Testimonials

Debbie is an exceptional trainer! My exuberant terrier Tenryu and I are happy graduates of Debbie and Tucker Pup's Good Manners 1 and 2 training classes. Prior to Debbie and Tucker Pup's, we took 2 classes on positive reinforcement from 2 different training facilities, and although we graduated, Tenryu and I didn't learn a thing, leaving me convinced that positive reinforcement methods do not work. At last, we were fortunate enough to take Debbie's classes; she is a positive reinforcement master. Her in-depth understanding of dog behavior, superb instruction and pure love for dogs made every class a treat for both of us. We wagged out of class with Great Manners and continue to enjoy practicing everyday. - Kyoko Ikemoto

I loved the puppy class so much and saw such immediate results, I now have Hudson in the Good Manners I class. Debbie is a fabulous trainer (fun too). Everything we discuss and practice makes complete sense and I would have never known this on my very own. The class sizes are just right where Debbie can be hands-on. Spring is here and summer is coming, which means lots of people and dogs are out. I am proud I will have a very well-behaved dog at my side for our walks and outings. I highly recommend Tucker Pup's for everything!! - Kim Cryder

I am very very pleased with Nico's improvement. Everyone around us has noticed great changes in her behavior. I feel that Debbie fully understands how to communicate with dogs and her knowledge is really helping us. Nico and I are really understanding each other. Debbie has great ideas and helpful homework handouts. She also makes training do-able for any dog, no matter what their level is. Also, Debbie gives us as owners great tools to work with. I feel equipped to carry on with our training after our classes are over. I am excited every week to come to class, and Nico is too!
I really mean it, I couldn't imagine a better more knowledgable and effective teacher. Thanks so much! - Desiree Madah-Amiri

Debbie was really excellent! My dog got a lot more out of the group class than he did when we were working with a private trainer. Jake's attitude about working on training shifted from dread and fear to enthusiasm--the use of positive training techniques in the class environment felt like play to him. Because the class was small, Debbie provided all of us one-on-one instruction during and after class to make sure all of the puppies were mastering the commands. Also, the group context helped Jake learn to focus on me when he would otherwise be very distracted. I am very satisfied and would highly recommend this class! - Mimi Landau

Prior to taking Good Manners 1 at Tucker Pup's, Cinnamon (and mom) had gone through a crash course training at a local pet store chain, resulting in little success. During the training with Debbie, Cinnamon not only learned good manners (stay, leave it, heel) but she had a fun time doing it and she continues her good behavior at home now. Debbie is the McGyver of puppy training - she has tips and ideas about how to handle most any situation and she is extremely patient. I recommend the training courses and Tucker Pup's to all my friends! - Marisa Meadows

After enrolling in the Good Manners I dog training class and Good Manners II class offered at Tucker Pup’s Dog Activity Center with our new puppy Zoë, Julie and I wanted to let you know what a great experience both classes have been and what an amazing progress we have made with understanding and guiding the behavior of our very active puppy.

We have to recognize Debbie Bickford and her special skills and obvious talent in training dogs and working with dog owners on training strategies. Debbie made the classes fun to attend and something to look forward to. We appreciated her style of training and being new dog owners ourselves, found she had to train us first prior to addressing Zoë. While the classes were run in small groups, she was able to provide individual attention to us and Zoë.

Results have been phenomenal in terms of general good behavior of Zoë meeting new people, greeting other dogs, heeling while approaching street corners and coming when called; all in a very short time. Most importantly, we are confident in the skills Debbie taught us and in our ability to continue to train Zoë with good behavior and skills in the future.

We give Debbie and Tucker Pups two thumbs (and one paw) way up!!
Best regards, Julie and Dan Schmittdiel

Lyric and I had a wonderful experience in Polite Puppy training. Debbie was excellent; her commanding knowledge of dog cognition and motivation was very instructive. She does a great job “translating” dog behavior into human terms. She is passionate in her commitment to improving the welfare of dogs and their relationships with their caregivers. Lyric learned to obey basic commands, it’s true. But more importantly, I received the training and education that I needed to interact with Lyric in a win-win way that creates long-term bonding and skill retention. Based on time-tested learning theories, the training provides a solid behavioral foundation for the dog and her owner. I would highly recommend it. - Susan

WE LOVE DEBBIE and Tucker Pups! We can't wait to start the next session of Agility classes! Our pup, Charlie, would get so excited when we would pull up to the building. He learned to be quite the gentleman and he even learned a few tricks (graduated at the top of his class!). Debbie is so kind and patient with the dogs and kept the class going at a great speed. We have recommended you to everyone!!!
THANK YOU! - Bree, Erik, & Charlie

We absolutely love your trainer, Debbie! She was so great with Abby and all the other dogs in our class - even the most difficult pups! The Good Manners I course was exactly what we needed to help Abby overcome some of her behavioral issues and just learn to be an obedient pet and family member. We've seen such a great improvement in her manners and plan to keep working on all the great techniques that Debbie introduced to us. She graduated at the top of her Good Manners I class (Co-Valedictorian), and I'm sure she's been bragging about it to all the other dogs in her daycare group at Tucker Pup's! - Jennifer Karter

Miss Piggy took puppy and intermediate classes with Debbie at her previous training location. When I was looking into the Canine Good Citizen testing, Debbie's name was on the AKC's list for Chicago contacts. We just had to follow her to Tucker Pup's, which has a great open space for us to practice in. Piggy is so well-behaved, even my vet commented how unusual it is to see such a well-behaved pug. We are looking forward to the Fun with Fido class! - Natalie Crespo

My husband and I wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the obedience class we took with Debbie. She was extremely knowledgeable with the training techniques and very helpful in answering our many new puppy questions. We saw immediate results with Drake and continue to work with him on what we learned in class. We look forward to our next class with Debbie! - Lynn and Matt Beck

I have tried other beginning obedience classes and individual training. By far, Debbie's class exceeds her competitors and she surpassed my expectations. She is very articulate, knowledgeable, and an excellent instructor. In general, many people who try to be instructors know their material yet do not know how to "teach" it to others effectively. I was so happy to be a part of her class and to see she is an expert at what she does. Such a professional touch is her documenting material and homework assignments, provided in take-home material. She goes above and beyond others with "special touches". Without a doubt, Paris will be enrolled in Good Manners 2, in addition to other training classes at Tucker Pup's. THANKS Debbie and thanks Joel!! - Pamela Ethridge & Paris

Good Manners training with Debbie was just what the doctor ordered for my 8 month old Puggle named Bailey. I rescued him from a puppy farm when he was no longer a puppy, so he had some bad habits. Debbie showed me how to correct his bad habits using positive reinforcement, which made me and my dog both happy in the process. I recommend Debbie and any of her training classes very highly. - Marnie Ratner

Joel, I just wanted to let you know how well the obedience class went. This was Jake’s second go around in organized training sessions, and as you could see, the first group (given by a different trainer and pet-care center) didn’t go so well. Debbie is a phenomenal trainer, extremely knowledgeable, and had all the answers. She made it very entertaining and seemed to have everyone’s attention 100% of the time. Jake and I continue to train and see improvements on a daily basis. Thanks again. - Ryan Nelson

I think the class is great. Debbie allows you to realize that your dog's behavior is a reflection of the owner's behavior. It was also refreshing to see there is hope for your little one. She also makes it look so easy. I learned the timeout technique and it really works. - Ceta Walters

Debbie is an excellent instructor! She is extremely knowledgeable and had very helpful and effective techniques and suggestions. My dog loved her immediately! - Lesley Ahlberg