After 6 months with our new adoptee Ginger, I thought she was not only a nightmare on a leash, but that I was destined for a shoulder injury! My husband said she was “un-trainable!” I was short on time and on patience, so I set up 10 day-training classes with Susan. Wow! What an amazing difference! Susan helped us to realize that Ginger didn’t have a behavior problem, but an anxiety problem when out of the house on a leash. She was literally so scared and unhappy that she was bolting forward in an effort to reach safety. Susan worked with us to teach Ginger to be calmer outdoors, to find areas to walk that were more relaxed for her, to find the proper leash length that gave us the best and most comfortable results, and how to properly correct her when necessary. While a walk with Ginger is still work (corrections, praise and constant communication between us), I have not had an uncomfortable or miserable walk with Ginger since we started training 3 weeks ago! Susan also taught us that running Ginger in park areas on a long leash not only gives us a break from the “work” we do on each walk, but it also gives Ginger positive outdoor experiences to further her relaxation, command practice, and extra exercise, all of which help facilitate her ability to relax more when on walks. I cannot thank Susan enough for what she has accomplished with Ginger! We are looking forward to continued improvements! I highly recommend Susan and Purely Positive to anyone who thinks they’ve got an un-trainable dog!
Ellen McCarthy
I thought that my German Shepherd, Greta, was destined to be self injurious in the crate due to severe separation anxiety. She panicked if I took the trash out and left her in the house. I couldn’t walk into another room without her being anxious and right under my feet. Then I called Susan and Jennifer (Fetch Doggy Day Care) about the “Home Alone” training program. I was shocked at the progress Greta made in a short time. She loved going to daycare and really began to be calmer when I was out of sight. Greta is even going into her crate independently and remaining calm while I leave the house! This is a HUGE step for her! Aside from their work with Greta, both Susan and Jennifer provided unlimited insight and tips for working at home. They were always available for reassurance and to answer any questions. I have LOVED working with Purely Positive and will continue to attend classes and training programs with my 4 dogs…so much fun for everyone!
Courtney Marino
When we adopted our dog Atlas he was extremely skittish. While he was fine with us, he showed fear aggression when around other people and dogs. Susan was recommended to us and we set up private training sessions. After a few private sessions he was able to take classes with other dogs. He took an obedience class, Real Life 101 (twice), and ultimately a Tricks class. Real life 101 was a fantastic class taking the dogs to places all over Charleston and putting them in different situations with people, distractions, and experiences. Atlas still has some issues with people coming in the house, but now he can be walked, go the farmer’s market, and sit on the front porch of our house and is calm and relaxed. Our vet and the staff at the kennel are amazed at his progress over the years as he is no longer upset when he goes there. Now they can touch him and he has started going to the groomer. Atlas’s life and our lives have been dramatically improved because of Susan. She truly is talented and extremely knowledgeable, but most importantly she genuinely cares about her students.
When we were ready to get another dog, it had been a long time since we had a puppy and with Atlas we were hesitant to pick out one on our own. Again, we reached out to Purely Positive for guidance. Heather took the time to help us find the right puppy and now we have Monza, a great addition to our family. Atlas and Monza are getting along great. Heather and Susan are excellent at what they do and we are thankful for all their help.
Pete Calcagno and Dawn Visceglia
Dear Susan,
When I first came to you years ago, I thought that my dog Sophie was exhibiting ‘bad’ behavior. I was somewhat mortified to learn that it was me that needed the training, as I wasn’t giving her the leadership and guidance that she needed! Since then I have brought countless dogs – both my own and fosters – to attend Purely Positive classes. And each time, I learn even more. I have a house full of rescued dogs of all ages and backgrounds, and it is such a delight to have a balanced healthy ‘pack’! I used to think that all I had to do was love these incredible creatures, but now I know how to be a responsible pack leader so each member of my family – and our visiting fosters – can thrive and be happy! I can never thank you enough for all you’ve taught me and for all you do to help so many animal lovers in our community!
Many blessings,
Melissa GrayFounder/Director
Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue
Brys and I met with you about my dog, Moose, a couple of months ago on Sullivan’s Island. I wanted to thank you for your help. We followed your suggestions and daily regiments and find Moose to be a transformed dog. He’s learning to be alone for a while each day and find his comfort areas on his own. We’re recognizing when he needs permission to relax. I know we’ll need to stay alert to his behavior, but we’re over the worst part. He’s is a great dog. I am glad we now better understand each other. Many thanks.
