SERVING QUINTE WEST, BELLEVILLE, TRENTON & PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
DOG TRAINING - PUPPY CLASSES - BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION - PUPPY IMPRINT TRAINING
what clients say about greg
BENTLEY & WESLEY
Hi Greg,
I wanted to send a message to you to let you know how things are going here with the pups.
Wesley and I have been living here for two weeks now and it was been smooth sailing from the start. I even had to take care of both dogs by myself as Steve went out west for business for a week and it was absolutely fine.
I can't thank you enough for the work that you did for us and the dogs. Your patience, knowledge and reassurance was exactly what we needed at a time when we were quite uncertain what to do next. You kept on saying "they will become friends" but it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for your help and believing in our dogs! They mean the world to Steve and I and it feels so complete to be able to have everyone together now.
Thank you,
Claire and Steve
Bentley and Wesley
I wanted to send a message to you to let you know how things are going here with the pups.
Wesley and I have been living here for two weeks now and it was been smooth sailing from the start. I even had to take care of both dogs by myself as Steve went out west for business for a week and it was absolutely fine.
I can't thank you enough for the work that you did for us and the dogs. Your patience, knowledge and reassurance was exactly what we needed at a time when we were quite uncertain what to do next. You kept on saying "they will become friends" but it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for your help and believing in our dogs! They mean the world to Steve and I and it feels so complete to be able to have everyone together now.
Thank you,
Claire and Steve
Bentley and Wesley
APOLLO
I’ve always wanted a Great Dane. When I was ready, I went online, selected my criteria (male, adult, extra-large, housetrained, good with cats) and there he was; my dream dog!
From the beginning, Apollo was incredible at obeying every in-house command. However, on walks he constantly pulled on his leash and sometimes acted aggressively towards other dogs. As part of the adoption clause, we went to basic obedience training, where they recommended using a Gentle Lead, and everyone raved about how wonderful he was. Yet, the classroom setting isn’t a replica of the great outdoors, and he continued these unwanted behaviours.
Sadly, I began losing patience. Although, I loved him and he was the PERFECT dog for me, I didn’t know what to do anymore. After researching training methods, I VERY quickly realized that I did not feel comfortable with the popular “hands on” method, as I like to call it. I didn’t see the logic in using aggressive acts (like poking and jabbing) to diminish his so-called “aggressive” behaviour.
So I continued researching, with no success, and I shamefully began avoiding the situation all together. Poor Apollo grew antsier, leading to more pulling on the walks we did have! And I continued feeling guilty for not providing him with his basic need to explore and exercise.
As fate would have it, at Apollo’s annual exam, after listening to my concerns, our vet tech recommended us to Puppy Powers. And luckily, that’s when we met Greg Ceci.
Both Apollo and I felt instantly comfortable when he came into our home. Greg didn’t make me feel guilty for not walking Apollo as often as I knew I should, but was more interested in helping me understand Apollo’s mind; his wants and needs. Greg showed me how the Gentle Lead made Apollo less confident, and instead introduced us to a body harness unlike any other on the market. After our intense session, I felt a sense of relief; I finally found the answer I had been looking for.
The next day, I brought Apollo out for a walk, and I couldn’t believe the transformation! In ONE EVENING, Greg gave us both our confidence back. Apollo was AMAZING; he barely pulled, he was more attentive, and his reaction to other dogs was much more acceptable. I learned how Apollo’s brain works, to accept that he can make mistakes and try again, and that praise is more effective than any form of punishment.
Since then, everyone sees Apollo as a completely different dog. On walks, he is right by my side and doesn’t pull at all! I even hear people whispering about how well-trained he is! Although we are still working on his approach with other dogs, he has improved immensely. Greg allowed us to learn the most important lesson of all, to trust in each other.
Thank you Greg, for educating Apollo and me, and helping us change our perspective.
From the beginning, Apollo was incredible at obeying every in-house command. However, on walks he constantly pulled on his leash and sometimes acted aggressively towards other dogs. As part of the adoption clause, we went to basic obedience training, where they recommended using a Gentle Lead, and everyone raved about how wonderful he was. Yet, the classroom setting isn’t a replica of the great outdoors, and he continued these unwanted behaviours.
