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Seminars and Events

Seminars :: IPDTA Conferences :: Awards Banquet :: Fund Raising Events :: Host a Seminar with Norma Jeanne ::  Enroll Now

 

Seminars                                                                                       

                                                                            

Puppy Power, CCS, Doggone Safe & IPDTA are proud to present...

How To Switch Off Canine Aggression

With Jesus Rosalez-Ruiz and Kellie Snider

 

THIS IS A WEEKEND YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS!!!

  • June 2009

  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Details to follow

Pat Miller - A Selection of Camps and Academies - Hagerstown, Maryland, USA

 

Conferences

Awards Banquet

Fund Raising Events

 

 

CCS/IPDTA 5th Annual Awards Banquet 2008

 

General Information  ::  This Year's Nominees  ::  Nominees Accomplishments  ::  Disclaimer

 

 

Note: The CCS/IPDTA AWARDS BANQUET WILL BE HELD ON ALTERNATE YEARS.

Banquets will be held on October 25 of 2008, and in April of 2010, 2012, 2014 etc.

 

 

               

Dr. Stanley Coren wins

Writer of the Year 2006

 

 

General Information

 

1) All nominees residing in Southern Ontario must be in attendance in order to qualify for an award. 

2) All who qualify for an award must purchase their banquet tickets no later than 5 pm on September 1, 2008. 

3) Humane Dog Training Awards will be presented to all IPDTA members, CCS students and grads, who purchase their tickets before September 1, 2008.

 

  • The Delta Hotel, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

  • Tickets $60.00 CAD - To purchase award banquet tickets from our secured site Click here

  • Doors open at 5 pm in order to begin a fund-raising event full of fun and prizes.  All proceeds to the IPDTA Dogs In Need Fund.

  • Dinner will be served at 7 pm / Awards presentation at 8 pm / followed by a celebration

  • Cash bar

  • Dance to live music by the acoustic rock band Trucker Mouth playing old classics and recent hits (Back by popular demand)

  • Tickets will be available until October 15, 2008

  • GUESTS WELCOME!!!

Canine Communication Studies and the International Positive Dog Training Association are proud to honour those that make the world a better place for dogs and their owners.  Feel free to nominate someone you know that has made a difference.  Please include the nominees' full name, phone number and email address, as well as a few words on their behalf - about the accomplishment you are nominating them for.  Nominations will be accepted until 5 pm on August 15, 2008.  Votes will be accepted until 5 pm on August 31, 2008. 

 

For more information, to purchase tickets, to nominate someone or to cast your votes;

 

Local: 519-576-9999

Toll Free 1-888-257-0805

Email: 2puppypower@rogers.com

 

 

This Year's Nominees  

Innovation Award

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Mark Mandelbaum & Eddie Isenberg - Best Leash.com

Personal Sacrifices

  1. Robin Brenner - Grand River All-Breed Animal Rescue

  2. Dr. Cormier - Veterinarian

  3. Don French - Humane Canine Training

  4. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  5. Jenny Maciel - KW SPCA

  6. Kathy Patterson, ABCDT

  7. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz

  8. Andrea Wilson - Grand River All-Breed Rescue

Rescue and/or Rehabilitation Award

  1. Robin Brenner - Grand River All-Breed Animal Rescue

  2. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  3. Dr. Cormier - Veterinarian

  4. Kathy Currie-Eyers, CTB.ccs - Top Dog Training

  5. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs

  6. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  7. Jenny Maciel - KW SPCA

  8. Colleen McMahon

  9. Linda Neu

  10. Linda Piche

  11. Andrea Wilson - Grand River All-Breed Rescue

Education Award

  1. Robert Forto PhD., CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works

  2. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  3. Teresa Lewin - Doggone Safe

  4. Joan Orr - Doggone Safe

  5. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz

  6. Charlie White, CTB.ccs - Better Dog Training

  7. Cheryl White, CTB.ccs - Better Dog Training

Editor Of The Year Award

 

Writer Of The Year Award

 

Human Touch Award

  1. Robin Brenner - Grand River All-Breed Animal Rescue

  2. Dr. Cormier - Veterinarian

  3. Kathy Currie-Eyers, CTB.ccs - Top Dog Training

  4. Christopher Johnstone-Laurette

  5. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  6. Jenny Maciel - KW SPCA

