Testimonials
Real People, Really Happy
At AnimalSense we have had so many successful students. We would love to share all their stories, but we list just a few here. Click below to view what some of our happy clients have written about their time with AnimalSense.
Mika's Big Change
Eighteen months ago Mika and I met Jamie and the AnimalSense pack. I had Jamie come to my place for a consultation as Mika was such a shy dog I couldn’t fathom her being able to perform in a class environment. Jamie assured me that with gentle training, lots of praise and love, that Mika would gain self confidence.
Lana, More Confident Every Day
Just a few weeks after my husband and I got our first dog (a sweet though scared rescued dog-a little over a year old and a shepherd mix,) we found out that we would be moving to Europe. Lana was new to us, we were new to her and we all were new to the experience of moving a dog across the Atlantic.
Charlie in Wisconsin Snow
Hello AnimalSense Team-
Charlie and her pals went up north to find some snow in Wisconsin (and found plenty!).
Liberty's Journey
June 2003
When I first brought my rescue puppy Liberty to class at the Canine Learning Center, I felt that not only she was hopeless, but that I as the handler was not going to get anywhere either.
With the enduring patience of Jamie and Kelly, a bright, most well behaved and gentle dog has emerged after these last eight months of training.
Theo Becomes More Relaxed
My 11 month old Yorkshire Terrier was having problems with "going" outside, he found it a much more pleasant environment in my dining room. He also wants all of my attention all of the time, and to get it he would bark at me loudly and with much determination. In all other ways he is a wonderful dog, but something had to be done.
Get Ready to Meet Baby Gracie!
We own two dogs, Rascal, a Maltese-Poodle and Barley, a Bichon-Poodle. They are 3 and 2 1/2 years old, respectively. While we were 7 months pregnant with our first child, we had a biting incident with Rascal. Not wanting to waste any time before the baby was due, we decided to work with a personal behavior consultant to prevent this from happening again.
Nala's Story Of Destruction
If anyone has read the book, "Marley and Me", my dog Nala was not far behind in relation to Marley's behavior. I adopted Nala from the Anti-Cruelty Society when she was just a puppy. I had signed up as a foster care volunteer and she was my first and last foster pet; after three weeks of caring for her getting over a mild case of kennel cough, I could not bear to part with her.
Hard Work Pays Off
My 6 month old Havanese puppy had a lot of behavior problems including growling at me and even biting me. He wouldn't listen at all. I was a wreck! My vet recommended that I contact Jamie and work with her individually. I have a relationship with some trainers at the Anti-Cruelty Society where I used to volunteer. When I asked about Jamie they said she has a reputation as an excellent dog trainer. In addition to training us, Jamie became our friend and my psychologist. She said if I was willing to do "the work" Ollie would turn out to be a terrific dog. She was right!
No Longer Lunging At Or Scaring People
Dear Jaime,
Cookie, Curt, and I would like to thank you for all your help. As you know, Curt and I adopted Cookie from a humane organization in February 2005. Within days of her arrival, Cookie began to display signs of anxiety. Unfortunately, until we met you in April, we suffered needlessly as Cookie terrorized our cats, scared our neighbors, barked at houseguests, and, during our walks, lunged at any moving object within 100 feet. These problems were just a few of many. (We should have known we were in trouble when we got her veterinary records. Someone wrote "too hyper" in the temperament box.)
Toby's Dramatic Change!
I have been Toby's parent for close to 7 years now. I rescued him from our local pound - he was a runt, had intestinal worms, hadn't eaten in a few days (because the other dogs would steal his food), and was an all around sick puppy. All of that is a distant memory - he is healthy and chubby and lives in a safe home.
Henry: Happy and Settled
Jamie,
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for helping us help Henry become a much loved member of our family.
Doing Great With the New Baby!
Hi Jamie,
Just wanted to say "Hi!" and let you know that Tess and Chloe are settling in with their new human sister, Evelyn. Tess still tries to wash Eve (and every other human within reach) every chance she gets, but everyone seems to be adjusting well.
Perry's Anxiety Lessens
Dear Jamie--
I wanted to thank you for helping us with Perry's anxiety.