Sadly, I began losing patience. Although, I loved him and he was the PERFECT dog for me, I didn’t know what to do anymore. After researching training methods, I VERY quickly realized that I did not feel comfortable with the popular “hands on” method, as I like to call it. I didn’t see the logic in using aggressive acts (like poking and jabbing) to diminish his so-called “aggressive” behaviour.
So I continued researching, with no success, and I shamefully began avoiding the situation all together. Poor Apollo grew antsier, leading to more pulling on the walks we did have! And I continued feeling guilty for not providing him with his basic need to explore and exercise.
As fate would have it, at Apollo’s annual exam, after listening to my concerns, our vet tech recommended us to Puppy Powers. And luckily, that’s when we met Greg Ceci.
Both Apollo and I felt instantly comfortable when he came into our home. Greg didn’t make me feel guilty for not walking Apollo as often as I knew I should, but was more interested in helping me understand Apollo’s mind; his wants and needs. Greg showed me how the Gentle Lead made Apollo less confident, and instead introduced us to a body harness unlike any other on the market. After our intense session, I felt a sense of relief; I finally found the answer I had been looking for.
The next day, I brought Apollo out for a walk, and I couldn’t believe the transformation! In ONE EVENING, Greg gave us both our confidence back. Apollo was AMAZING; he barely pulled, he was more attentive, and his reaction to other dogs was much more acceptable. I learned how Apollo’s brain works, to accept that he can make mistakes and try again, and that praise is more effective than any form of punishment.
Since then, everyone sees Apollo as a completely different dog. On walks, he is right by my side and doesn’t pull at all! I even hear people whispering about how well-trained he is! Although we are still working on his approach with other dogs, he has improved immensely. Greg allowed us to learn the most important lesson of all, to trust in each other.
Thank you Greg, for educating Apollo and me, and helping us change our perspective.
LACEY
Hi Greg,
Just wanted to say thanks again for a great training session! I have never seen such results so quickly, and already we are noticing a huge difference in Lacey's behavior tonight now that we are doing the techniques you showed us.
What a difference 4 hrs made! I'm starting to think you gave her magic pills :) You truly are amazing at what you do!
Thank you so much!
Sue & Lacey
Just wanted to say thanks again for a great training session! I have never seen such results so quickly, and already we are noticing a huge difference in Lacey's behavior tonight now that we are doing the techniques you showed us.
What a difference 4 hrs made! I'm starting to think you gave her magic pills :) You truly are amazing at what you do!
Thank you so much!
Sue & Lacey
BRIMLEY
Hi Greg,
Brimley is doing really well with the training plan you provided us. He loves it and we love it. Over the past week we have seen Brimley turn from an growly bark monster into a lovely well behaved dog. We still have lots of training to do and we are looking forward to it because your methods are so positive there is no stress... actually its quite the opposite! Its de-stressing! We have had many comments from our neighbours and even people just walking on the street.
Thanks again for everything,
Angela, Rob & Brimley :)
Brimley is doing really well with the training plan you provided us. He loves it and we love it. Over the past week we have seen Brimley turn from an growly bark monster into a lovely well behaved dog. We still have lots of training to do and we are looking forward to it because your methods are so positive there is no stress... actually its quite the opposite! Its de-stressing! We have had many comments from our neighbours and even people just walking on the street.
Thanks again for everything,
Angela, Rob & Brimley :)
MAVERICK (MAV)
It has been just over six months since Maverick joined my household. He’s a rescue with a sketchy past. Mav growled, barked and stood tall to both people and dogs as we passed on walks, and was quite highly reactive to eye contact from strangers and people entering my home. Greg has taught me how to interpret Maverick's body language and how to give him adequate time and space to meet strangers.
I've also been working on building trust with Mav so that he can just relax and be a dog. Greg has helped with desensitization and counter conditioning for Maverick so that he no longer associates fear or aggression with meeting strangers.
