Before social media became king, we actually had people write letters of reference for us to show potential clients.  Here are some snippets from our letters – enjoy!

2010-2015 (from 2015 on, check out Facebook!)

Sharon Osborne 2015  We have been so pleases with the company, Dog Training In Your Home.  Our Labradoodle is a wonderful dog who needed training in several areas, and has made amazing progress after training with manager Robert Varney.  I would recommend this company to anyone who seeks a professional, convenient approach to dog training in their home.

Karen Tanner 2014 …DTIYH has been a great experience for both our dog and family…Robert Varney was both friendly and professional.  He gave clear instructions and demonstrations that helped us learn how to handle our dog.  It also allowed our dog, Lucy, to gain the confidence she needed….It is without hesitation that I recommend DTIYH with Robert Varney….

The Wilson Family …We spent a moderate amount of time searching online for a trainer, and we felt that the program offered by DTIYH would meet our needs, and we were not disappointed!…It was a pure pleasure to have Robert work with Maggie!  He answered all our quetions and made sure we understood all the commands.  The best part of DTIYH, besides the obvious fact that he came to us and taught us how to manage our dog, was that he also taught our 10-year-old son how to manage Maggie!…Robert was patient and kind with Maggie (and us), and he has given us the lifetime tools to enjoy Maggie as an active member of the family!…

Angela Johnson 2013  I’d like to recommend Chris Varney as one of the best dog trainers in the business….His work with out labradoodle, Lily Mae, just made a world of difference in her behavior at home….She is a gentle and loving pup and I believe her early training sessions with Chris helped achieve that….

Nicol 2013…My husband and I own a 6 1/2 year old Shetland Sheepdog named Molly….We had tried everything to stop her barking but to no avail….after the first training, Molly was a different dog.  The tips and instructions he gave us were simple and made a lot of sense….Robert was incredible in that he could tell me what Molly was going to do next in an attempt not to follow my instructions….she is a much better dog as a result of his training.  Their fee is very reasonable and they are just terrific!  They do not try to sell you anything extra.  They focus on what you and your dog need and they deliver the service.  I highly recommend DTIYH if you need help training your dog.

Tim and Karla Kyzer 2013  We are very satisfied with the training we received along with our dogs’ Sophie and Charlie from DTIYH and our trainer….We have two high-energy 10 month old Maltipoo’s and the basic commands we learned have worked wonders….It’s more enjoyable to have a well-trained dog. We would highly recommend [DTIYH] to anyone who is looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable trainer…We really couldn’t have done this without you!

The O’Briant Family 2013 …We adopted what we thought was the world’s worst dog, and were ready to find her a new home….We were pleased with DTIYH, and comfortable with them in our home…We were astonished at the control he was able to restore in our household….This was a very positive experience and we learned tools we can use with future pets. We would certainly recommend DTIYH to others!!

Jennifer Frank 2013  After hearing great testimonials from both my neighbor and a friend of mine, I called DTIYH to help with some issues we were experience with our recently adopted 2 year old terrier mix….we saw immediate results after each session….We are all much happier, so happy, that we adopted another dog! I would highly recommend DTIYH!

Jackie Smith 2013 …Chris was extremely personable and professional.  My dog is now  consistently well behaved, both in my home and outside.  Walks and runs are enjoyable….Chris worked within my limits and what I was comfortable with, while prioritizing the training needs that I found to be the most important….His techniques were based on positive reinforcement and praise and he taught me how to change my behavior to be a better owner.  I would highly recommend Chris as a dog trainer.

Steve and Lisa Cunningham 2013 …I was a pleasure working iwth Craig while he worked with our 1 Yr old rottweiler, Titan. We had rescued Titan from a shelter and felt after interviewing a couple of dog training companies, we decided to choose DTIYH….[our trainer] made training look so easy and effortless, while getting the positive quick learning from our rotty….[he] met more than our expectations through knowledge, experience, the love for dogs and his professional attitude.

