About Absolute Angel Dog Training, LLC

What they do

Absolute Angel Dog Training offers private dog obedience training, stated as taking place "in the convenience of your home or at our training area based in Amherst, Virginia." The published programs are grouped three ways: **For Puppies**, aimed at owners past the honeymoon stage who want the frustrating behaviors ended early; **Basic Manners**, framed around dogs jumping on guests, not listening and pulling on the leash; and **Senior Dogs**, described as supporting an older dog's mobility, comfort and quality of life while giving the owner clearer direction.

The outcomes the business advertises are concrete rather than abstract: walks without pulling or jumping, a recall that works, an end to selective hearing under distraction, and a house-trained puppy.

Method

The owner writes that she is "a strong advocate of least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training" and believes in "providing professional dog training and education in a positive manner that will help bridge the owner/dog relationship," while adjusting methods where a particular dog and situation call for it. The site's standing line is "Positive Methods with Positive Results."

Who runs it

Laura Pezzulo. Her own account: her interest in dog training began during a career as a law-enforcement officer, with over a decade assisting K-9 handlers and training in search and rescue. She trained her own German Shepherd, Luna, in search and rescue, working one-to-one with a retired Vermont State Police lieutenant. A late Rottweiler mix, Raja, passed the Canine Good Citizen test on the first attempt and visited schools and nursing homes – where many of the people they met called her an "absolute angel" – which is where the business name comes from.

Credentials the company publishes

Certified through the International School of Certified Dog Trainers; a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers; and a graduate of Dr. Ian Dunbar's SIRIUS Dog Trainer Academy.

Practical detail

The site gives the service area as "the areas surrounding Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, and Nelson County," based in Lynchburg and Amherst. Contact is by call or text. The business also runs a blog with dated, practical posts on potty training, maintaining training at home, and heat-wave safety.