Animal Minds Behavior & Training

Terra has been absolutely AMAZING!!!

We have a one year old German Shepard that already had her basics down, but she needed reinforcement. We searched high and low for a good, reputable trainer who not only knew that they were doing but also had an understanding of our breed. After several phone calls and evaluations, we found Animal Minds on Yelp. We had some back and forth calls and emails before setting up an appointment. From the second Terra walked in our front door we were nothing short of totally impressed!!! She knows how the breed thinks, she was honest about every aspect of training and she not only helps your dog, but she helps you.

Charlotte had issues with other dogs, not to the point of aggression but she just wanted to know what the hell they were doing there and why. After only 3 appointments with Terra, one including her bringing her own dog for training purposes, Charlotte's behavior towards other dogs has greatly improved.

Another concern of ours was that we wanted Charlotte to behave as good off leash as she does on. Terra suggested the use of an e-collar. Now at this point we had some reservations with training, simply because we new that Charlotte's previous owner had been using an e-collar on her incorrectly. Terra spent nearly an entire training session showing us how to properly fit and place the collar. The very next session, Charlotte was able to be in a public park off leash with plenty of distractions and she did GREAT!!!

Terra, you did such a great job and we truly appreciate everything that you taught Charlotte and us!!! Thank you for everything and you can guarantee we will be referring you to everyone!!!

"rescued" a puppy right before Christmas, and by January I was ready to lose my mind. I contacted Animal Minds and [redacted] made a house call! She literally "rescued" me! She is so kind and patient, with [redacted] and me, and best of all....he adores her. [redacted] has some great training suggestions and tools, which she adapts for the dog and owner. She gives you lots of choices and explanations, which I love and appreciate. [redacted] is making wonderful progress, and is now a pleasure to be with :-). He is already doing way more than I thought a 4 1/2 month puppy could do!

Terra was amazing! She could tell how stressed I was and made a point of seeing me the following day. She came to my home and spent 2 hours evaluating our two pooches and us. She has so much great advice. I loved her recommendations on leashes, beds, etc. With so many to choose from, it's great to hear from an expert which ones to choose so as not to waste my money. And no, she isn't selling anything. She is amazing with my 7 year old daughter in how she explains things at her level. She really goes the extra mile! I will and have recommended her to my friends. I was at my wits end, and now I feel like everything is going to be ok thanks to Terra!

Review: Animal Minds solicited a dog for adoption at the price of $700.00 as the adoption fee. This fee was paid directly to Animal Minds. We agreed upon a 1 week trial period to test whether or not the dog would work in our home with our other dog. If it did not work Animal Minds agreed to take the dog back at the end of the week. It did not work. However, at the end of the week Animal Minds would not take the dog back and I, the consumer, have had to pay out of pocket for the dog to stay at a boarding facility totaling $150.00. In addition Animal Minds will not refund me, the consumer, the adoption fee of $700.00 and states that this is no longer her problem. I have reached out independently to attempt to resolve this matter and only received hostile responses.Desired Settlement: I, the consumer, request a total refund of the adoption fee from Animal Minds, as I am no longer in possession of the animal.

Business

Response:

Original communication with the complainant began on March 20th 2016. [redacted] inquired about a Bull Terrier ([redacted]) that Animal Minds had been contracted to rehome on [redacted]. The agreement between Animal Minds Behavior & Training and the dogs owner ([redacted]) was originally for boarding and training due to a compulsive behavior the dog displays. After entering training with AMBT, [redacted] decided she was unable to make the necessary household and training changes to successfully complete [redacted]’s training. We then came to a consignment agreement. AMBT would solicit, interview and select a new home for [redacted] and the remaining training fee’s (A balance of $425) would come out of the rehoming fee for the dog. At the time of first contact, AMBT was still negotiating with [redacted] as to what the final rehoming fee would be. It was also discussed at length regarding the dogs needs for continued training, his compulsive behaviors, and the only request made by AMBT as to a return situation was that we received first right of refusal should things not work out. To which Ms. [redacted] agreed. Once a final price for the dog had been agreed upon ($700), AMBT notified Ms. [redacted], confirmed she was still interested and set up a time to meet with AMBT & [redacted]. We agreed on Sunday April 3rd 2016 at noon, at Granite Regional Park. I also made it a point to discuss with Ms. [redacted] whether or not they would want to take [redacted] home on the 3rd or if they needed time to consider their decision as I would be leaving out of town 4/6/16 – 4/11/16. Ms. [redacted] said they would be willing to take [redacted] home on 4/3/16 should everything go well. The meeting lasted from 12pm until 2pm as scheduled. Both parties discussed their concerns as to the resident dog and [redacted] having adequate time to adjust to one another and again AMBT reiterated that should things not go well, we would do everything possible to help and discussed first right of refusal again (where we are contacted first and given the chance to take the dog back prior to Ms. [redacted] opting to rehome him elsewhere). This does not guarantee that we would be able to take him, only that we required the option and if possible would do so. There were not refunds discussed or trial periods. Only Ms. [redacted] stating she comes up towards Sacramento often and it would be easy for her to transport the dog back if need be. Ms. [redacted] agreed to take [redacted] and paid for him in full at that time. They were provided with his health record, crate and training collar in addition to the dog as they took ownership of the dog at that time. AMBT also put them in contact with [redacted] to discuss taking over the dogs current health insurance. On Tuesday evening, March 5th, I received an update from Ms. [redacted] saying [redacted] was doing alright but that she had concerns regarding their other dog and acclimating. AMBT replied immediately with suggestions and ideas as to how to proceed with both dogs and take steps in the right direction. Wednesday, March 6th as I was leaving to go out of town, I received a voicemail from Ms. [redacted] stating her dog (Kimber) had begun to react aggressively towards her and her boyfriend and she felt it was best for everyone involved if [redacted] be returned. I returned contact right away and had her contact [redacted] since I would not be in town to take the dog back for the interim until I returned. [redacted] was hesitant to take the dog back as she also has his sister and wasn’t sure about them being together again. At this point Ms. [redacted] suggested him staying at a boarding facility, at which I expressed concern regarding paying more into the dog myself and that [redacted] likely wouldn’t want to either. Ms. [redacted] said she was willing to pay for it. She stated this to both [redacted] and myself and contacted the boarding facility of her own will. I gave the alternate option of contacting some rescue organizations in the meantime and she stated she didn’t want to see him in a rescue and that the boarding facility had room and would take him. I agreed to pick him up on Tuesday 4/12/16. On Thursday 4/7/16, I received a message from Ms. [redacted] that she had just dropped [redacted] off at the boarding facility and wanted to know how to go about getting a refund. I let her know she would need to discuss this with [redacted] as we had a consignment agreement and any refund would be at [redacted]’s discretion. On Friday 4/8/16, Ms. [redacted] sent another message saying she had been unable to reach [redacted] and that since most of her dealings had been with me and that the payment was made to me, that she wanted to deal with me directly. I again explained the agreement had been a consignment agreement between [redacted] and myself (of which both contracts state no refunds) and that a refund had not been discussed or agreed upon contractually or verbally between anyone at any time. Also again, that the refund would be at [redacted]’s discretion should she choose to do so. I also explained that I was doing my part in taking the dog back upon my return, which is what Ms. [redacted] and I agreed upon. Later that day I received another text from Ms. [redacted]s boyfriend threatening legal action and alleged that I was being deceitful in my explanation of the consignment agreement. I reiterated the same thing I had told Ms. [redacted] and included that I can provide a receipt and copy of the check provided to [redacted] (minus the agreed upon training fee balance) along with both the original board and train contract and the addendum regarding the consignment/adoption agreement. AMBT received notification of the Revdex.com complaint later that day. In the complaint, Ms. [redacted] alleges there was a trial period of 1 week. This was not agreed upon and had it been, the dog did not remain in their care for 1 week (4 days). AMBT would not have taken full payment for a trial agreement nor would we go about attempting to transfer insurance information or plan for a trial visit when I am out of town. I have all agreed upon terms in writing in the discussion between Ms. [redacted] and I on the AMBT [redacted] page. The complaint also alleges that we would not take the dog back however the dog is currently in our possession now that I am home. Ms. [redacted] knew I was unavailable at the time however I still did the best that I could to assist from where I was. I was attempting to give Ms. [redacted] options while I was away and when she didn’t like them, she volunteered her own along with agreeing to pay without any prompting from AMBT (which we also have in writing). Any time Ms. [redacted] has contacted AMBT, we have responded as soon as possible and attempted to make things right to the best of our ability. I have attached a copy of the consignment agreement and will provide further paperwork mentioned here if necessary.

