Levenson Barb Dog Training

To whom it may concern: As you say, there are two sides to every storyThe part that [redacted] dot not focus on is this: First her dog refused to come into the buildingNeither she or her husband could get the dog into the roomWhen I was able to get him in I suggested the gentle leader so she could have control of her pound dogIt takes dogs a while to accommodate to a Gentle Leader but it is designed to give an owner control over a very large, unruly dog which is exactly what she hadWhen she went to a maz-tirigolo collar she had no control But here is the part that she really neglects to tell you ThIs pound dog spent most of his time (sans halter) standing, staring confrontationally and barking at two small dogs [redacted] said he “just wanted to play.” She has NO UNDERSTANDING of dog body languagePlay behavior is demonstrated by a “play bow” with the dog down on its elbows and the rear in the airAlso the tail is down low and wagging This dog’s tail was up oiler its back indicating arousalHer clog wanted to go after Ue two small dogs and not to play I spoke to her about this but she told me [didn’t know her dogI explained I did KNOW DOGS and I was concerned that her dog was going to hurt another dogHe was/is a bully and picks on dogs smaller than himself In addition, because stir Look the gentle leader off the dog he barked through the entire class disrupting the class for the other peopleShe refused any of my suggestions to stop the disruptionShe became belligerent when I told herthat she must keep her dog quiet if she was not going to use any of my suggestionsit was unfair to the other people This is a dangerous dog [redacted] has no idea what she has at the end of the leashShe is angry because I told her thisShe didn’t bring the dog back because she had no controlEvery person in that class was a witness to this dog and one didn’ttome back after the threats her dog was making toward his dog l am happy to supply witnesses- One gentleman (she called him my “favorite” — really??? is this high school??) moved his dog away at my request because the threats from [redacted] *’s dog caused his little pound Boston Terrier to tremble and try to run awayAnd everyone in the class will attest to the fact that I didn’t yell at herBut I did have a class to teach and she and her dog were making that extremely difficult Yes, there are two sides to the storyAnd I have good witnesses who know the real story of this pound doeI urged her to let me help her privatelyThis dog is going to hurt either another dog or a child because his owner refuses to see the real dogI am worried about this dog and told her soAnd now l am telling youI just hope I don’t see this pound dog on television

My complaint was if she felt so strongly that my dog was a threat to her other dogs in class to refund my money paid in advance for the second session of the classesWhy would she want my dog in her class if that is the way she feels? She is dead wrong about my dog and I have since had him in other classes and he is doing wonderful! He is a great dog with other dogs and loves everyone I feel this is how she makes her money and should be ashamed of herselfNo dog ever ran from him in her class He played with the Boston Terrier she so describes ran away the week beforeI have witnesses too and she never offered to privately help me in any way He plays with my daughters lb Puggle I have heard all kinds of stories about ** and of her even telling people to euthanize their dog, when the dogs turned out to be great dogs I think she needs to be put out of business because she really pretends to know dogs My nephew took his dog to her and never returned after the first class The trainer I have now is wonderful and really knows what she is doing She read the email from ** and said she really doesn't know what she is talking aboutMy dog is a Gentle Giant and in no way has any meanness in him

Barb knows a ton about dog behaviour, and will teach you how to train your dog She means well, cares about the dogsbut can't seem to understand how operant conditioning works with humans All-positive training for the dogs, almost all punishment and negative reinforcement for the humans Wrote to me and told me never to contact her again after she saw me say (on my Facebook page) that the Basic Obedience ribbon we got from graduation "May not be as fancy as some of the ones my friends get, but it's baby steps" Sorry, Barb- I still have that ribbon hanging in my living room, but I'm hanging out with people who have ribbons from national specialties and Westminster Advanced titles it took them years to get I was trying to be humbleI was told never to contact her again after I completed an week course, out of that I paid for as part of a package At the time, when I got the message not to contact her further, I was so fed up that I didn't pursue a refund on the remaining 8-week courses I'd already paid forSo, yeah If you like being made to feel like you're a piece of c**p, Barb is the right choice It's a shame, she really does know a lot

January 2, 2015To whom it may concern:I am attaching the email thread with *** ***You can see from this thread he was not“pressured” to join the program In fact had him speak with several people about the class and theschoolYou can also see from the thread that things did not happen the
way *** said they didI don’tbelieve *** came to classAlso, *** attended ONE classWhat is she saying I don’t bother to learnnames?This woman is way off baseYou can see from the emails we tried to keep birk in classAnd it was ***who said he was unwilling or unable to follow through.I gave him an extra minutes of private time and did not charge himAlso, I assigned Instructors atvarious times to help him with the puppyPerhaps if his wife actually came to class she would haveseen what really happenedAnd actually at the end of the discussion *** was planning to attend class.I think the emails are sufficient to show we truly tried to help this manOur Premier Puppy Program isnon-refundable and this was made clear BEFORE he signed upThat was why I asked him to speak toseveral of my clientsI wanted him to be sureI do recall he mentioned his wife several times andactually seemed afraid of her but went ahead and signed up for the programNow I understand why hewas so worried about herNone of her statements can be substantiated and she is way off base aboLitwhat happened that nightAnd there are many people who can attest to our trying to help him as muchas possible.Yours truly,*** ***