He is now excellent with anyone who visits my house, and either happily greets without reactivity or just ignores people as we pass them on walks. I look forward to continuing to build my trust and bond with Maverick. He's an excellent dog and a big playful goof. I'm so thankful that Greg helped me to understand Maverick better and to help Maverick relax so he can share his amazing personality with the world! Julie
I've also been working on building trust with Mav so that he can just relax and be a dog. Greg has helped with desensitization and counter conditioning for Maverick so that he no longer associates fear or aggression with meeting strangers.
He is now excellent with anyone who visits my house, and either happily greets without reactivity or just ignores people as we pass them on walks. I look forward to continuing to build my trust and bond with Maverick. He's an excellent dog and a big playful goof. I'm so thankful that Greg helped me to understand Maverick better and to help Maverick relax so he can share his amazing personality with the world! Julie
dexter
Thank you so much for saving both my relationship with my dog and my dog's life.
I was so frustrated and scared with Dexter’s aggression at the door that I thought I was going to have to put him down - he was biting people so I didn’t trust him and he didn’t trust me. But our bond is amazing now because of all your help.
Dexter has learned that new comers can be trusted and he now accepts and plays with the parents/siblings of my piano students while I teach. I get so many compliments on his disposition, and all the kids just love him, thanks to you. We've also desensitized him to people walking by the house like you showed us, enabling us to eliminate his crate - he now has no problem being home unrestricted while we are at work.
My goal is to some day teach others what you have taught me about how my dog thinks and learns, and ultimately how to have a proper human-dog bond.
Eternally grateful, Sam & Dex.
I was so frustrated and scared with Dexter’s aggression at the door that I thought I was going to have to put him down - he was biting people so I didn’t trust him and he didn’t trust me. But our bond is amazing now because of all your help.
Dexter has learned that new comers can be trusted and he now accepts and plays with the parents/siblings of my piano students while I teach. I get so many compliments on his disposition, and all the kids just love him, thanks to you. We've also desensitized him to people walking by the house like you showed us, enabling us to eliminate his crate - he now has no problem being home unrestricted while we are at work.
My goal is to some day teach others what you have taught me about how my dog thinks and learns, and ultimately how to have a proper human-dog bond.
Eternally grateful, Sam & Dex.
mercedes
Hi Greg
It has been just over a year since I was lucky enough to get Cede, a beautiful Isabella Doberman. She had been badly abused - she was grossly over bred (her belly is herniated from carrying so many pups so often. Her training was non-existent, and any sudden noises or movement would send her into shivers. She was also VERY reactive with other dogs - so much so, that she has pulled me off my feet and dragged me along the ground more than a few times.
Well, with Greg's help and guidance, you would not recognize Cede now. She now has a several friends that we walk with, and play ball with (one chocolate lab in particular). Most dogs that she doesn't know - she will watch them but we walk right on by now. And most importantly, Greg has taught me how to read Cede's body language. Cede is so good in the house, and she was sharing her rawhide treats with my daughter's shitsu when we went for a visit. Seriously - Cede would take a bite and then drop it in front of Freddie the Freeloader for him to have a bite. And they went back and forth like this. With Greg's help, I now have a beautiful and obedient (most of the time) companion.
Thank you so very much, Greg. Judi & Cede
It has been just over a year since I was lucky enough to get Cede, a beautiful Isabella Doberman. She had been badly abused - she was grossly over bred (her belly is herniated from carrying so many pups so often. Her training was non-existent, and any sudden noises or movement would send her into shivers. She was also VERY reactive with other dogs - so much so, that she has pulled me off my feet and dragged me along the ground more than a few times.
Well, with Greg's help and guidance, you would not recognize Cede now. She now has a several friends that we walk with, and play ball with (one chocolate lab in particular). Most dogs that she doesn't know - she will watch them but we walk right on by now. And most importantly, Greg has taught me how to read Cede's body language. Cede is so good in the house, and she was sharing her rawhide treats with my daughter's shitsu when we went for a visit. Seriously - Cede would take a bite and then drop it in front of Freddie the Freeloader for him to have a bite. And they went back and forth like this. With Greg's help, I now have a beautiful and obedient (most of the time) companion.