If you want a great perspective on training this is the place to get it. Suzy is extremely knowledgeable on all dog behavior matters. My dog and I have learned so much about obedience and sports activities with Suzy's guidance. I always look forward to the weekend group outings. It's a great way to interact and practice good obedience in realistic public settings. Thanks Suzy for all your help.

We highly recommend Animal Minds, without any reservation. Susan's experience, ability to easily direct each lesson, adjust the lesson and planning instantly without judgment or hesitation and her knowledge of animals are unmatched. Our rescue 5 year old German Shepherd had dog aggression and couldn't even be taken out of the house, front yard or back, nor go for a ride. She began eliminating in the house after a few months, and had us wondering what possible future such a dog might end up with. In comes Susan, who instantly gave us hands on control of all situations, explained the pooping problem (not one occurrence since), and even adjusted plans seeing my emotional frustration. I can't guarantee seemingly instant results like this for every owner and dog, but our results are amazing. Here is what I emailed Animal Minds this morning, "Casey was being so attentive to me on long loose leash in the back yard, and showed she did not even want to examine the fence area, that I let her off leash..

I was sitting on the patio when the neighbor dog barked at the fence. Casey immediately came over to me without any prompting and stayed by me. The dog stopped barking but Casey laid at my feet for 15 minutes, seeming very happy.

She seems to understand so quickly, too. She no longer paws us for attention.

Also, now she goes right to her bed and lays down when she knows it's time for me to fix her dinner, no prompting of any kind. She also acts tentatively before bolting from a sit, she corrects herself and stays sitting.

She was so happy wandering the back yard on her own this morning. She is a much happier dog.

Thank you!"

Chances are you have a wonderful animal. You just need Susan's keen eye and command of training. I can't recommend her highly enough.

I have had nothing but positive and informative contact with both Terra and Suzy. They are professional, compassionate, and follow through with promises made. They respond to questions and issues in a timely manner, explain things in a clear and consistent manner, and continue to help address issues as they arise. My 10 month old lab likes to do the typical 5 steps forward 10 steps backwards in both behavior and obedience-they have been spectacular in helping me through my frustrations and to continue working with him so he can be what I want and need.

Amazing company! I have worked with Animal minds behavior both professionally as well as privately, for a few years. I can't say enough about the staff and training services that they provide! [redacted] and [redacted] are excellent as trainers and are very knowledgeable about many different species of animals as well as training techniques. On a professional level they have been instrumental with a program that is in collaboration between the Bradshaw animal shelter and the VA. Their training, support, and leadership for a group that connects America's veterans with sheltered pets has been phenomenal! I highly recommend them to anyone that needs help with any pet related problems.

There aren't enough positive things I could say about Suzy and Terra. I followed Suzy from another business because the way she is with my dog is extraordinary. She's able to help me correct issues easily and without frustration. I was always envious of people who had such well behaved dogs they could take them out in public and now I have one of my own :). Thank you Suzy for being such a great trainer.

Animal Minds Behavior & Training has done amazing job training my puppy and teaching me how to be a better pet owner. We hired [redacted] to help us with our crazy puppy who refused to listen or behave. After just a few sessions she was responding to commands and acting so much more behaved! The people at Animal Minds are smart, supportive, and treat every pet they interact with as one of their own.