Student's Comments for Tom De Luca
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Hi Tom, When I first brought "Baker" our Labradoodle home as a surprise Christmas gift for my wife Linda, she was excited and terrified at the same time. It didn't take long to learn that we did not know much about raising a puppy. I search for weeks and interviewed several trainers, and we were most impressed with you. Choosing you as our trainer was the best decision we made regarding Baker. You explained everything to us in a manner which we can understand and relate to. Your lessons were comprehensive from health issues to basic training. We learned from you how to train Baker which was very empowering to us as new puppy parents. We have and continue to recommend your services to anyone who owns a dog or puppy. I can't imagine how our household would be, or how Baker would have turned out without your help. So, from the bottom of our hearts, myself, my wife Linda, and Baker thank you for teaching us how to enjoy one another.
  
    Best Regards, William, Linda & Baker

We now have the best behaved dog we have ever had thanks to Tom. Friends family and neighbors all want to take him home, they all say how well behaved Cody is. Tom would always attract a lot of attention while training. People were really impressed by his training methods and so are we. Best money we ever have spent. Thanks again Tom, Your the BEST! Roger, Jodi and of H.B.
  
   Roger & Jodi Winn
,Cody

Tom is very skillful with our puppu - Thanks! It is nice to know we are the parents and should be in-charge.
  
   Stan & Jill Beibeman

Theo has grown & learned a great deal from our exprience with Tom, as have I. Now I know how to talk, communicate with Theo, and Theo knows how to listen. Paw-Lite Training is very important for all dog owners.
  
   Tom & Jill Herrington

Fritz is very cooperative and is beginning to understand appropriate behavior, and any bad behavior is due to our slacking off in consistency on our part. We loved learning all of the information about the dog. We learned so much about how to behave to help our puppy. I loved it! It was very convenient to have Tom com to us, and enjoyed all of the classes. We have owned dogs but never had training before, so all of the information was useful to us. I would highly recommend this training. I lived how kind Tom is to the dogs He trains you to treat them as a dog, but is compassionate and not punishing. Fritz loves to see him coming because he knows he is going to have a good time.
  
   Swainston

Absolutely satisfied! We are so much better behaved than when we started. I've been better at controlling and he is definitively better at listening. It was more than just doing "tricks", it was more focused on complete behavior and understanding.
  
   Sarah Hata

Gracie learned very quickly with Tom's techniques. Tom was very kind and gentle, and very knowledgeable! Thank you Tom, you were great.
     Karen Crellin

Daisey has learned to be less aggressive around people and learned some discipline. I felt Tom explained things clearly and he was very patient with Daisey. Thanks for your help. I will continue to work with Daisey
     Toni White

I still have work to do, but they have enjoyed it. Very valuable information. My dogs love to learn. Lot's of useful tools - all positive. We loved it. Thank you!
     Lisa Toland, Sampson & Lilah

Tom provided lots of great tips & was conserned with the dog's health, as well as her behaviour. Very enjoyable exprience!
     Kevin Paka & Bailey

Her behaviour has improved 100%. Thank you for helping me and my dog Jewles, get over the fear of dogs. My family and friends thank you too. Everyone sees that she is a much happier dog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jueles & my family are totally grateful.
     Wendy Heath-Neugass, Jewels

Our dog is on her way to becoming a well behaved little lady. Tom has given us the tools to continue to train her and refine her manners. I enjoyed watching Tom start cold & shape a behaviour until, in 1 hour, she was performing the behaviour. I know our dog is more of a pleasure now, than she would have been had she not had training.
     Phyllis Coulor, Molly

Both dog's behaviour were wonderful at the end of class. I learned a great deal about a dog's background and how that needs to be incorporated into training to build a great relationship with one another. Tom was wonderful and I will defenately will continue training!
     Tracy, Spike & Oreo

At 2-1/2 years old, my dog had some behaviors that needed to be modified and Tom did Wonders with Joey. I was just amazed to see the change and how quickly it happened. It was a great exprience and was very satisfied with the outcome! Thank you for teaching Joey good manners!
     Vivian Hermburg & Joey

Due to Tom's efforts, Gigi readily took to the command exercises… So did we! Tom is an excellent trainer, and was great with Gigi. We thoroughly enjoyed the session and continue to see great strides with her.
     Bill and Liz Newsom and Gigi

Our pet dog is now more of a companion than before. She is now more responsive to us. She is more of a family member than before, and we can enjoy our dog.
     Deogie

Holiday has so much fun during training and loved her class, learning so many tricks. All of the tricks training was fun, interesting.
     Heather Melia, Jeff Overly and Holiday.