To whom it may concern:
As you say, there are two sides to every story. The part that[redacted] dot not focus on is this:
First her dog refused to come into the building. Neither she or her husband could get the dog into the
room. When I was able to get him in I suggested the gentle leader so she could...

have control of her 90
pound dog. It takes dogs a while to accommodate to a Gentle Leader but it is designed to give an owner
control over a very large, unruly dog which is exactly what she had. When she went to a maz-tirigolo
collar she had no control.
But here is the part that she really neglects to tell you ThIs 90 pound dog spent most of his time (sans
halter) standing, staring confrontationally and barking at two small dogs. [redacted] said he “just wanted to
play.” She has NO UNDERSTANDING of dog body language. Play behavior is demonstrated by a “play
bow” with the dog down on its elbows and the rear in the air. Also the tail is down low and wagging.
This dog’s tail was up oiler its back indicating arousal. Her clog wanted to go after Ue two small dogs
and not to play.
I spoke to her about this but she told me [didn’t know her dog. I explained I did KNOW DOGS and I was
concerned that her dog was going to hurt another dog. He was/is a bully and picks on dogs smaller than
himself.
In addition, because stir Look the gentle leader off the dog he barked through the entire class disrupting
the class for the other people. She refused any of my suggestions to stop the disruption. She became
belligerent when I told herthat she must keep her dog quiet if she was not going to use any of my
suggestions. it was unfair to the other people.
This is a dangerous dog  [redacted] has no idea what she has at the end of the leash. She is angry because
I told her this. She didn’t bring the dog back because she had no control. Every person in that class was
a witness to this dog and one didn’t. tome back after the threats her dog was making toward his dog.
l am happy to supply witnesses- One gentleman (she called him my “favorite” — really??? is this high
school??) moved his dog away at my request because the threats from [redacted]’s dog caused his little 15
pound Boston Terrier to tremble and try to run away. And everyone in the class will attest to the fact
that I didn’t yell at her. But I did have a class to teach and she and her dog were making that extremely
difficult.
Yes, there are two sides to the story. And I have good witnesses who know the real story of this 90
pound doe. I urged her to let me help her privately. This dog is going to hurt either another dog or a
child because his owner refuses to see the real dog. I am worried about this dog and told her so. And
now l am telling you. I just hope I don’t see this 90 pound dog on television.

My complaint was if she felt so strongly that my dog was a threat to her other dogs in class to refund my money paid in advance for the second session of the classes. Why would she want my dog in her class if that is the way she feels?  She is dead wrong about my dog and I have since had him in other classes and he is doing wonderful!   He is a great dog with other dogs and loves everyone.  I feel this is how she makes her money and should be ashamed of herself. No dog ever ran from him in her class.  He played with the Boston Terrier she so describes ran away the week before. I have witnesses too and she never offered to privately help me in any way.  He plays with my daughters 23 lb Puggle.  I have heard all kinds of stories about **  and of her even telling people to euthanize their dog, when the dogs turned out to be great dogs.  I think she needs to be put out of business because she really pretends to know dogs.  My nephew took his dog to her and never returned after the first class.
The trainer I have now is wonderful and really knows what she is doing.  She read the email from **  and said she really doesn't know what she is talking about. My dog is a Gentle Giant and in no way has any meanness in him.

The response you received from [redacted] is untrue.  The first thing I want to make clear is that my husband is not afraid of me.  I did not appreciate Ms. [redacted] making that accusation...she knows nothing about me to warrant that type of statement.   I did not attend the class with [redacted] because of the time I arrive home from work.  He had to leave for class by 6:00 p.m.  We live in Cranberry Township and her class is held in Oakmont.  She pressured [redacted] into signing up for those additional classes when he arrived to pay for the puppy class.  She required him to pay a week in advance of class start date.   She kept telling him that he would save $75 if he signed up for all three classes.  (She charges $150 per class)  So instead of paying $450.00 for all three classes she was giving us a bargain of $375 for all three classes.  She guilted him into signing up for those additional classes and knew if it didn't work out she would have our money and not refund any of it.   She stated she gave [redacted] an additional 45 minutes of private time.  That statement is not true.  [redacted] came home and told me she actually gave him a pair of scissors and told him to cut the treats he brought for training into small pieces...REALLY!   At this point we are not looking for any type of refund.   We would rather have people be made aware of what type of business person she is...not a very honest or kind one.   The one thing [redacted] and I regret is looking up reviews on her and her business online beforehand.  If we read those reviews we would never have even called her.   I have attached numerous negative reviews that basically say the same things I've stated.   I think after you read these you will understand exactly what type of person she is.  There are two positive reviews which are made by [redacted]. and [redacted]. is one of her helpers in class.  The other review is from [redacted] who attends her classes and the person [redacted] has speak with to basically tell the new client how great [redacted]'s classes are.  I have attached the reviews and you will also find the link to these reviews below:We since discovered that there are some really great and honest trainers out there which our puppy is now benefiting from.Thank you.
Regards,
[redacted] & [redacted]

