Dogs101 Dog Training Tucson AZ

Testimonials from Clients

I want to take this time to thank Al for his help with my pup, Romi. Romi was a year old German Shepherd Dog (GSD) that I rescued from "doggie jail" (the pound) while I was exiled to Kingman, AZ. I had no idea about what kind of life he had prior, just that he was skinny as a rail. I can only imagine it wasn't the best of lives. I took him out of his cell to play with him for a little while, to see if he wanted to come home with me. It was an instant bond. I could tell right away that he was playful and friendly and full of love. I took him home that day! Well, being the proud new dad of a GSD puppy, I ran right over, with Romi in tow, to my friend's house, and that is where I was introduced to "The Rominator", his other, less than friendly side. Wow! two dogs in one!

My exile ended and I returned to Tucson with the Shedder (he must shed 2x his body weight in fur each day!) and stayed at my folks' house while I looked for a place for us to live. For the two weeks we were at the folks', he would not allow them to go into their own back yard, it had become his. I knew I needed to do something if I was ever to have a social life...

I scraped together enough money to enroll the beast into doggie school at a local Petco. The class was held in the right front part of the store, and we had to listen from the back left. I was told to try and take him to dog parks to get him used to other dogs... yeah, right. We went, but as soon as he saw another dog, it was much barking and gnashing of teeth.

At the end of the class, I found out the teacher, Al, did training on his own, and he was just contracted by Petco. So, I talked to him, and told him that I was trying everything he said, with zero luck, and I needed him to help, if he could. We worked out a more than fair price, and I scraped together the cash, and off we went...

We met with Al, I think two or three times a week, for about seven weeks. At the end of the first week, we were walking side by side with another dog (one of his), and the second week, we were walking up and down the sidewalk of Park Mall (I guess its Park Place now, huh?) and by the third week we were inside the dog park playing his favorite game of, "Throw Me the Ball, and I Will Catch it, Then You Chase Me Around". (I later learned a new game of "Two Ball Fetch")

Anyway, short story made long, Al did for me and Romi more in the first few weeks than I could do in a year!

-Jim Davis

We'd like to thank Al for his help with the training of our beloved German Shepherd Baron. We brought Baron home from the breeder at 9 weeks old and since we wanted him to be a good citizen, we enrolled him in a Puppy Manners class at PetsMart which he was able to begin once he was 12 weeks old.

Baron did well with the training in class (due to a great trainer!) but he was spooked by many of the bigger dogs that he encountered going into PetsMart. As a result, he would be hyped up and display aggressiveness at times to some of the other puppies in his class. We were not daunted, but had to really keep our distance from the other pups at times as we went through the training. In the end, only Baron and 2 other pups actually graduated from the class.

We knew after seeing how intelligent and willing to please Baron was that he was capable of anything with the proper training. We wanted to pursue more advanced obedience training but definitely not in the same atmosphere as his puppy training had been.

By this time, after many discussions with family and doctors, it was decided that Baron could be the key to helping me overcome two problems that have plagued my life for several years. One is called agoraphobia, which is basically a fear of leaving the house and going into certain situations out of fear I'll have a panic attack. It has been debilitating and kept me home for nearly 3 years now unable to do even the most common things such as go to the store or attend social functions. The second is an inability to carry heavy items due to arm/hand injuries I suffered nearly a decade ago.

So it was decided that if we could find the right trainer to help me train Baron, he could eventually become a service dog for me.

After making inquiries, we were referred to Al and Dog Gone Good Dog Training. We had an intial consultation that included Al checking Baron for traits of aggressiveness (which he didn't find) and to get an idea of the level of training he had gained as a puppy.

We agreed to begin formal training with Al once Baron turned five months old. Our experience has been amazing. Al's ability to not only train Baron but to train ME has been wonderful. Baron and I have both gained confidence and abilities beyond our wildest hopes.

Baron's level of obedience and training has enabled him to be my constant companion. We have had more compliments that I can even say on how well behaved he is. He is my constant source of strength in many ways and I have to thank Al for understanding my needs as well as Baron's and making the training suitable for both of us.

~Jean & Chris Ilderton

Photo of Baron:

Baron

March 17, 2005

Dear Al,

Thank you for your expert assistance in canine education. I had never participated in an education program for any of my dogs. I learned that a program such as the one you provided is essential for a happy and healthy relationship with my beautiful lab, Raven.

You helped me as well as Raven. I learned what I needed to expect from her. You provided me with the necessary information and assistance in teaching Raven the useful commands. Your gentle, persistent teaching methods and the positive reinforcement of training proved that it is possible to have a high level of discipline in a dog and still have the love of a treasured pet. We both thank you and look forward to a long and loving relationship.

Sincerely,
Ruth A Shores

Photos of Raven:

We had a fabulous experience, training our dog Lily with Al Rossomando. He offered tailored instruction, matching our unique situation. We feel an immense increase in confidence that our dog can act in safe and appropriate ways in a variety of realistic settings. Thank-you Al!

Cris & Cyndi

Photos of Lily:

Al has trained my four year old since she was a puppy. Aside from his great training methods, I love that Al has studied developmental stages of growth in a dog. With this knowledge he can decipher why my dog is behaving as she is. Then his remedy fits the underlying cause - not just the outward behavior.

We Love AL !

Photo of Mia

June 2005

Al,

We can't thank you enough for taking Lilly's case and transforming her into the little girl everyone now loves. After our experience with the "cookie cutter" training centers we discovered their training only reinforced Lilly's social problems and bad behaviors. Your dedication, expertise, and training techniques have made a world of difference in Lilly's life and in ours.

Sincerely,

Gordy and Barbara Goetzman

Lilly

June 17, 2005

Dear Al,

Thanks for helping us learn to train Rusty. I really appreciate your professionalism and knowledge.

His training will make a more pleasurable experience for us all.

Thanks again,

Mary J Propst