Gregory Pitts 2013  I am writing this letter to commend Robert Varney…The training techniques he has shown me while working with my aggressive Chow has made my dog more managable….I am able to allow visitors in my home. I would recommend Robert Varney and DITYH to any dog owner

Craig and Becky Cheek 2013  We are pleased to recommend Robert and DTIYH….Josie was having severe separation anxiety when Robert began to work with us. We saw instant improvement in her ability to cope when we left her alone. She was very cautious of Robert at the first session but is now happy to see him and responds well to his instruction….

Paul and Sharon Wyland 2013 ….During all of his visits, Robert demonstrated the knowledge, ability and enthusiasm in the field of dog training….Within the first two visits, we saw a vast improvement in Aspens demeanor and his ability to follow the commands….I am confident to refer Robert to anyone, knowing he will be able to handle and solve any dog training and dog handling problems that he may encounter with excellent results.

Larry and Susan Wise 2013  Our vet told us about DTIYH and through the yellow pages, we called them….Immediately “Riley” gravitated to Robert. He is very knowledgeable and we saw results immediately. Robert is very creative in the training getting the positive results we desire….My husband and I both agree that the cost and time training to be an excellent investment that will payoff for years to come. We enthusiastically recommend Robert and DTIYH to anyone considering serious dog training.

Judy and Howard Sanders 2013  We recently acquired a rescue dog, Gloria….Upon the recommendation of our daughter and her husband, we contacted DTIYH, and asked for help from Robert…With his expertise in dog training, his training techniques then were based on Gloria’s traits….We appreciate the help Robert has given us and we gladly recommend him to other just as he was recommended to us.

The Hooks Family 2012 …Though he has never been aggressive toward us…we were fearful that [Kaiser] may become aggressive towards those that were not in our “pack”….My neighbor…had used Robert Varney and [DTIYH] and told me how successfully he had taught her how to train her dog…We have just completed a 6 week training period and I can say, without a doubt, that Kaiser is a more confident and well-mannered dog!…. I began to feel so much more confident and secure about what I was doing, and therefore Kaiser began responding to my commands IMMEDIATELY AND CONSISTENTLY…

Russell Kleckley 2012  I want to thank you for the wonderful job you did with training my dog Molly. The plan developed by [DTIYH] really works. Molly picked up right away on the training techniques you used, and they were easy for me to reinforce between training sessions. And the improvement continued to build with each session….I would recommend [DTIYH] to anyone who needs guidance in helping their dog become more responsive, confident, and at ease…

Barb and Molly Giannelli 2012 …I’m not sure where I saw the brochure for [DTIYH] but I thought this was my last chance. After a call and an initial consultation, I knew this was what I had to do….The first day Robert came I told him that we had a “slow one” on our hands and I wasn’t sure he would be able to do anything with her. Well, low and behold, within 5 minutes she was doing exactly what he wanted….Each week I was seeing a new dog….I am one of [DTIYH]’s biggest advocates now….If you invest in your children’s future, why not invest in your dog’s?…

Patricia Hovis 2012 …we acquired two rescue dogs we allowed to rule the roost. Then, we rescued a third dog…and fights broke out….We separated the dogs and controlled every movement like a prison. I was so stressed and unhappy….Robert Varney came to our home and I felt relief the minute he walked in the door. He is confident, professional, polite, decisive, and he knows dogs….Our dogs actually seem happier now…I know we are happier. Best peace of mind you can buy!

Gretchen Bottrill, 2012  Our family met Chris in June 2012 when we were looking for help in combining two households that contained three older dogs….we sought recommendations for a dog trainer that could safely introduce the dogs and managed the inevitable challenges as our family “pack” grew.  Chris was recommended to us given his specialization in working with dogs that had demonstrated aggression, and he did an incredible job….Chris truly loves dogs, and he is very creative in figuring out a way for owners and dogs to be successful together.  I cannot thank him for going the extra mile again and again for Mabel.  He never gave up on her, and he was very consistent in his message that our dogs could and would someday learn to live, play, eat and be part of our family together.  He was right…I would recommend Chris without reservation to any family seeking to improve their interaction with their dogs…

Jessica Kline 2012  I want to thank you for matching us with Craig to handle the training of our five miniature schnauzers….Our friends can come to visit and don’t get knocked down by barking schnauzers when walking into our house and have really noticed a difference!…We spoke with another company to train our dogs and decided that we didn’t want to use electrical collars….We can’t say enough positive things about [our trainer] or the company….I have been bragging about your company since the first visit and will continue to do so!…

