we took care of her such a long time she got used to it and she became the pack leader.
We tried everything we could think of ourselves, but nothing changed. She only listened when she wanted to.
When it was time to go on vacation, we decided to give it a try at Wendi’s place for boarding and training. Honestly I did not expect the results we got! I thought a little training and discipline would do her some good. Our dog came back as a different dog.
She was well behaved, listened to commands and was so much calmer. Wendi made sure that Trixy was set up for success and she showed us how we had to handle her. We are very happy with the results and I can assure you that you will be too. Trixy is respecting us now as her pack leaders. The daily walks are so much nicer without pulling or frustration.
Every day we do a little training and go through the commands so she won’t forget.
Thank you Wendi, you did a wonderful job.
Gaby, Rick + Brandon
Trixy/Lhasa Apso
Dear Wendi,
I still can’t believe that just over a week ago Calli and I were certified as a Therapy Dog Team! You know as well as I how far Calli has come…how far we have come!
It seems like only yesterday when I met you and your dog Summer in the grocery store and you gave me the phone number to a great breeder.
1 year and 7 months ago we brought home our 7 week old Golden Retriever. Jim and I had never had a dog in 21 years of marriage. Within a few days we knew we were in trouble. Calli was a terror. She wouldn’t stop biting us and toileting was an accident nightmare!
We waited a month to call you….that was our first mistake! You came to our house and to our rescue! You took our list of problems, and one by one taught us training techniques which made all the difference. The following month when we had a new set of problems, you returned again to save the day.
When Calli was 31/2 months old we took your 6 week Beginning Training Class. Coming to this class with Calli was an emotional rollercoaster. Some weeks she did pretty good, other weeks she did just awful. One thing kept me from giving up… your consistently positive attitude with us!!!
And look at the outcome! This past March we graduated from your Advanced Training Class…and followed that by completing Therapy Dog Training with you.
Wendi, you have truly helped us every step of the way. I can’t thank you enough for the countless times you went above and beyond the call of duty for us. Our success is your success. We would not and could not have come this far without you!
Pawsitively grateful,
Jim, Maria & Calle (Golden Retriever)
Hi Wendi,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so very much for today. It means more to me (and Harlee) than you will ever know. You have the ability to show me that the dog I love so very much can be a great dog with time and dedication. I have always loved all our dogs with all my heart but Harlee has been the only one I have personally picked to be a part of our family so I feel personally responsible for her successes and failures. I had a very loyal dog (Crunch our Rottweiler) who had to live in a bubble because my husband feared him biting someone and I saw the limited life he lead for 10 years. I want so much more for Harlee and any other dog that joins our family. It sounds silly but I almost cried today when you let her leash go and I saw her running free with Summer. I was in shock and awe. I really got to see her be a dog with other dogs. It also confirmed what I already new in my heart which was that she would be great with the right doggy companion. And seeing her let Clay (a man) love on her was a nice treat and has shone me that she is growing. You are so truly gifted at what you do and the energy and spirit you exude is contagious!!!! You always give me new hope and make me want to be the best pack leader I can be. I can see now that I want to regain control and give Harlee the happiest life she could have. What an awesome job you have…you get to bring the very best out of people and the pets they love!!! Well, I could sing your praises all night but I will simple end with a very humble and gracious, thank you! YTB!
Hugs,
Dawn & Harlee (Ridgeback Mix)
Murrieta
Wendi,
Thank you so much for coming on Friday and for your email. Things are already much better between the dogs. There has been no more major aggressive behaviors from Spud towards Chester and Chester is back to laying around in his spot with the family for the most part. It's amazing how such simple things can make such a huge difference. We'll keep working on adding all of your suggestions. We would love to attend your class just let me know which I should try to do so we can attend.
