Testimonials

Read what people are saying about Mica Dog Training!

Nancy Liebhauser was recommended to me by our Vet while on our first visit with our new Labradoodle puppy. Our boy Tucker was only nine weeks old at the time and although he had many positive attributes and transitioned into our home quite easily, I had an area of concern I needed help with. At certain points of rowdy playing he would express slight aggression at times. My family, including three children, had already fallen in love with him and we didn’t want our newest family member to have to leave. Nancy generously discussed my concerns over the telephone, came to our home and observed play time and Tucker’s “message”. She made several much needed suggestions on how to manage his energy, his down-time, feedings and so much more. The time she gave us went well past the hour I paid for which showed me her commitment to her craft. I followed her suggestions religiously and honestly never had one additional show of aggression from this dog. Nancy followed up with a thorough list of items discussed and suggested guidelines via email that evening so I could have a reference to follow. She also made multiple phone calls to see how we were progressing and offered additional support and advice. She is extremely generous with her time and has an obvious passion for working with the animals. Tucker is now 16 weeks old and we have had the privilege and pleasure to be participating in the Puppy Basics obedience classes that she teaches in Ashburn. We have only attended two classes so far but have learned many useful tips with obedience and grooming while making it fun for our pup. I would highly recommend her services to owners with dogs of all ages and am beyond grateful that we were led in her direction!

Sincerest Thanks,
– Nancy S. & Tucker

I researched a number of professional trainers in the Loudon County area before choosing Nancy and Mica Dog Training. I knew I made the right choice 30 minutes into our first, in-home visit. Nancy was loving towards our dog (Walter), patient with our questions and concerns, and her expertise exceeded all of my expectations. We have taken 3 separate courses and Walter is now "studying" for his CGC. Walter loves Nancy and we recommed Mica Dog Training to all of our friends and colleagues.

– Tara W.

I thought certainly I could solve my dog's fear of other dogs. I tried a simple technique I had used with other dogs, but it made no difference. Nancy came to my house and right away I felt comfortable with her. She asked me a number of questions that helped her understand my dog's personality. She then explained why my technique didn't work. Nancy gave me a few techniques that we practiced a few times so I could easily continue on my own. During the next appointment, I got such excellent instruction from Nancy on how I could improve my technique. Since then my dog has shown such rapid improvement and I have not needed another appointment. Nancy still stays in touch and gives very helpful feedback by email. I highly recommend her.

– Penny H.

After years of having a dog that is overly shy and timid we engaged the services of Nancy and witnessed a total transformation in our dog. Although our dog Lacey is 3 years old, Nancy was able to improve her social skills in only a few sessions. Now there is no more excessive barking when someone walks past the front door or rings the doorbell. It's like etiquette training for your pet!!! More importantly, she is less intimated by her surrounding therefore a much happier dog. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. We a now doing a group session, with other dogs, and Lacey is doing great. Lacey is enjoying learning new things every week.

Nancy: I truly can't thank you enough.

– Sandy F.

Thanks, Nancy, for helping Ellie finally pass her Canine Good Citizen test! We had tried the course and test before (with a different trainer), but your skill and expertise made the difference for Ellie. Thank you for seeing beyond her quirks and recognizing her potential. And thanks for allowing both of us to have fun while we learn! Ellie and I also enjoyed the Tricks and Games classes and I look forward to enrolling in more classes soon.

– Melissa M.

Nancy Liebhauser is an extraordinary dog trainer.

Having attended multiple training classes and exposed to a variety of training styles and trainers, Nancy demonstrates a solid level of professionalism, expertise, experience and enthusiasm, and when combined with her talent for teaching dogs and their owners, it has been proven to be most effective.

We have taken Nancy’s positive dog training classes and one-on-one training sessions for obedience, rally, and agility and for the Canine Good Citizen testing. She teaches with ease and confidence, clarity and organization. She is kind to both dogs and humans, and will correct the humans, which is the hardest part when dealing with dog owners.

We will continue with Nancy as our instructor for all our training endeavors and highly recommend her for training without hesitation, both for the dogs and their owners!

– Liz M.

I have a mischievous hound dog named Buster Brown, and I really didn’t know how to begin training Buster to be a more polite dog. Nancy came to my house to meet Buster and within just a couple of minutes she made a keen observation. Buster needed to learn self control. Buster had been barking and bouncing around while I prepared his dog treats, and Nancy calmly and nicely asked me what I thought of his behavior. I told her I thought it was cute but also annoying.. She said if I didn’t mind the behavior that was fine, but if I wanted to change it we could. She showed me a few simple techniques to reinforce Buster’s good behavior rather than to scold him for bad behavior. Even though Buster looks big and tough, he’s a very sensitive dog and doesn’t respond well to scolding. The techniques Nancy showed me were effective, and I feel much better enthusiastically saying “YES!” to Buster rather than angrily telling him “NO!” After just a couple weeks, I could see a marked difference in Buster’s behavior. I plan on asking Nancy to come back to help me work with Buster from time to time, and I would recommend her to anyone else whose dog needs to learn some manners or has behavioral issues.

– Karen W.

Highly recommend Nancy and Mica Dog training! If she can get my lazy beagles to perform then she can get any dog up to speed. I've known Nancy for more than 7 years now and am confident you won't find a more qualified and caring trainer anywhere in the area.

– Tom P.

This is the best training I've ever gotten. Nancy makes me feel like I do everything right as she gentle shifts my behavior to help accommodate my dogs learning style. The frustration I once felt has been replaced with confidence and patience and my dog is happy, well behaved and I feel more connected to her than ever before. Thanks Nancy for bringing an exceptional level of love and connection into our home. You are truly a "Dog Whisperer", and I am so grateful to have you in my life.

– Trish K.

Nancy is the best! I swear my dog likes her more than me! My dog had behavioral issues and was even scared of the sound of a clicker! Now she loves the clicker and can't get enough of it!

Thanks Nancy!!

– Monique C.