Testimonials ::
CCS Graduate Websites
A few
CCS
Graduate Websites
|
Delightful
Dogs
Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada
www.delightfuldogs.net
Canine
Confidence Building Clinics
Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada
www.k9fearbegone.com
Confident
Canines
Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada
www.ConfidentCanines.ca
D'Arcy's
Dog Training and Pet Services
Cambridge,
Ontario, Canada
www.darcysdogtraining.com
|
Caring for
Canines Dog Daycare
Cambridge,
Ontario, Canada
http://caringforcanines.tripod.com
Leader Of
The Pack
Guelph, Ontario,
Canada
www.touchfreedogtraining.ca
Canine Academy
Guelph, Ontario,
Canada
www.canineacademy.ca
Flying Dog
Guelph, Ontario,
Canada
www.flyingdog.ca
Shirley Thaiss, CTB.ccs
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
www.paws-abiliy.ca
|
Better Dog
Training
Stratford Ontario, Canada
www.betterdog.ca
Top Dog
Barrie, Ontario,
Canada
www.campdogwoodnorth.com
Camp Dog Wood
North
Barrie,
, Ontario, Canada
www.campdogwoodnorth.com
On Golden
Paws
Varna,
Ontario, Canada
www.ongoldenpaws.com
Canine Consultants
& Learning Academy,
Hillsborough,
New Brunswick, Canada
www.canineconsultants.ca
Dream Chaser Kennels
Littleton, Colorado
and Duluth, Minnesota, USA
denverdogworks.com
American School of Dog Training
Aurora, Colorado, USA
denverdogworks.com
|
Testimonials
Norma Jeanne, Just
wanted to say thanks, we have been for two
walks in the last three days, 50 mins each on a
regular route just bailey and I, (this took us
from the driveway, across the street, always two
people, baby steps...) and the third day, I
walked to my girlfriends, a shorter walk but
very different route and he was introduced to
two new people, still some work, but this is
giant for us, thanks again for your help.
Val Spads - Kitchener, Ontario
Our run tonight included a
beep with the SC - Chili has
decided to start doing a
wide circle before she
returns (she did this when
we first started Frisbee,
too). The beep got her back
on track, though. Anyway, it
is SO good to be able to
turn her loose and watch her
run and play and "be a dog."
Just have to back up a step
or two for a few days, I
guess. I feel a lot more
relaxed about it all, now,
recognizing it's a setback,
not the end of the world. I
can't thank you enough for
all your help, advice, and
patience.
Thank you for your telephone
message. I appreciate your
offer to help Calum and me once
he is back in good health. Your
kindness toward dogs is
certainly evident in your
positive attitude toward dog
owners. Katherine -
Kitchener, Ontario
Hi, Norma Jeanne,
Update on Red Hot Chili: We
had 2 great Frisbee sessions
tonight. By the way, if you
read the article on Disc
sports in the July Dogs in
Canada, Angela Ewtushik is
Chili's and my Frisbee
coach. I do like learning
from the best teachers.
Angela is one, and of
course, it's why we keep
coming back to Puppy Power,
too. :) Anyway, Chili
is catching quite a few
discs, which must also mean
that I'm throwing better,
too! Tonight, we were
playing with the distraction
of a family of people,
including a couple of
children, fishing in the
river. We got in about 5
throws before I started
losing Chili's attention, so
we did 1 more short toss
that she could get, and
ended the session. But she
didn't even try to take off.
On the way back, we
practiced some of her tricks
- marching, rolling over and
back, curtsey, and front and
back, all within sight and
hearing of the fisherfolk.
Then, we walked the short
block home with her heeling
and me NOT HOLDING HER
LEASH. Actually, she was on
the long line, but it was
trailing behind her and I
didn't have to touch it all
the way home. But the
really great news is that we
are going for longs walks
down a country road with
Chili draggin a line that I
often don't even hold on to.