  7. Kathy Patterson - ABCDT

  8. Jesús Rosalez-Ruiz

  9. Darlene Sacher - Best Care Kennels

  10. David Thorpe

  11. Andrea Wilson - Grand River All-Breed Rescue

Courage of Convictions

  1. Dr. Cormier - Veterinarian

  2. Don French - Humane Canine Training

  3. Kathy Patterson - ABCDT

  4. Linda Piche

  5. Darlene Sacher - Best Care Kennels

Artistic Contributions

 

Outstanding Dog Training Student

  1. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

  2. Alex Laurette

Outstanding Mentor

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Robert Forto, PhD, CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works

  3. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs

Special Needs Training

  1. Robert Forto PhD., CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works

  2. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs Therapy Dog Training

 

 

Dog Boarding Excellence

  1. Marja Bartozewicz - Country  Corners Pet Centre

  2. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

Dog Daycare/Social Training Excellence

  1. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

  2. Kirsandra Newell - Caring for Canines

  3. Darlene Sacher - Best Care Kennels

Social Training Excellence

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

  3. Kathy Patterson ABCDT

Dog Grooming Excellence

  1. Darlene Sacher - Best Care Kennels

  2. Kristen Thomas - Fresh Scent Dog Spa

Best New Business

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

  3. Kristen Thomas - Fresh Scent Dog Spa

Canine Hero

  1. Isaiah Patterson - Canine - Black Russian Terrier

  2. Madison Cleghorn - Canine - Shihpoo

Behaviour Therapy Excellence

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Robert Forto PhD., CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works

  3. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs

  4. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

Fear Rehabilitation Award

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines

  3. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs

  4. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  5. Colleen McMahon

  6. Linda Neu

Dog/Human Aggression Rehabilitation

  1. Jesús Rosalez-Ruiz

Dog/Dog Aggression Rehabilitation

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Robert Forto PhD., CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works

  3. Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs

  4. Kathy Patterson ABCDT

  5. Jesús Rosalez-Ruiz

Dog Training Excellence

  1. Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

  2. Jessica Croezen - Impressive Canines

  3. Tamara McFarlane-Lloyd, CTB.ccs

  4. Lynda O'Neill - Confident Canines

  5. Terry Pride

  6. Darlene Sacher - Best Care Kennels

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT 2007

  1. Robin Brenner - Grand River All-Breed Rescue

  2. Deb Levasseur, CTB.ccs - Maritime Greyhound Rescue

  3. Teresa Lewin - Doggone Safe & Doggone Crazy

  4. Joan Orr - Doggone Safe & Doggone Crazy

  5. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz

  6. Kitchener-Waterloo SPCA

  7. Andrea Wilson - Grand River All-Breed Rescue

 

Nominees' Accomplishments

 

 

Best Leash (Mark Mandelbaum and Eddie Isenberg) - www.bestleash.com

As the owner of 2 dogs, I absolutely love using Best Leash.  I am no longer being pulled in opposite directions and have better control over the dogs being on 1 leash.  I also found that I can clip Best Leash to my belt loop and walk both dogs with absolutely no hands.  Uzi Grunvald

 

I tried your leash and I really like it.  It is so versatile!  I really like the idea that it can free your hands to simulate off-leash training while still having the safety of the leash.  I also like that you can secure the leash around your shoulder to prevent back injury that could occur with the leash around your waste.  I will let my clients know about Best Leash as I will be using it as I demo leash exercises in class. All the best! Norma Jeanne Laurette; IPDTA Founder & Chair

 

I have found the Best Leash to be a liberating experience for my Aussie pup and me. I loop the leash over my shoulder so if she pulls, she isn't pulling on my back. I love the hands-free capability and have purchased a second leash, just in case something happens to my first one. I would not want to be without it!  Jan Morris

 

As the owner of 4 dogs, (3 Small, 1 Big), best leash makes walking them a breeze, I own 2 best leashes, and they are really an exceptional product. Gone are the days of me and 4 leashes stuffed in my pockets, dropping them when I go to get a bag out of my pocket for you know what. Just want to thank you and your team over there at best leash for making my life easier, and for a quality product, worth every penny.  Jesse Burnett

