Client Reviews

The proof is in the behavior

Many thanks to our beloved clients for sharing their Fur and Feather Works experiences!

In all the years of owning dogs (more than 30 yrs), I wish that I had found an instructor like Joanna or Heather and the philosophy of Fur and Feather works to guide me sooner. It is the most loving and workable one. WITH RESULTS! That is the most important thing. I love my dogs and we are always trying something new.  “Thank you” can never express the feelings of satisfaction and happiness I feel when we overcome a hurdle of “puppy” ness- (which was previously referred to as bad behavior) with treats and some redirection, shaping, etc.  I really appreciate all that I get in my classes. I don’t have time to take breaks from you all– too much too learn. LOL.

Thank you for being here in Reno.
Diane and the dogs: Elsie, Max, Theo, and Avery

Joanna helped us ease some serious tension with our two cats. For four and a half years they had lived together peacefully and then one day something just snapped in one or both of them. We went from two cats who were roommates that sometimes played and cuddled…to mortal enemies that could not even be allowed to make eye contact.

After a few months of keeping them separated at all times and trying all sorts of reintroduction techniques we found online, we contacted Joanna. She gave us some insight into cat behavior and tips for re-training their little brains. She warned us that cats won’t always end up buddies in the end so we just hoped for peaceful co-existence.

We spent a few weeks working with Joanna and implementing the tools she gave us to recognize signs of stress in cats. And then, one day it was like that switch just flipped back to “normal”. Our cats not only co-exist again, but they’ll even share lap space and it makes so so happy.

We are extremely grateful for her help. Our cats are our family and we were at our breaking point when she came in and helped us turn things around.
– Meghan, Rupert, and Avery, Reno

We just completed the semi-virtual Puppy Kindergarten class and would highly recommend it. We went through Puppy Kindergarten with our first puppy a few years back and had such great results we knew wanted to return to Fur and Feather Works when we adopted another pup. I was a little skeptical about the online format but decided to try it anyway. I quickly found that getting the video tutorials in our puppy’s home setting actually made teaching the skills and training him easier for us to follow through with. That paired with the weekly playdate (which also gives the pups some time with a “real” trainer) has made a huge difference in our pups listening skills and acceptance of new things. I would highly recommend the online Puppy Kindergarten program to anyone looking for ways to learn to work with their puppy on basic skills and getting more comfortable in the world around them.
– Michelle and Turbo the chihuahua mix, Reno

Gotta thank you for your awesome Rocket Recall class.  My mom accidentally let Kira out the open garage door. Crazy dog that you know she is, she of course took off at ninety miles an hour exploring the world in the pitch black on a dark street (none of my neighbors use porch lights). I had to throw down the two heavy bags of groceries in my arms and run out. I got to the end of the driveway and did my happiest bent over inviting pose and recall, and she charged me from two hundred feet away at mach speed and slammed into me like she did behind the training center on the second class! One of those heart stopping moments where you cannot panic but have to trust all your hard work was for a reason.
– Sharon and Kira the Standard Poodle, Carson City

I had set up a private training with Heidi, since your puppy kindergarten was booked until December.  This turned out to be a blessing for us all, as Heidi addressed most of our needs, and all of our questions. I look forward to reading your “most needed” information!  We have been using your techniques since Thursday, and we are beginning to see a change in our little guy’s behavior!  We are extremely grateful to you, your knowledge, professionalism…and warmth!
Thank you again…
Sincerely, Kimberly, Reno