If she starts to get too far
ahead, I ask her to sit,
down, or come, and she
responds right away. Most of
this happened quite
spontaneously. After a
choice piece of horse poop
sprayed her in the face, she
doesn't go too far away! And
I always have to help her
past the spot on the road
where that awful thing
happened! I get so
excited about our progress,
I just have to tell
somebody. You're top of the
list, because you know how
frustrated and discouraged I
was getting, and you've been
such a huge help in getting
us through our difficulties.
I'm noticing a real
difference in Chili, as if
she has finally decided that
she wants to be with me. I
went through a very bad
patch when I thought we just
weren't suited for each
other. Now, I'm wondering if
I really want another dog
because I'm enjoying my
one-on-one time with Chili
so much. I'm looking
forward to Freestyle in a
couple of weeks. I actually
bought some dowelling and
we've had a couple of
sessions teaching Chili not
to eat it, but when I nudge
her to try and get her to
side pass towards me, she
shoves on the dowel or runs
out in front. So maybe I'll
wait until class to see how
to teach her properly.
Oh, yes, and finally - Chili
can almost sit and be patted
by strangers without having
hysterics. She can't hold
the sit for very long, but
she's showing less tendency
to jump at people's faces.
So hopefully she'll be ready
for Sylvia's Therapy Dog
course in October!
Sorry to babble on so, but
you were right. Chili is now
firmly entrenched as my
"Special Girl." All my dogs
have had "special" names
(Baroque was always my "Best
Boy"), and Chili has really
earned hers. Jan &
Chili
Hi Everyone, Wasn't
that a fun weekend?
From the forms received
there seems to be a tie for
the most informative
presentation - Norma Jeanne
on Positive Reinforcement or
Positive Punishment and
Patti Graham's grooming
talk. My sincere
gratitude to all of you that
made the Dogwould weekend
such a success! Your energy
and enthusiasm made everyone
feel very welcomed.
Judy Sauve - Camp Dogwould
Coordinator, Ottawa, Ontario
Hi Norma Jeanne, Saturday's seminar was
great. Not just the information, but the
opportunity to come together and network.
You put everyone at ease and make it so
simple to ask questions. Jennifer
Ranger, Toronto, Ontario
Hello Norma Jeanne, I Just wanted to
say that I love the look of your website,
and am proud of how you have grown your
business and spread your dog ethics to all
who will listen. Cheryl and I have a small
but respectable presence in the Barrie
Ontario area, and we are preaching the good
word so to speak about canine behaviour.
We offer personal consultations for
problematic dogs...and owners (LoL). Our
business has been all word of mouth which is
nice because the referrals have a confidence
in our abilities from the outset. Rest
assured we are still desirous of seeing this
passion of working with dogs fulfilled. I
just wanted to say that your material has
made a very positive difference in our
lives, our two dogs Bear and Moose(the
rescue), and many appreciative clients and
their dogs. If we have learned anything in
the last three years, it has been that all
dogs given the right environment, the right
people, and the right degree of patience can
be moulded and redirected into wonderful
companions. Thank you for helping us
see the gentle way. Keep up the good work.
Tom Goul, CB.ccs & Cheryl Goul, CB.ccs - The Puppy Professors -
Barrie, Ontario
All of your advice the other day
was very helpful. Thank you so
much for spending the time.
It's obvious that you care a lot
about the dogs. Thanks
Again for all your help, Angela
Smith
Thanks so much (again) for your
expert advise. The 'time outs'
did the trick and her problem
behaviour is solved!
Thanks again, Yours truly; John
Vice
Frosty is such a good puppy, the
boys taught him a new trick last
night. They taught him to jump over
their back - it's adorable. I am so
thankful that we did the Puppy
classes with you to get us on the
right track with training.
He responds so well with his
listening, it amazes us sometimes!
We are big believers in positive
reinforcement, which is one of the
reasons we chose Puppy Power.
Being a new dog owner, the skills we
learned from the very beginning in
training Frosty have been truly
invaluable. We appreciate
your unique approach
in encouraging the family to attend
the classes. We believe, it is
because of this, we have had so much
success with our training
experience. It was positively the
best! Thank-you!
Paul, Joanne, Mitchel, Justin &
Frosty : )
I'm happy you liked the picture of Wile E.
