Testimonials from Clients, Colleagues and Veterinarians

"In my 35 year career in dog behavior and training, I have met thousands of trainers from all over the globe. Vyolet Michaels of Urban Dawgs has raised the bar of professionalism in Pet Dog Training and she is most certainly among the top in the field. Her passion and commitment to dogs and their people is unmatched. Under her guidance and expertise, dogs shine, and their people learn how to truly communicate with their dogs."
- Dr. Ian Dunbar, BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS, PhD, CPDT
Founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

"New Jersey dogs and their families are exceedingly lucky to have at their disposal one of the foremost talents in the country, Vyolet Michaels. She has the rare combination of theoretical knowledge of behavior and learning principles, terrific hands-on abilities as well as empathy for and ability to communicate to owners."
- Jean Donaldson (author, The Culture Clash)
Director of the Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco SPCA



"From my vantage point of working with dog trainers across the country I can tell you that few have a level of energy, love, and commitment for dog training that can match Vyolet Michaels’ of Urban Dawgs. She deeply cares for dogs and their people and approaches her work with great professionalism and care."
- Veronica Boutelle, Owner dogTEC.org - Dog Training Education Center



"As a Behavioral Medicine resident at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, I had the pleasure of working with Vyolet Michaels to treat an aggressive dog. She was very professional and effectively balanced the safety of the family with the welfare and treatment of the dog to try to improve the quality of life of all involved."
- Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB

"Erica Young brings to dog training a mastery of efficient hands-on training technique, based on proven and humane learning principles. When you add in Erica's strong sense of ethics, direct approach to problem solving, and wonderful communication skills, Erica shines as a gift to dogs, people and any community with good fortune to have access to her skills."
- John Buginas, Instructor at Academy for Dog Trainers at San Francisco SPCA

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Vyolet (and her 2 and 4-legged family) for over 6 years.  I refer my clients to her for training and behavioral consultations and the proof is in the puppies!  My clients are happy with Vyolet's gentle and fun methods and her proven results, and I enjoy examining and treating her well-behaved students." - Jacqueline S. Obando DVM, MercyVet

"Jordan is doing really well. I have used all of your techniques and she is responding great to them. I'm very happy with her progress and I wanted to thank you for all your help. We were very impressed with you and would highly recommend you to anyone. My little girl was a pleasure before, but she is just fantastic now!!!!"
- Karen and Dan Z. - Rumson, NJ

"Vyolet - First, let me thank you for the extended and informative time you spent with us on Monday evening.  We were so very pleased with your approach and recommendations for Bailey and have already begun to implement them.  We also enjoyed meeting you and were impressed with your knowledge, kindness, and complete sensitivity to our individual situation.  You are a  delightful individual - so easy to talk and communicate with.  Thank you so much for a wonderful session and thank you for sending the information and analysis so expediently this morning!  I really had not expected to receive it so soon.  I have begun to read it and realize it is a lot of material to digest in one reading, but, rest assured, we are "getting with the program" right away.  I will communicate with you as we go along.  It will take us a while - but I am sure we will get there.  You have already been such a help." - Ruth Ann - Ocean Grove, NJ

"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the puppy class today! Your attention to the scientific facts and current, ever changing information, rather than old theories and ideas is very much appreciated. Your seriousness and caring attitude to the puppies and their owners really shows. I am very much looking forward to the next class." - Jeff S. - Fairhaven, NJ

"Hi Vyolet, I would like to thank you for visiting my home recently. You taught my parents so many neat tricks that are helping me to be a good girl. Because of you, I now walk perfectly on my leash for mommy and daddy and I am learning how to control my excitement (aka jumping!) when guests come to the door. You also suggested so many great things that mommy and daddy could give to me... Mommy said that without your help and training expertise, she would have had a much harder time keeping me in line (I don't believe it but she says I can be a handful sometimes!). Anyway, thanks again for visiting me and I am going to recommend you to all of my friends at the dog park!"
- Molly S. - Shrewsbury, NJ

"Urban Dawgs “Board and Train” gave Tique a real springboard for the continuation of his training. Prior to this experience we had reached a plateau. Now he has a solid foundation with which to work. All his basic commands have become much more consistent. We are increasing the level of difficulty of his tasks and have begun to work on some of the fun things. It won’t be long and he’ll be bringing us the morning newspaper! I think he had a really good time too."
- Kathleen G. - Rumson, NJ

"I just wanted to extend our thanks and let you know how pleased we were with the entire evening. Cathy and I (along with her parents) learned more than we ever imagined; from diet to training, you covered everything wonderfully. Speaking on behalf of everyone I can safely say we all walked away with a tremendous amount of insight and enthusiasm towards applying the lessons we learned. You are a very gifted teacher and I will happily recommend you to friends and family in the area. Thanks again!"
- Chris, Cathy and Bentley – Colts Neck, NJ

"Thanks so much for your energy, good ideas and positive modeling. We are all having a better day. Tucker is lounging on his dog bed in an exercise pen, having finished dinner from a new big kong, and now checking out a bully stick.....content. We had a good experience socializing and everyone here is more positive tonight. We definitely want to continue more training with you. Thanks."
- Sandra and family, Middletown, NJ

"You're like the 'Dear Abby' of the animal world!" - Veronica in Sea Bright, NJ

"Vyolet makes time for everyone's questions in class. Her methods are positive, inspiring, gentle and effective.  Her style is friendly, open, honest and lots of fun.  You learn so much and are able to form a positive bond with your dog.  Vyolet is a fantastic resource of information. Thank you Vyolet for your constant commitment to both the pups and owners!" - Jamie, Carla and Duce

"Vyolet has been an enormous and positive influence in our dog's life - McKinley, a 6 mo. old Alaskan Malamute.  She has taken Mac on training walks 3 days/week in addition to holding private sessions with our entire family in our home.  Through her positive and consistent approach to training, Vyolet has helped us lay the groundwork for a wonderful relationship with our dog.  Mac loves Vyolet and we do too." - Karen, Scott, Chloe and McKinley

"Thanks again for the invaluable lessons for both Kuma and I. I think your teaching style is fantastic; It was very impacting!" - Sandy and Kuma

"My husband and I were so impressed with you.  We really appreciated how you treated everyone so respectfully and made us feel so at home... while the same time being extremely knowledgable.  You are a gifted teacher."- Susan and Mia

"We use the knowledge you imparted to us everyday - your love for dogs seeped into us and helped us manage the weirdest, most frustrating doggie issues!"- Yen, Alderik and Tug