 

I love the leash!  It works like a charm when walking my Shelti and Papillon at the same time. I  was so impressed with the leash I recommended you to the conference organizing committee for the 2008 CAPPDT conference in Ottawa. Happy New Year to both of you and all the best in 2008 with Best Leash.  Don't forget about Camp Dogwould in June!  Judy Sauve 

 

Happy New Year to you. Actually the leash is working out quite well for me. I have been using it when I teach my beginner's obedience course where I often want my dog attached to me but still need to keep both hands free.  Stanley Coren

 

Hi! I am a Border Collie and my name is Beauregard. Not only am I the proud owner of a BEST LEASH but I also got to meet Mark who designed it. You know he is real good with dogs. My mom loves the BEST LEASH because on walks I often see or hear something that scares me. With the BEST LEASH, there is no danger of me getting away and running off in fear. It keeps me safe. I would definitely give BEST LEASH 4 paws up. Thank you.  by: Beauregard - Border Collie

 

Hi Mark, It was great to meet you. You are so dynamic and I love the leash!!! You know, it's funny because I've been a professional dog walker for ten years now and today for the first time, I felt like I looked the part!!! The gear is grrreat!!! I love being hands free!!! I do a lot of clicker training and this frees up both my hands. I need one to hold the clicker and one to deliver the reward. Thanks for inventing the Best Leash:)))  by: Marlo Hiltz, CPDT

 

We bought a leash at the All About Pets Show Sunday. We were the ones with the four dogs, three goldens and border collie.......well we got home and went to try the leash out with the 5 month old puppy. The leash works very well. by: Heather Acheson

 

I just I love best leash. This is the leash I have been searching for. If you need any help marketing or selling your product in the Hamilton/Burlington area please do not hesitate to give me a call. I would love to be a part of helping you get this product out there.  Thank you so much.  Jody Smith

 

Mark and Eddy, Best Leash lives up to its name! I love the convenience of clipping it around my waist and having my hands free. And being able to quickly secure the leash to a fence post makes putting on my hiking boots so much easier! It is safe and easy to use. And my dog, Dash, likes it too. :)  Thank you!   Carola - New Jersey, USA

 

I am sooooooooooooo excited with the leash and Mark is amazing ! Dazy and I had the best walk of her life this morning. Wendy Preskow

 

Hi Mark, The leash is wonderful. I’ve used it a lot, mostly with my younger dog to go hiking in the conservation area. It’s great to be hands free. I’ll even double loop it around my waist when I want him walking a little closer to me. Kathy

 

Thanks Mark. I Have sent a few people your way and have gotten feedback that your customer service was Awesome. One client ordered two leashes a couple days ago and already has them. Thanks for taking care of my clients. Yvette, Awesome Dogs

 

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Robin Brenner - Grand River All -Breed Animal Rescue - www.grandriverallbreedrescue.ca

 

Robin Brenner and Andrea Wilson are dedicated animal lovers who have made it their priority to save the lives of animals that may die without their efforts.  Many animals have been rescued, rehabilitated and united with loving forever families as result.  This on-going commitment is both time-consuming and stressful, but their selfless, courageous and positive attitude keeps them strong.  I feel Robin and Andrea are deserving of this honour and hopefully, it will help draw attention from those who could help them in this worthy cause.

 

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Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - Canine Confidence Building Clinics

 

What makes a good mentor teacher?  My definition is; someone who leads by example, someone who is open to sharing, willing to learn, and willing to take on a challenge to inspire and support success.  I watched Carrie adapt a program under fire for a challenging dog.  She was willing and able to brain storm with this educated dog owner, to find a way to work with her dog to improve her behaviour.  Carrie is willing to go the extra mile, to do extra research and consult with other trainers when necessary, to find the information needed to help all her clients.  I am that dog owner, the owner of Lucy – my challenging dog.  We had a “Eureka” moment the other day, the reason we did is because Carrie was willing to take on a tougher dog, and work slowly and steadily at the dog’s pace – not the owner’s pace or anyone else's.  While managing a tougher dog, she was also willing to guide and teach me.  To me, that is what makes a great mentor!  Joyanne Wood