Coyote. We all wanted to do something
special for you. We are always saying
thanks, thanks, but we really wanted to show you
how much you mean to us and how much we
appreciate everything you do. You give so
much of yourself and in return ask nothing.
Your compassion and empathy can only be
surpassed by your dedication. There have
been times I felt like I just couldn't do what I
do anymore. Sometimes, you start to think
your fighting a losing battle. When you
have a horse that lays it's head in your lap
because it is too weak to stand, you hear a dog
cry out in pain as he's trying to move, or as
you reach down to pat a dog - she throws herself
on the floor, it can really take it's toll on
you. Most of the time I feel like I walk
around with a very heavy heart. You have
been there for me in those times and helped me
put things back into perspective. You have
given me the courage and inspiration to go on.
Through your support you have reminded me that I
am a fighter, to stand firm in my beliefs and to
believe I alone can make a difference.
When I started this course, I did not expect for
you to touch my life so profoundly. Not
only do I see you as my teacher and mentor, but
also a wonderful, unexpected friend. I
thank you for that with all my heart. June
McLean, CTB.ccs - Westville, Nova Scotia, CA
Thank you for all your simple, fixable ideas
that you gave me regarding Divot's behaviour.
Today, Barry told me that Divot never barked at
all. The neighbours will think we killed him. He
has treat toys now and loves the Tricky Treats
ball. He rolls that thing all over the house,
waiting for a piece of kibble to fall out of the
hole. He's no longer crawling all over Barry,
wanting attention. He also waits for the Kong to
be put outside in the morning, all nicely frozen
and ready to reveal its contents. I haven't
taken him to Day Care yet as it's hard doing my
job and Barry's and still have time left in the
day to drop Divot off and pick him up by 5 pm.
That's certainly a plan for down the road. Thank
you so much for your help. You've certainly
improved the relationship between us and our
pet. Hope you can see the picture of Divot that
I've attached. Isn't he a beautiful boy! I've
been singing your praises to every dog owner I
know. I told Kelly (one of your past students)
at "On Golden Paws" that I wish she had a
newsletter or a white board in her store where
customers could list their favorite products
because the Spray Commander and Tricky Treats
ball were amazing products to modify behavior. I
even told her that I had learned that from you.
Thank you, Thank you! PS: Today was the second
day in a row that he hasn't barked. Barry said
he was an amazing dog today.
I
thought I have seen and heard everything
when it came to training but did I ever
get my eyes open yesterday when I took
Kya on a 8K walk around the Floradale
dam. I came across a woman with a large
boxer who trained the "baw method". I
am not sure how to spell it but that is
the way it sounded. I was proud of
myself for keeping a straight face when
watching her in action. I put Kya in a
sit stay to talk to her and walked away
from her. The woman tried to put her
2yr old in a sit stay but it would not
keep it and that is when I heard her
yell "BAW" at the top of her lungs. She
said it was to mimic the mothers growl
and she took classes from a man I
believe lives in Elmira. When the baw
did not work she then threw a bottle
with something in it at him so as not to
hit the dog but startle him. It still
did not listen and it ran to Kya and was
boxing her. I was a proud momma when
Kya keep her sit stay and did not stand
up so I said to the woman I will reward
Kya for her excellent sit stay while
your dog is on top of her. I did not
ever think I would see the day Kya could
keep a sit stay when a dog was at her
that way. The woman grabbed her dog and
kept yelling baw. I told her that I
went to you and Sylvia and we use
positive reinforcement. They do not use
food at all. Well proof is in the
pudding as they say and I could see her
method does not work so I hope she could
see from Kya that there is a kinder and
gentle way to train a dog. I just want
to thank you and Sylvia once again.
Kendra
You have been
the best teacher I've ever had.....no I
really mean that!!!!!!! You get five gold
stars!!!!!!
Melissa Prange - CCS Student,
Fort St. John, BC.
The 'tricks'
you have given me for Bosco's
problem are working out just fine.
