Providing peace
OF MIND
At Grateful Pups we prioritize the dog’s state of mind over obedience. Yes, we teach the basic obedience commands, and the emphasis on state of mind allows the dog to focus even around distractions. And let’s face it, we live in a world full of distractions.
We do this with our real-world dog training. We put dogs in situations they would face at home such as contractors fixing the home, guests coming for dinner, going into a store or restaurant, walking calmly through a farmer’s market with lots of other dogs, etc. Placing your dog in these situations and teaching them how to behave makes the situation familiar when they come home. We can do all of this, because we train in a home environment, not a training facility.
When your dog knows how to behave in many different situations, their world expands. They can experience more freedom. A dog who can focus on you and not react in the face of barking dogs, large crowds, or as a deer crosses their path makes traveling with your dog pleasurable for you without disturbing others.
From First Steps to Lasting Results
Our Training Journey:
Now let's get started!
expertise
FROM EVERY ANGLE
At Grateful Pups, we train Dogs with a wealth of knowledge across disciplines, bringing a unique blend of experience to address your dog’s needs from multiple perspectives.
Meet our Team
LISA BONK
Owner & Pack Leader
I am the owner of Grateful Pups and a balanced trainer. We help families build strong relationships with their dogs through communication. Communication and respect are key to any healthy relationship (human or canine).
I came from the corporate world where I worked with organizations to solve issues within the company. During my corporate career, I traveled…a lot and I learned the importance of leaving your dog with people you trusted and who really understood dog behavior. It was my dream to one day leave the corporate world and work with dogs. If only I could provide quality care, help others resolve issues, and work with dogs, I would have my dream job. And Grateful Pups was formed.
There is not a one size fits all approach to dog training, which is why we treat each dog as they are…an individual. We have a variety of tools and methods we employ based on the behavior and temperament of the dog. We don’t simply teach obedience to cover the problem. We get to the heart of the issue and train the dogs ways to move past fear, anxiety, reactivity, etc. and become healthier and happier dogs.
The Rest of the Team
CERRI
CERRI
Why Work with Dogs?
Since I was a young child, I have a found a best friend with all my dogs. They have the ability to be one of life’s great teachers, bringing companionship, responsibility, love and absolute joy to our lives. I owe it to them to set them up for success in their life so they can receive all the gifts they give to us in return.
Favorite Training Memory?
My favorite memory is not specific to any one dog, rather, all of them after the training is complete.That confident yet calm vibe they encompass. Especially seeing them on the street in the real world, totally owning it puts the biggest smile of my face!
Cerri runs Companion Animal Care.
JOHNNY
Why Work with Dogs?
I choose to work with dogs because with each one I get to bring out the best aspects of a bond that has evolved between them and us for thousands of years-the joy, the companionship, the trust, and the love. I get to enjoy those things while on the job, and I get to see families enjoy them even more due to our work.
What is your favorite part about working with dogs?
Any moment that I can see a dog’s trust in me increase. Some will trust me from the moment we meet, and that’s wonderful. But others take hours, days, even weeks to let me pet them. When I finally get to, it’s the greatest feeling ever.
JOHNNY
RIPPLE
RIPPLE
Resident Therapy Dog
Ripple is a therapy dog whose calm energy is an asset when working with fearful dogs. He knows when to play, and when to ignore dogs. Just having him in the room when working with anxious dogs often calms them down.