Review: I signed up for training classes with [redacted] and was told at the time if I signed up for two 8 weeks sessions, it would be discounted, so I did. The cost was 280.00 I never expected to be treated the way I was in the first 8 week sessions. I bought a Gentle Leader collar from her for 35.00 as she suggested to control my dog and she yelled at me about the leash and treat bag I had so I spent another 115.00. He walks great on the Gentle Leader but kept trying to scratch it off his face in class and would not do the exercises. I was afraid he would hurt himself. I purchased a Martingale collar, that [redacted]'s associate said he did better in class with, but [redacted] yelled at me for not using the Gentle Leader. She wouldn't let me explain that I had a different collar on him. I intended to complete the first 8 weeks but because she insisted my dog was a threat to the other dogs because he made eye contact( he wanted to play),meanwhile we have been attack twice while walking, and he made no attempt to bite the other dog, I asked for my money back for the second 8 week session. She said he wouldn't, that I signed a contract. I did, but never thought that I would be treated in such a manner and for her to make me feel that I had some kind of monster dog was not fair, plus the embarrassment she put me through. She said he disrupts the class. I don't think it is right for her to keep the money for a service I am not getting. She didn't even have the decency to tell me when the second 8 weeks would start. She told me that she would not refund the money so I tried to find some one who was signing up for the next session and there was no one that I could find. I asked [redacted] to help me by letting me know who might sign up and she refused. She totally intended to keep my money. I believe this is how she makes her money. This is the closest thing to stealing and conning people. My dog is a happy dog that loves other dogs and plays with them at home, plus he loves everyone.Desired Settlement: I would like my money back 140.00 that she was so happy to take but made me feel so unwanted and embarrassed in the class that I do not wish to start the second 8 weeks. The first 8 weeks class started with 11 dogs and ended up with 5. That should tell you something. The bottom line, I think she was actually afraid of my dog because he is rather large and 2 other dogs in class actually bit her. My dog made no attempt to.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern:

As you say, there are two sides to every story. The part that[redacted] dot not focus on is this:

First her dog refused to come into the building. Neither she or her husband could get the dog into the

room. When I was able to get him in I suggested the gentle leader so she could have control of her 90

pound dog. It takes dogs a while to accommodate to a Gentle Leader but it is designed to give an owner

control over a very large, unruly dog which is exactly what she had. When she went to a maz-tirigolo

collar she had no control.

But here is the part that she really neglects to tell you ThIs 90 pound dog spent most of his time (sans

halter) standing, staring confrontationally and barking at two small dogs. [redacted] said he “just wanted to

play.” She has NO UNDERSTANDING of dog body language. Play behavior is demonstrated by a “play

bow” with the dog down on its elbows and the rear in the air. Also the tail is down low and wagging.

This dog’s tail was up oiler its back indicating arousal. Her clog wanted to go after Ue two small dogs

and not to play.

I spoke to her about this but she told me [didn’t know her dog. I explained I did KNOW DOGS and I was

concerned that her dog was going to hurt another dog. He was/is a bully and picks on dogs smaller than

himself.

In addition, because stir Look the gentle leader off the dog he barked through the entire class disrupting

the class for the other people. She refused any of my suggestions to stop the disruption. She became

belligerent when I told herthat she must keep her dog quiet if she was not going to use any of my

suggestions. it was unfair to the other people.

This is a dangerous dog [redacted] has no idea what she has at the end of the leash. She is angry because

I told her this. She didn’t bring the dog back because she had no control. Every person in that class was

a witness to this dog and one didn’t. tome back after the threats her dog was making toward his dog.

l am happy to supply witnesses- One gentleman (she called him my “favorite” — really??? is this high

school??) moved his dog away at my request because the threats from [redacted]’s dog caused his little 15

pound Boston Terrier to tremble and try to run away. And everyone in the class will attest to the fact

that I didn’t yell at her. But I did have a class to teach and she and her dog were making that extremely

difficult.

Yes, there are two sides to the story. And I have good witnesses who know the real story of this 90

pound doe. I urged her to let me help her privately. This dog is going to hurt either another dog or a

child because his owner refuses to see the real dog. I am worried about this dog and told her so. And

now l am telling you. I just hope I don’t see this 90 pound dog on television.