The Wright Family 2012  Our family adopted a 2 pound puppy labeled a “lab mix” at a local shelter.  We loved this little girl but never dreamed she would become a forty pound puppy at six months with unlimited energy and very hard to manage. “Sam” started [play]biting us and more importantly, biting our then 10-yr old son, who had previously been scared of dogs….We heard of Dog Training in Your Home from a veterinarian friend of ours, who had used the service herself. We met Craig and immediately dubbed him the “Dog Whisperer of Chimney Hill Road” because Sam would do anything for him!…Most of all, our son now seeks her out to play with her….

The Ross Family, 2012  We want you to know how delighted we are with the training we received that enabled our lovable Peke-a-poo Max to become a better behaved and obedient companion dog for us….From the moment Robert first entered our home and took command of Max he was a changed dog….We are so glad we found Dog Training in Your Home and especially Robert who was great for us and Max.

The Gordon Family, 2012  We have truly enjoyed working with our trainer, Robert! He was always prompt, professional, and courteous during each session….Robert was caring yet firm with our dog, Gee Gee….He also provided imperative tips for our family to continue to work with Gee Gee on command retention and control. We proudly recommend Robert for training your dog in your home!

Pawmetto Lifeline/Sherriff Leon Lott  In September of 2011, Robert was asked by Pawmetto Lifeline to help evaluate over 20 pit bulls that were rescued from a fighting ring….After several hours assessing the dogs, he determined they were suitable to be adopted and offered follow-up lessons if owners needed them. Sheriff Leon Lott had the following to say: “I do appreciate your work for us in evaluating the rescued pit bulls. Your assistance was very beneficial to us in the saving of the pit bulls.”

Jeanne Edwards 2011 …Titi grew up with severe fear-aggression tendencies…[before DTIYH] I engaged another so-called trainer who claimed to know how to bust Titi of her bad habits but who seemed to be afraid of her….He basically left it to me to break her bad habits….[DTIYH] was recommended to me by a local doggie day care….[Robert] showed confidence in handling her and after a couple of visits he won her trust….Titi is now a calmer, obedient, happier dog, able to function in any social situation…

Deloris Mungo 2011 …I want to thank you for your outstanding service and help with the many dog issues we have encountered over the years. You have been outstanding and totally professional in every circumstance…You have helped me with 3 of my own dogs at separate times and given excellent training and advice. I appreciate also the help that you have given to many of the animals with Pawmetto Lifeline….I feel very comfortable in my many referrals to your company, I trust and value your knowledge.

Tommy and Kyla 2011  We actually were recommended three separate times to try Dog Training in Your Home….With so many good things being said we knew you were the one to try…. Our two and a half year old basset hound Mayberry was a super sweet and loving dog with some interesting quirks….After just one session with [our trainer] we looked at each other and realized we never should have waited so long!….Without a doubt I would recommend DTIYH to anyone.

Wade and Susan Collins 2011  We have been very impressed with Dog Training in Your Home, and we would highly recommend Robert to anyone! I just started training my 10 month old Goldendoodle and was so impressed with just one session that I added my 10 year old Boykin Spaniel. Robert was able to teach them together quickly….We now have tow well-mannered pets that I am proud to introduce to friends and family.

Laura Urtz 2011  [Hunter] was very aggressive and would not allow anyone to come into my house….I had already tried going to Obedience Classes and was told that Hunter was too aggressive to train….So I called DTIYH….Robert came into my home and taught both Hunter and I how to live life….For within only one hour of Robert being in my home – I started to see a difference and I started to have HOPE….I highly recommend DTIYH to Everyone!

Laurie Young 2011 …Taking walks had become another issue…Robert was able to show me how to snap them out of their excited state, and that by remaining calm and firm I could remain in control over the situation….I am lucky I can bring my dogs to work with me…Robert showed me how to reclaim my space and make the dogs wait for permission to greet my clients….I highly recommend DTIYH to anyone who has issues with their dogs or even just to fine tune any training that has been done in the past.

