Testimonials
“Was your dog abused as a puppy?” That was the question that strangers always asked us soon after trying to meet Jupiter. Our beautiful Lab-Siberian Husky mix looks very approachable and friendly but was incredibly timid and untrusting of strangers. We adopted her at 5 months and realized how terrified of the world she was. Loud, sudden noises would send her sprinting for safety. The worst was meeting new people, especially children. We struggled to calm her anxiety and worried that she would never warm up to her surroundings and behave like a normal dog.
During group classes, Jessica quickly identified Jupiter’s strength – socializing with other dogs. For the first few classes, that’s all we focused on. She helped us realize that what Jupiter really needed was a confidence boost. During class, we used positive reinforcement to encourage Jupiter through skills she could easily master, and used that same mentality to coax her through anxious scenarios. Jessica is great about conducting specific exercises during group sessions which focus on one dog’s problem areas while still benefiting the other classmates.
Through group classes with Jessica, Jupiter has gained so much more confidence and now trusts us to lead her through any new experience – scary or fun! She’s become much less timid and even allows strangers to approach and pet her! Thank you so much, Jessica!
Elliot and Jupiter
Burnsville
We adopted Brumby from MUSHR through which Jessica was the volunteer who brought Brumby into our home. As a puppy, Brumby was rescued from a reservation out West. We quickly learned after joining our family that his wild side wouldn’t be easily domesticated. He was very reactive towards other dogs, and would turn on a dime from friendly and inquisitive to aggressive and dangerous. We couldn’t take him anywhere without Brumby starting fights, or relentlessly chasing after squirrels and rabbits. Thankfully, through a combination of Jessica’s in-home sessions, group classes and walks around the lake, we quickly learned how intelligent Brumby is and his willingness to please could overpower his unattractive behavior. Jessica taught us to think like a Siberian Husky, to anticipate his actions and most importantly, to be a leader. We gained confidence and trust in each other which allowed us to feel more comfortable around other dogs, and to know no matter the situation, we are always in control of the outcome.
Allison and Brumby
Burnsville
After trying three different trainers and a mixture of boot camp style and evening classes we just could not find the right fit for our dog, Mud. We were lucky enough to meet Jessica during one of her training sessions in our neighborhood and couldn’t be happier! We ended up doing some in-home training sessions which were great to have a trainer see what we were experiencing and some of the behaviors that were not displayed in a class setting. We were finally seeing results which have helped us stick with the training exercises and develop the dog-owner relationship we were seeking.
One of our favorite classes Jessica offers are the group dog classes during the winter which are affordable and a great place to practice commands in different situations. We wholeheartedly recommend her in-home as well as group classes for anyone wanting to change their dog’s behavior. She is great to work with and really gets Mud!
Andrea, Joanna & Mud
Minneapolis
I met Trinity Dogs owner and trainer, Jessica Kuehlman, through MUSHR, and we couldn’t have found a better combination for our rescue pup, Navi the Keeshond. Although he is a not a Siberian Husky, Jessica is very well versed in all breeds, and confirmation behaviors. She by far, is one of the most knowledgeable dog people I have met in a very long time. She is a caring and compassionate person to the owners in her training groups, and eases you into the hard work of dog training. There were many times where I felt nothing more could be gained of our session with Navi, and then he would surprise me with his successful result that Jessica anticipated, and I was doubtful. The gentle persistent strategy, with space actualization, and positive reinforcement is a true gift for which I am grateful to have experienced.
Cheryl and Navi
Prior Lake
When we adopted Atticus, our rescue mix (Rottie/shepherd/whatever) from Kentucky he behaved like the perfect dog. Three days later (realizing that the papers were signed) he quit acting, and some worrisome behaviors showed up. Relentless jumping on us during walks and in the house, nipping us constantly, gnawing on hands, and destroying things in the house made us fear that we had made an awful mistake in taking him in.
Enter Jessica. By luck, I stumbled upon her group class at Lake Nokomis Rec Center and described the trouble we had been having. She helped us set up a plan to work with him on these behaviors. Results came much quicker than I thought they would. Soon after we began working with Jessica, those alarming behaviors began to decrease. Her ability to quickly identify the communication issues between human and canine is really remarkable. Giving simple, concrete suggestions (homework) made it so much more manageable! I truly can’t believe how far he has come, and I credit Jessica with giving us the tools to make this happen.
We are so glad we found a great trainer, and that we stuck with this sweet boy!
Sue and Atticus
Minneapolis
We adopted Gizmo in June 2017. He was one of a large group of Chihuahuas’ brought in from California by the Animal Humane Society. He was 3 ½ years old. He was very cute, and we loved his name, but what I didn’t remember from his namesake in the movie was what happened when Gizmo was fed after midnight. He turned into a Gremlin! Whenever our darling 4 ½ pound Gizmo met someone or something new he growled, snarled, and snapped. He transformed from Gizmo to Gremlin. He was completely out of control on walks. He was reactive with anything that moved.
I did not know what to do so I enrolled him at another training school thinking they could help me. In my assessment he was a very aggressive dog and I was on the verge of taking him back. I attended one class, which didn’t go so well. The second class was worse. We were expelled (forcefully!) and told never to return. In short, I was told he was a danger to himself and others. They agreed to a full refund for the 3 months of weekly classes and sent us packing. At home things went from bad to worse. We found ourselves walking him at odd hours to avoid encounters.
Then…we found Jessica and her magical method. When she came to our house for our first training session she politely removed her shoes at our front door. Gizmo lunged and ferociously bit at her toes. She said, “Can I put my shoes back on?”, and “Please get a leash.” Five short weekly one-hour sessions later Gizmo was a changed man and our household was able to resume walks during daylight hours. She taught us how to make him feel comfortable and understand our expectations. Giz worked very hard and became a much happier, well-adjusted canine.
We recently enrolled in Jessica’s group training through Nokomis Community Center’s community education classes to further Gizmo’s socialization. He has become very calm. He recently sat contently for over an hour cuddling with a neighbor who is battling cancer. Gizzy might just be on his way to becoming a therapy dog, thanks to Jessica and her extreme makeover magical method!
Bonnie and Gizmo
Minneapolis
Joel, Lindsay and Rex
St Paul
I have gone to many trainers in the past since adopting my bully breed, Ookie. It wasn’t until we met Jessica that Ookie and I truly developed a bond. Jessica’s well founded training style taught me and Ookie to trust each other. Now Ookie and I have a blast and go everywhere together!
Maggie and Ookie
Minneapolis
We got our four-legged friend through Jessica and her rescue when he was just a pup. He’s the sweetest dog but suffered from a lot of anxiety when we first got him. Something as simple as walking next to a parked car or seeing another dog would completely shut him down.
After working extensively with Jessica in an in-home consultation and the group classes we’re thrilled to say he’s a completely different dog. We not only coaxed him out of his shell but conquered obedience maneuvers we never thought possible. He easily comes on all our family adventures with aplomb now, and it feels like we truly understand each other on a deeper level.
Thanks for all your help. Our family wouldn’t be the same without it!
Amanda and Aldo
NE Minneapolis