Annise Blackwell
Our veterinarian, Dr. Ruth Roberts of Sun Dog Cat Moon, suggested we call Susan Marett. We were willing to try anything, but somewhat pessimistic about having any progress with his overwhelming issues. Susan came to our house and Barkley was a nightmare. He lunged and growled and was completely out of control. After just one hour he began to calm down. Susan used techniques that were so calming to him. She explained the powerful techniques of positive reinforcement through rewards and verbal encouragement.
After 2 months, Susan became one of Barkley’s best friends. This was a HUGE accomplishment given that he hadn’t made a new human friend in a year and four months! He looks forward to seeing her at every lesson! In just three months, Susan had Barkley walking on King Street, one of the busiest streets downtown, right in the middle of lunch hour. I was terrified and she was so reassuring to both me and Barkley. Barkley had made so much progress that it was absolutely astounding! We continued this over and over again and each time was better than the last.
We have come so far and had everyone from veterinarians to other trainers tell us that he could not be rehabilitated; only managed. I no longer believe that. I would recommend Susan for everything from a new puppy obedience class to the training of a dog with the most horrible behavioral problem. I would never adopt a new dog without having even the basic training lessons with Susan. She has proven to me that a trained dog is a much happier dog! And, of course, a much happier family! I would welcome anyone to contact me for a reference.
Sincerely,
Julie DeMoura
I highly recommend Purely Positive. Susan did a great job in a difficult situation where others had failed. I’m disabled and have a 90 pound black lab that at 18 months was difficult to handle. He was well behaved at home, but walking him in public was dangerous and exhausting. Thanks to Susan and the excellent staff at Purely Positive, I’m well on my way to having a dog that I can enjoy at home, but also walk and enjoy in public as well.
Ned Hill and Reggie
I’ve been meaning to write to you many times to say a big THANK YOU for helping make our little Donovan such a great addition to our family!!! His personality has really come out and he actually loves kids and people now…especially if he thinks they might have a treat for him. He listens to us (when he wants to) and we are amazed at our smart he is. Donovan is totally committed to just Bob and I and anyone else in the family is pretty much chopped liver. Unless, of course, they are holding a piece of liver.
I recommend you to so many people that have unruly dogs so hopefully some of them have actually gotten in touch with you. You wouldn’t recognize the scared little pup when we first met you. He struts along the beach with his head up high actually looking to have eye contact with people who want to pet him. For sure, this little guy has totally changed our lives and of course for the better! Thanks to you, Susan, for giving Little Donovan a great start at his new life!
Lisa & Bob Donovan
Susan, anyone who thinks a well trained dog is not a happier dog should come and see my two since your training. Walking them now is now a pleasure; I routinely even take them downtown Charleston without a problem and we go for long walks because they are so well behaved. When we leave the house I no longer get yanked down the stairs. I put them on “stay” at the top of the stairs, as I close and lock the door, on command, they go down the stairs, then “stay” again, waiting for me so I can descend the stairs carefully. What a change from their pre-lesson behavior! I no longer have to tie them to their food dishes to avoid dinner time disagreements, a “leave it” when one or the other roams too close to the others dish assures peace and over-eating by my “chow hound”.
As you know, I have had dogs all my life, but thanks to your help, I have never had two such well behaved dogs, without trauma, to them or me. It is obvious that as they know what is expected of them and know they are pleasing me they are happy guys; their tails are wagging constantly. We are all grateful and thank you.
Kathy Heikes
Just wanted to let you know how things are going here at the “Walton” household. Maisy is doing wonderful. I guess the two things I am most proud of are: Almost on a regular basis she goes down on the soccer field and plays with another dog WITHOUT her leash!!! I also take her down there just to run around and sniff and give her an opportunity to be free and so far we have not had a problem. My other proud accomplishment is that I take Maisy for bike rides! She does very well. I started off on one of my boys shorts bikes so I could control things but now I’m on my beach bike. She loves it. It’s good exercise for her.
Whenever I see people with their dogs and the owners are saying things like “I just don’t know what to do” and it is obvious that their dog is in control, I always drop a line. I know this lady named Susan who does great dog training called Purely Positive….it is great….you should try it. I bet I have said that at least a thousand times. This doggie world needs help. Thanks for everything, Maisy says hello.
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