"After working with you at our home I realized how much a difference it makes to have personalized training in the same environment where the dogs live (rather than a class or even private lessons at a dog training school). You realized right away how each of their needs and personalities were a little different, and adjusted the training accordingly. You're unbelievably patient, and your method has been working. The dogs are calmer and seem to welcome the control that has been integrated into their lives. Plus we no longer have potty accidents all over the house! We are so happy we met you!"

 -- Joyce & Joe with Lucas and Inigo, Alexandria, VA

“Thanks for your help with our dog, Isis. While she is a sweet dog, she can be a little intimidating to our 4 and 6 year old kids. Our kids now know how deal with our excitable dog. The kids not only learned from you, they enjoyed it. We would highly recommend you to anyone having behavioral issues with their dog.”

         -- Greg, Alexandria, VA

"Hilary, Thanks for the reminder email! I hope the blurb I wrote is useful to you: I called Hilary because I was worried my newly-adopted Chihuahua had separation anxiety. After discussing it over the phone, she concluded the normal characteristics of separation anxiety were not present, but sensing my worry she did offer some tips on avoiding anxiety triggers and suggested hiding treats around the house when I leave. A week later, Hilary followed up on our progress. I’m happy to report that my dog is now doing fantastic and has taken really well to my home! In the end I think I was more anxious then my dog and Hilary helped me get through that so I could bond with my dog. Her expertise proved invaluable to me as did her incredible kindness, understanding, professionalism, and willingness to give me advice over the phone. She’s great!!"

 -- Monica & Lizzy, Alexandria, VA

"Hilary was great. She was able to train me and my husband in no time! We have been using the techniques that she shared with us for several weeks now and see such great improvements in our dogs, Bea and Vincent. Neither dog requires the use of a "gentle leader" or "halti" on their daily walks any more. No more going for our daily "drags" -- what a pleasure. Thanks Hilary! We will keep up the practice."

 -- Genni Sasnett, Washington, D.C.

“(My husband) and I both agree, you are the best thing to walk through our door. If we had not been present to observe your training with Annie, we would never have believed it. The way you worked with Annie to help her overcome her phobia of the leash was amazing! Gentle, painless guidance with positive reinforcement. Annie went from a very unhappy dog, almost paralyzed by the leash to a dog who walked through the house, out into the backyard, and around the house into the front yard - all in one with you. Annie has never been able to visit the front yard. Our family learned so much from you and are so appreciative of your help...

Is it possible that Annie knows what a good job she did yesterday, even hours after you left her? She seemed like a happier dog all around, very frisky and running full speed through the house with her new toy... Thank you again. (My grandson) said, “you transformed Annie into a new dog.”

    -- Angela, Accokeek, MD

"Hilary was fantastic! She taught me a lot of things including how to read my dog’s body language and also how my dog reads my body language. I didn’t realize I was adding to my dogs stress because I was anxious and stressed. I’ve been working with my dog and I’ve already seen measurable results."

 -- Elaine and Birdie, Arlington, VA

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"Hilary is wonderful. She is very knowledgeable and has great insight into what Pepper needs. Her encouragement and support is amazing, I don’t know what I would have done with out it. She gave Pepper and I hope and is helping us establish a solid relationship."

 -- Suzie, Woodbridge, VA

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"We have two Golden Retrievers that we’ve had to keep restricted to certain parts of our home because they were always harassing us for attention, nosing into our personal space and knocking down our two-year-old daughter. Hilary taught us how to have them respect our space and lie down quietly nearby. Now we will be able to include them more and invite them into our other family spaces with the other dogs. I think she did a fabulous job, and I’m extremely impressed!"

     -- Jennifer, Charleston, WV

"Hilary is more than just a dog trainer - she is truly committed to improving the owner-pet relationship. Ever since our first session, she’s always been available to offer pointers and answer, in detail, all of my questions. She even checks every now and then to make sure Barney and I are making progress. Her care and personal attention have made all the difference. With her advice, I feel much more confident as a ’pack leader’!"

 -- Amanda Alexandria, VA

"My husband and I have worked with other dog trainers in the past to help our rescue dog, Luna overcome her fears and aggressive behaviors, but working with Hilary was a completely different experience for us. Instead of simply focusing on teaching Luna commands, Hilary took the time to find out what the real issues were and then began showing us how to establish ourselves as Luna’s pack leader. By observing us in our everyday environment and in our normal routine, Hilary was able to pinpoint triggers for Luna’s behavior and then developed a method to modify Luna’s behavior through positive reinforcement. We’ve already noticed a significant difference in Luna’s behavior and feel much less stressed when taking Luna for walks."

     -- Lisa, Seth and Luna Alexandria, VA

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"I have worked with other dog trainers in the past, and didn’t always have the best experiences. I love the fact that Hilary has great people skills. Both my mother and I really enjoy working with her. We hired Hilary to introduce our dogs, both of whom are adult, male, large and aggressive, and will be moving into the same house. Hilary worked with each dog separately, and taught my mom and me how to project calm leadership, and keep the dogs focused on us. When it came time for the introduction, Hilary had both dogs -- both of whom usually lunge at any dog they see -- walking peacefully side-by-side. Thanks to Hilary, I am so much less stressed about our move to New York."

 -- Leigh Alexandria, VA

"Hilary was very positive. She made the task easy, fun and I saw immediate progress in Zollie. Her training style includes lots of patience and she was upbeat throughout. Her methods of owner-training were also gentle, tactful, subtle and fun. There was great information - I thought the fee more than reasonable - Zollie had a real ball."

     -- Frank and Zollie

"It has been wonderful having Hilary work with me and my dog Sailor. In one day with Hilary, Sailor and I changed our relationship completely. I began to understand why Sailor acts the way she does which gave me new insight into how her mind works, and how I can better interact with her."

"Hilary explained to me that because my dog stands at the door and plans to drag me out behind her, she believes that she is the leader and controller in our relationship. In ten minutes Hilary had re-trained my dog to wait for her command -- and later, my command -- to go through the door. By the end of the second session Hilary had my dog walking next to us, instead of attempting to drag me on our walks.

Hilary also taught me how to track scents with my coonhound, in order to fulfill her needs as a hunting breed. My dog is usually a ball of energy, but after two hours of tracking, she was completely tuckered out. She also seemed very satisfied, as though someone had finally recognized her true calling."

 -- Rosie and Sailor, Bethesda, MD

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