Best Pal Tailored Dog Training

This is the second shelter dog we've had trained by Charlie. Zoe is an energetic and easily distracted dog. Charlie helped us with crate training her, teaching her basic obedience commands like sit, down, come, walking in a heel, etc. He also worked with helping to socialize Zoe (his own dogs Belle & Indy are good helpers). Charlie is very good at training the dog (and the owner!) with safety in mind. One behavior he trained both of our dogs in (and am sure he does for all dogs) is 'no street'. Basically, the dog learns to automatically stop at the edge of a street whether from a sidewalk, a driveway apron, etc. I appreciate his sensitivity to safety issues since a pet should be a beloved family member. As usual, Charlie spent as much time training us as owners as he did Zoe to help make us consistent in the cues & commands we give Zoe and to understand Zoe's personality & 'quirks'. We still have work to do with Zoe as she is easily distracted on walks, etc. but we have a firm foundation to continue working with her. I would recommend Charlie to anyone who needs help with their dog. He is especially good with shelter dogs as he can help you work with them to overcome some of the anxieties and behaviors that some shelter dogs might have. Charlie has helped us smooth Zoe's rough edges and she is a delight to have as part of our family.

Charlie was perfectly professional and very pleasant interpersonally. He achieved outstanding results very quickly with the lab and also did very well with the poodle (although it took a little longer). I could not be happier with the service he provided. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of training services.

I thought he had a way with dogs. I have 2 rescue dogs who are terrified of people. He was good with them. The only reason I did not hire him for training was because I felt, based on his advice, that I was on the right track & it was just going to take time. If I were to hire a dog trainer, it would definitely be him, but I just didn't feel I needed him at this time. I feel guilty for not paying him for the time he spent with me evaluating my dogs.

We had adopted a 1 year old large mixed breed dog whom we named Sadie. Sadie was a fun dog but definitely needed some training and we needed help. The great thing about how Charlie chooses to train is that he comes to your house, discusses what you see as the problems and the needs and then works with you to train the dog as well as the owner. We were having problems with Sadie escaping from her crate, and Charlie recommended that we change the type of crate we were using and that fixed that issue. Sadie wouldn't get in the car and Charlie had her in his SUV in a matter of minutes. He brought over his two dogs on a couple of occassions to help with the training. We also met at a local pet food chain to work on socialization and general obedience. Charlie makes sure that he trains the owner as well as the dog -- and it's usually the owner that needs the most training!! We had a wonderful experience with Charlie, Sadie loved and respected Charlie, and Charlie will definitely help us train the next dog we get.

It was remarkable how quickly the lab cross picked up on what was desired. It was very educational for us, as dog lovers, as well. I feel that we got more out of Charlie's training than the dog did (and that's a good thing). We learned a lot, including new things, reassurance that things we were already doing were good, and that some of the things we were doing were sending mixed signals to the dog. Overall very positive experience and we are daily applying what we learned from Charlier to our other two dogs with excellent results. Would happily recommend to anyone willing to put in the time and follow-through to get behavior modification from their dog(s).

Best Pal's contract with us was for 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Charlie never missed an appointment. He accommadated a lot of missed appointments due to emergencies and non-emergencies on our part, which included Tressie being in heat. We received at least 15 sessions over 5+ weeks. He worked with us and Tressie at our house. He accomplished everything he told us he would, which was beyond our expectations. We have trained 3 other dogs in group training classes with mediocre results. We had Tressie in a group class for 2 sessions that went nowhere. We had her with another individual trainer for 1 session where she was intimidated and abused. Charlie's method is the best. Don't expect to be finished at the end of the 15 sessions, training is on-going for you and your dog.

Charlie came over for the initial evaluation, talked to me about what I wanted to accomplish. He was always prompt for appointments, very flexible about time. I could see a difference in my dog after just a couple of visits. He brought his own dogs with him to help with the training. Charlie can be a little chatty, but a very nice guy. He spent an hour (sometimes a little longer) each day with us. Took some weekends off, but he did come over on a Saturday and a Sunday when we missed a day during the week. Great experience.