I can't believe the change in him in
just two days. Already, he starts
paying more attention to me than
what is going on around us when
walking outdoors. I am so
impressed, I even asked my husband
to come with me this afternoon to
make sure I wasn't seeing things, he
too was impressed with the changes,
especially when we came across
another dog on the street and Bosco
paid more attention to me than to
that impressive dog. I Can't
thank you enough ! We still have to
work on it, I don't expect
everything to be perfect in just two
days, but we are doing fine.
Either I'm doing something right or
I have a very clever dog, maybe
both. Anyways, thanks a lot,
as this was becoming a nightmare
that finally turned out to be just a
fun thing to do. And you were
right, out with the negative
feelings on my part ! Now we're out
to have fun and learn ! Linda
Reasins
"I have to say that the seminar that you did on "games" was one
of the best seminar's I've been too. Your idea's are fantastic.
I really enjoyed myself. I hope that you will speak again
soon."
Sharla McNair - K9 Minds, Aurora, Ontario
"I Just wanted to tell you that I love your
course. I am definately learning a lot."
Susan Woodgate - Orangeville, Ontario
"I just
wanted to let you know that all the great
feedback I get on my dog information awareness,
intervention, rescue work and training...I
learned from your program. I am certainly
unique in this farming community and people
are enjoying the change ("what no choke
chains??? they say!!). We build a
bond of trust and teach the dogs, not force
them...and it works beautifully. Thank
you for showing me "the other side"...when
I apprenticed on "the wrong side" all I
could think was "I can't do this!" So how
will I be a trainer!" But now I am a very
respected trainer and feel good about the
techniques. Thank you!
Charlene Barrell, CB.ccs - Hot Springs, British Columbia
"Did I say
today, how much I appreciate you?
Thank you for all that you have done in
my life. All the support,
encouragemen exhortation that you have
put into it. Thank you!
I got home safely and all is well.
I will keep in touch."
Sydney Drakes,
CTB.ccs - Hastings, Barbados
"I wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying
working with you - I have told so many people
what a great help you have been - you are
truly a "mentor" in all sense of the word!
You have been so giving with your material,
advice, suggestions etc. and I have learned
so much! Thank you for everything
- you have truly inspired me to realize
that I can make a career working with dogs
and that's a dream come true!!" Jennifer
Tutt - Erin, Ontario, Canada (ABC Student
mentoring with Norma Jeanne)
"I was working full time when I took the CCS
course and had no problem! That’s a great thing
about Norma Jeanne’s course is – you can go
at your own pace so you work on it when you
have time. I do have my own business and
run classes currently. I also still work
full time in another job too. Areas that
were most beneficial – the behaviour part –
what’s normal, what’s not, how to read the body
language, how to prevent aggression. There
was sooo much great info it’s hard to pin point
one thing. I also use her handouts for
my clients and refer to them often for consults
or problems with my own pup’s. I also
use her manual – both of these are great so
you don’t have to research and write your own
material. Her course was the best thing
I’ve done. Not only because I enjoy training,
but has helped with my own dogs immensely!
Not to mention she has the C-C-S email group
with lots of helpful and supportive people.
I have nothing but great things to say about
the course!"
Carrie Cleghorn BSc, CTB.ccs
- Guiding Paws - Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
"Norma Jeanne, I was
in your workshop at the CAPPDT conference and
remember doing the grad exercises with a (human)
partner (no dog available) and we had a blast.
It was so much fun. I tried doing them
in classes awhile ago but couldn't remember
the exercises that well, and the ones I made
up didn't work that well, so thank you for sharing
them with us. I plan on using them at
my next grad class. I expect that we will have
a ball!!" Janis Mikelberg, Toronto, Ontario
I just wanted to update you on the use of
your games in my dog classes. I have been
using them for a while and have been having
a blast with them. Not only do my clients
enjoy doing them but it gives me insight
into what needs more work (proofing stays,
leave it) and what is sometimes surprisingly
good. I have been doing them the 2nd
to last class so I can troubleshoot before
they graduate and tell them how to improve.