LaBron has become a very well behaved young puppy. I enjoyed the extensive information and hands-on approach and the "clicker" training is very effective and useful. Tom is very cheerful & delightful to work with, you can see that he loves his work.
     Tahia Hoding and LaBron

The responsiveness of Savanna has greatly improved. We are extremely happy with Savanna's training.
     Clay & Michael Kilpatric and Savanna

Extraordinary improvement. I never knew I didn't know so much.
     Burke Dignam and Pete

Tom De Luca taught my dog to overcome 6 year old behavior problems. I liked his gentle approach, extreme patience & massive knowledge and I have told friends. Tom is the 3rd trainer we've had and was 10 times superior to the others. He can do anything! A great experience! Thanks!
     Carline Smith & Connor

Mr. Famous is an excellent dog now. He was very unruly at the beginning. The dog now minds and follows me. This is better than I would have imagined. The fact that Tom came to my house was a great help. Tom was encouraging of my dog's progress, and the wealth of information, I thought it was excellent all around. Very much recommended.
     Jen Coyle & Mr. Famous

Scooby is showing marked improvement. He no longer shows "aggression" when other dogs pass by. We enjoyed the positive training, and Tom liked his job and our dog! Tom had a great amount of info on the learning process of a dog. We enjoyed every session and are very pleased with Scooby's improvement. Thank you so much for helping us with Scooby!
     Jay, Deanne Hoff, and Scooby

Tom, thank you so much for teaching me everything & shaping Akilah into such a wonderful puppy. You really have been a huge blessing in our lives & I'm extremely grateful to have met you.
     Ivana Brown & Akilah

My main goal was to control the barking and jumping and I now have the tools to work with Mugsy. Thank you for helping us. Mugsy is now part of the family, and finally a welcome member.
     Joanne Long and Mugsy

Bandit has become responsive and very well behaved. Everyone has noticed a marked improvement with him. He knows hand signals, and watching him learn new behaviors was truly a great thing. The training was great! I would recommend this to anyone!
     Chris Landgren, Lauren Maddox &Bandit

Chica was always happy after class and wanted to continue the games. I liked the extra care tips as well as the basic lessons. Everything was great because whatever I needed to have addressed, the class was adjusted for. We will continue more classes for sure! Tom worked around my schedule making it very convenient for me to make the classes.
     Carlos Parrott & Chica Ziggy

I'm so proud of my pups. You made them putty in your hands. Seeing how easy you worked with my dogs made it easy to imitate and get the same results. These pups in 6 weeks, are better than my last 2 dogs that I tried to work with, by myself, for 16 years. I loved the structure, the outlines, and especially you, the teacher, you're fabulous and very easy to understand and learn from. Everything just seemed to make sense, which made learning EASY! I would highly recommend your services and it was worth every penny. This was a gift that will keep on giving.
     Victoria, Deborah, Murphy & Ginger

He (Brutus) has come a long way. We loved the packets (lessons). Tom showed us how to be patient with the dog. Thank you so much!
     Angela Noel Fogel, Max Haskvitz & Brutus

The behavior of my dog has changed tremendously for the best. Coco seems to be all around smarter. Tom is so easy going and great with animals. The dogs love him! Tom does it right.
     Kim Holliday & Coco

Hi Tom, this is Marine Graybeal, Alice's mom, and I was just calling to tell you that Alice is now sitting and staying and the next time we can make her go down and she stays. You can lay the leash down and walk away and she'll stay until you tell her to come. So we're really proud of her. I know we all kinda thought she'd never learn that, but anyhow I just wanted to share our joy with you, thanks, bye.

Molly improved with her socializing, and we learned to reinforce the things she learned to help her with her fears.
     Emily Moncur & Molly

You explain "How" and "Why" very well, and I liked it all. I understand how dogs think better, it was like doggie psychology. I think you have it down. Its great. I was able to learn on a personal level more about my dog instead of all dogs in general. Thank you very much!
     Teresa Beith & Dixie

Everything we learned was helpful. Our dog was respected & cared for by the instructor. I look forward to our next class.
     Heather Melis & Holiday

I enjoyed the very good, practical tips and especially the knowledge on Irish Terrier. I will have to be very disciplined now in following up on enforcing the training and things I learned. This is a perfect class.
     Volker Blaschke & Fado