Amanda Hooker 2010  I wanted to tell you how happy I was with the services….Robert was able to quickly assess which areas [Taffy] needed to focus on and was very patient in answering my questions and helping me learn how to be a better owner….He was able to help me gain the confidence I needed in handling her.  Our walks are so much more enjoyable now, and I can see the progress both she and I have made.

The Wise Family 2010…When our son was born, Molly went from being the baby of the house to feeling jealous and left out….we were shocked when she tried to bite [him].  Robert helped teach us how to take back control. By teaching Molly obedience and letting her know we are in charge, she has become better behaved and actually seems a lot happier. And since Robert started working with us, she has shown no signs of aggression toward our son.

Kim 2010  (Barkbusters) came to our home…and at the end of a two hour session he advised us that our puppy was the most dominant puppy he had ever seen…and advised us to contact our breeder about possibly returning her….We opted to get a second opinion, and contacted Julie at DTIYH…Within minutes of (our trainer Robert)’s arrival at our home for the first visit, we saw immediate results….(We) definitely believe that the money was well spent on DTIYH…

Eric and Christine Williams 2010 Dog Training in Your Home has been absolutely fantastic. I actually went with Bark Busters first and after one visit called Dog Training in Your Home.  Robert has been great with our Great Dane Lilly….Lilly used to have to stay outside all day because she was not good with our four children but now she is inside all the time and is now able to be a member of our family….

Jarrod and Caitlin Stokes 2010  Words cannot express our gratitude for the work that was done with our puppy, Zeus. The training done has transitioned him perfectly from puppy to member of our family!…We couldn’t be more thrilled with the work Robert did with Zeus, and with us….

Ken and Dianne McCartney 2010 …(Jazzy) would try to dominate and the situation was getting out of hand….Within 30 minutes, I could tell a big difference. Each subsequent session, major improvement was reached. Jazzy is a pleasure to walk, and meet other dogs….Our neighbors have made many comments how Jazzy is a changed dog,  all for the better. I do recommend Dog Training in Your Home to everyone that wants results.

The Moore Family 2010  Santa brought us Fergus Christmas morning….Upon recommendation from our veterinarian, we called Dog Training in Your Home and they sent us Robert.  Robert was not only wonderful with Fergus, but also our two children who so desperately wanted to be a part of the process….Fergus has truly thrived in this setting and has exceeded our expectations with training….Dog Training in Your Home has been a very positive experience for our entire family and one I fully endorse.

John and Monica Crodian 2010  We have been very pleased with this program and especially our trainer,  Robert. We would recommend, and already have, Dog Training In Your Home to other pet owners. We believe a happy pet, is a well-behaved pet and creates and atmosphere where your friends enjoy visiting!

Sue Kline 2010  We have had a great experience with Dog Training in Your Home. The goals I set for my dog, Ruby, were met after I was trained how to work with her….Robert, our trainer, is a very effective teacher. He had the solution to all my dog’s behavioral challenges. She is so much better behaved after having trained with Robert.

Anthony and Eriko Palmer 2010  (Duke)’s behavior was out of control. He has significant anxiety problems as well as a tendency to control his owners more than his owners could control him…As Robert took control of Duke, it was as if a new dog had emerged – a dog that was obedient, well-mannered, and manageable. We could not believe it….we were shocked that Duke had so much hidden potential…We noticed significant improvements in Duke’s behavior as early as the first lesson, and we had thought Duke was a lost cause.

1999-2009 (1999 is when the current owner took over)

Houston and Madeline McMilllion 2009 …[Tilly] was only 8 weeks old when we began and still had all the manners of a puppy….With Debbie’s wonderful skills, patience, and wonderful manner of training, Madeline and I, while loving Tilly, we have been very successful in achieving all the goals we all outlined when we first met….We would more than recommend your company and Debbie to anyone interested in meeting truly caring individuals who are skilled and truly love animals….

Preston and Mindy Felkel 2009 …We’d only had Bailey a short time before the problems started. Being destructive, acting wildly indoors, pulling non-stop on her leash, and barking uncontrollably whenever she wanted something were just a few of her “issues”….We began to see results as early as the first in-home visit….All Robert’s techniques are simple and easy to repeat, but we would have never been able to do this by ourselves….We highly recommend Dog Training in Your Home to anyone with a problem dog…

The Komar Family 2009 I can’t tell you how much Robert has changed my dog’s life! Belle…was labeled by another trainer when she was a puppy as “fear aggressive”.  We were actually told she needed to be put down….Her problems of being aggressive toward people entering our home and being possessive of her food are much improved….