Mr. Gudel was a great trainer. He worked with the dogs, but mostly with us, passing on training philosophies and ideas. Our dogs have completely different personalities, that makes training them a challenge. By coming to our home, we were able to address and work on behavioral issues and goals that were most relevant to us. His sessions included time at our home and at a dog-friendly park and emphasized creating a relationship where the dog respects your authority, balanced with letting a dog be a dog and enjoy itself. Mr. Gudel called to follow up on our dogs progress numerous times following our three week session. I strongly recommend Charlie for anyone who needs more than just basic dog training and who wants to learn how to be a better dog owner.

Very well! My dog went from growling at Charlie upon first meeting, to being eager to work when he came.

I initially spoke with Charles on the phone and he was very generous with his time as he listened to my concerns. He came to the house where we spoke at greater length about what I was hoping to accomplish through training. We have two 2 yr old Labradoodles who had gone to "school" before, when we lived in another state. They were familiar with commands, but would pick and choose about when to follow them. We have 2 young children with another on the way and wanted to work out the issues before the new baby arrived. Such issues included incessant barking, some eating issues, jumping on visitors, innappropriate social behavior with other dogs, and sometime growling at one another. Charles provided a theoretical framework (dogs are pack animals and need to figure out their place within the family "pack" as well as with each other) with which we addressed the issues. Through working on the basic commands, I was able to re-establish my role as "alpha". Our dogs are walking much better on leash and responding well to off-leash commands. Charles brought over his dogs to help our dogs work on socializing. Our dogs are now able to meet other dogs without demonstrating signs of challenge or aggression. Working with Charles has taken much of the frustration out of the relationship with our dogs and enabled our time with them to be fun and enjoyable. With their improved behavior, they are included in more family activities and able to go with us to more places. It is clear that the time and attention to training must be a continued effort to maintain the results that we have seen and Charles has taught us the skills necessary to do so. We have found Charles to be knowledgeable, patient, and generous with his time. We would definitely use him again.

I could not control my dog. My dog's behavior problems were my fault. My dog would bark and lunge at people during our walks. My dogs behavior has improved. I can take her on walks and to the park. It was not an instant fix. My dog is easier to handle but still needs a lot of work. I plan to continue Charlie's training over the course of the next few months. After a few months of focusing on what Charlie has already taught us I am going to hire him again for additional training.

Overall, it went great. Called Charlie on short notice (2 days) so I could go on a getaway with my wife. Conveniently met me to pick up our dog (unlike going to drop him off like other places) as well as met me to pick him up. Gave a full report of how it went and behaviors he had noticed while he was on watch. We had Charlie train our dog as well earlier this year and Charlie continues to check in on us and the dog to make sure things are going ok. This has been great as he advises us on what to work on with our dog. He is very cost efficient for what you get. I don't need to take my dog to a "Canine Camp" and have him have art class, listen to classical music, play games, etc., I need a dog that will listen to me when I want him to and someone to advise me on how to work with behavioral issues at a fair price. Charlie has always been professional, ontime and very flexible with our schedule. Wish all services were like this one.

We met Charlie one evening to discuss his dog training services. He was about an hour late to that appt. We agreed to start the training about a a week later at 7pm, but Charlie said he would confirm the day before. The day of the first appt. arrived and he never called. An hour prior I called him and he said "yes, I suppose I could still come tonight". He said, again, that he would be late and told me he had gone ahead and scheduled someone else instead, but he could meet us later. When I offered to start another night he refused and said it would cut his other appt. short, but "that would be ok". I told him that we had things to do in the evenings and needed a firm time from him. His response was that he has to drive to a client's house a few times before he would know how long it might take and if he can be on time. He couldn't give me a firm meeting time. This makes NO sense to me. We were looking for a professional that could commit to a time and keep a schedule- this is not that person. We had given him a deposit check and he agreed not to cash it until we started. When I told him I was uncomfortable with his ability to keep the schedule and asked him to tear up the check he told me he had already cashed it. So this guy doesn't confirm, schedules someone else during the time we are supposed to meet AND has the nerve to cash my deposit check? I was far too trusting to pay him in advance and will have to rely on his honesty to return my money. If you use him, don't pay ahead and expect to wait for him.

