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Pet Pro Profile: Matt Tuzzo of Jersey Shore Dogs, LLC


As dog lovers, we all want our dogs to have the best possible life. Among other things, this means that we have a responsibility for making sure that our pets are well trained. Proper training ensures their safety, maximizes their potential, and enhances the relationship for us and for them. Training methods are numerous, but most successful trainers recognize the value of positive reinforcement techniques. Dog owners in central New Jersey have a great resource for training their canines, whether it is basic training that is needed or working through more serious behavior issues. That resource is Matt Tuzzo, whose company, Jersey Shore Dogs, LLC, offers one-on-one, rewards-based, home training to the Monmouth, Ocean, and MIddlesex County areas. DogTipper recently conducted this interview with Matt, whose love for his own dogs led him to establish Jersey Shore Dogs.

Please describe your business.

Positive, reward-based dog training and behavioral consulting services for dogs of all ages.

Where are you based?

Central New Jersey

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work with pets?

I’ve always had a passion for dogs, but it wasn’t until I adopted my first dog, a border collie named Motley, that I discovered my true love for dogs. I also experienced the frustrations that most new dog owners encounter and quickly realized I needed help. After several training sessions with a local trainer, and dozens of books later, I began strengthening my bond with Motley and later adopted his sister, Dazzle, which eventually led me to form my very own dog training business. I started Jersey Shore Dogs to help people, and I approach my training methods from that standpoint. After dealing with many trainers while working with my dogs, I realized that many of them failed to relate to the owner and work with them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and confident. My down to earth personality helps me relate to my clients on a human, more personal level, and I approach the training from the owner’s perspective – empathizing with the owner AND the dog, not just the dog.

How would you describe your pet-related business?

Headquartered in Central New Jersey, Jersey Shore Dogs offers positive reward-based, in-home training and behavioral consulting to pet dog owners in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. By specializing in owner-focused training in a one-on-one atmosphere, Jersey Shore Dogs is committed to educating and training owners on how to handle his/her dog’s issues while demonstrating various techniques to teach basic obedience or solve a variety of behavioral problems. Whether it’s a new puppy, or an older dog that needs help in overcoming a particular behavioral problem (or that needs a refresher course), owners will learn how to better communicate and bond with their canine companion utilizing positive reinforcement methods.

Can you tell us about your pets?

I have two border collies, Motley and Dazzle. Dazzle is a wonderful balance between energy and focus but has the extremely convenient ability to “turn it off”. Dazzle is also my little salesman when I go to the dog park and dog beach. Motley is a huge lap dog that’ll learn any trick or behavior in about 5 minutes if it means there’s food in it for him.

What else would you like the readers of DogTipper.com to know about your work?

Specializing in positive reward-based dog training in a one-on-one atmosphere, Jersey Shore Dogs is committed to creating the safest environment possible for you and your dog with responsible training and instruction. Our goal is to make sure both owner and dog have a positive, fulfilling experience without the need to use uncomfortable tools (choke chains, prong collars, etc.) and physical methods that will cause your dog pain and/or fear. There is another way. Our owner-focused training concentrates on the issues important to each specific owner, rather than providing them with personal judgments and complicated plans for behaviors that are of no concern. Each client will be treated as a unique individual, and all training will be tailored to help that individual meet his/her own goals. Whether you work from home, or are always on the go, Jersey Shore Dogs will make the extra effort to find solutions that are specific to your dog’s individual needs and your individual lifestyle.

What’s next for your business?

Continue to grow the business as much as possible while maintaining its foundation that is focused on positive reinforcement training and behavior consulting for clients.  Down the road, I hope to expand the business to include boarding, grooming, dog walking and more in my own facility.

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Paris Permenter
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