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WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
Transforming Dogs and their Owners: Hear What Our Clients Have to Say About Our Training Services
Attending classes at Goldenbrook Farm is the highlight of our week! Working with Deb has given me so much confidence as a dog owner, and in turn has given my dog, Poppy, confidence! Her style of training has been such a help, especially in realistic
situations I find myself in day to day. I would never be the dog owner I am today without her support and guidance. Thank you for all that you do!​
-Maggie B.
I’ve never seen another dog trainer deliver such powerful, precise training with results this impressive—where the dog truly enjoys every step of the process. Debbie has an incredible ability to see from behind the eyes of the dog, understanding their mind and intentions like no one else. After spending the last year training with her, I can confidently say her approach is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—intuitive, thoughtful, and incredibly effective.
-Ava & Brea
I would highly recommend Goldenbrook Farms to anyone who requires training for their dogs. I adopted a one year old coonhound who had no manners, wouldn’t listen, had no previous training and was extremely stubborn. Well to my surprise he has been progressing extremely well, it’s like having a different dog and I have Debbie to thank for this transformation. We still have more to learn and I am certain we can reach our goal.
-Donna D.
Wonderful training theory! I am on my third setter with Debby training, a wild ass puppy into a future hunting Hall of Famer!​
-Don and Maggi, January 2025
I found him in an alley, he was a strung out Doberman, a milk bone junkie barking his way around town looking for his next fix. He was hopeless, destined for the pound, with no discipline he couldn't stay, he could barely sit. Heel? Ha! Nah, he was a puller, better suited as a plow horse. I took him home anyway. Brought him to Goldenbrook Farm It's a real "family" place if you know what I mean. Met Debbie, the Godmother. She schooled us. Turned us into a team. It was a process, luckily he was a new dog learning old tricks, so it was doable. Now he's a superstar. He can stay for hours, even stare down some tough guy cats. He can do more obstacles than an army basic training
battalion, he even flew a few times right over the wall in a single bound. Eat your heart out Superman. Now he's starting a youth group for wayward puppies. That's progress. So yeah, you want to get trained to teach your dog how to be a real dog? Call the Godmother. Call Debbie, she won't leave you out in the rain. ​
-Shawn and Arrow
We have come to Goldenbrook Farm for help in training our two
puppies, 15 years apart. Each time, we received great advice on
training both our dog and us ! We learned how to give commands and respond to our dog in many different situations. Our dog loves to do the agility set up, learning commands while having fun. I would definitely recommend Debbie to help your dog too.​
-Deborah M.
I brought my dog Izzy to Goldenbrook Farm, hoping to train her enough to not have her pull on the leash when we went for a walk. I completed training with a dog who will heel next to me without a leash, listen to the commands we have established and correct her behavior at the sound of my voice. We returned for training with our second dog Marley, and have had the same results. Debbie's expertise includes evaluating each dog before assigning them to a class to ensure they are in a group that fits their needs, giving steps to follow for behaviors owners are experiencing outside of class and explaining canine behavior so owners understand how the training works. Her advice is well thought out and effective. Outdoor classes include handlers taking their dogs through an elaborate agility course, which is not only a chance to use the commands, but is a great bonding exercise for owners and their dogs. Goldenbrook Farm training results in well-trained dogs and effective and happy owners.
-Kristen
Working with Debbie is LIFE CHANGING. She teaches you how to communicate clearly to your dog so you become a leader. She has shown me what it takes to be calm and confident. Setting up boundaries and holding your dog accountable for their behavior and how to positively encourage the behavior you want. Without me being confident then my dog takes the leadership role and reacts in a negative way. She has taught me how to be that confident leader. Every class you learn something new. She truly speaks "dog"!
-Mckenzie & Kimber
Debbie’s training has helped me to have the confidence and knowledge to handle my dog in any situation. I now have a German Shepherd who is responsive, outgoing, and extremely social with other dogs and people. He loves the agility side of training and although it is work, we have a lot of fun. I recommend Goldenbrook Farm to people I meet all the time. It has been a great experience.
