding the dogs for even the slightest good behavior and she showed us how to pick up on those "good choices" from our puppies.
We worked with Dianne to get our dogs super comfortable with us touching them, checking out their ears, their teeth, brushing them, clipping their nails etc... Our puppies now love when we roll them around, get them on their back, or have them calmly sit with us.
Dianne also helped us master lease training, which has been particularly difficult for one of our amazing pups. She gave us excellent pointers and showed us to to guide our dogs in the best way during walks.
Dianne is so friendly and funny. She is just a lovable, kind, passionate, and---most importantly--- smart person. I always walked away from our meetings with TONS of new info on my dogs and their health.
I can't say enough about Dianne. If you have puppies, or want to work on understanding your dog, or change a certain behavior, Dianne is the one to contact. She'll change your way of thinking and the life of your wonderful doggy companion!!! -
Review from Melinda B.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2010
In just one visit, Dianne saved us and our pup from what could have been a very unhappy ending.
I grew up with dogs and thought I fully understood what I was getting into. We bought a lovely purebred miniature poodle(a breed I know well), and we were madly in love with him, but he had a horrible resource guarding problem that resulted in multiple puncture bites to myself and my partner. We were starting to become afraid of our dog, and had to seriously consider having him re-homed through our breeder.
In just one visit, Dianne taught us about how to train our dog, and she gave us a strict protocol and written instructions about how to work with him over the next few weeks and months.
We haven't had a single issue since, and that was nearly a month ago. I fully expected some kind of back sliding but it hasn't come yet. My dog loves me more than ever, I can see it in his eyes, and my partner and I can relax and enjoy him the way we always wanted.
Dianne is a pro; fast responder, smart, and your dog will love and trust her immediately. I wish there were six stars on yelp. Thanks Dianne.
Quick update on 10/17: We did have one serious backsliding issue, to be expected and this was post a very long absence. Dianne responded to our emailed pleas for help immediately--at night no less-- and helped us understand what went wrong and how to get on track. Again, can't say enough about how great she is. -
Review from Ms. Shari Z.
Boston, MA
3/9/2008
I heart Dogmasf. I heart Diane. She didn't discriminate against my small dog like SOME people. (yeah... you know who you are..haters!!!! my dog will bite your ankle socks right off)
My little rescue graduated from six weeks of training, and I must admit, she's much better now at some things than she was before. She sits, she stays, she waits. She leaves it.
Diane has a sense of humor - very much needed when you are surrounded by people yelling 'no!, sit! stay! Dammit!!' all evening long.
She's got tough love, she's fantastic. Take her classes at Pet Food Express on Market. -
Review from Ana D.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2007
I had so much fun in Dianne's small dog class. My dog not only learned the basics of good behavior, but also how to make doggy friends and let strangers pet her! (Luna was a rescue dog from Grateful Dogs Rescue who fostered her when the SPCA wouldn't take her because of her shyness. So she has really come along way!) Dianne also provided me with a lot of insight into dog behaviors and socializing.
Thanks Dianne! -
Review from batman s.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2009
DIANNE of DOGMASF....TOTALLY ROCKS!!!!
I have found Dianne to be totally helpful, extremely compassionate, and an excellent and very skilled dog trainer.
She knows dogs!
My dog just finished her 6 week basic class, and my dog and I have also had a private session with her. She listens, she understands, and she helps you find an effective way to teach/train your dog, that works best for your dog and ultimately for you!
Dianne loves dogs! The dogs know it and pick up on it, and feel completely comfortable with her.
Not only my dog, but I witnessed this from the other dogs in the class as well.
Dianne wants you and your dog to succeed and have a happy and harmonious life together!
I am glad I found Dianne, and I would highly recommend her to anyone! -
Review from may s.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2010
Dianne is AWESOME!
i have a puppy who started displaying some resource guarding and who is also super hyperactive whenever people come over or just all the time.
dianne is the only one who responded and actually i am sooo glad that no one else did because i love her. before accepting my puppy as a client she asked me a ton of questions to make sure we were a good fit and to be certain she had the time to give all her attention to helping us out. she even stated from the start that if she couldnt provide me with the assistance i needed, she would refer me to people she trusted.
before our first meeting, many many exchanges were made via email which was great because i could really see that dianne was trying to understand my situation and really putting in the work to come up with a game plan that is appropriate for me.
i've had two meetings so far with dianne and it's been great. i see how good she is with my puppy and she makes it really easy for me to know what to look for and what to expect from my puppy. she even writes up notes for me to follow, just in case i forget what she tells me during our sessions. there's been definite progress and i'm learning what i've been doing wrong or right and moving forward. dianne is very encouraging and also realistic in her approach. i have a herding dog and a hypersensitive/hyperactive one apparently, so she's teaching me ways to deal with him that are working!
she's great! and she comes to my home for the training which makes more sense because that's when my puppy gets the craziest. and her fees are reasonable too! -
Review from Kristin L.
