D&T Dog Training

by Jill Duff-Hoppes

It’s important to have good manners – not only for people but also for pups! Joy Endsley, the owner of D&T Dog Training, is just the person to call if you want a polite pooch.

Joy is certified through the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and only uses positive reinforcement when working with puppies and adult dogs. She teaches basic commands, proper leash walking, and works with dogs on behavioral issues.

“I want your dog to have better manners,” says Joy, who lives in Longwood. “I use rewards that are positive to the dog. It could be petting. It could be love. It could be treats, or it could be toys.”

Joy and her husband DeWayne, who also own D&T Property Maintenance, have two rescue dogs of their own. DJ is an American Staffordshire, and Trinity is a Boston terrier/French bulldog mix. And yes, the D&T in both D&T Dog Training and D&T Property Maintenance is a nod to DJ and Trinity.

Joy doesn’t approach dog training with a corporate, one-size-fits-all attitude.

“I like to work one-on-one, in your home with you,” she says. “Each plan is specially tailored for the person and their dog.”

Joy’s specialty is walking trains, where she combines training time with walking the dog. At the end of the week, Joy typically meets with each client to review what she has taught their dog, so owner and pooch can practice those same things when she isn’t there.

“I’m here to guide you, but I do give you homework,” Joy says with a smile.

Teaching Tillie

Joanne Carron is a grateful client who says Joy was genuine and caring when working with her rescue pup, Tillie. The chihuahua/Japanese Chin mix had several behavioral issues and was pottying inside the house. Joanne, who uses a wheelchair, says Joy simply modified her usual training methods to accommodate  Joanne’s needs.

“Joy not only taught me training techniques, but she helped me to emotionally bond with my dog. Tillie is amazing now.”

For Joy, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing a dog’s progress from start to finish.

“What I like is when there’s harmony,” says Joy, “when we get to a place where the dog is happy, and the owner is happy.”