Rikke B Dog Training

After a month or two I had some follow up training questions for Rikke. I sent her an email inquiring about a few newly developed behaviors (barking at nearly all people, bikes and other dogs on the street) and never heard back from her. I felt that for the introductory money I spent on my first lesson, a simple question via email would be no problem. Unfortunately I have to reduce my original rating by one star for this — I don’t know whether my email never got to her or if she chose to ignore it. I didn’t end up sending another follow up since a friend recommended an effective way to help with the barking but I’m still a little bummed not to hear back from Rikke since I had such a great experience with her initially.

I rescued a very skittish dog named Lucy and attempted to use Rikke to help build her confidence. When she arrived, Rikke successfully told me what breed of dog I had. And that was the only success of the session.
Lucy was terrified of her, more terrified than I’ve ever seen her with anyone inside or outside my home. Maybe she was reacting to Rikke’s negative energy, as it seems Rikke’s extensive work with skittish dogs seems to have made her reactionary toward any fear behavior. Rikke implied that my rescue agency misled me and that the situation with Lucy was dire, extraordinarily difficult and would take years to correct.
2 hours and $ 150 later, Rikke left me feeling depressed and anxious. Fortunately, after a good night’s rest I came to my senses and did the exact OPPOSITE of everything Rikke suggested. Lucy’s skittishness has improved amazingly fast and she’s gaining confidence every day as she meets new people and dogs. If I had listened to Rikke, I would have kept poor Lucy cooped up in the house and she would have been miserable and scared her entire life. On top of that, I’ve had people in my home since the training session and, after initial nerves, Lucy calms down enough to even sleep around them… a state she NEVER got to with Rikke around.
Rikke was fair in that she didn’t try to rip me off by scheduling more sessions when Lucy wouldn’t even get near her. However, $ 150 is a lot to pay just to learn what breed your dog is.

To say that she is simply «intuitive» is not quite the whole story with Rikke Brogaard. She has clocked way too many hours with the leaders in her field (with the diplomas to prove it) to be «just a natural». But that very combination of heart and mind makes Rikke such an exceptional trainer. Rikke was the first person I turned to for an assessment when I rescued my pitt, Otis. The dog, she assured me, was fine, «but here’s what YOU can do better». Thanks to her, I’m a more confident, more consistent dog owner. And through our sessions together I’ve grown closer to my little guy by learning how to read his needs, behavior and playfulness for what they are.

I had just moved to NYC 2.5 years ago and had adopted a cocker spaniel from a rescue in California. My dog needed to be potty trained, had seperation anxiety, did not walk on a leash nicely, and didnt appear to have much training at all. I found Rikke and my dog, Alecs and I couldnt be any more happier with her. She came to my apt in the Financial District on time, was extremely personable, and knowledgable about dog training and dog breeds. I explained all the issues I was having with Alecs and she showed me how to be a better dog owner. Never once did she lose her patience or yell at my dog. I like Rikke because unlike many other trainers, she used POSITIVE dog training. Never any form of punishment which made Alecs WANT to respond. I found out that RIkke has recieved many dog traing certifications and has ben mentored by the best in the country! SHe is an absolute animal lover and it is very obvious. Rikke came by every week and I saw so much improvement with her training and method. I am a nurse and every penny spent was well worth it! Owning a dog is a huge commitment and responsibilty. Rikke made it easier to have a dog I love and can live with. I recommend Rikke to everyoene who has a dog of any kind– adopted, new puppies, with issues that have never been adressed or for dogs who need simple reinforcement! Have fun! Rikke makes it fun!