Nashville, TN
Updated - 4/23/2011
We did a second course with Dianne this spring, the Teen Spirit class, as we started going through those rebellious puppy "teenage" months, and it was just as awesome as the first round. We hope Dianne has another course we can attend with our puppy, as she (and her whole canine brigade) are just so much fun. We so looked forward to going to class each week and miss it and our fellow pet owners and doggie classmates.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2010
I enrolled in Dianne's Beginner Puppy class after reading the Yelp reviews. Originally, I was going… Read more »
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Review from Lulu W.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2010
I contacted Dianne about getting some help for my leash-aggressive and small animal-aggressive dog.
When I first wrote her, she said she isn't currently taking anymore clients (because she likes to be able to give enough attention to all her clients). I was bummed but I just left it at that. What can you do if everyone else has snatched up the awesome trainer?
So I continue looking, and one day get an e-mail from Dianne. She said even though she still isn't taking clients, she wanted to see how my dog was doing and whether we found a trainer. I was sooooo surprised and touched! This is a trainer that really cares about dogs, not about business! To have a trainer take time to write to a person who she can't take on as a client, shows how much she cares about dogs.
She gave me some awesome advice and a few referrals, and wished me luck in my hunt for a trainer.
Gosh, I wish she was accepting clients!!!!! -
Review from emily m.
Brooklyn, NY
3/9/2009
Dianne is awesome. She has worked wonders for us on how to handle our territorial aggressive doggie. We were worried to tears about our dog's behavior, yet after one session with Dianne, we had the tools to carry forward. On our follow up session with Dianne she noticed great improvement, as had we, and used the time efficiently to work on other issues and potential issues that may come up. Now we know what to do in about every scary situation(for our doggie) and things keep getting better.
We also have had great referrals for dog walkers and dog sitters from Dianne who also have tons of respect for her.
Thanks Dianne!!! -
Review from kevin b.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2009
If I could give 10 stars, I would.
Dianne is great. Make that Great with a capital G. My Cavalier "Shane" has learned so much and what is more important is that I have learned how to train him. The class was so much fun!! -
Review from Mimi T.
3/4/2008 2 photos
I adopted my Nacho about a year ago (through Rocket Dog Rescue). It was the best decision ever but along came with lots of responsibilities. It turned out my incredibly handsome buddy had some behavior issues...which may have attributed to him being given up twice to the pound ( boo :-(
For the most part Nacho is a sweet dog..but he does exhibit aggression toward other dogs at times..I've done lots of researching and training, but with no success with his aggression issues. Finally, I decided to bring in the big dog--a trainer.
I found Diane of Dogma on Craigslist. She first suggested that I enroll Nacho in the SPCA's Growly class.. but due to scheduling conflicts...we decided on a private session.
During my first consultation session, Diane took copius notes (which she later typed up along with corresponding recommendations). Upon meeting Nacho she provided some tips which were extremely helpful. After session two I definitely saw improvements!! I wish I had known about Dogma sooner! Nacho and I still have lots of work ahead of us but we are both super grateful to Diane for giving us the tools! -
Review from Annaliese F.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2010
Dianne is a great trainer. We took her Beginner Puppy class and it saved my relationship with my puppy. When we started, I was on the edge of taking the dog back to the rescue organization. I was overwhelmed and could not get the pup to do anything I needed.
But after a few lessons, he's so much better behaved. He is almost completely house trained, does all the standard behaviors (sit, stay, down, etc.) and has stopped jumping up on everyone when he greets them.
Having grown up with dogs, I thought I understood what I was getting in to. But raising a dog in the 'burbs with a large yard is very different than in a small apartment in SF. After Dianne's class I know my little bundle of joy and I have a happy future.
I will be continuing to take classes with Dianne as my puppy grows and needs more training. I can't recommend her highly enough. -
Review from Josie M.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2008
long overdue review for dianne due to a flare up from carpel tunnel.
diane came over to my house for a consultation with my maltese zeus. it was actually pretty fun and we learned alot. she has a good energy and our dog loved her (as did we.)
she spent alot of time with us (almost 1 1/2 hours) for the same price and taught us a few tricks to use for his bad behavior. this gal clearly loves animals and it shows. i plan to enroll zeus in her classes as soon as he gets updated on his shots.
thanks diane! -
Review from Amy C.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2007
I cannot rave enough about Dianne at Dogma and her doggie training classes.