 

In Running my fearful dog classes I've come across some tough cases...but Lucy was going to be a challenge. But she is proof that a good owner, a willing dog and the right set up makes a world of difference...Joyanne & Lucy have been working with me since November in my Confidence Building clinics - on after our 6th session, she was able to be off leash with my Madison and focus on the commands Joyanne was giving her - talk about a eureka moment! Lucy was, how do I put this, frantic even in the sight of another dog. So once, ok cool, but not just once, this week she again was off leash with Madison, and only charged once and stopped part way through - she's learning!! It's incredible to watch such a drastic change in such a short time!! Way to go Lucy! We fully expect her to regress yet... probably this coming week as we introduce a new dog in class. But WOW this makes alllll of it worth while. Joy - good work with Lucy! It sure has paid off! Carrie - K9FearBeGone!

 

I wanted to share an amazing story about one of my clients – Oscar.  The owner adopted Oscar from an SPCA at 15 months of age, and was unaware of the issues he would face. Oscar’s owner contacted me back in January of 2008 for help with Oscar’s behaviour around other dogs and/or people.  When I evaluated him, he was very leery of new people. He would lock his focus on to any new dog, and bark so obsessively he would foam at the mouth. His owner was unable to break his focus using treats or anything else.  We started using counter conditioning when dogs were in site, but had limited success.  Oscar seemed very conflicted. We saw a lot of play behaviours, but still with the excessive barking.  In some cases if the decoy dog was larger than him, he would exhibit more offensive behaviour.  In order to break his focus we started using the Spray Commander citronella collar, and taught him self-control behaviors which allowed us to reward him in the presence of the dogs.  This has been working extremely well.  So to change it up and continue to create a positive association with the presence of other dogs, I asked the owner play with his dog, while the decoy dogs were kept in the corner. He did glance over at them, but he didn’t bark, freeze, stare, or otherwise focus on them.  Seeing him wag his tail for the first time in a happy manner blew me away… now that’s rewarding!!  He has progressed from (week one) unable to control himself, to currently (about 12 weeks later) able to relax enough to play in the presence of my dogs.  He still has a long way to go, but WOW, this proves what a little persistence can do!   Of course I can’t take all the credit, Oscar is lucky enough to have an owner that is patient, persistent, dedicated to his dog and following the program.  Carrie Cleghorn

 

Many Thanks to Carrie Cleghorn for helping me with Oscar.  He was an obsessive humane society adoption that I was realized I was unprepared to deal with alone.  I have spent many hours working with Oscar, but his progress had plateaued.  Carrie was innovative with ideas to help me continue progressing with Oscar and turning him into a normal dog and a more social pet.  He still has a way to go, but I do feel much more comfortable with him in strange situations and when strangers are in the house.  Thanks,

Mike

 

I took on a dog that was presenting with aggression, mainly in the evenings, but had progressed to almost anytime. Having talked to the owners...this was the primary complaint.
Everything they had written/told me indicated aggression - either possessive over sleeping space or a visual problem.
I met him Saturday... his visual appearance was well... it was obvious health with a huge problem
Very little had been done to treat him for that "visible" issues.
I was then told he had trouble with stairs 1st thing in the morning, and late at night
It was more then that...definitely having difficulty moving
Since the evaluation, we put him on a basic detox type diet, eliminating all grains, adding MSM for arthritis, and Omega fatty acids.
In a matter of 24 hrs we started to see an improvement.
No aggression was seen.
He was starting to perk up.
As I found out later lethargy, loss of interest in anything was apparent.
Day 2 he was chewing on bones for the first time
Day 3 (where we are at now), he continues to perk up, he continues to engage, he continues to chew on bones
ANNND he plays which I was told, the owners attributed to old age (he's 9 btw).
This dog is a poster dog for poor nutrition and excessive grains.
It's only been 3 days, and I'm very optimistic that he's outcome is hugely improved from thoughts of being put down for aggression to eliminating the aggression and a huge turn around in general well-being.
BTW the aggression was totally health/pain related - eliminated that, and stopped man-handling him, all resolved.
WOW I'm still amazed as just how quick and how drastic eliminating grains and putting him on a quality diet has had an affect...
I'm hoping the visible signs will decrease - it'll take time, but I'm very optimistic
And frankly sooo happy for this poor dog, I can't help by smile.
Just another case of when treating the underlying health makes a huge difference in behaviour...
Carrie

