It all started when my brother begged me to take on his two 9 month old puppies, one a German Shepard and the other, a Siberian Husky. They were totally out of control and not trained. Being the animal lover that I am, My husband and I decided to adopt the dogs and to take on the challenge. These huge puppies were wild, rambunctious, and defiant. The husky chewed up two of our couches, baby grand piano, amongst a host of various items in our home as well as destroyed our yard. We were at our wits end. I needed someone to train them and keep up with their energy. I found Anita's Loving Pet Services on the Internet. She and her husband, Mike are a God send to us. They trained our dogs; take them on walks and outings. They completely socialized our dogs. They pet sit and take care of our home when we are out of town. They are Christians and love the Lord. They are reliable, honest, and responsible. They treat your pets as if it was theirs. I would give my highest recommendation to Anita and Mike without any reservations. I am thankful that they are part of our lives.
Serena Y., RPV
Anita and Mike are the best. My dog loves them both. He waits by the door for them to come every morning. He is getting to be so much easier to handle. They are such good trainers and exercisers. I recommend them very highly.
Our two big Golden Retrievers wait by the front window for Anita to arrive because they love to spend time with her. When we first agreed to work with her, Anita worked patiently with us AND our dogs, teaching us to teach them to sit and stay and come and heel. And then she agreed to work with them on socialization...adding them to what I can only describe as her "pack." Several times a week she comes and loads Juno and Bailey in her car along with a dozen other local dogs (it's a good sized car), and takes them to an open area where they can chase balls and play with each other, and learn to come and stay and wait on command. She is firm and patient and loving with the dogs, providing hugs and treats along with instruction, and the dogs have a ball. Ours come home pooped and nap for a couple of hours. Anita has been a wonderful addition to our household, a friend to our dogs AND us. We recommend her highly.
Leanne and George Twidwell Portugeese Bend, RPV
Anita is an incredible dog trainer! My previously anti-social, stubborn Yorkie is a super star after just a few weeks! She can now be trusted off leash, and thinks this training thing is the most fun ever! All 8lbs of her attention is now focused on me, even in the midst of her 8 training buddies! No more inciting craziness, barking or ignoring me on our walks.. Anita is a clear, disciplined trainer who clearly loves, and is loved by all dogs! She's the best!
Lisa Gladstone, Portugeese Bend, RPV
Update!!! My dogs have just excelled walking with Mike. My malamute /husky was such a scared little girl when I got her. She is more trusting with meeting new people, she doesn't have a meltdown when we encounter bikes and she looks out the window waiting for Mike to come for their walk. I currently have a foster that Mike takes out and she is just happy as a clam. Your dogs will be more than thrilled with Anita & Mike.
Maureen, Torrance
"Dear Anita and Mike, Thank you for the amazing improvement in our dogs' behaviors. Puddy and Stella are so much better on a leash now. They interact with strangers better, too. Our two rescue dogs are finally cuddly because of your loving attention".
Peggy & Mort, Rancho Palos Verdes
"Dear Anita, I am writing this recommendation so you can use this for future clients as a reference of you character, wisdom and experience.
Anita is a truly ethical, honorable and delightful person to work with. She has been assisting me with my pets for over 3 years. I have also given her referrals when she is active in Real Estate. She is professional, always calls back and is very caring. She has a high level of experience with animals, can read them, know their behavior and is able to handle any emergency situation that arises. I highly recommend her to be on anyone's team. Thank you, and feel free to contact me."
Vicki Lombardi Shinn, Rolling Hills Estates
"Mike walks my two dogs, Spike and Dudley, five days a week and does an excellent job. Dudley is large and likes to be "in control." Mike has worked with Dudley and Dudley has greatly improved on his walks. When Mike has seen something "different" with the dogs, he lets me know so we can address the problem. For example, Spike was limping. Mike kept me informed how Spike was doing on his walks and would not take Spike if the limp had increased. He is able to walk both dogs at the same time, which is impossible for me! Since Mike has been walking the dogs 5 days a week, both are a lot calmer when I arrive home. Whatever he is doing, it WORKS!! I also see Mike walking other neighborhood dogs on the weekends. He is relaxed and in control of the dogs.
I would recommend Mike to anyone requesting a dog walker and pet sitter. He is awesome! (I think my dogs miss him on the weekends, even though they still get walked by us!)."
Erin Ortega, Torrance
"I found Anita quite by accident. She was working with two dogs in our neighborhood and I inquired about her services. My lucky day! She has been working with our babies, a 1 1/2 year old yellow lab, and a 2 year old rescue border collie for several months now. Although our dogs are very sweet, they had no manners and were out of control. With a firm but very loving touch, she has transformed our dogs into respectful and obedient dogs. At 70 years old, I can safely walk them with a loose leash without fear of being pulled. They know their basic commands and come when called. They both love being off leash but know their boundaries. What a blessing Anita has been for me and my husband...and, of course, the pups couldn't be happier. Anita just has that rare ability to connect with animals. I marvel at what she has done for our dogs."