We have two shy+unruly puppies who now are total social butterflies with a ton of confidence. They actually sit, come, heel, etc now and they totally mind! She does small 6-week classes as well as drop in classes for all different behavioral and training issues. The classes are held in a nice open room at Pet Food Express on Market. Her web-site is a great resource with a ton of cute pictures of Dianne with her dogs.
She's totally trained, licensed and the best teacher we've ever met.
Our boys had graduation last night--and we can't wait to sign them up for more. Thanks Dianne!Listed in: Help! My puppies are taking…
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Review from p z.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
I wish I could give 6 stars. Dianne is enthusiastic, genuine, and really sensitive to each dogs individual needs. I have 2 rescue dogs that were very timid around strangers and she's helped so much. She doesn't try to delude you into thinking there is an overnight cureall, but she'll put you on the right track. After sticking with her advice for only a few weeks and I could already see improvement.
I have had a series of private sessions and attended some of her obedience classes at the SPCA. I highly recommend her. All the other trainers I talked to seemed pretentious and a pain to be around. I actually look forward to our sessions together, if only because its nice hanging around someone who loves dogs as much as i do. -
Review from Larry C.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
I have found Dianne @ DogmaSF to be both professional and helpful.
When I needed the advice of a dog trainer with experience of fearful and anxious dogs I used personal references from the dog community and he SF SPCA website to locate such people.
While I contacted several via e-mail Dianne was the only one to respond
in any way, and she did so quickly and with the information I needed.
She accommodated our schedule and visited us later that week.
Her insights into our dogs behavioral problems were insightful and her
advice helpful.
I would personally recommend her to anyone with dogs who need
training or assistance with anxiety. I cannot understand why anyone
would have a negative experience with her, and I suspect since there
are no details of her alleged transgressions posted in that review,
that the reviewer herself is acting out of spite rather than in the spirit
of an effective review. -
Review from Betty S.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN DIANE AND DOGMA!!!
We recently finished our basic class with Dogma. And, I say WE, because Diane was effective in training both ME and MY PUPPY. Diane has an incredible way with Dogs. It amazed me how she could have dogs of differing ages, sizes and temperament...all in one class...to great effect. WE learned so much. Diane gave both me and my beloved Serenity great confidence. And, we are looking forward to more classes. Thank You Diane! -
Review from anne s.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
Diane at Dogma has been a savior to me and my beloved boy Buddy. When I first adopted my pit -bull 5 years ago, not being a "dog person" at all, I was lucky to find Diane through the referral of a friend. She has been so amazing with Buddy, caring and loving him as much as I do...which is saying alot. Buddy goes to "school" with Diane 5 days a week and he loves every minute of it. She has helped me immensely with any behavioral issue he has had. I can run by health issues and she has always steered me in the right direction. Little did I know when I hired a "dog walker" that I actually got a dog whisperer...and one who cherishes my sweet boy. I highly recommend Diane to anyone who truly cares about training their dog properly. Thanks again Diane for everything!!
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Review from Peter K.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
Dianne is a terrific dog trainer. My 1-year-old lab was basically unsocialized and pretty much a maniac when we began basic training with Dianne. Six weeks later he had learned basic commands and was much calmer around other dogs. I was so pleased that we re-upped and took Dianne's Fine Tuning (intermediate) class as well, and my mischievous lab continued to make progress. No, he's not an angel (he's a lab, after all!), but he's come a long way thanks to Dianne's skillful, patient training.
Dianne is a creative trainer who takes the time to get to know each dog and come up with solutions that work. And I really like the fact that she practices rewards-based training -- rather than pain and punishment. She is passionate about what she does, and it shows. She has great rapport with all types of dogs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to any dog owner. -
Review from Leslie M.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
I'm a clinical Psychologist. And you would think I would Know a little sumptin about dog behavior. But when I adopted LuLu a rescue Boston with Seperation Anxiety I realized I knew nothing and needed a Pro especially after she ate through my leather couch and wooden banister.
I came across Dianne by accident by signing up for the next SPCA class and she was our teacher. She was amazing and I hired her after the class for private lessons. She bends over backwards for LuLu and can read a troubled dog as well as I can read people. She sees their behavior coming a minute before the dog themselves know they are going to do it.
Now LuLu and I can live in harmony and I have a well trained dog that will be an important part of my family for the rest of her life!
