My 7 month old puppy, Mikey, just finished the 20 day training program at Diamonds in the Ruff. I truly can't say enough positive things about our experience. Lisa's program is successful for a multitude of reasons, but perhaps the most important of those is that she is as dedicated to the "pet parent" as she is to the pet. Lisa always made me feel welcome and comfortable at her center and she tweaked her methods to suit the learning approach seemed to work best for me. Which, with her incredible instinct, she was able to assess very early in our dealings what MY educational needs were. Likewise, she has an incredible talent with the dogs and truly has a gift in relating to and understanding them. To say that Lisa is a natural leader is an understatement of enormous proportions. The physical presence that exudes from her small frame and the calm energy that CONSISTENTLY radiates from her exemplifies the picture of confidence and total belief in oneself and in ones actions. This is an image that I draw on when I need a "boost" and it is an image that consistently motivates me and reminds me of the calm and relaxed state that my dogs are worthy of experiencing day in and day out as part of my pack. There is no person nor animal Diamonds in the Ruff that are unsure of who fills the position of leader, as Lisa's entire being constantly displays that she eagerly accepts the responsibility. This allows the dogs to relax in her presence in a way that is very reassuring as your pet shows you that he/she feels great and is in exceptional care! Perhaps most importantly, the training program is as much a leadership retreat as it is a dog school. Through example, Lisa shows pet parents what leadership "looks" like and what it feels like to be in the presence of a strong and capable leader. The confidence that I gained from Lisa's instruction and wealth of knowledge allows me to see myself in a different light and has impact in all facets of life, not only as it relates to my dogs. No book nor video on canine training or behavior will ever come close to the real life, hands-on experience that I had during Mikey's stay in residency. To be in a pack with Lisa at the helm is, in my opinion, like hitting the dog lottery. To be able to learn from her and employ her techniques, many of which come without word or instruction, is a gift for which I will always be grateful! "My pack" will be life-long clients of Diamonds in the Ruff! read more