I am writing this review because as a veterinary professional- I highly recommend Joanna and her gentle and positive training methods! She is awesome and she really cares about you and your relationship with your pet. We have a very smart and loving German Shepherd mix puppy we rescued and we learned shortly after he turned 4 months of age that he is extremely instinctively protective over our family, especially our toddler. More than what we consider normal breed characteristics. Because of my background and knowledge of canine behavior I knew I needed to seek help from a trainer I could trust. Adequate socializing and basic manners training that I knew and taught him were not enough. I have never dealt with a puppy this age who acts like he is on guard duty all day until he retires to kennel for bed. My toddler has a personal body guard. […] All that is wonderful and we are so lucky for his natural instincts to protect and bond with her, but it was the way he acted toward strange people and dogs on walks that worried me. After only 3 private training sessions we were able to promote our puppy to Reality Romp to finish out the sessions. Just after the private sessions I felt like that was the best walking we’ve ever had! […] I’m thankful for all that she does at Fur and Feather Works! I feel like if I hadn’t contacted her when I did, our puppy would be very hard to walk confidently right now. If I hadn’t done any of the things Joanna taught us- he would not be the dog he is today! […] We can confidently enjoy our puppy out and about now. I just wanted to say how pleased I am and thank you Fur and Feather Works! We were able to “find the dog want within the dog we have!” – Alissa, Reno

Joanna is incredibly experienced and educated in training.  She literally saved our family!  Our Yorkie was terrified of our son and once our son began to crawl she really freaked out and would bark nonstop and would even try to bite him when he approached her!  My husband and I were devastated and overwhelmed by the situation, to say the least.  I was referred to Fur and Feather Works by my vet and upon meeting Joanna I knew why my vet referred her.  Joanna is knowledgeable, compassionate, understanding and immediately had a plan for us.  After the first week we saw a difference in our Yorkie and now 5 weeks later our Yorkie actually likes our son!  I never thought that would be possible; Joanna’s training FAR exceeded my expectations.  I honestly thought with training we would work out a manageable plan to keep them pretty much separated with a few rare instances where they would be together because of how terrified our Yorkie was of our son.  I never dreamed they would be living in harmony together.  We no longer need to keep our Yorkie separate from our son.  She no longer barks at him or tries to bite him when he startles her.  She actually prefers and enjoys to be around him because of the training method Joanna used.
-Mike and Tara, Reno

I highly recommend Joanna Moritz’ training program.  She is intuitive in a unique and special way.  Not only does she understand the animals, but she works incredibly well with the humans.  She’s clear and concise and constructive.  With Joanna’s direction, you’re confident you truly understand how best to work with your pet.  I feel lucky to have her assistance and wisdom.  She’s one of the best trainers I’ve ever met. 
-Elise, Lake Tahoe

I loved the class, i own a border collie mix puppy and i was able to train my dog Zoey to preform basic manners for anyone in my family including my 5 year old daughter. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a great instructor to either help with basic manners all the way up to learning Tricks. Thanks again for everything Kim, Reno

Our Bichon Molly is doing great. I am sure that your puppy classes helped set a good foundation for her. We went to the Grand Sierra the other day and we were amazed how well she behaved. We can take her off leash in the park now. We still use your techniques to get her to behave during walks. Now walks are no longer a fight the whole time. We will recommend you to anyone with a puppy or dog with problems.
 Dave, Christie, Elena and Molly (Reno)

More comments from surveys!

  • You have the smallest ego of any trainer I’ve been around. You sincerely have the dogs best interest at heart. I’m interested in non competitive classes and I think you offer a nice range of classes.
  • I liked the atmosphere and the fact that as much emphasis was placed on what my dog needed as what I needed to be able to “control” the dog. And the dog is still alive.
  • I love your enthusiasm and how your classes are all positive based. You really enjoy what you do and it shows!
  • I think you’re a brilliant woman and you have an innate understanding of animals and their behavior.
  • I liked the convenience of in home training.
  • You’re doing a great job! Keep up the great work! The variety you offer is awesome, and I love that you keep adding classes to your schedule…I just wish Gus and I had more time to take classes!
  • We had one private session, which was very helpful. The information was explained clearly and was effective (when we apply it). You were flexible with our schedule, making it much easier for us.
  • Joanna has been incredibly helpful over email, and I am going to use her no matter what based on her experience with my “problem” child.  She even remembered her a year later 🙂
  • I thought the training for puppies was great. I learned a lot.
  • Interesting classes that are fun for both owner and dogs
  • I liked the classes held outside the classroom that taught real world behavior.

Meet the Fur & Feather Works training team

We love training. We love teaching. And we believe in being the best at both.

Ready for results and relief? Let’s get started!