Thanks again for sharing. Janis Mikelberg,
Toronto, Ontario
"Nice article. I always love the emotional
component of training - too many people miss
it. And might I say that your writing
is significantly changing over the past several
issues. It used to be good. Now
it just rocks! Love the new style. :)
Yvette Van Veen, CAPPDT Board of Directors,
Forum Editor 2005
"Hi Norma Jeanne, You're
great! I came from the last class with that
satisfied feeling of having seen someone "walk
what they talk." You were able to show encouragement
and positive attitude even when some of your
human and canine students didn't perform to
an A+. Thanks for the privilege if sitting in
on your classes." Ruth Richmond, Toronto, Ontario
"Thank you for allowing
us to observe your classes. I must say that
I was shocked by the difference between your
classes and the classes my dog and I attend.
First, the dogs in what I believe was your puppy
class were better at recall than the dogs in
our class at advanced novice level. All
of the dogs in your class are happy, excited,
and highly motivated. I'd love to say
that the dogs in our class were, but they are
just excited to see the other dogs. They are
obedient, but only because if they stray
they get a jerk of the collar. I feel I have done
my dog an injustice, which breaks my heart.
Being my first dog I didn't know a whole lot
about obedience. I always knew I wanted
to use positive reinforcement and always have,
though watching your class was like looking
over the fence for the first time. I blindly
enrolled with the instructor I currently use
after ALL of my co-workers, and my
manager, telling me what an amazing instructor
she was. I still sat in on a class but
I think the mistake I made was not sitting in
on any others.
The more I trained, the more I began to question
her but today I almost walked out. Someone asked
about how to enforce recall when her dog wouldn't
come. Our instructor brought out a chunk
of knotted chain and instructed her to throw
it at her dogs hip if she didn't come.
My jaw dropped and I sat in shock as she demonstrated
on a very willing clients dog, then another,
and another. Thank god no more. With my boy, being
a greyhound he is very sensitive, the harsher
my tone of voice or actions, the more he hesitates.
I was having trouble with his recall at one
point, and was afraid he would dart out the
door at work. I was told to go up and
give him a correction, then bring him to where
I called him. Instead, when I practiced
your recall and when he came his reward would
be play. If he strayed I used a food lure
put in front of his nose to guide him back to
where I was. Problem solved!"
"Thank you, Norma Jeanne, not for only convincing
me that this course is perfect for me, but for
opening my eyes and letting me look over the
fence. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!"
Cheryl Becker, Oshawa, Ontario.
"I am enjoying the
course so much and I think it is one of the
best things I have ever done!!! Meghan Ginn,
Kitchener, Ontario.
"Norma Jeanne, this
is an excellent piece! One of the two or three
most constructive and practical items I can
remember running in the CAPPDT Forum Newsletter.
I'll be using some of the advice myself, and
I appreciate that you're sharing it with the
membership. Nice work indeed. "
"I do think your work
is consistently excellent. I want to tell you
that I have enjoyed your contributions and appreciate
your commitment to the issues you address and
the enlightenment of the membership. We've debated
on opposite sides and on the same side of an
assortment of discussions over the years, and
I thank you for your passion for all of it.
Thank you for writing for FORUM, speaking at
the conference and sounding off on the email
list etc. I hope you'll make the next editor's
job as easy as you made mine." Andrew Perkins,
CAPPDT Board of Directors, Forum Editor.
Hi Norma Jeanne,
I'm considering
sending you an e-mail for the IPDTA Newsletter
about Moose's miraculous salvation. I just
happened to be at the vet's office today
and they were quite pleased with Moose as
they noticed a big improvement in him. The
staff and Moose' vets are very interested
in his progress and the program I'm following.
I really appreciate the e-mails. It
feels so good to be back on track.
Cheryl Goul, CB.ccs & Tom Goul, CB.ccs Barrie,
Ontario
"It's amazing to think
of all the ways Norma Jeanne and her Canine
Communication Studies course have influenced
my life. I began the course in March of 2003
and am now running my own successful training
business. I was searching for a Dog Training
course that would motivate and educate me in
all different aspects of Dog Training and Behaviour.
