“WONDERFUL is the word that comes to mind when I think of Don. He has a true calling for helping dogs with behavioral issues come together and come out of their shell. He brings dogs together that perhaps would never be able to co-mingle without his help. My older dog Sadie is a rescue and even 8 years later still is very unsure about other dogs, and my younger dog Pepper barks non stop around other dogs. Yet, somehow, some way, Don has helped them be brave and feel comfortable around other pups; Something I have never been able to do myself. Thanks Don!!”
— Elisa T.
Dec 10, 2020
“About a year ago, my partner & I were at wit's end with trying to find the right mix of training and socialization to help us & Albert. We spent more than a year with different trainers & tools and had mixed experience with dog daycare. Albert is a rescue dog with some challenging behaviors and is a ball of energy.
Luckily, it was at this time that Don started his business. Don's calm and direct manner with Albert and the training he provided had an immediate effect. With short, pointed training suggestions based on his observations and the concerns we shared, our relationship with Albert began to improve. The continual feedback and interaction assures us that Albert's health & success are as important to Don as to us.
Don is reliable and flexible and always in communication with us. We've had schedules change short notice and Don has worked with us to make certain Albert was cared for until we could get together. We've asked for extra days and whenever possible he has made room for Albert. It is evident that Don sincerely cares for his pals and works hard to keep them all safe and prepared for the challenges of the human world. Because Don is part of Albert's life we have a peace of mind that a year ago I could not have imagined. We now have more tools to build on Albert's training, Not just the tools he has given Albert, but the tools we have gained through working with Don.
We enjoy seeing the videos showing the pack work and play together and demonstrate all they have learned. I don't know how he does it but he seems to be able to get every one of them to relax and smile for the camera..”
— Sharon F.
Nov 12, 2021
“In order for anyone to understand exactly what Don has done for Freddy but most importantly my family I need to give a long story on how it all began.
In August of 2017 I had just bought my own home and was living alone with my small Pomeranian dog, Gia. I was going through a lot of things and was scared of being alone all the time. I decided to attend the pet expo at the convention center and that is where I met Freddy. I was nervous bc he was a bigger dog than Gia and I didn't know how they would get along. The rescue agreed to bring him over to interact with Gia and see how it went, they however didn't tell me they were just going to leave him with me and no one ever checked on me to see how it went and if it is a good fit. I felt cornered into taking a dog that I wasn't sure was a great fit for our home. After a couple weeks I was in love with him, unaware of his personality and what he had gone through previously. I was later informed he was chained to a tree and emaciated when he was found (probably being trained as a fight dog but ended up being too small). He ended up having horrible anxiety issues and eventually had aggression towards other dogs. I took him to EVERY training program I could. He saw an animal behaviorist who basically told me it was in his personality and to keep him away from other dogs. He eventually ended up getting into a fight with my little dog causing her to lose an eye. During this time I was looking at returning him to the rescue but they never got back to me. More training ensued and eventually my dog went and stayed with my parents (they live next door, she went there herself to visit one day and refused to come home) it was for the best.
Two years after getting Freddy and working on everything I thought he was doing better. I started dating my current fiance who has a daughter. All of the changes in our life stressed him out and he reverted back to his bad behaviors. Eventually, snapping at a child. That was the last straw and I was ready to drop him off at a rescue. My vet at the time said they had this happen a lot in dogs that came from his situation and recommended a trainer who worked with police dogs. His training was intensive and excluded Freddy from everything and everyone. He was to be kept in a kennel downstairs away from any foot traffic and only to come out every hour and a half for 15 minute increments to do specific training and then he was put back down there. This training was NOT working for our lifestyle or for Freddy. He was more over reactive than before, we were hardly able to leave the house. I was just as anxious with this training as I was with not having any.
Sometime in January 2021 I was at my doctor's and she asked how I was and I started crying that my dog was impossible and I had spent thousands of dollars on trainers for Freddy, none of which helped. She proceeded to tell me about her dog walker who was also working on training and how much she loved him and how he helped her rescue dogs with some of the same issues. I was desperate so I looked him up on instagram @donspals. His videos were amazing, he described what he was doing with the dogs and how he slowly works on bringing them into his pack. He reads their behavior and understands them in a way I couldn't. My biggest buying point was that he hikes with them and spends time outside. That is the one thing I missed with Freddy bc we LOVE hiking. I immediately called Don and asked for him to come over and meet Freddy. He made absolutely no promises but that he would try his absolute best to help us. We started with 2 days a week. Let me tell you how unexcited Freddy was. Like to the point I couldn't drag him out of his kennel. He wouldn't move for cheese or lunch meat. Mornings were rough! Don had soooooo much patience with Freddy, he never forced him to do anything and always won him over in the end. Even if it was 30 minutes later. The morning turned into walks where Don would teach me how to hand Freddy over so he was less anxious. Freddy was considered a loner and wouldn't really interact with any of the dogs too much or very often. Almost a year later and Don picked Freddy up this morning, I have never seen this dog run this quickly for anything but he ran right out the door pulling me so much that I took a chance and let him go. He ran straight to Don and jumped in the car himself. I received a text letting me know Freddy was running and chasing the stick and soccer ball with the other dogs today. I never thought I would receive a text like that.