Dealing With Agression Towards Other Dogs
Jamie,
Thank you so much for the behavior consultation for Touhy. When she became around 2 or 3 years old, I noticed that she became "strange" around other dogs. Then, when I moved into an apartment building, the "strangeness" turned to aggression. Unfortunately the aggression could not always be anticipated. After two dog attacks and $1500 spent at the vets on the other dogs, I realized something had to be done.
Max: Much Less Fearful Now
Jamie was truly a joy to meet. I wish I was a family member so I could see her more often. She was very well educated, and also had a sense of humor and comfortableness (if that's a word) that was exceptional. After one meeting I truly admire her.
Crazy Boy Jack
Dear Jamie and Kelly,
I wanted to take a moment to let you both know how much I appreciate everything you have done for Jack and me.
The very first class that we took left an impression on me that will stay with me forever. I have always been a very dedicated animal owner, but having a dog is much more of a commitment then I ever realized.
Callie Becomes a Good Citizen
In the summer of 2003, when I was 4 years old, the people I lived with gave me up for adoption. They said that I kept getting out of the fence in the back yard, but they didn't know that I was only doing it so that I could be with my favorite things: people!
Pepper Loves Class!
My people brought me home from the shelter in December, and were always telling me it was a good thing I was so darn cute because I was *such* a handful. I guess they weren't quite prepared for my desired activity level OR my relentless independence. They read all kinds of books and tried to get me to do stuff, but, you know, sometimes I just wasn't in the mood.
A battle of wills ensued. Mostly, I reigned supreme in these battles, despite my small size.
Fletcher the Wonder Dog
Even before we brought Fletcher home at six weeks old, we knew that training had to be a part of our future. We knew that cute cuddly fur ball would eventually turn in to a big (95 lbs) energetic dog. A well-behaved dog was a must given that: we lived in busy Wrigleyville; some day we hoped to have a human family; and my mother-in-law was terrified of dogs. We also knew we weren't wild about the idea of choke and prong collars.
Meet Usher!
Hi, My name is Usher and I am a Miniature Australian Shepherd. I was born in June 2002 and I've had a pretty exciting life so far. I belong to Ina, Geoff and Sonja, and live with my two cat friends, Silk and Milo. I have another family I will tell you about later. When I was just 2 months old I went on a trip to Minnesota which was fun, I especially liked Lake Superior.
Lisa Meets Molly!
After attending my 1st Puppy Preschool class - I spoke with Jamie about the puppy we got from the humane society, and realized that he was not the right fit for family, as he began to growl at and threaten our family. We then met Molly, a 6 month old sweet dog we adopted from Jamie's neighbor and she has been perfect for my children and I.
Love the Well-Organized Classes
One year ago, I adopted a 10 month old mixed breed dog, Roscoe. I signed up for training classes immediately, knowing nothing about dog training. I wanted a positive experience to help me communicate with Roscoe and have the best relationship possible.
4 Out of 5 Doctors Prefer AnimalSense
I have worked with Ms. Damato for almost six years. She is a very committed trainer. Our clinic refers all dog training (emphasizing preventative behavioral work with puppy pre-school) to Jamie Damato at Animal Sense. We also refer many behavioral consults to her as well. She is a highly effective, dedicated trainer.
Dr. Yael Cidon, Owner
Pet Vets Animal Hospital
From Growling and Destruction to Calm and Peaceful
When we first brought Simon home, we knew he was cute. What we didn't know was that he was also shy, anxious and aggressive. Enrolling him at the Oak Park Canine Learning Center is the best thing we could have done for our polish sheepdog, and for our sanity.
Read more: From Growling and Destruction to Calm and Peaceful
Badger's Experience With Bad Dog Class
I am glad to say that my dog Badger and I were one of the first clients of AnimalSense when you opened. Honestly, I expected some trial and error to go one when it came to the classes but it [Oak Park Canine Learning Center] was so close to home and my dog REALLY needed some behavior classes. Badger was 2 1/2 years old when we started and we had already tried a local pet store training and none of it worked for him. Badger had issues beyond comprehension and I was willing to take anything.
A New Confident Pickles
Last fall, my eight-month-old Beagle puppy, Pickles and I began taking classes with Animal Sense at Oak Park Canine Learning Center. Pickles and I had done some obedience training at home, but we had not attended a formal class. I realized that it was important for Pickles to be around other dogs, so we began taking classes.