Thankyou Dianne! -
Review from Larry W.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
Dianne has been walking my dog for over 5 years and she is a superstar! I have a large dog who gets solo walked everyday by Dianne. My dog absolutely loves her. On the odd occasion when I am home when she comes to get him he goes absolutely nuts which gives me the peace of mind that he is well taken care of. I can also cite numerous instances of her going far over and above of what would be required of her (e.g. driving my dog across the city to his vet because he was not feeling well more than once and spending a lot of time talking with me about behavioral issues). I travel frequently for work and she has been incredibly flexible with respect to when she walks my dog, including odd hours of the morning and night. I could not imagine going to anyone else for help with my dog.
My only reservation is publicizing how awesome she is would be that she suddenly gets a giant influx of business (that she deserves) and I cant call on her at all hours to go get my mutt because she is too busy. haha.
I recommend her without reservation. -
Review from Laura M.
Sausalito, CA
7/18/2010
I recently moved to San Francisco in March 2010 to start a brand new job. I lived in temporary housing in Potrero Hill close to work, but there was no way i was going to be able to get away to take my dog out. I searched high and low, talked to many different dog walkers and was very disappointed until I met Alex and Dianne. They were professional, advised me on how they would handle the walks, and worked with me to set up a daily schedule. They went out of their way to welcome me and my dog to San Francisco. I would still be using Alex's service if I didn't move to the North Bay for my permanent housing situation. "We miss U Alex"!!! Call them today if you want someone to treat your dog like a member of the family.
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Review from mazzy r.
Los Angeles, CA
3/3/2009
We have been thrilled with Dianne's dog training services. We have a very young, hyperactive Weimaraner, and we tried using Sirius dog training class, which we found disappointing. We needed one on one, individualized training with someone who understands the Weimaraner breed, and we were really lucky to find Dianne. She's been great. She's not preachy or judgmental about the dog's behavior - she simply provides very thoughtful tips and suggestions on how to shape our dog into a better, more managable dog. We're also expecting a baby and Dianne has worked with us on walking the dog next to the stroller and taught us a number of really valuable skills on how to introduce the dog to the baby. We're continuing our services with her every week, and we highly recommend her services.
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Review from Jenee G.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2009
Forget Cesar Milan, Dianne readily kicks his butt! She honed right in on what is up with my misbehavin' dog, and put him in his place. I especially appreciate how supportive she is of me as I learn how to elicit and reinforce new, better behaviors for my canine pal, as it can sometimes be difficult and frustrating. Dianne is mindful of follow up, and keeps in touch, offering additional suggestions and written, detailed notes about what was discussed in our lesson. Her pricing is also fair and she is flexible - she's not watching the clock and shutting us down precisely at the end of the hour. LOVE her!
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Review from Edward S.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2010
I can't say enough good things about Alex and Dianne. They've been taking care of my black lab Peja for almost a year now. My dog has a bit of fear aggression and has been to a behaviorist a few times. She's a great dog, but really needs structure to keep her happy and Alex has given her just that and a lot more. I spent 2 weeks searching and interviewing people to take care and walk peja when I moved to the city, but I pretty much knew I found the right one when I spoke to Alex and Dianne. To be fair, it was really Dianne and Alex interviewing peja and I instead. I've worked pretty long hours since then and occasionally travel for long periods for work. As much as I hate leaving Peja, knowing that Alex and Dianne are there for her really keeps me at peace. I can't thank them enough.
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Review from Texxxas S.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2008
totally enjoyed our weekly classes with diane.
my dog, colt, was the youngest pup in the class (8 mos.)
but she knew just how to get and keep his attention
and taught me and my boyfriend how to do the same.
(actually, DOGMA SF should be under a "people training" category.)
she obviously loves dogs and is really good at what she does.
we'll continue to work with colt using the techniques learned at DOGMA.
and once we see that all three of us are getting the basics down,
and committed to working together we'd go back for more classes.
THANKS DIANE!!!! xoxoxo -
Review from Julie J.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
Dianne has been with my 2 dogs for 8 years and I cannot say enough about her amazing professional service. Her dedication to dogs is unparalleled. She is truly the dog whisperer. She has an amazing instinct about dog behavior and training. Patient and kind. Her honesty and candor is what keeps it real. She tells it like it is and you will be thankful for it. Dianne was there at our house waiting when we brought our newly adopted daughter home. She was with our big silly Lab to insure that our dogs memory of our daughter coming home was full love affection and TREATS! Its been that way ever since. I will never forget that day as long as I live and how much Dianne was a part of it. If you really want your dog to have the best tools to succeed in being a well behaved , happy and loving companion then Diane is the gal to see!