There has been significant change for the better in Tara. Her behavior is more relaxed and she listens so much better. The 1-on-1, hands-on instruction was extremely beneficial. I have noticed such an incredible change in Tara, I hope she keeps on improving. Thanks again!
     Bandy Harabedian & Tara

Sophiae seemed to be more calm. Great information in all areas of dog care.
     Diane Callaghan & Sophiae

Tom De Luca was wonderful training our dog. We have learned so much from our sessions. He has a great approach & technique. We are so grateful to have had someone like him working with our pet. This was the best!
     Carol Piturro, Doug Kenlner & Beebe

Tom, you were wonderful & got Kadie and Joey to do things I never thought they would. I enjoyed the potty training the positive way, and the "sit" & "down" training. Wonderful experience, you are very gifted!
     Kim Aoyama, Kadie & Joey

Our Dog has learned far beyond what I thought she was capable of in such a short period of time. Tom's techniques and care are phenomenal. We enjoyed the simplicity and reasoning behind the cues, and Tom's availability & willingness to work with us. Thanks for everything!
     Patrick MaGee & Grace

There was a positive change in the dogs reactions in not jumping and following instructions. I enjoyed the variety of the info to include training and education of maintaining the dog. I was completely satisfied.
     Gina Mago & Bailey

Much better behaviour than when we started! Classes were enjoyable and through. Loved the dog "psychology" - it helps to know what the dog thinks & feels.
     Deborah Cole & Sadie (The Crazy Lady)

What a difference! In 6 short weeks, Bungee has shown MARKED improvement! In fact our vet's office has ASKED US to provide Tom's card for referring other pet owners!
     Wayne & Sharon Metzger, Bungee

Gus has gotten significantly better with each class. The techniques make learning fun for the dog and makes him want to learn. It has been very successful. I am very happy with the training.
     Bill Bartz & Gus

I can't believe we are able to get the dog to do the various things they are doing - and without force. They are much happier; and WE are much happier. They were so fearful of people before. If we do the right thing, they do the right thing. The instruction was very clear. Tom's demonstrating the various techniques was fascinating to watch, and the written instructions were a good follow-up during the week. I was so impressed I've been telling everybody. Tom is knowledgeable. He was unflappable no matter what the dogs did, and he always knew what to do to correct it.
     Peggy Ashcroft, Petunia & Magnum

We made great progress and learned lots of interesting things about dog behavior! We trained Whiskey to SIT and STAY when we opened a door and NOT bolt out! We enjoyed the instructor's friendly attitude and congeniality. Tom stressed how to encourage positive dog behavior with praise and treats. Whisky now lies on his back willingly inviting us to stroke his stomach!
     Joe Kagel & Whiskey

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks, because Tom can. Tom helped us with Murphy our 8 yr old Cocker Spaniel. We learned a lot from Tom. He was able to set a foundation for Murphy to excel. Tom's patience and attentiveness were a great asset. We highly recommend him to anyone who needs help with their dog.
     Gary, Melanie Grant & Murphy

Extremely well thought out & planned. Tom De Luca is the best instructor we've ever had. Presented in a very professional manner. Great philosophy in training, gentle, patient. Tom was very knowledgeable. Keep up the good job for our community.
     Wayne & Storrow Johnson

There has been allot of improvement since the first class. I liked to be able to tell the dogs the different cues and to let them know I'm the pack leader. Tom was very clear when it came to explain our questions.
     Daniel, Maribel, Yogi & Benji

T-Bone's behavior has improved greatly from the first session. He was very difficult to control with his aggression & barking. But each week it got better to the point where my wife can now walk him outside. No way could she do that before. We enjoyed the reward approach without the traditional "punishment" based techniques. Tom's Approach was very gentle & it won T-Bone over.
     Tom, Doneur Schmidt & T-Bone

Tremendous improvement! I really enjoyed the process of reward vs. punishment. Tom really has a deep understanding of dog behavior and we saw that rewarding behavior made all the difference. This was a great experience.
     Greg, Rachel Harkvy & Lilo

Hank is 100% better, calmer and more disciplined. Tom has a great attitude!
     Sean Egen & Hank

Lacey has come a long way from the beginning of the class. She is learning along with her owners. Everyone in the family is a lot happier. You took time on every lesson & made sure we understood before moving on. Tom, the class was great. Lacey has learned so many behaviors. Tom is a great trainer & Lacey enjoys him also. Tom thanks so much for all of your help. You have given our family a great success!
     Debbie Wade, Steve Derwin & Lacey

Madison did well. We were completely happy with the outcome of her behavior. All the techniques made a big difference. Thank you for being so patient with her & us!
     Kim Gaeth and Madison