Thank you so very much, Greg. Judi & Cede
jersey
Just wanted to thank you again for all your great work with Jersey. It has been almost a year since we started working with you and it was made a huge difference.
Before we worked with Greg, walks were a stressful experience; Jersey would bark and lunge at any dog she saw on the street. I had worked with a previous trainer who used harsh methods which not only made me feel horrible but made Jersey’s reactivity to other dogs worse. I love my dog but was overwhelmed by her aggressive behavior towards other dogs and didn’t know what to do. I had lost confidence in my self and in my dog.
Greg has helped Jersey tremendously. His initial hands-on consultation with Jersey was thorough and he really listened to my questions and concerns. The plan Greg created for Jersey was customized specifically to her special needs and took my input into consideration. He also reassured me that I did not have a bad dog and gave me hope that I could change her behavior. Unlike some trainers who feel the need to push dogs around and use harsh methods, Greg used positive methods. He didn’t lay a hand on my dog or raise his voice and my dog was immediately responsive to his calm manner and clear love for dogs. Jersey loved Greg so much she would mope for hours after he left!
The best part was is that Greg’s training WORKS; one year later Jersey’s behavior has dramatically changed. She rarely even barks (let alone lunges) at other dogs…in fact we often get compliments on how well behaved she is when she walks by other barking/snarling dogs and ignores them. I just moved to busy Toronto and the work Greg did with Jersey has been particularly important…there are many dogs on narrow sidewalks and I cannot imagine being able to control Jersey without Greg’s training. Jersey has been in both subways and streetcars with other dogs present, walked down busy streets full of dogs, and attended a busy downtown event with lots of dogs, people, and excitement… she did well with all of this! I love the freedom of being able to bring her more places without worrying about her reaction to other dogs.
Thanks again for all your help,
Emily and Jersey
Before we worked with Greg, walks were a stressful experience; Jersey would bark and lunge at any dog she saw on the street. I had worked with a previous trainer who used harsh methods which not only made me feel horrible but made Jersey’s reactivity to other dogs worse. I love my dog but was overwhelmed by her aggressive behavior towards other dogs and didn’t know what to do. I had lost confidence in my self and in my dog.
Greg has helped Jersey tremendously. His initial hands-on consultation with Jersey was thorough and he really listened to my questions and concerns. The plan Greg created for Jersey was customized specifically to her special needs and took my input into consideration. He also reassured me that I did not have a bad dog and gave me hope that I could change her behavior. Unlike some trainers who feel the need to push dogs around and use harsh methods, Greg used positive methods. He didn’t lay a hand on my dog or raise his voice and my dog was immediately responsive to his calm manner and clear love for dogs. Jersey loved Greg so much she would mope for hours after he left!
The best part was is that Greg’s training WORKS; one year later Jersey’s behavior has dramatically changed. She rarely even barks (let alone lunges) at other dogs…in fact we often get compliments on how well behaved she is when she walks by other barking/snarling dogs and ignores them. I just moved to busy Toronto and the work Greg did with Jersey has been particularly important…there are many dogs on narrow sidewalks and I cannot imagine being able to control Jersey without Greg’s training. Jersey has been in both subways and streetcars with other dogs present, walked down busy streets full of dogs, and attended a busy downtown event with lots of dogs, people, and excitement… she did well with all of this! I love the freedom of being able to bring her more places without worrying about her reaction to other dogs.
Thanks again for all your help,
Emily and Jersey
kao
I just wanted to say that yesterday Kao was eating treats out of a baby's hand! - last week I would have never let him near a child as I know he would bite them. And he met a few neighbors and even another dog (really old one) and cat and was nice to all of them! He's really caught on and is actually just generally a much happier, calm dog. I have him home for easter weekend so I'm going to practice with him meeting my male cousins, but I have no doubt that he will behave nicely around then, and I don’t doubt his biting days are over.