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Review from Pennster T.
San Mateo, CA
8/3/2010
I'll keep it short. All the other Yelpers were right, Dianne with DogmaSF is simply the best! She loves her job and the dogs she works with and you can tell! She has a silly and fun personality which makes working with her such a joy.
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Review from Jen K.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
Dianne has been the most amazing friend to our family! Our 11 year old golden retriever has been going out with Dianne's playgroup for 3 years, and she has kept him active, socialized and playful. In addition, she provides great advice in terms of care, training, etc. She is the best!!!
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Review from Joyce L.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2009
We were desperate for someone to help with our new rescued dachshund who wanted to kill every other animal it saw, including our 2 dogs and cat. She really gave us hope and skills, especially the parts about learning to read your dog. It gave us freedom to improvise as we saw him improve. She has been with us for each important step. We liked that she has enough confidence in herself to refer us to the SPCA growly dog classes for tips and exposure to other dogs. It only took 3 weeks for our Sonny to fall in love with his other canine companions and today he accepted our best friends dogs into his house-no sweat (she was here to guide us). We still have leash and offleash work but we know it will be a success. Her email contact and help is just as awesome as the in person training. Desperate, we engaged her without even asking what it would cost--and were shocked at how reasonable it was.
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Review from Stephanie L.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2009
Dianne is truly amazing. I met Dianne about 2 1/2 years ago through a beginning dog training class at the SPCA. I had adopted Finley, an australian cattle dog, a few weeks before when her first owner (my best friend) passed away unexpectedly. Finley and I were both a mess from the loss and Dianne truly took us both under her wing. Finley fell in love with Dianne (and Dianne's dogs) from the first moment they met and Dianne helped me gain confidence and skills that I could take care of Finley and help her have a good life with me. Dianne was patient, kind, encouraging and loving in her work with us. We continued to work with her both at the SPCA for agility and weekly at DogmaSF classes. Finley came to me with almost no training and absolutely no recall. Now she can safely play at dog parks without me being afraid she'll run away and she's even been out with Dianne's dog group at Fort Funston many times and done well. Finley has all her basic manners down and even a few tricks learned. She came to me a very scared, timid dog who spooked easily and is now happy and confident. Dianne taught me how to teach Finley and how to read her needs and has been there for us many times in the last few years when I have questions about Finley's behavior or even her general health care. Dianne is a wealth of knowledge and she is happy to share it. Finley and I met her at a really difficult time in both of our lives and I believe Finley wouldn't have made such a wonderful adjustment to live in a big city (she came from Wyoming) and I wouldn't have had any idea how to make sure she was challenged and how to best meet her needs. She has always gone above and beyond with her training, answering my many questions and reassuring me when i'm not sure what to do. She is Finley's guardian angel and we can't say enough good things about her. If you want a trainer who will take the time to understand both what your dog needs and what you need as a student, you can't go wrong with Dianne - she's the best.
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Review from Edward B.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2009
I met Dianne 3 years ago when we adopted our poodle, Borrego from the SPCA. We took the basic dog training class with her that is sponsored by the SPCA, which has dogs with all kinds of mental issues based on their history of abuse, abandonment, etc. that Dianne was able to deal with in a very effective and loving manner. It is always based on reward and love and not pain or abuse. In fact, our experience was so great that we asked Dianne to let us know if there were any other poodles available in the future as a companion ot Borrego. Within 6 months, she found a little female poodle mix, Lucy, for us who had a lot of fear issues. Once again I took er to Dianne's basic course and she helped Lucy overcome a lot of her inherent fears, especially of men. i cannot say enough good thigns about her, especially since her own (3) dogs are rescued and had horrible lives until Dianne took them under her wings!
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Review from Kelly D.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
Dianne has cared for my 7-year old golden retriever since he was 12 weeks old. If yelp offered 100 stars rather than 5, she would get 100 from me. She is that good. My dog is a very gentle guy, with separation anxiety and a high need for gentle human interaction. When Dianne comes to pick him up for his dogma walks he runs to the door to greet her. If he sees her on the street when we are walking, he goes crazy for her. I have left him in Dianne's care overnight on many, many occasions and she is one of the few people I know that I would trust completely with him. She has also taught him fun tricks and made him more confident around other dogs. I have recommended Dianne as a trainer to friends with fearful dogs or new puppies, and everyone has raved about her. I can not imagine why anyone would yelp negatively about her unless they were being intentionally malicious or were yelping about the wrong person. Dogma rocks.
