Your dog hears you, but what are you saying!?
Denisa is also a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), an organization of individual dog trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education, and is registered with the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, is a licensed Dogs & Storks Presenter, and founder of the South Florida Dog Trainers Network Group. Denisa has been involved in Miami-Dade’s animal community for eight years through her involvement in with multiple animal organizations, including Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc., a non profit 501(c)3 mixed breed dog rescue. She frequently offers training advice to those who adopt a rescued dog to ensure a smooth transition for both people and dogs into their new relationship. Since becoming a full time, professional trainer, Denisa has trained over 500 dogs including a variety of breeds -- from smallest to largest, happy-go-lucky to downright hyperactive. Her most recent project includes training service dogs as a part of the New Horizons Prison Pups Program.
In addition to running Applause Your Paws, Inc., Denisa serves as the Executive Director of the South Florida Veterinary Foundation, a non profit organization that promotes the animal-human bond in South Florida, where she works closely with veterinarians to encourage a spirit of philanthropy and community service.
Denisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Miami. While at UM, Denisa was tapped into Iron Honor, the Highest Honor Attained at the University of Miami. For fun Denisa does agility with her Border Collie mix Zoe and teaches Oxford, her Yellow Labrador and certified therapy dog, tricks.
Ashley Lambert, a Miami native, joined Applause Your Paws in the fall of 2009. Since childhood she has loved
animals, especially dogs. When she was seven years old she rescued her first mixed breed from the Humane Society of Greater Miami. They spent twelve happy years together during which time Ashley noted her natural affinity for dog training. When she was thirteen she began to offer her dog training skills to families in need of training. When she turned sixteen she began volunteering with local animal shelters, socializing and training puppies.
Ashley is currently pursuing an associates degree in Biology with a concentration in Biological Conservation from Miami Dade College. By helping dogs overcome behavior problems like hyperacticity, anxiety and fear, Ashley aims to fulfill the part of biological conservation that most people overlook – working with domestic animals.
She is inspired by some of the world’s top dog trainers and behaviorists, such as Silvia Trkman, Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Victoria Stilwell (well known for her hit Animal Planet TV series “It’s Me or the Dog”). 
Ashley has a background in a multitude of dog sports (i.e. dock dogs, flyball, agility) and specializes in training high-energy dogs that need an outlet for their “energizer bunny”-like attitude. In Ashley’s eyes any dog can learn (or unlearn!) any behavior or trick.
Ashley’s rescue mutt and current dog, The Air Up There SJ “Abby,” is pictured right doing the infamous weave poles! Together, Abby and Ashley have won more obedience and agility titles than we can even count!
Joanne Ongsitco joined the AYP team in the spring of 2010. Without Joanne, AYP couldn’t run as efficiently. As office assistant, Joanne is responsible for confirming upcoming lessons and monitoring the main lines (both phone and e-mail) of AYP. Joanne is also responsible for updating the website with current information, keeping our tweeps on twitter and users on Facebook informed of our current events, as well as other fiscal related responsibilities. Joanne is a student at the University of Miami. We like to think we hired her because of her skills, love or orange and green and sweet nature, but maybe also because she has a high tolerance for animal hair!