Sallie, Portugeese Bend
Our simple prayer is:
Lord,
Please use us as instruments of Your grace and love.
May we be forever faithful in using our God given time,
talents and treasures to make the lives of people and their pets better day by day.
Amen
Portugeese Bend Group
July 6, 2020
Hello Pup Parents,
We are writing to you today as a group of Portuguese Bend neighbors, friends, and dog owners who have, or are currently being helped by Anita Anderson’s services. Each of us consider the work that Anita performs here to be a service to the Portugugese Bend community, our families, and our pets.
Neighbors often see Anita in Portuguese Bend with our pups and are incredulous of one woman’s ability to safely orchestrate such a joyful gathering. They see dogs having a wonderful time, and on command, the dogs respond to whatever Anita asks of them as a group, and as individuals. Observers are amazed at her extraordinary control.
While it may look like magic, it’s actually the result of a strenuous and challenging series of training that these Portuguese Bend dogs and their owners have been through in order to qualify to participate with the Bend Group (as it is nicknamed).
First, the dog owner and her pet meet with Anita for an interview and assessment. If Anita sees potential, the dog and the owner begin a series of one-on-one and group training to prepare for eventual participation in the Bend Group sessions. Anita may work with a pair for weeks or many months, depending upon the dog’s progress. Anita is somewhat famous for her ability to turn difficult and unruly dogs around. There are a number of Portuguese Bend dogs who previously could not safely be taken out for walks, interact with other dogs, socialize with non-family members or respond to owner commands that Anita’s training has completely transformed.
Once the training process has progressed to a certain point, Anita may invite the dog owner and pet to observe a Bend Group play session. She carefully introduces the group dogs to the new dog, and then, over a period of weeks, the owner and dog attend together. The dog slowly develops within the group, improving social skills, command response, and becoming fully trustworthy. All newly accepted dogs progress to a longer leash, which is one of several safety training tools used to teach a safe, extended recall. Not until a dog has progressed through all levels of Anita’s program is he permitted to participate in the Bend Group. Our pups absolutely love the Bend Group, and participating in this group has been foundational to helping us raise well balanced, obedient and contented pups.
Anita also practices a leave-no-trace policy, cleaning up after every dog and leaving nothing behind.
Anita and her socialized, obedient, and trustworthy dogs are a benefit to Portuguese Bend, but there are other positive repercussions….
- Neighbors in the training program begin to establish connections with each other, and new introductions to other neighbors naturally begin to occur, further expanding bonds within the community
- Dog owners who have been through Anita’s program walk their dogs often, increasing the number of resident eyes and ears keeping an eye on things in Portuguese Bend.
- Well trained dogs are safer for drivers and walkers, less likely to interact with coyotes, and less likely to present a danger to other dogs and cats
Portuguese Bend residents who can speak to Anita’s excellent training programs and safety protocols are many, and that is just in this area. Anita also trains throughout RPV, Rolling Hills Estates, PVE, San Pedro, as well as other areas.
We hope that this letter gives you confidence that Anita’s program is a safe and positive one for those fortunate enough to train with her.
Thank you,
Portuguese Bend Pet Parents
Kaushal Tamboli
3 months ago
Carolina Brown
8/1/2018
Anita and her method of training is loving, compassionate, and kind. Our new puppy can't wait to see her when she comes to train. Anita has taught us how to train with consistency and patience. We are so happy with the results, we have a well mannered, social and most importantly a safe dog who will come, sit, stay, heel and wait. And now our Sage gets to go twice weekly with other pups on their fun social outings were Anita is the chauffeur!
Thanks to you Anita
Mi
3/14/2020
We feel very fortunate to have found Anita and Mike for our pups, a 4 year-old yellow lab and a 3 year-old rescue who we adopted a year ago. We initially were just looking for a dog walking service but Anita and Mike's service turned out to be so much more than that. Our rescue dog displayed anxiety and fear which made walking him tough for Mike initially. Anita and Mike kept trying new ways to tackle the challenges and each strategy was more ingenuous than the one before. Persistence and patience really paid off! Our rescue is better adjusted than ever before and no longer displays strange behaviors. My 3-year old also had her own issues with pulling and disobedience, but Anita has helped tremendously by training and socializing. We cannot be happier with Anita and Mike. They truly offer all around, comprehensive services for our pets' needs as well as ours. Thank you, Anita and Mike!!
Monique
6/16/2019
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We absolutely adore and are so grateful for Mrs.Anita . We rescued our dog at about 4 months old, and went thru multiple trainers. Our pup had a lot of behavioral issues and was causing constant chaos in our home. We weren't even able to walk her. I was referred to Anita by a friend. Reluctantly we contacted her since we had already went thru multiple others. It was the best decision we ever made. She has changed our dog, she is calmer, loves walks is extremely calmer in our home. Anita gave us the tools to teach our dog good behavior. Our dog would lose control at the sight of another dog, thanks to Anita our pup now has had play dates with multiple other dogs! She is the best in the business, we would be lost without her!