My search was long and unsuccessful, until I
found this course. As soon as I spoke to Norma
Jeanne I knew her course was exactly what I
was looking for. Norma Jeanne was open, honest
and thorough when telling me about her course.
I started right away and it was the best decision
I ever made. The course is very
thorough and accurately covers all aspects of
training and behaviour. Norma Jeanne constantly
updates the course to ensure it includes all
the latest tools and techniques. She not only
offers her own experience and expertise but
also includes books written by other proven
trainers, so that her students are provided
with a wide array of knowledge. She encourages
you to learn from as many sources as possible,
and to keep an open mind. The course is challenging
to ensure she creates the best trainers. The
CCS course is formatted in easy to read booklets
with complimentary videos to help you visualize
the exercises. Norma Jeanne always answers your
questions quickly and accurately, applying research
and experience to every answer. Not only is Norma Jeanne
a great teacher, she is also a wonderful friend.
She has helped me through so many things and
I am truly grateful for her friendship. She
is such a strong individual with so much integrity.
I look up to her so much as she has accomplished
so many great things. She is my mentor and will
always be. She has given me the strength and
support to make my dream a reality, I couldn't
have done it without her. All the CCS students
and grads have become like family to me, we
stick together and support one another as we
are all working toward the same goals. Becoming a Dog Trainer/Behaviour
Therapist has truly enriched my life. I wake
up every morning with a smile on my face, knowing
that I am making a difference in both the lives
of dogs and their owners. It's a great feeling
when you really LOVE your work. I would recommend
this course to anyone who wants to be a happy
as I truly am. Thank you Norma Jeanne for everything.
Kimberly Davison, CTB.ccs On The Ball
Dog Training & Behaviour, Cambridge, Ontario
"Norma Jeanne's Canine
Communication Studies course opened my eyes
to a whole new world of how dogs deserve to
be trained. It didn't take long after meeting
with her to know absolutely that she is devoted,
knowledgeable and passionate about animals.
I too have always been a lover of animals and
knew even at a young age that this is where
I belonged. I worked in Pet Stores, Kennels,
learned Dog Grooming and worked for a Veterinarian.
Although I enjoyed these positions, something
was missing until I met Norma Jeanne; she is
a great teacher who truly stands behind training
methods that are humane and designed with the
best interest of the dogs in mind. The CCS course is loaded
with up to date information on canine behaviour
and learning theory and is presented in a logical,
easy to understand format. This is not to say
that the course isn't challenging, because it
is. I had to throw away all my old thinking
about dog training and look at it again in a
whole new perspective. The course not only gave
me the skills necessary to open a Dog Training
business of my own, it taught me how to communicate
effectively with animals so that learning is
easy, respectful and fun. I only wish that I
would have known about this course sooner. Thanks
Norma Jeanne for all your support and knowledge
even after I graduated." Lynda O'Neill, CTB.ccs
Confident Canines, Kitchener, Ontario
"The course was great. It was challenging
and interesting and definitely informative!
A lot of excellent material presented in a logical
manner and in easily understood terms. The manuals
are thorough and offer a lot of cross-referencing
and repetition where needed to make learning
easier and more engrained. The videos will give
you what you need if you are unable to attend
the live-in version of the course. I'm sure
you will find it thorough and rewarding and
definitely sufficient material to give you the
knowledge you need to begin this new career
path. I reference that material often when presented
with a problem or a question from a client.
Another invaluable aspect of the course is
the support of Norma Jeanne long after you have
graduated. I graduated in May of 2001 and I
can still always count on a very helpful response
from Norma Jeanne when I run into a quandary
or get a special situation that I'm not sure
how to handle. She is always there for me. I am still in awe of what each student (the
dog) achieves by the end of a 6-week course.
Very rewarding for me and for the client. I
have also attended classes offered by many other
trainers in this city (as an assistant or as
a student with my own dogs) and, although I
can pick up some fun ideas and occasional new
methods in these classes, I still feel that
my classes and my outline and my methods (based
on Norma Jeanne's course!) are better.
