Who Are Our Clients?

The following statistics are generated from approximately 150 clients per year from 2013-present.

90% of our clients* are referral from clients, veterinarians, and rescue organizations. Rescue organizations confirm a dramatic decrease in returns when applying the UPWARD Dogology formula.

98% of our clients researched and applied techniques grounded in positive reinforcement training, counter conditioning, and/or balanced training prior to hiring Billie.

85% of our clients have hired one or more accredited, successful, certified positive reinforcement, or non-aversive, conditioning trainer(s) prior to hiring Billie.

73% of our clients felt defeated and considered surrendering or euthanizing their dog before hiring Billie.

70% of our clients were advised by veterinarians, trainers or other experts to surrender or euthanize their dog when methods suggested to them by certified positive reinforcement trainers and balanced trainers were ineffective.

48% of our clients hired a behavioral veterinarian prior to hiring Billie. In accordance with the AVSAB and other bodies governing veterinarians, the behavioral veterinarians recommend positive, reward based methods. All of these clients have their dogs on medication recommended by the veterinarians. We were able to wean off the the meds, and make progress with CCBT to address, in particular, anxiety, and behaviors associated with aggression.

97% of our clients kept their dog when, only shortly prior to working together, were convinced they would have to rehome, surrender or euthanize. 2.8% felt they were making an educated, calm (not frantic) decision to return or rehome in the better interest of the dog and their family. The rehoming was successful because of the work we had done together. Point 2%, in 3 decades, euthanized their dog, believing this was the safest and most responsible thing to do.

*Our clients include:

  • veterinarians and dog experts and other industry professionals, such as groomers and trainers

  • psychologists, child experts, social workers - all of whom are experts in CBT

  • experienced dog owners who are knowledgeable on R+ and dog behavior

  • experienced fosters and rescuers

  • those who are new to having a dog, or may have had a different dog from puppyhood, and are new to adopting an adolescent or older dog.

    Blaming trainers for using incorrect/dated technique, fosters for not being educated, and adopters and dog-owners for not being patient, is not beneficial and is simply masking the problem. Certified trainers and behaviorists are only exposed to conditioning methods, and although these professionals are skilled in these methods, the method is commonly ineffective with adolescent and/or adopted dogs.

Here is what our clients say:

“My family is aligned with each other and with our dog, thanks to the UPWARD Dogology program” Jeff Dale

“I feel like my relationship with my dog completely changed within 4 days - it was amazing to see it all unfold.” Nikki Smith

“It is like a “light-bulb goes on”. Lynne Sheldon

“I feel less controlling, yet I have more control.” Betty Lawson

“We are more relaxed, and so is our dog. Our dog views us differently, and trusts us more. It is amazing.” Peter and Andrew

Check out our podcast on “Choosing a trainer”

Season 2 Episode 6 Learning Journey- Learning Journey-Dog Dynamics within a household. SnipPet-Choosing a trainer or behaviourist based on your needs 

"Dog’s perceptions of environments and what makes them happy changes, and we must recognize and adapt to these changes." 

— Maria, client