-Sharon & Wolfie
I started my journey at Goldenbrook Farm over 5 years ago with my Australian Shepherd Byrdie before adding an addition to our pack Layla Lou in 2022. I leaned quickly how training was just as much about training the handler as it was about training the dog!
Through weekly sessions that incorporate obedience training along with agility the bond between my dogs and I continues to deepen.
I can’t thank Debbie the owner of Goldenbrook Farm enough for all that she has taught me and for the confidence that I have gained as a handler. I enjoy our weekly session just as much as my pups and look forward to them!
Debbie has created a community in which both dogs and handlers have a safe space to learn and grow. Thank you Goldenbrook Farm!
-Kate B.
My dog and I love Goldenbrook Farm dog training. When my husband and I - we are older folks - got a new puppy which we knew was going to be a big dog, we realized that we should ensure that he (and we) were properly trained. Our daughter had worked with Goldenbrook with good results, so we signed up. I take our dog to the weekly classes and couldn't be happier. He has learned the basic commands, socializes with other dogs, enjoys the agility exercises - and I have learned as much as he has in how to work with him. Every week reinforces what we have learned and initiates new skills. And - my BIG dog is a bit of a goofball - and the training he receives ensures his good behavior while, at the same time, preserving his wonderful demeanor.​
-Dana & Benny
After taking a class and private instructions with a trainer, our dog, Drax, did not seem to be making much progress. I noticed a neighbor walking his two dogs off leash and asked about their training. My neighbor told me about Goldenbrook Farm. I began training there wth Drax with very modest goals but soon learned to expect more. Debbie does much more than teach commands. She shows you clearly how to communicate with your dog; how to give a command, how to correct behavior, and how to praise your dog. She teaches you how your actions, your tone, your movements and your emotions affect your dog. She teaches you how to get and keep your dog's attention without resorting constantly bribing with treats. The agility course is such a great training tool that is fun for Drax and me!
Training Drax was a goal from the moment we adopted him, but finding the right trainer was the key to making training effective and fun. Debbie Birden/Goldenbrook Farm was the key.
-Diana & Drax
Debbie is absolutely incredible at Goldenbrook Farm! Both Rocky and I look forward to going to the training sessions each week. The session are fun and I learn SO much at each session. Debbie is kind, patient, gives step by step instructions and feedback so both Rocky and I can be successful in all training activities. Debbie is flexible yet provides consistent instruction needed for Rocky and I to continue to grow together in command, obstacle course and trick training! Rocky and I have become more of "a team" as our bond has grown considerably since beginning classes at Goldenbrook Farm. Debbie is always in our corner to help us succeed! I can't say enough good things about Goldenbrook Farm and Deb...she is truly THE BEST! ​
-Michelle & Rocky
Happy Anniversary to Deb Birden of Goldenbrook Farm!! Several years ago on this day Celia and I walked through your door to begin our training journey!
At that time, I never imagined we would ever come as far as we have!!! At the beginning, there were tears (mine), a power struggle between Celia and I, frustration where I was ready to send Celia back as she constantly bit my leg while we walked (I still have marks to prove it)!! After the first few months the epiphany hit, I needed to be a strong handler. Once that realization happened and I set my mind to it, our journey went in a new and better direction!!
Over the years, we’ve become a great team (at least I think so)!!! Celia and I have earned our AKC Caninie Good Citizen, AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen and Avanced Canine Good Citizen Certificates! We received a Certificate of Competion for Pet CPR & First Aid!! We also participate in Goldenbrook Farms Support Dog Program visiting several Nursing Homes in the area providing pet therapy for the residents as well as having the dogs performing an agility demo which the residents love!! In addition, Celia and I have countless hours visiting the Nursing Home my mom was in which provided her comfort as well as all the other residents and employees who have come to know and love Celia!!