I know that Norma Jeanne is still constantly
working on upgrading and bettering the course
that she offers. From my perspective, another
reason to consider her course is this ongoing
commitment to her work and the obvious pride
she takes in it." Janet Greenwood, CTB.ccs
My Dog Spot, Calgary Alberta (Janet's dog Tikka
was in the movie 'Monte Walsh'
starring Tom Selleck)
"I started the course around December 2001
and I am now operating my own business under
the name of PawzAbilities. I did some research
and searched out other schools before finally
meeting Norma Jeanne of Puppy Power and signing
up for the Canine Communications Studies course.
The reason I decided to go with Puppy Power
was because first of all meeting Norma Jeanne
I could tell right away that she is very passionate
about dogs. This is very important to me as
I have always been an animal lover.
The second thing is that the course material
goes in depth into canine behavour and learning
theory and it is easy to follow and understand,
as it takes you step by step through the program.
I took the correspondence course also and have
found this to be terrific because I have a hectic
schedule (as I work a full time job) and it
allowed me to work the course around my busy
schedule. Norma Jeanne is a fair and knowledgeable
teacher. She will offer you encouragement as
well as constructive criticism. She doesn't
give out marks unless you earn them, so that
you know you are actually learning what you
need to learn to run an affective training school. Norma Jeanne also encourages you to seek
out other sources and to do lots of research
on your own. I like that very much because I
want to give 110% to my clients. I have met
several of Norma Jeanne's students through different
seminars and workshops and we have become quite
a family. We all support one another and offer
assistance and encouragement. We are a close
knit network of dog trainers that have the same
goals in mind. To keep dogs out of the pounds
and from being euthanized and in safe and loving
homes. If you love dogs and would like to have
a career doing something that you truly love,
then I definitely recommend the course." Sherry
Herla, CTB.ccs PawzAbilities Dog
Training, Behaviour Modification & Doggy Daycare,
Kitchener, Ontario
"When I started
running my business many years ago, I approached
numerous trainers to get their feedback and
advice, and had the pleasure of meeting Norma
Jeanne. When I learned all about her,
her business and her career course, I was very
impressed & touched. From that day forth I have
been blessed with not only a wonderful mentor
but a friend as well. In December of 2002,
I began taking her course to further my own
development and knowledge, and was immediately
impressed by the in-depth thoroughness of this
program. For many years I read books and watched
videos but never found a program that covered
every aspect of behavour and training, like
the CCS program. Norma Jeanne has
taught me so much since our first meeting and
I continue to learn from her. I have been given
the opportunity to teach classes out of the
same school which has given me the hope of finally
achieving my goals of success. To this day,
she continues to guide & support my every endeavor.
Norma Jeanne's kindness and knowledge is indescribable,
and I'm thankful every day for our finding one
another again." Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs
Delightful Dogs Dog Training & Behaviour Modification,
Kitchener, Ontario
"Taking the Canine Communication Studies
program was by far one of the best decisions
I have made. The many videos and manuals of
information are very thorough and interesting!
The course really prepares you to be a obedience
instructor/ behaviour consultant. I have, thanks
to Norma Jeanne, started my own successful obedience
training business and am loving every minute
of it! Norma Jeanne is a very supportive, patient
and knowledgeable teacher. She has an answer
or explanation for everything! Norma Jeanne
is always available to answer any questions
I might have. I am very thankful for NJ and
her patience, understanding, constant support
and great sense of humour! Jennifer Reed, CTB.ccs
Leader of the Pack - Touch-free Dog Training,
Guelph, Ontario
"Compassion, kindness, insight and intuitiveness
are a few adjectives that come to mind when
I think of Norma Jeanne and her Puppy Power
and Canine Communication Studies course. She
opens up a whole new world of training and knowledge
for her students and clients alike. She is never
too busy or tired to answer questions or help
with a problem when asked. A great teacher and
mentor. Thank you Norma Jeanne." Jo-Anne Strang,
CTB.ccs Positive Affects Dog Training
& Behaviour, Windsor, Ontario
"I wish to thank you Norma Jeanne for all the
support you have given me over the past two
years. Thanks for putting up with all my questions
and answering them so thoughtfully. Thanks for
adapting the course to my needs and situation
(the endless moves, the wedding, car problems,
etc.) Your Canine Communication Studies Course
is an excellent introduction to the world of
Dog Behaviour and Training. I think what sets
this course apart is its use of gentle yet effective
methods to train and treat behavior problems.