Thanks again for your help,
Lenore and Family
Temecula
Spud/Pug
Chester/ Chocolate Lab
Fondly
Doug and Karen
Murrieta
Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle
My mom had first called A Heart for Paws because she knew that I was tired of being pulled while walking Champ on a leash. Wendi came over and we had a private lesson. This lesson was great and Champ was walking like a “Champ” by then end of the lesson! I was more than satisfied! Soon, we had another lesson, and I was amazed at what Champ could learn. He will go “down, sit, stay, and wait” when I tell him. All of these skills and many more were learned through A Heart for Paws. We have since taken Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, and Trick Training courses. In addition to the prep class for the Canine Good Citizen Test, and successfully passing the test, as well as Rally Obedience and therapy certification classes. And Champ and I are now a certified Therapy Team thanks to all of the skills Wendi has taught us! These courses have taught Champ, and I, so many skills! Wendi teaches the handlers the skills to teach their dogs, and this really makes you feel involved in the outcome of the training. When I see my dog behaving well, it brings me joy because I know I contributed to his success. Without Wendi, Champ would be a dog that stays in the backyard all day and gets no attention. Wendi is always filled with positive encouragement, and her positive attitude keeps me eager to train. Her energy is contagious and keeps the training fun. Whenever I think a new command might be too difficult, she immediately proves how easy the task really is. If one training method doesn’t work, she always has another method! Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how glad I am to have a well-trained dog! Now, I am excited to be with Champ and to train him every day, to see how much he can grow with his skills. The experience I have had with A Heart for Paws has been amazing, and I am so glad that we found this company! Brittney Posted on Cafe Temecula
A Heart for Paws training has changed the relationship I have with my Dog. I decided to seek the help of a trainer because I wanted a well-behaved dog that would walk nicely on a leash without pulling me. Needless to say, with A Heart for Paws, I now have a dog that can do much more than walk on a loose leash. Wendi has made dog training a joy. I had previously enrolled in a Petco training class, and dreaded the classes, and often did not attend. I am now “addicted” to dog training, and work with my dog every day. It not only strengthens the bond that I have with my dog, but it is FUN!
Pacific Palisades, CA
I wanted to thank all of you who took the time to help me find a wonderful dog trainer. I had 2 very good recomendations for a lady by the name of Wendi Okabayashi (Heart for Paws Training). She does classes at Grubby Dogs in Murrieta and will also board and train your dog as well. I spoke with her at length and she was kind enough to give me advice over the phone before the classes start. I can already tell she will be wonderful and I also highly recommend her. Her email is Ashleyzmom@aol.com and her phone number is 951.813.8984.
Merry Christmas all and thanks again!!
Juliana & Rudolf
Pugs are notorious for being impossible to train. When we got two, we fell in love but we definitely had our hands full! Through Wendi’s Board-and-Train program, we were assured that pugs (even OUR pugs!) are very trainable, and we learned that WE needed A LOT of training, too! We aren’t combating bad behavior like we used to, which interfered with the good times and the joy of having our pugs. More importantly, Wendi has taught us how dogs’ minds work so we can handle interesting new behaviors that our darlings mysteriously pick up! By asking ourselves, “What would Wendi do about this?” in any given pug situation, we can handle our pugs effectively with positive reinforcement and kindness, rather than getting frustrated and yelling (or worse)- which just makes everyone miserable. Even though they still have very determined minds of their own, our pugs have actually received compliments for their good behavior from other people... and you cannot say that about many pugs!! In addition to Board-and-Train, and classes we have taken our pugs to with Wendi for follow-up (and just a fun activity for us and our dogs), we take our pugs to Wendi for boarding when we go out of town and can’t take them with us. They absolutely love staying with “Aunt Wendi” and from the moment they are in her care until the second they are back home with us, we feel 100% safe and worry-free about them being with her. If you were to know me, you’d know that I am the MOST neurotic pug-mom on earth, so my confidence, trust and comfort in Wendi is saying A LOT. Wendi’s good heart can be felt the moment you talk with her and she is the most genuine, kind-hearted, patient person I have had the honor of getting to know. Plus, she knows her stuff and changes dogs’ lives (and those of their owners) forever. I have yet to meet or hear from anyone who has worked with Wendi who hasn’t had the same feedback. She is truly a gifted, talented, wonderful person who shares her gift with each of us and our beloved dogs.