Tom is helpful and knowledgeable. I have learned to work in a positive way with my dog!
     Honor Levin & Tug

We are very satisfied. Training for humans! I enjoyed watching Sheila make so much progress. Thank you Tom, we'll be seeing you again soon!
     Walt, Nancy, Sheila

I enjoyed how the dogs responded [and] how quickly they learned. I learned as much as the dogs. Excellent job! Really enjoyed it!
     Bob Gelesby, Bugsy & Samone

Missy is more responcive to commands and overall more attentive to her handlers. The classes are fun for us and the dog. I found it enjoyable to see her improve behavior from the 1st lesson on. Missy enjoys the games when we reinforce behavior.
     Walter Franusiaic & Missy

Molly is an entirely new dog. We were contemplating giving her up because of her biting before we met Tom. We especially liked Tom's hands-on approach, our dog actually learned tricks during the sessions. Thank you Tom!
     Natolie Ochi, Molly

Murphy loves you & responds so well to your commands! You give a lot of detail in your training, I loved watching Murphy learn! Great job - you are always a joy to work with and I wish all dog owners were as loving, gentle & kind as you are! Thanks so much!
     Nahla & Murphy

Tom, we have interacted briefly at times, and I confidently say you love dogs, are great with dogs, and have a pure talent as a dog trainer. Thank you for all your helpful tips in passing at the PETsMART store in RSM, CA.
     Brian Buehler, Dove Canyon, CA

Just want to thank you so much for being such an awesome dog trainer and coming into our home! You've made this a very enjoyable experience for all of us.
     Bruce, Cathy, Gerwyn & Minai

We saw a noticeable difference in Buddy! We learned allot about what we were doing wrong and how to correct our training style. Buddy enjoyed the training and so did we!
     Denise Hopkins

Tom, I just wanted to let you know our dogs are behaving 100% better since we did your in-home training. We really liked your gentle teaching techniques since we don't like to harm our dogs... Anyway, we will for sure refer you to all of our dog owner friends in the future!
     Seth and Jennifer Matson

Spencer is a "New" dog! He loves to please now! More freedom with our dog! Can't wait to resume our classes.
     Denise Hall

Jag did not know sit, come, stay etc., now he knows them all! He knows boundaries & will not cross them unless invited! I had fun training the dogs & watching them become more cherished family members. I loved the fact than Tom came to our home and got to see the dog's environment, and better understand the family dynamics!
     Cherlynn Hurdle, Jag & Red

We are still having issues to work on, but she is on the right track. We found many useful techniques.
     Tanya Gillespie & Spades

Oliver's behavior has improved. We enjoyed watching him respond so quickly to the lessons. They were easy and gentle.
     Sue Harrison & Oliver

We have enjoyed your classes with our 2 dogs. Both of them have learned so very much - us too!
     Casey, Deborah, Dublin & Dottie

Zoey is a recent rescue with some behavioral issues; running away, barking, chewing shoes, etc. All Gone! Tom is very patient & kind. Zoey & KT look forward to classes, and so do I. I find that I'm probable learning more then the "girls" Thanks Tom!
     Sue McClarin, Zoey & Kylie Taylor (KT)

Excellent! You exceeded out expectations. Your lessons were full but simple to follow.
     Nancy Koch

I enjoyed the trainer and how he worked with Rudy, it was very nice to have him in my home. Rudy is more well behaved now. Tom is an excellent trainer.
     Elisa Savord

I liked that we learned the basic essential commands needed to start with a happy puppy. Tom De Luca was a great trainer and very patient.
     Racraei Provcncio

Tom, thanks so much for helping us to train Ralph. We appreciate all your time and effort.
     Carol & Bill Giruianzzo

We were pleased with all aspects of the class and look forward to the next session!
     Barbara & Matt Northrop and Shelby

We want to thank Tom De Luca for all of his effort in helping us learn and train our new puppy. He is a wealth of information about this breed (Irish Terrier) and has cheerfully given his time and energy to help us train our puppy. We do not know where we would be without him!!!
     Jim and Beth Callaghan

Excellent. We learned all kinds of things - sit, stay, settle, potting etc. The sessions were all great. Not only did you learn obedience - you learned a lot of other things. Tom did a superb job! He took time with each dog, always had time for many questions and was all around extremely helpful.
     Wayne & Jackie Watson

Tom is a very good teacher. Keep up the good work.
     Olivia Farmstead

Tom is an excellent trainer and has knowledgeable training skills. The class was very rewarding.
     Jason Gutiurriz