Sandra Callender 2009 …I had checked out a couple of companies before, but I didn’t like what I heard about some of their “methods”. I… didn’t want (my dogs) exposed to harsh treatment or having them scared….most of the time, they were wearing diapers to keep from ruining my carpet….they responded to Debbie eagerly and obediently and she was able to get them to do things I never thought could be done. The little guys have learned basic obedience commands and have also learned to use their doggie door…

Lee and Leah Youngblood 2009 We cannot thank you enough for helping us to train our puppy, Nala!…she immediately started running our lives….Nala just passed her Family Pet test…she also has stopped all of the annoying puppy behaviors – she no longer playbites or chews on anything except her own toys, and she was totally housebroken at a very early age. We cannot express what a huge difference this training made in our lives!…The modest amount of money that your service costs is the best money we’ve spent in awhile

Holly Swan 2009 …We originally purchased the Family Pet plan, and have upgraded to add additional lessons to keep Ginger’s progress going. We could not be more impressed with the results we have had…Ginger is still a puppy…she is well behaved and has proven quick to pick up on Robert’s training….I strongly recommend Dog Training in Your Home to anyone who needs help with their dog(s).

Allan Gowans 2009 …could not be more pleased with the progress we have made. All of the initial goals have been accomplished and we have a strong basic knowledge of techniques….I am certain in some cases the larger classes offered at some of the Recreation centers have value in the lower price points, but the individual attention was well worth the additional costs….

Kim Shockley 2009 …the addition of a 10-month old puppy completely changed my household….Nara was an unmanageable and hyperactive puppy who started to mature before my eyes within the first 10 minutes of you working with her. The experience is so different from the typical dog training group class I had participated in with my first dog….This individualized attention was invaluable….

Timmie and Tete Fulton 2008 …we can’t thank you enough for the noticeable change we have witnessed in our 2-year old Labrador mix, Ricky….we expressed our concern about being able to keep our dog…From the first session, we were amazed at the power we had to regain control of Ricky…As a testament to his change, our former dog walker who was unable to continue to provide services for us was absolutely AMAZED at Ricky’s transformation and is singing your praises.

Janine Lewis 2008 …Robert has done a great job of instilling the confidence in us to give the commands in a way that Fripp knows whose in charge and he respects and loves each family member, including our three children….Our frustration over housebreaking a 3 month old puppy was remedied in three-four weeks…his chewing the furniture and rugs was remedied as well….

Jane and Phillip Gregory 2008 Miss Grace, our 6 year old basenji, was definitely in charge of our household….she did not ever want me to leave. Biting to try and keep me at home was her standard procedure…I realized we needed help when she became difficult with all visitors…Debbie has completely changed the atmosphere in our home…She empowered me to become the “alpha dog” by using many subtle behaviors and techniques. Today when visitors come, she is a perfect lady…She is calm now when I leave her…

Martha Carll-Williamson 2008 When asked about your services, (my vet) said that he believed I would be happier with you all than any other service…And he was right!…In addition to the normal commands, Robert addressed behavior problems unique to Noel, such as his poor socialization skills…His promptness, patience, expertise, persistence, and delightful attitude have transformed a disobedient, uncontrollable Parson Russell into a more manageable and tolerable pet…a cheerful, more obedient, proud dog.

Dorian and Laurel Del Priore 2007 After looking the website over and meeting with you, we felt that you company may offer what we needed for our Riley. We had worked with a couple of different trainers, one of which was quite abusive towards Riley, and hadn’t gotten the results we had hoped for….We couldn’t believe how quickly we saw results. In just a couple sessions, Riley was listening to us better than she ever had…. Our family and neighbors have been very impressed with the difference in Riley’s behaviors.

Vicky and Gary Watts 2007 We feel our goal has been achieved…We also appreciate the fact that not only did Robert (the trainer) train Bear in the areas that we chose, but he also gave us many helpful hints and tips as to how to “live” with a new puppy. Encouragement from him was always available when we felt  overwhelmed by the demands of our new “baby”.