Don not only saved Freddy but he saved our family. He worked hard with Freddy but he always made sure to explain what he was doing and why he was doing it with ways to continue it in our everyday lives. Our 7 year old trains Freddy now and is working on building her own relationship with him and he has been amazing. Any questions we have he is readily available to answer them. I honestly do not trust my dog with anyone else, when we go on any type of vacation I will only leave him with Don. He helped us build a relationship with our dog that stems from trust on all ends. I never thought I would find someone that not only has this understanding of dogs but wants to continue to grow and learn as much as he can to help all dogs. Dons pal's is my number one recommendation when anyone says they are getting a dog or having trouble with a dog. We spent thousands and thousands of dollars on trying to get training for our dog and about 6 different trainers. I can honestly say that Don has been the best fit for our family and Freddy. I couldn't recommend a more honest or trustworthy person than Don.
Thank you for helping Freddy and us!”
— Lisa F.
Jan, 2022
“Don has an extraordinary gift for working with dogs. Although working is not the appropriate word. When you’re passionate about what you do, it isn’t work. Don truly understands the dogs’ needs and enjoys helping them gain confidence. Don truly saved our relationship with Chandler. We rescued Chandler as a puppy, never realizing the importance of bonding with his mother or siblings. Don filled that emotional bond. We had tried several guaranteed trainings; none of which helped Chandler. Don patiently worked with us and Chandler. He taught us how to help Chandler use self control.
Chandler excitedly waits for Don’s arrival. Don takes Chandler places, Chandler meets people and plays with other dogs. We are truly grateful for Don!
“
— The Cortese family
Aug 12, 2021
“I don’t even know where to begin to explain how Don has helped my family and our two dogs. My one rescue dog had a history of many behavioral issues and anxiety. He’s met with multiple trainers as well as veterinary behavioralist. We felt like we tried everything and our day to day with him became very stressful. He had a bite history with both people and dogs. Don helped both our dogs happily mingle with his pack which I never thought would be possible for them. He completely transformed our relationship with not only us as a family but our dogs and with their bond themselves. He’s truly a wonderful resource and we are forever grateful!”
— Amanda S.
Sep 12, 2021
“Don has transformed my relationship with my 9 month old Boston Terrier, Eddie! After seeking training advice from generic Obedience classes/ searching for answers to help Ed, Don has brought me a real understanding about my Pup! He is an honest, trustworthy and dedicated professional. His experience and insight have helped bring out Ed’s strengths and confidence. The one on one time Ed experienced while boarding with Don has been phenomenal. Don has the patience, skills and a genuine love for dogs that is apparent in how he socializes/ cares for them. I highly recommend.”
— Cici N.
Aug 6, 2021
“My weimaraner, Maverick, is eccentric and I’m very fussy about leaving him with anyone. Don makes me feel completely at ease about traveling and leaving Mav behind. In fact, I think he has a better vacation than I do when he is with Don! Don provides plenty of (professional quality) photo and video updates, so that I never have to worry. It’s obvious that Don is passionate about what he does and he will continue to be my first choice for a dog sitter!”
— Kendra B.
Dec 12, 2020
“Don is one of the most phenomenal dog handlers I’ve ever encountered. I have a 7 year old stubborn husky who is dog reactive. After ONE DAY, Don was able to socialize her and help her with her stubbornness and impatient behavior. He passed on the knowledge to me and continues to help me navigate her quirks. 10/10 would recommend anyone who needs literally anything related to their dog. I would trust no one else with my dog.”
— Kendra B.
Dec 12, 2020
“We are very lucky to have Don in our lives and can’t speak highly enough of the work he has done with our dog, Poppy. She can be reactive and anxious around new people, but Don has been very patient with her and has her full trust. He always makes a sincere effort to ensure their walks together are full of exercise and mental stimulation; he’s always thinking of new ways to engage with her. Don’s the best!!”
— Leslie C.
Dec 8, 2020
“Don is nothing short of amazing! His genuine love for my puppy, Otis, is evident and I completely trust him. Otis gets so excited every time he goes with Don and the other dogs, I feel relieved that while I'm working or away is well taken care of and having fun! Don also shares photos and videos throughout the day, I appreciate his communication. Otis has spent several overnights and I'm so grateful to have Don as a resource when it comest to teaching him skills.”
— Kristy W.
Aug 5, 2019