 

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Madison Cleghorn - Canine (Canine Confidence Building Clinics)

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Madison in Carrie’s Canine Confidence Building class.  To those who do not understand why she is there, Madison looks as though she is doing nothing more than hang out.  For those who understand the power of a calm, relaxed, non-intimidating dog to a shy dog’s recovery and growth, she is doing plenty.  I have seen Madison lie down to calm a shy, fearful dog, asking it ever so nicely to come and play.  A second later, she will roll a pushy one to teach it how to behave.  At another time, she will simply walk away from a tense situation, as she a very good indicator of how the dogs are feeling.  It is a lot of work for a tiny little girl that I am sure just wants to hang out.  For those who have fearful dogs, Madison is a great resource, teaching our dogs to feel safe as they learn the fine art of getting along.  Joyanne Wood

 

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Dr. Cormier - Veterinarian

 

Linda was called to a client's home to assist with an aggression problem.  The German Shepherd Dog was attacking his male owner whenever he corrected it while out on walks.  They wanted to find out why this was occurring and how to solve the problem.  If the problem could not be solved, the dog would be euthanized.  During the visit Linda noticed the dog was terrified of his male owner.  When she asked him to demonstrate his "correction", she witnessed what she described as "the most vicious, brutal yanking on a choke collar I have ever seen!"  It appeared the aggressive behaviour was in self-defense.  She noticed something else as well and asked the owner if she could take the dog for a walk, explaining it would take about an hour.  When she was out of sight she investigated what she thought she had seen under the fur on the dog's neck and discovered a large infected sore directly under the choke chain.  Linda immediately took the dog to her vet who confirmed her fear that this dog was being abused.  He kept the dog at the clinic and the authorities were contacted.  When she called the owner to tell him where his dog was he became upset.  Her vet refused to give the dog back and the authorities agreed.  Linda, the vet and police are now being threatened with law suit but they are all standing up for the dog.  Linda has willingly agreed to work with this dog to hopefully restore its trust in mankind.  Because of his courage to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, we hereby nominate Dr. Cormier for the Rescue and/or Rehabilitation and Courage of Convictions awards. 

 

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Jessica Croezen, CTB.ccs - Impressive Canines - www.dogtrainingcareers.com/Impressive%20Canines.html

My first impression of Jessica was how knowledgeable, professional and caring she was. A real animal person...which was very important to me.  The Training has worked out better than I anticipated. Mazy has learned far more than when I took her to  puppy class....the commands are easy for me to remember and to implement at home.  Whitney Richter – Mazy (Wheaton Terrier).

 

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Kathy Currie-Eyers - Top Dog Training - www.campdogwoodnorth.com

 

Dear Kathy, It is so refreshing to know that someone out there is willing to help all of these wonderful black labs! Thank you so much, I cannot tell you how excited we are about the possibility! It breaks my heart to have to say no so often to the shelters, just because he or she is black, or to cringe when someone calls waiting to hear the color of the dog they need to place in
rescue. My heart bleeds for these black labs who have done nothing wrong. I will always fight for them, but you just cannot convince someone who wants yellow that the black are much better all around! I love all labs, and have 1 of each color to prove I am not partial to one or another, but it is sad to watch the black dogs get passed over again and again! You truly are a
blessing, and I am so glad the good Lord steered you in my direction today. I look forward to working with you in the near future, take a look at some of the dogs on our site to see if you think any of them would be possible adoptees in your area, if so we can try to get a transport set up soon, Thanks again, Renee"
 

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Robert Forto PhD., CTB.ccs - Denver Dog Works - www/DenverDogWorks.com

 

Robert has been working with aggressive dogs in our growl class every week.  He is my mentor at Denver Dog Works.

He is involved with public speaking and spoke at the city council today concerning the breed ban in Aurora, Colorado.