Jaime
Wildomar, CA
Dear Wendi, Wow Wendi, I just got back from a nightly walk by myself with both dogs. They were both so good. It was so easy not criss- crossing the whole time and wrapping around obstacles. To the gate and back is 1 mile, I never thought I could do it with both but now it would work. Thank you. Working with you was also a pleasure. My husband and I have been talking all night about how much we learned.
Julie
Murrieta, CA
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU DID IT !!
We could not be more please with the results you've inspired in Porsche with your amazing "Off Leash Training". There was no way she would return to us once she was on one of her "run away" episodes. Too many times she would run for hours, leaving us with a constant fear that she would be hit by a car or that we would never find her again. You saved her life and gave us back ours! The words COME PORSCHE now have an immediate RETURN reaction for praise and complete obedience. Words can not express the joy of seeing such a happy, well trained dog. No one who has known her before can believe the change.
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Wendi trained our two girls at the same time (a chocolate and yellow lab). We were truly amazed by the care, compassion and quality training our dogs received. Wendi took the time to work through some personality 'issues' with our yellow lab. Her patience was wonderful. Going through the board and train program we received regular updates on how our girls were doing. In three weeks our dogs went from very playful puppies, to very playful puppies that were well mannered! We know that the training program was fun for our dogs. Each day when we get their training collars ready, their ears perk up and they come running. Training is a fun game for our dogs. Everyday tasks are much easier on us and the dogs. We can walk them both at the same time without any pulling or playing. They will leave things alone when asked. They know sit, down and stay regardless of what is going on around them. |
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What can we say about Wendi and her amazing ability to interact with our canine family. In one hour Wendi was able to teach us more about our dog than any book, video, or "other trainer", or pet store could teach us. Although we only had the one hour visit, Wendi was able to help us understand our puppy's needs. She gave us the foundation to build a well behaved little guy. Working at a vet office I see tons of new little pups come through with new owners wanting the very best for their new addition to the family. I can honestly give a recommendation for Wendi with no reservation. I know they will fall in love with her caring, patience and love for her new clients. Thank you Wendi for everything, I will continue to refer you for life. Love, Lisa (Valley Vet) Erich, Angel, and our Canine family, "Bumps" & "Cumbo
I just wanted you to know that sheila and I both appreciate everything that you have done for buddy and us. He went from a happy go lucky pet with no training to a happy go lucky pet that can now be part of the family. We used to feel so guilty always having to keep him in his dog run but now he comes inside and fits right in ! His manners are fabulous ! Not to mention the fact that Sheila and I have been taking him on walks and he walks at our sides vs. taking us for a walk! He is doing pretty well with distractions which must mean that he is transferring his training from your place to ours. We will send you pictures and updates of his continuous progress.
Ted, Sheila, Brenden and Jorden (Buddy too !) Buddy/ Chocolate Lab We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for training our little Molly. We know there’s a long road ahead of us and we realize we need to work with her on a daily basis but you were the one that put us on the right track. When she first went to your house, she was a very over powering dog and was in everyone’s face but with your patience and consistency; she’s a changed dog forever! The most important thing is that you were able to train Molly’s parents, US! It is a vital key to the training and we will continue on and make you proud. Thank you again for everything and especially for being available to us whenever we needed your guidance.
Sincerely,
Hi Wendi,
We just wanted to say Thank you for all of your help. You've helped us train 3 of our 5 dogs and will be looking forward to you helping with the other two. You've done so much, by helping us prepare and pass the Delta Therapy Dog test with Gracie to helping us re-home our loveable Louie who has special needs. It was unbelievable to watch our little Juju hang with the big dogs in your obedience class. God has truly blessed you with a wonderful gift and a beautiful heart to help our furry kids and their parents. There is no one I trust more with my dogs I know that they would be in the best of care. I also have to say that you've helped me to overcome my fear of most dogs. It was very hard to trust after being attacked and you've helped educate us in so many ways.
Thank you so much.