John and Sheila Arnold 2007 We were living in a household controlled by an eight-pound dog! We are now in control and the entire “pack” is much happier….I’ve been telling every pet owner I know about ya’ll. I’m finding that several people I know have already used your services. They all rave about how great ya’ll are, too.

Sam and Sandra Reese 2006 Buddy was a pitiful, flea bitten, tick and heartworm infested stray when he “found us” approximately seven months ago….He was very aggressive, growling and snapping at strangers and children….He now greets visitors to our home with a “body wag” rather than a snarl. He is so much more obedient and it is a joy to have him as a pet.

Ryan, Mandy, and Emma Collins 2006 Two months ago we were at our wit’s end with Brady. We were debating on whether or not to get rid of him. We loved him so much but nothing seemed to work….After five weeks, he is a completely different dog. I will recommend this program to anyone with a dog. It is one of the best investments we have ever made.

Cindy Collier 2005 Through the years we have spoiled (Decker) rotten and he had the whole family “trained”. The main problem with Decker was his barking….Nothing seemed to work and it has been very frustrating especially with the doorbell….I feel like I am gaining control in our home again, not Decker. To me it was worth every penny just for the barking situation…the other training was icing on the cake.

Jerry and Kimberly Ramsey 2005 (Both dogs) would bark and try to attack people and other dogs. We decided to have the dogs professionally trained after one bit a person who entered our home….The dogs were reluctant to train at first, but after a few training sessions they began to show remarkable improvements….We are more confident to take them out in public due to the training. They are approaching people as well as other dogs without showing aggression!

Margaret Jordan 2005 I used your company many years ago to train 3 other pets, and there was no question who to call when we brought Vegas into our home!

Sonya White 2004 I must confess I was skeptical at first. I had been through many other programs in England to no avail and Maisie is also almost 10 years old. However, after only a few lessons the transformation was astonishing.

Debbie and Mike Edelmayer 2004 As our lesson time is coming to an end, we have reflected on whether it has been worth doing, and we are both in agreement that it was a very good decision on our part to have contacted your company.

Dee Sanders 2003 We are just amazed at the quick improvement in his behavior! During the first lesson we were able to cover several commands, many of which he understood after just one or two times. After our second lesson our groomer commented (without knowing that he was being trained) that she could tell a difference in his overall behavior.

Eric and Amanda Morrison 2003 Ready to do anything, we considered training. We first started at a big chain store for classes, but found them very generic and non-personal….I looked (your company) up on the internet and knew it was for us. We are a very busy family and the flexibility of it was perfect….Four lessons later, it’s like we have a new dog.

Vera Timmons 2002 When I first adopted Gunner from the animal shelter, he was literally afraid of his own shadow….(our trainer) told me that he thought Gunner would become more confident through the training program. I had my doubts but Gunner has surpassed my expectations. Gunner is a different dog now.

Barbara Moody 2002 One of my Jack Russell Terriers had already had some training in a group environment. That training does not compare to Dog Training in Your Home. I really liked the one on one training and focusing on the problems that my dogs had…. I would highly recommend, and have already this training to anyone who has a dog.

Wilburn and Margaret Brewer 2001 We first learned about Dog Training in Your Home from friends who were quite pleased with the results they saw in their Labrador Retriever after completion of your program….The progress we made with your guidance was astounding…. The greatest testimonial to your successful training came in August when I took Louie for his last shots and the vet commented on how under control and well-behaved he was.

Ruthie Rish 2000 I would like to extend my compliments on your program….Both dogs, and myself totally enjoyed the weekly classes and have greatly benefited from them.  The dog’s are behaving much better and I have learned a lot about what I had been doing wrong with their training, as well as tips I could use.

Erica Quattlebaum 1999 Dog Training in Your Home kept me from having to give my puppy away. My six month old Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe, had every behavior problem in the book….I was amazed at Zoe’s progress after her very first lesson. She listened to Leslie’s commands and followed them. The lessons were wasy for Zoe and I to practice at home….Leslie was always loving and gentle with Zoe. She treater her as if she were her own….Dog Training in Your Home has given me a problem-free dog. Thank you!!