He also works with Service Dogs and clients, we have so many diverse clients in need with our service dog program; a Parkinson's patient, 2 autistic patients, one with PTSD, and a little 3 year old girl with cerebral palsy.  Lyndsay Morton 

 

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Don French - Humane Canine Training - www.PetiPaws.ca or www.vanityfur.com

 

Hi Norma Jeanne,  I had a job as the Store Manager for Petcetera, and was hired to help set up the dog training in Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington and St Catherines.  The Dog Training is organized through Petco in the USA and organized by Jill Cameron.  I noticed they sold pinch collars and choke chains along with shock bark collars.  I asked that the stores lock them up or remove them.  I also said that as the dog trainer I could not let anyone in the class with these devices...nor would I sell them or recommend them.  My job there lasted 30 days.  They resigned me due to Professional Conflict of Interest.
I cannot recommend Petcetera to any of my clients from this moment on.  Hey...I feel good about loosing a job and caring more about the dogs.  Cheers, Don French
 

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Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs - Delightful Dogs - www.delightfuldogs.net

 

I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you to you Sylvia for all you have done for us and our 4 legged friends.  It was wonderful at the walk-through Saturday and thank you for your genuine caring and kind words.  Your programs (obedience, pet therapy) are some of the best...that's why I travel the distance I do to attend.  Each week has offered something new and valuable not just while doing the pet therapy but also while out and about with our dogs.  Thanks again Sylvia!

 

Hi Sylvia,  Thank you for all the great training and support with Maddy through Level 1and Level 2 ... We couldn't have made it this far without you and it has made a world of difference! Thanks again! Carrie Merner 

 

Hi Sylvia, Just thought I would take this time to once again THANK YOU for all the help with Lila. She is such a good girl we love her very much. I thought you might like to know that she did a complete down yesterday for the first time (twice) !!!! We had just returned from holidays and I was hoping that she had not forgotten everything, but all is well. She is still having accidents in the house but that too is improving. Last night we out walking when a car back fired, she handled the noise like a
trooper - did not not panic really and carried on with our walk. Thanks again, Alison & Lila

 

Hi Sylvia,  Sorry I had to rush out of there after our puppy class last night. My husband and kids were in the car. I was hesitant to drive given the weather conditions but my husband offered to take me which was great. I just wanted to say thank you for a very positive experience. I really enjoyed the last six weeks and I think that Jackson has come a long way. Truth be told, I wasn't sure I would become as attached to Jackson as I was to my last dog, Colby. His sudden passing after only 5 years was devastating. But over the last couple of months since Jackson has joined our family, I've become extremely attached to him and I think your classes helped that happen. I definitely plan to continue to work with him at home and would really like to sign up for level two in the spring (once the lousy driving conditions are done). It really means a lot that you want your "students" to keep in touch with you. It's rare to find someone who isn't only in it for the money. We will certainly keep in touch and let you know how Jackson is doing. You may even get an email now and then asking for advice (lucky you!) and hopefully you'll be seeing us again. Thanks again. Sandy & Jackson (Golden Retriever)

 

Hi Sylvia, We had our first visit to the rec center in Wloo yesterday. It was a great  experience, and we got positive feedback. Amelie was well mannered and even "took a bow" at the end of the visit to the delight of her new friends. Thank you again, take care, Elaine and Amelie

 

Hi, I wanted to let you know that I contacted both the Adult Rec Center and Pinehaven Retirement Res. in Wloo, and was well received at both.  We will be making our first therapy team visit to the Adult Rec Center on Wed Dec 5.  At Pinehaven we are waiting for the police check, they ask for the 2-4 week one that is often required when dealing with vulnerable populations.  Also, thank you for confirming that there is a book that goes along with the calming signals DVD, I have ordered it from Chapters.  Finally, thank you for the wonderful comprehensive therapy dog program. I am confident that, as a result of your program, Amelie will be a well mannered and well controlled therapy dog who will have a lot to offer those she visits. We both enjoyed the program immensely.  Thanks, Take Care, Elaine and Amelie                    

 

Hi Sylvia,  Nimbus finished his Level 1 training at Delightful Dogs on Oct. 30th and got 2nd place. Of course he got 1st place in my eyes. Nimbus is a quick learner with positive reinforcement and learns most things within 3