Name: Paws & Applause LLC
Rating: 5.0

Transformations That Speak for Themselves

Every dog that walks through our doors has a story. These are some of the transformations we're most proud of — from dogs that couldn't walk on a leash to confident companions, and from anxious first-time boarders to dogs that can't wait to come back.

Luna — Reactive to Relaxed

German Shepherd | 4-Week Board & Train

The Challenge

Luna was leash-reactive, lunging at other dogs during walks and pulling so hard her owner couldn't control her. She'd been asked to leave two other daycares for aggressive behavior.

Our Approach

David used NePoPo® methods to teach Luna impulse control and proper leash manners. Through balanced training — clear communication followed by positive reinforcement — Luna learned to look to her handler instead of reacting to triggers.

The Result

Luna now walks calmly past other dogs, sits on command in high-distraction environments, and has been a regular at our daycare for six months with zero incidents.

"I cried the first time Luna walked past another dog without pulling. David gave us our walks back." — Luna's Mom

Board & Train Leash Reactivity German Shepherd

Cooper — From Anxious to Adventurous

Golden Retriever | Regular Boarding Guest

The Challenge

Cooper had severe separation anxiety and had never been boarded before. His owners were deployed and needed a trusted facility for a 3-week stay. Cooper wouldn't eat, paced constantly, and whined through the night at previous kennels.

Our Approach

With only 15 dogs max, Cooper got one-on-one attention from day one. We introduced him slowly to our home environment, kept his routine consistent, and sent daily photo updates to his family overseas.

The Result

By day three, Cooper was eating normally and playing with other dogs. His family received photos of him napping on the couch and romping in the yard. He's now a regular boarding guest whenever duty calls.

"Being deployed is stressful enough. Knowing Cooper was in a real home — not a concrete kennel — meant everything to us. The daily photos kept us going." — Cooper's Family (Active Duty Military)

Boarding Separation Anxiety Military Family

Diesel — The "Untrainable" Malinois

Belgian Malinois | 8-Week Board & Train

The Challenge

Diesel's owners were told by two trainers that he was "too much dog" and should be rehomed. At 18 months, he was destructive, resource-guarded food and toys, and had no off-switch indoors.

Our Approach

David's NePoPo® training gave Diesel the structure and mental stimulation a Malinois craves. We channeled his drive into obedience work, place command, and controlled off-leash recall — giving him a job instead of trying to suppress his energy.

The Result

Diesel now holds a 30-minute place command, walks off-leash on his family's property, and has completely stopped resource guarding. His owners say he's a different dog — and they almost gave him up.

"Two trainers told us to rehome Diesel. David saw a dog that just needed the right approach. Diesel is the best dog we've ever had now." — Diesel's Dad

Board & Train Behavior Modification Belgian Malinois

Success Stories

Transformations That Speak for Themselves

Luna — Reactive to Relaxed

The Challenge

Our Approach

The Result

Cooper — From Anxious to Adventurous

The Challenge

Our Approach

The Result

Diesel — The "Untrainable" Malinois

The Challenge

Our Approach

The Result

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