Thank you so much for all of the amazing information you taught me, and I really do feel as though this has been a training lesson for me even more then it has been for Kao. Not only has his behavior improved incredibly, but I also feel like a much more proud and happy owner - I now understand HOW to teach my dog to act like I want him to, and instead of getting frustrated, I am able to turn it into a training lesson for Kao.
Thanks for helping me love my dog again! Erika.
Thank you so much for all of the amazing information you taught me, and I really do feel as though this has been a training lesson for me even more then it has been for Kao. Not only has his behavior improved incredibly, but I also feel like a much more proud and happy owner - I now understand HOW to teach my dog to act like I want him to, and instead of getting frustrated, I am able to turn it into a training lesson for Kao.
Thanks for helping me love my dog again! Erika.
willow
Having a dog has changed my life. When I rescued Willow she was an unruly 11-month-old German shepherd and there were days that I wondered, “What have I done?” Willow is my first dog and I really had no idea how to handle her unwanted behaviours. However, I made a commitment to give her everything she needs even though I work long shifts. To me that meant ensuring she received strong leadership, socialization, proper training and lots of exercise.
Greg uses patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, strong leadership, love and his understanding of dog psychology with no negative discipline. He shares and encourages these techniques with his clients so that we can continue the progress at home using the same positive methods, patience and consistency.
Most importantly, Greg has given me positive tools and techniques to better understand Willow as well as helped me nurture a strong loving bond with my dog through positive training. Having a really great relationship with my dog is a gift that I can never repay him. I would recommend Greg Ceci to anyone who loves his or her dog.
Janis
Greg uses patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, strong leadership, love and his understanding of dog psychology with no negative discipline. He shares and encourages these techniques with his clients so that we can continue the progress at home using the same positive methods, patience and consistency.
Most importantly, Greg has given me positive tools and techniques to better understand Willow as well as helped me nurture a strong loving bond with my dog through positive training. Having a really great relationship with my dog is a gift that I can never repay him. I would recommend Greg Ceci to anyone who loves his or her dog.
Janis
knoxx
Hi Greg!
I felt it necessary to write you an official thank you for giving us the skills, strategies, resources and loyal support for training/shaping our little man, Knoxx.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
When we adopted Knoxx from the Humane Society, we believed we were prepared for the amount of time and effort that went into raising a puppy, but soon found ourselves completely overwhelmed. Having a new puppy is more work than we ever imagined - it didn’t help that everyone Knoxx met, including our veterinarian, passed judgment on him and claimed he was aggressive. Their opinions were based solely on his breed (Rottweiler/ Sheppard), mouthing and his affinity for ‘talking’ in a low growl.
I hate to admit it, but we started to believe what people were saying and began to question our decision. As dramatic as it sounds, you were our last hope…and did you ever come through for us!
From the moment you came into our home, we believed in you. Your manner was a kind spirit and compassionate confidence and it didn’t hurt that from the moment Knoxx laid eyes on you, he was a different dog! That night, you not only gave us a customized training approach for our puppy, but you assured us, without a doubt, that Knoxx was not aggressive.
You gave us our confidence back and in turn, our little family! Since our initial meeting you have provided us with unconditional support and friendship. I sincerely feel as though the ‘stars aligned’ when we met you!
I cannot speak highly enough of you – so instead I use Knoxx as my proof of your astounding talents and ‘drop’ your name whenever I can. I whole-heartedly believe and wish, that everyone could have the same good fortune as us, to work with you.
You truly are a one-of-a-kind, authentic person – there is nothing ‘gimmicky’ or ‘fake’ about you – what you see is what you get…it’s so refreshing to work with someone who doesn’t claim to know everything, rather has the self-belief and confidence to trust in the ‘process’.
So, Greg thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us realize how lucky we are to have adopted Knoxx – we simply cannot believe that we ever doubted our decision – because life without Knoxx, is no life at all.
