--It has been exactly 10 years since an adorable aussie-mix puppy fell into our lives & hearts. We soon learned what we believe the people returning her to the pound did : we have a problem! Abby was 3 months old, smarter than we were, and we didn't have a clue. Some kind soul mentioned Gene and we were off on our first ever dog school experience, despite having had multiple dogs through the years. Our first meeting with Gene & John at TBPDT began with Abby attempting to drag my husband (not a small guy!) up the hill. She then drew attention as she is a "talker" and continued through the class, despite whatever we tried. Gene & John have the patience of saints, and Gene's knowledge of dogs and their behavior is that of a master. We learned from Gene, and then experience, about our own dog but also about inherant traits of many breeds. The dog owners being taught were given the wisdom and intuition that Gene possesses to communicate properly with their dogs, and to gain their respect using kind and non-threatening skills. I never saw a dog or an issue Gene couldn't deal with. In our case it's hard to say who enjoyed those classes more, Abby or us. After completing all obedience classes, tricks and agility, our once "lost cause" even earned her AKC good citizen. She loves Gene, and to this day gets very excited by just hearing her voice on her graduation video. I truely recommend Gene, John and TBPDT. Sometimes you have no idea how much better things can be! Gini & Rog Foley PS; Our next dog, Gunnar, also went until circumstances prevented it. But he remembers it all, including those hand signals.

--Three generations of Fitzgeralds have been through PDT school. Our Jack Russells were well socialized, and well trained. They were known and respected on the competitive field. All of this we owe to their training at PDT. We encourage all our friends to get their dogs some schooling. They make better companions. Pat

--Hi Gene, I didn’t find a place to input a testimonial on line so am just sending in this e-mail. Rocky wanted to do one, too. Carol

--I would like to say a big thank you to John and Gene Vidals of TBPDT. As an animal lover and dog owner, I can honestly say that Gene and John have been a welcome influence in helping me to train and better understand my canine companions. They have taken us through sub-novice and novice obedience, agility I and II, rally, fly ball, and tracking. Their classes have helped me and my dog to learn to work as a team and have provided a wonderful source of recreation in which we could participate together. It has given my dogs a place to socialize with other dogs and people and to compete in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I look forward to participating in future classes. Carol Wexler

--I want to thank Gene and John for offering classes for dogs and their owners. I LOVE going to the classes and getting to sniff all the other dogs. I get to show off all the new things I’ve learned and get treats, treats, and more treats! I’ve learned to sit, heel, come, stay, jump, and retrieve. My owner has learned much patience. Agility is like a playground for dogs with all kinds of fun obstacles to go over. I especially love running to the top of the A-frame! And fly ball, what a blast!!!! I was a little worried about tracking. The people started showing some strange behavior patterns. My owner kept hiding my favorite duck in the woods and telling me to “find it.” And it’s a good thing I did! What was THAT about? Then at class, people kept getting lost and we had to find them. One day, my owner wandered off and got lost behind a tree! Imagine! I found her though and got her back to the car alright. On the last day, John got lost and my owner sent me to find him. I was hot on the trail and headed around a building, but my owner was sure he must be hiding in the bushes. WRONG!! It cost me first place. I was nosed out by a Bassett Hound, go figure. I heard fly ball is starting up again – can’t wait! It’s my favorite place to go. Rocky II

--Our canine relationship began with Gene at TBPDT back in the early 1990's. Our daughter who was 9 at the time wanted to take her very first dog, a Sheltie, through obedience. This is where it all started.....our love for Shelties and our love for Gene and her ability to work with all breeds of dogs. We have since had 3 dogs complete training with Gene - of which include sub-novice, novice, canine good citizen, trick, agility 1 and 2 and fly-ball. After just one visit you John see Gene's love for the animal and due to her many years in the profession you John see success with your dog 'if' you do your homework as well. We would never even think of recommending any other trainer besides Gene at TBPDT - it is her life and love - that is crystal clear the first time you meet her ! Thank you Gene & John for what you do day in and day out with our 4 legged family members ~ The Durham Family

--Dear Gene, I am delighted to be able to tell everyone how wonderful you are as a trainer and a friend. When I came to you I did not have clue...literally! And to top it off I had a Smooth Fox Terrier, not a breed known for their Johningness to follow anyone's lead. As we progressed week after week, something wonderful was happening. We were turning into a team, and with practice and listening to your direction, we were able to turn ourselves into a working relationship that spanned many versatilities. There is one particularly important note about your training. You instruct your students not only with verbal commands, but also teach them the hand signals that match the commands. I was not to realize how important this was until Tommy became almost deaf as he aged. Thanks to you, I could still "talk" to him. You and John have a special place in our lives and our hearts..... and I have the truly professional portraits to prove it wasn't all a dream! Many, many thanks, John and Jayne Healy and Ch. Rivendell Moe Trouble, CGC, CD, SE, Therapy Dogs, Inc. (Tommy)

--Hi Gene, "I took both of my puppies (Lab & Catahoula mix) to Gene for training. We did Obedience I & II, Tricks I & II, Agility I & II, and Tracking I & II. We had a great time. Both the dogs and I learned a lot from Gene. They are now very well adjusted 80 pound members of the family. Thanks Gene." Dr. Lori Warren

--Dear Gene, Congratulations on 50 years of Training. What a great accomplishment in the training and teaching of both dogs and their people. You have made for me and wish in the four and a half years we have been in school a joy for us. No dog loves school more than wish does. That alone is a testiment to your training. She has found joy and the fun of a game, with the perfection of method when she is at her best, and not showning off. School to her is her second home. Congratulations again Gene. Ella & Wish

--Hi Gene, i first started coming 2 u in 2003 with my lovely K-9 companion SPIRIT a black german shepherd. she started in sub-novice and from there on she had much fun learning high levels of obedience, retreiving dumbells,doin jumps wich we competed in at AKC events.Then learned agility that was a big fun playground that u had 2 b a team with your K-9..Spirit then did tracking wow what a blast.. Then there was Zues he did obediece then went 2 trick class o my how he loved 2 perform tricks he had much fun..he is now 9 & still loves 2 do tricks..So 4 ALL your K-9 obedience,agility,tracking,tricks & dont for get Flyball for all the ball crazy dogs..THANKS for all your TBPDT..Rebecca 9-10-2011

--Hello Everyone, I have been going to TBPDT for over 10 years with my Shelties. I have learned many things over the years in training my dogs and also how to have fun while doing this. The rewards and memories on how to properly train your dog can bring many years of enjoyment. If you are interested in showing or just to have a well behaved fun loving dog, I would highly recommend attending a class at TBPDT. John and Gene Towles John teach you to teach your dog obedience and to have fun while learning. Dennis Mahefky Lafayette California

--I've taken several dogs to TBPDT classes. It's such fun and makes a huge difference in my relationship with the dogs. The training is done in a kind way and makes an owner into a better "dog parent". The facility is extra nice and classes begin and end on time. Dale Kennedy, Lafayette

--I have been going to Lettie Towles with my dog Maddy for the past three years. First, she taught me how to work with Maddy and get the best behavior from her with only fifteen minutes of work a day. The Lettie showed me a whole new world of having fun with your best friend by going to agility and rally classes. Maddy looks forward to the classes and is truly upset when weather makes it necessary to cancel class. Because of the work Lettie has done with Maddy and myself, I am planning to enter Maddy in rally competition this November. Without Lettie this would not be possible. Lettie is the best trainer I have ever had the opportunity to have lessons with and I have had a dog my entire 45 years of adult life. 8/13/2011