God Bless
Eric, Geneva, Gracie, Juju, Sophie & Teddy
Posted on Cafe Temecula
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Hello everyone, My story is a bit of a long one but worth the reading. About 4 years ago I lost my first dog. He was very spoiled and ran the household. He would tear the place up if we left. He did not like men and would even try to bite any man that came near my daughter or myself. He was controlling and had separation anxiety issues. However he loved our daughter so much we couldn't ask for better. I also have a Daycare in my home so he was "child proof." He could take anything the kids would do. Well we lost him in 2003 my daughter was about 2 1/2 years old at the time and completely devastated! She cried almost every night for 3 1/2 years! All she could say is that she missed her brother! For her 7th birthday she came to us and clearly stated "Mommy, Daddy I don't want a party, I don't want any presents.....I want a puppy please." Needless to say we were both set back for a moment. And scared outta our wits. How would we ever find a dog that could deal with all these children in a daycare situation and love my daughter the way that she expected a puppy to love her. Like her brother did. I had no idea were to begin. I knew I needed a breed that I or my daughter was not allergic to because we have had problems with certain breeds. But oh the children! Well I did the usual searches for a Lhasa Apso rescue places and adoption agencies but I needed a puppy that would fit into my situation. They would not let you adopt or rescue with children in the home. A puppy would be better than an adult dog to learn and grow with the kids and bond. I was afraid to get an adult dog because you don't know what they have been through or if they like children. I could not find anyone or anything out there to help me. With literally 6 days left for my daughters birthday I called Wendi. I was frantic. I wanted so badly to produce a puppy on that day. I had already spent 3 1/2 months searching. Wendi advised me that with my situation with the children that a lot of rescues and adoption places won't let you have a dog. I was lost. She pointed me to some web sites to locate breeders. I found one here in Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Sharon Lewis
Pugs are notorious for being impossible to train. When we got two, we fell in love but we definitely had our hands full! Through Wendi’s Board-and-Train program, we were assured that pugs (even OUR pugs!) are very trainable, and we learned that WE needed A LOT of training, too! We aren’t combating bad behavior like we used to, which interfered with the good times and the joy of having our pugs. More importantly, Wendi has taught us how dogs’ minds work so we can handle interesting new behaviors that our darlings mysteriously pick up! By asking ourselves, “What would Wendi do about this?” in any given pug situation, we can handle our pugs effectively with positive reinforcement and kindness, rather than getting frustrated and yelling (or worse)- which just makes everyone miserable. Even though they still have very determined minds of their own, our pugs have actually received compliments for their good behavior from other people... and you cannot say that about many pugs!! In addition to Board-and-Train, and classes we have taken our pugs to with Wendi for follow-up (and just a fun activity for us and our dogs), we take our pugs to Wendi for boarding when we go out of town and can’t take them with us. They absolutely love staying with “Aunt Wendi” and from the moment they are in her care until the second they are back home with us, we feel 100% safe and worry-free about them being with her. If you were to know me, you’d know that I am the MOST neurotic pug-mom on earth, so my confidence, trust and comfort in Wendi is saying A LOT. Wendi’s good heart can be felt the moment you talk with her and she is the most genuine, kind-hearted, patient person I have had the honor of getting to know. Plus, she knows her stuff and changes dogs’ lives (and those of their owners) forever. I have yet to meet or hear from anyone who has worked with Wendi who hasn’t had the same feedback. She is truly a gifted, talented, wonderful person who shares her gift with each of us and our beloved dogs.
So when you are considering a new puppy. and you know we all want the best for our families and our situations. Wendi is the person to call for temperament testing. I have seen it with my own eyes and I can tell you the results are shocking and accurate!
Wendi has also assisted us with some training with out little Bubbles. She has also boarded her for us when we are out of town. I am in
Wendi is an amazing person. It's an amazing household with an amazing family. This is her life and what she does and the fact that you find someone who enjoys what they do so much, well there's nothing better. People bring there children to me because they trust me not because it is convenient. They want there children here and nowhere else. Shouldn't we feel the same about our four legged members of the family. I think so.
My apologies for the length of this, but I can't say enough about what she has done for my family.
Just remember,
PERFECT PUPPY!
Jaime Shea
Wildomar, CA