Tom helped me control my dog and I learned techniques to handle him better in a positive manner.
     Shirley Futagaki

Tom was great with the dog's individual challenges.
     Ruby Tschopp

I liked the easy to understand training methods from the teacher. I really enjoyed the class & hope to take more in the future.
     Heather Byard

The results were astounding. It's like we have a completely deferent dog. Thanks Tom.
     Chris Swartz

Doing great! Really enjoyed Tom's "simple" directions! We'll keep practicing! Thanks!
     Joan Peoples

Tom was great and really patient. You can tell he loves dogs. He has a great way with them!
     Andrea Villa

Great class. You got us started in the right direction.
     George

Got a lot of tips that are not in the course book. Good interaction and dog training.
     Rajesh Swamimathaw

Excellent training course.
     Marsha Yee

We liked the trainer's approach. Tom is the key to this great class.
     Ward Herd, Susan Kaye

I liked the interactions with other dogs for Tootsie. The training was kept at an easy level! Tom was a great teacher - very patient and positive.
     Cindy Campbell

We made lots of progress. Tom has tons of patience and is an excellent trainer. Thanks!
     Sailor Beckham

Disliked nothing! Enjoyed the pace of each lesson & the calm friendly atmosphere for the dog and all. Enjoyed every minute.
     Matt & Debbie

Liked learning how to interact with dogs like Tom. Tom has a great temperament. He was very helpful with all of our questions.
     Jim Metzidis

I liked that the class was fun & friendly. Tessa and I both learned a lot.
     Julie Cramer & Tessa

Great trainer & knowledge! Couldn't be better! Thanks Tom! Many class times, great atmosphere. I've heard from others how good the system is! We're signing up again. Five stars!
     John Caley

[I liked] getting educated about [our] puppy. We'll be back after 6 months.
     Harry Lewis

Tom's hints were great helps.
     Marsha Suess

Appreciated the great approach to training! Thanks for the education!
     Shannon Hickman

It was helpful! My dog got along with other dogs and is more enjoyable.
     Diana

All the information was most useful. Tom is well qualified & so so much info. Highly recommended.
     Debra Morrell

The training was excellent! Tom De Luca was patient and enthusiastic! I intend to enroll my dog in additional trainings with Tom - He's the best!
     Susan Behar

Very skeptical initially, but very happy with end result. I liked [the] interaction with [the] other dogs. Tom is definitely the dog whisperer!
     Charlie H.

I disliked nothing about the sessions. Great puppy class.
     Julie James

I liked the friendliness. This was a great course to take with my dog. We both really enjoyed it.
     Natalya Hundrieser

Professional Recommendations for Tom De Luca
 

BANFIELD, The Pet Hospital
30515 Avenida De Las Flores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

January 6, 2004
Angelique Volkman, DVM
General Practitioner, Emergency Clinician.
Subject: Letter of recommendation for Mr. Thomas R. De Luca III

To whom it may concern:
Thomas De Luca is a highly dedicated professional trainer, which I have had the pleasure to work with for some time. He adopts creative positive reinforcement techniques to achieve his training objectives and is a well rounded and highly respected member of the team.

Tom's record of achievement and professionalism is well established and it is with great pleasure that I can recommend him into the certificate granting program for animal trainers.

Sincerely,
Angelique Volkman, DVM
California vet, lie # 14318



 
 
PETsMART
30515 Avenida De Las Flores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

November 27, 2003

Dear Sirs,
I am a Store Director for PETsMART #1227 in Rancho Santa Margarita and I am writing this letter as a professional reference for Thomas De Luca.

Tom is the Pet Trainer for my location and I have had the pleasure of working with him for the past three months. As a trainer, Tom is a consummate professional. His ability to bring out the best in our canine companions extends to bringing out the best in the Pet Parents who take his class as well. His training style is gentle, very easy to follow, and has been a major success here, as well as at his previous store in Foothill Ranch, California. We receive many complimentary cards from past clients, who love the changes they have seen in their pets and feel that Tom is directly responsible for their improved relationships.

One of the things that Pet Parents love the most about Tom is that he uses strictly positive reinforcement to help make the training process easy and fun. I would recommend Tom to any individual that was looking to better the quality of their relationship with their canine companion. I have in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
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a carrier or down a busy area pounds GBG of damaging your in a little over that vast is in a mess in a changes their you will like them and naso what are the issues when you are a getting into little water by giving are you eitherSincerely,
Kathy De Los Monteros
PETsMART #1227


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