Our sincerest thanks,
Lauren & Knoxx
I felt it necessary to write you an official thank you for giving us the skills, strategies, resources and loyal support for training/shaping our little man, Knoxx.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
When we adopted Knoxx from the Humane Society, we believed we were prepared for the amount of time and effort that went into raising a puppy, but soon found ourselves completely overwhelmed. Having a new puppy is more work than we ever imagined - it didn’t help that everyone Knoxx met, including our veterinarian, passed judgment on him and claimed he was aggressive. Their opinions were based solely on his breed (Rottweiler/ Sheppard), mouthing and his affinity for ‘talking’ in a low growl.
I hate to admit it, but we started to believe what people were saying and began to question our decision. As dramatic as it sounds, you were our last hope…and did you ever come through for us!
From the moment you came into our home, we believed in you. Your manner was a kind spirit and compassionate confidence and it didn’t hurt that from the moment Knoxx laid eyes on you, he was a different dog! That night, you not only gave us a customized training approach for our puppy, but you assured us, without a doubt, that Knoxx was not aggressive.
You gave us our confidence back and in turn, our little family! Since our initial meeting you have provided us with unconditional support and friendship. I sincerely feel as though the ‘stars aligned’ when we met you!
I cannot speak highly enough of you – so instead I use Knoxx as my proof of your astounding talents and ‘drop’ your name whenever I can. I whole-heartedly believe and wish, that everyone could have the same good fortune as us, to work with you.
You truly are a one-of-a-kind, authentic person – there is nothing ‘gimmicky’ or ‘fake’ about you – what you see is what you get…it’s so refreshing to work with someone who doesn’t claim to know everything, rather has the self-belief and confidence to trust in the ‘process’.
So, Greg thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us realize how lucky we are to have adopted Knoxx – we simply cannot believe that we ever doubted our decision – because life without Knoxx, is no life at all.
Our sincerest thanks,
Lauren & Knoxx
lincoln
Thank you so very much for coming to the house to help us work with Lincoln. I knew that adopting a dog from a rescue would come with its challenges but was unprepared and certainly unable to deal with him when he began to growl at everyone who tried to pet him.
As soon as you arrived Lincoln sensed your gentle and kind spirit and you soon earned his trust. We were all truly amazed. My daughter was thrilled to pet him for the first time ever ”his fur really does feel like velvet!” You taught me to watch his body language for signs of how he was feeling and gave me valuable insight on how to deal with his behaviour. With the exercises you showed me Lincoln is learning great self control, I can actually get him to stay with the treats in front of him and even on his paws on a down and he doesn’t budge!
Lincoln is starting to trust other people as well. I recently took him with me to friends for the afternoon and by the end of the day he was enjoying belly rubs from everyone! Walks are enjoyable now since we got the harness you recommended, his independent husky nature makes him want to be half a step ahead but he doesn’t pull anymore. He isn’t barking and jumping at every dog we see now he wants to be friends with them all!
I know that I can always count on you to help with whatever situation arises. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and you are always quick to come up with a solution.
Lincoln is a great dog! Thank you for helping me to recognize this and help shape his behaviour in a very positive manner! He has come such a long way in such a short amount of time. I already cannot imagine life without him.
Thanks
Kim
As soon as you arrived Lincoln sensed your gentle and kind spirit and you soon earned his trust. We were all truly amazed. My daughter was thrilled to pet him for the first time ever ”his fur really does feel like velvet!” You taught me to watch his body language for signs of how he was feeling and gave me valuable insight on how to deal with his behaviour. With the exercises you showed me Lincoln is learning great self control, I can actually get him to stay with the treats in front of him and even on his paws on a down and he doesn’t budge!
Lincoln is starting to trust other people as well. I recently took him with me to friends for the afternoon and by the end of the day he was enjoying belly rubs from everyone! Walks are enjoyable now since we got the harness you recommended, his independent husky nature makes him want to be half a step ahead but he doesn’t pull anymore. He isn’t barking and jumping at every dog we see now he wants to be friends with them all!
I know that I can always count on you to help with whatever situation arises. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and you are always quick to come up with a solution.
Lincoln is a great dog! Thank you for helping me to recognize this and help shape his behaviour in a very positive manner! He has come such a long way in such a short amount of time. I already cannot imagine life without him.
Thanks
Kim