If I could give Elise and Peaceful Pups more than 5 stars, I would…read more
We reached out to Elise for help with our rescue dog, Petey, who came with a lot of trauma and behavioral challenges. He struggled with aggression toward me, was unpredictable with strangers, resource guarded, reacted to other dogs, and pulled heavily on walks. We had previously worked with another respected trainer, but we learned the hard way that a more heavy-handed approach was not what Petey needed.
From the very beginning, Elise looked beyond the behavior and saw the dog underneath it all. She understood that Petey needed confidence, trust, and the right guidance, not punishment.
To say we had a rough start would be an understatement. Petey was so uncomfortable that he would actually try to go after Elise's toes! But she remained calm, patient, and incredibly consistent. Over time, she helped transform not only Petey's behavior but our understanding of him.
Today, Petey no longer attacks me. We understand his trauma triggers, can redirect and de-escalate situations quickly, and feel equipped to continue helping him succeed. One of the most amazing moments was seeing how far he'd come when Elise was able to comfortably pick him up after everything they'd been through together.
Dogs with trauma don't have overnight transformations, and Petey's journey will always be a work in progress. But thanks to Elise, he's become a happier, more confident dog, and we've become much better owners. We're forever grateful for her expertise, compassion, and belief in him when things felt overwhelming.
I would absolutely recommend Elise to anyone who has a dog with behavioral challenges and is willing to invest the time, patience, and love needed to help them thrive.