Celia does a lot of “work” but she also has a goofy side!! She loves to play in the snow (any weather really)!! Sleeping in unusual ways/places: head leaning against the wall, paws hanging off the sofa, behind the blinds!!! Jumping over the oxer in the outdoor training rink and grabbing the artificial flowers with her mouth without missing a beat!! Being a “klepto” of toys from the bucket in training class!!
Yes, at the beginning, it was arduous but over the years it has switched to one of pleasure!! She is the best pup I could ask for and I tell her every day she is the best; because to me, she is!!! Our journey is far from over as we have a lot more to accomplish!!!
I enjoy (and I hope Celia does too) being part of the Goldenbrook Farm family!!
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-Paula & Celia
I would highly recommend training at Goldenbrook. I first came to the facility looking for basic obedience for my new puppy, he’s now almost 2 and I don’t see us leaving. There is no dog discrimination- having a Doberman I would expect people to be uncertain but the instructor loves him as her own. The atmosphere is fun and lighthearted but we get the work in. My dog and I look forward to our weekly class together it’s so good for us as a team. The owner Deb is an AKC Instructor and offers testing when your canine is ready. We have completed the STAR puppy and the CGC test through the AKC program and are eager to continue on. She also offers agility work with different circuits which is fun as a team! I cannot recommend this facility enough!!
-Nicole R., New Hartford, CT
I began my journey with Finn at Goldenbrook Farm K-9 3 years ago when I adopted Finn as a puppy. At Goldenbrook not only does Debbie teach obedience but also scent training, agility and advanced obedience training all while having fun and bonding with your dog to become a great team. I can take Finn anywhere with me and he is so well behaved and people are so amazed with his good manners. Finn and I were able to pass our Canine Good Citizen designation but also our Canine Urban designation too. Finn and I were also provided several opportunities to go with Debbie to a local nursing home to visit the residents. Debbie at Goldenbrook teaches you the skills to train your dog along with building your confidence. I am so proud of Finn and also myself for all we have accomplished and owe this to Goldenbrook. Debbie works with each dog and helps you bring out the best in your dog and really makes you and your dog a true team! A well trained dog makes the best companion! Thank you Goldenbrook!!
-Laura B.
My boys couldn’t be any more different from one another and they both benefited greatly from training with Debbie at Goldenbrook Farm with their individual needs. It was fun and gratifying to watch their potential grow. I appreciate the positive reinforcement & reward style and training in realistic situations Goldenbrook Farm provides. This, along with all of the knowledge I have learned here, have given me the confidence to experience our capabilities out in the world one-on-one or as a pack to its fullest​
-Harmony L.
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I am so happy I contacted Deb at Goldenbrook Farm when I needed training for my Goldendoodle puppy. Pepe’ is now 11 months old and close to 90 lbs so without good training would be quite a handful. He was such a clown when we started training but he has come so far. Deb is so knowledgeable and we have learned so much from her. We love our training sessions.
-Barbara C.
Reese was feral when she was born. She went to a rescue, then to a federal penitentiary where she was beaten by an inmate. She came to us scared of everything. If she could see my husband she was barking at him. After two supposed "trainers" and a lot of money, we were given the name "Goldenbrook Farm", trainer Deb Birden. It took one session with Deb for us to realize that she would be able to help us with Reese.
Today Reese works off leash and enjoys every minute of going through the agility course. Without Deb, I honestly don't know what we would have done. We never would have given Reese up, but she would not be living her best life, and we would have missed having the smartest, most loving dog we have ever owned.
We highly recommend "Goldenbrook Farm"​
-John & Shan Gallicchio
"Deb, at Golden Brook Farm, is beyond phenomenal when it comes to not only obedience training but understanding dog behavior and the canine/human partnership. Her passionate guidance is clear, concise, and consistent, while maintaining professionalism in a fun environment."
-Shelly F.