Charlie was a bit more optimistic then we were. We are happy with our dog's progress. We are going to continue work with him on off leash, her fear issues, and improving sit and down duration. His training style does work with us and our dog. He really went above and beyond even boarding our dog for a few days to better understand and work with her.

I would use them again, they had very good prices.

Charlie came promptly to our house and was able to start training our dog within a day or so. He is pretty laid back yet firm with our dog. At the end of the 3 weeks, I could not believe the difference in our dog and what he had learned. More importantly, Charlie has given us insight on how to work with our dog and how a "pack" works. Similar to Caesar Milano in a sense. At the end of the day, our 6 month Bernese Mountain Dog is pretty well trained, but still needs work as all dogs do. This is a super deal for anyone as Charlie comes to your home so it is not only convenient, but best for the dog to be trained in your own neighborhood. Be prepared however to work along side your dog, this is not a drop him off with Charlie deal like other trainers. Charlie works with your dog, but also you. He teaches you to fish, not just gives you the fish.

Excellent. Charlie had trained our dog initially. He only offers to board dogs he has worked with. Not only did we have our dog boarded, he also continued to work with additional commands with him. (Let's go, Get, Do It - elimination). We provided food and a toy. Charlie came and picked our dog up and then brought him back to our house afterwards. Our dog socialized with other puppies while we were gone as well as both of Charlie's dogs.

Charlie came out to talk to us and give us an overview of his approach. During his visit, he gave us some initial helpful pointers even before we decided to hire him - which was very much appreciated. My dog needed a pretty firm hand - so that's the approach that was used. Charlie used what I believe is called a martingale collar - 3/4 regular nylon and 1/4 chain that won't choke, but will close (or snap) when pulled for correction. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant at first, but quickly realized that it was an effective approach. The first day, Tessa was very fearful of Charlie (like all men) - but by the 3rd day, she was running up to her new best friend with tail all a-wagging. During the training interval, Tessa learned to heel quite nicely, obey "down", deal better with other dogs (Charlie brings his own as part of training) and with strangers both inside and outside of the house. We have noticed a difference in her temperament and are happy with the results.

This was a three week contract, the work was taken care of quickly and the training can be credited to a later date when we want to do some further training. This is an individual who is very responsive and prompt. The house calls are great, the training is very effective. The work was in home and in city streets and he also brought other dogs. He was very knowledgeable.

Overall, Wonderful. Couldn't ask for better experience. Got to know what we what we wanted to learn and also got to know my dog and myself and customized the training to fit our needs.

Charlie is a wonderful trainer. In addition to working with my dogs, he spent a good deal of time working with me and teaching me how to handle my dogs. I can now walk my dogs without having them pull me down the street, and can control them when other dogs come near. He continues to help me socialize them with other dogs, which is no small task. I cannot say enough good things about the work he does. It is worth every penny.

Mr. Gudel was very professional. He offered helpful training, and suggestions to modify dog behavior, and regain appropriate control. We had numerous meetings, and Mr. Gudel was very generous with his time.

Charlie was very patient with Maisy and was very good about explaining the training to me. He even brought his dogs along so I could practice with a well trained dog. While Maisy didn't train as well as I had hoped, she is a whole lot better than she was. Going on walks with her is a real joy now. Having Charlie come out for individual training was the only way Maisy was going to learn anything (she tends to want to play when around other dogs). I learned a lot about dog training and I hope to use what I learned to try to break Maisy of her digging habit once the weather improves. Over all, a very good experience. Charlie is very flexible about training days and times. He comes for 15 sessions in a 21 day period.

CHARLEY CAME TO MY HOME FOR THREE WEEKS TO WORK WITH MY DOGS. HE WAS FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL, AND WAS ABLE TO TEACH MY DAUGHTER AND MYSELF HOW TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR DOGS.

CHARLIE DISPLAYED TRULY OUTSTANDING UNDERSTANDING OF DOG BEHAVIOR, WAS COURTEOUS, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EFFECTIVELY ACHIEVED REMARKABLE RESULTS FROM A HARD TO TRAIN BREED OF DOG, AS WELL AS, REORIENTING AN OVERLY DOTING AND PERMISSIVE OWNERS. HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL CONTRIBUTE GREATLY TO THE SAFETY AND HAPPINESS OF OUR DOG.