Consumer

Response:

My complaint was if she felt so strongly that my dog was a threat to her other dogs in class to refund my money paid in advance for the second session of the classes. Why would she want my dog in her class if that is the way she feels? She is dead wrong about my dog and I have since had him in other classes and he is doing wonderful! He is a great dog with other dogs and loves everyone. I feel this is how she makes her money and should be ashamed of herself. No dog ever ran from him in her class. He played with the Boston Terrier she so describes ran away the week before. I have witnesses too and she never offered to privately help me in any way. He plays with my daughters 23 lb Puggle. I have heard all kinds of stories about ** and of her even telling people to euthanize their dog, when the dogs turned out to be great dogs. I think she needs to be put out of business because she really pretends to know dogs. My nephew took his dog to her and never returned after the first class.

The trainer I have now is wonderful and really knows what she is doing. She read the email from ** and said she really doesn't know what she is talking about. My dog is a Gentle Giant and in no way has any meanness in him.

Review: I'm not sure how [redacted] has been in business all these years. Ms. [redacted] is a very nasty, condescending and mean lady! She is also very shady when it comes to money. She talked my husband into paying for a puppy kindergarten class along with future obedience classes before we even attended the first puppy class. He told her we wanted to sign up only for the puppy class and would see how that went before committing to other classes. She continued to pressure him to the point that he committed to the future classes. Of course she told him these classes needed to be paid in advance. He paid her a total of $375. My husband attended the first class and said the whole experience was horrible. She belittles the dog owners in front of the other dog owners. Does not make it a point to learn your name or your dogs. We decided this type of treatment towards us and the other dog owners was uncalled for. My husband emailed her to tell her this was not going to work after the first class. She immediately told my husband "well you know you will not receive a refund. I can only give you a store credit if you want to buy merchandise from my store." Who wants to spend $375 on leashes and treats that are overpriced. She only accepts cash or checks. My husband had to make a special trip to pay her in advance of the puppy class that started the following week. She would not take payment the night the class started. Probably because she wanted your money in advance not to refund it. Many negative reviews about this situation on yelp.com and other review sites when her name is googled. She really has a racket going for her and in my opinion should be shut down. Not a good business woman at all. She had the people that help her in training class ([redacted].) place positive reviews on yelp. Her place should be shut down!! Not good business manners.Desired Settlement: This woman should not be in business. The number of negative reviews with everyone having the same issue of her being a terrible business woman, a thief and a liar.

Business

Response:

January 2, 2015To whom it may concern:I am attaching the email thread with [redacted]. You can see from this thread he was not“pressured” to join the program In fact 1 had him speak with several people about the class and theschool. You can also see from the thread that things did not happen the way [redacted] said they did. I don’tbelieve [redacted] came to class. Also, [redacted] attended ONE class. What is she saying I don’t bother to learnnames?This woman is way off base. You can see from the emails we tried to keep birk in class. And it was [redacted]who said he was unwilling or unable to follow through.I gave him an extra 45 minutes of private time and did not charge him. Also, I assigned Instructors atvarious times to help him with the puppy. Perhaps if his wife actually came to class she would haveseen what really happened. And actually at the end of the discussion [redacted] was planning to attend class.I think the emails are sufficient to show we truly tried to help this man. Our Premier Puppy Program isnon-refundable and this was made clear BEFORE he signed up. That was why I asked him to speak toseveral of my clients. I wanted him to be sure. I do recall he mentioned his wife several times andactually seemed afraid of her but went ahead and signed up for the program. Now I understand why hewas so worried about her. None of her statements can be substantiated and she is way off base aboLitwhat happened that night. And there are many people who can attest to our trying to help him as muchas possible.Yours truly,[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

The response you received from [redacted] is untrue. The first thing I want to make clear is that my husband is not afraid of me. I did not appreciate Ms. [redacted] making that accusation...she knows nothing about me to warrant that type of statement. I did not attend the class with [redacted] because of the time I arrive home from work. He had to leave for class by 6:00 p.m. We live in Cranberry Township and her class is held in Oakmont.

Review: Barb had us repeatedly hold our dog in an uncomfortable position after we told her we were there because the dog is too skittish and hard to train. Dog panicked each time and she refused to listen to me when I tried to explain I would need to slowly introduce this technique to my dog (keep in mind she should have been telling me this not the other way around). She had her assistant come over and continue the abuse to the point were the dog wanted nothing to do with me by the end of the class. Barb sent an e-mail to the rest of the class trashing us. Suggested we shouldn't come back then refused to return our money.Desired Settlement: we were charged $300 for 8 classes. we went through 2 before she suggested we not return. I would like the difference of $225 returned to me