You kept up to date on all the latest techniques
and passed them on to myself and the other students.
The literature and information I collected throughout
the course will prove an invaluable reference
as I move on. The quizzes were good in helping
me assimilate all of this valuable information.
I especially liked the questions which involved
behavior problem scenarios where I had the opportunity
to develop a behavior modification plan. The
hands on experience and opportunity to teach
classes helped me to develop my teaching abilities.
You were supportive throughout the course and
provided helpful, positive feedback. This course
has given me confidence and know-how to go out
and start my own business. You are an excellent
role model and if I can apply myself as you
have, I know I will be successful. Thanks for
giving me a chance to make my dreams come true."
Tamara McFarland CTB.ccs Halifax, New
Brunswick
"This comes with great thanks for everything
you have done for me, as well as your continuous
support and motivation. If it weren't for you,
Canine Communication Studies and Puppy Power,
I never would have caught the bug and began
this successful business." Kim Barrett CTB.ccs
Kim's Happy Endings Training, Daycare and Boarding
Kitchener, Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne; What you taught me goes
way beyond dog training. Because of you I now
believe that I can do almost anything and for
that I am grateful. Thank you for everything."
Ginny Campbell CTB.ccs Super Paws, Belleville,
Ontario
"I'm really enjoying
your CCS Studies and I hope to be as good as
you someday. You are a very good teacher and
I'm learning a lot. Thank you!!!" Tanya Liste,
Canine Concepts, Waterdown, Ontario
"I am enjoying
the reading very much and finding myself wanting
to learn more. The info provided in your books
is fantastic and I finally understand some things
that I was not quite sure about in the past."
Caroline Bolduc, Mississauga, Ontario
"Hi Norma Jeanne,
Sorry I haven't written you, but I received
my first package a week and a half ago, and
have almost gotten all the way through it! Just
been very busy with the dogs and work, etc.
That's the great thing about correspondence,
I don't feel pressured at all! So far, the manuals
and video are GREAT! I have to say, I thought
I knew quite a bit about behaviour and learning
techniques, and am already learning new stuff.
I really like your "hands-free" approach to
the training. Your classes look like
they are a lot of fun for both the dogs and
owners. I wish that I had classes here like
that to attend with my young male. The obedience
and handling classes we are currently attending
are reward-based, but no clickers (although
I bring mine along), and as far as I know, there
aren't any other clicker trainers in the area.
All the more reason for me to get certified! I'm definitely
happy with your course materials. I particularly
like the videos, as they are an excellent reference
to have on-hand. Down the road, when I'm ready
to teach classes, I know that I will be referring
the them often as you've provided excellent
examples of class situations. The problem I
had with the course that I took prior to this
one, well, one of them, was that there were
no reference materials provided. All we were
given was a binder full of blank paper and were
told to take notes, no videos and no manuals
like you provided. That made it difficult when
I started training, and somewhat discouraging,
as with the lack of reference materials, combined
with zero after-grad support, I was pretty much
on my own to figure things out. Your course
is the complete opposite, I know on completion,
that I will be very prepared for classes and
that you will be there to answer any questions
that come up." Allison Brown, Kamloops, British
Columbia.
Hi Norma Jeanne, I used the technique
you showed me at class last night with two of
my clients dogs. It worked amazingly well with
one of them. This is a dog that barked and lunged
so much that the owners (and I) felt he should
be muzzled. This technique was really starting
to work with him as he was lunging less and
less. The other dog’s improvement was not as
dramatic but was still an improvement and he
will continue to improve if the owners continue
to work with me. I just wanted to let you know
I AM IMPRESSED with that technique THANK YOU
for adding it to my tool box. Kathy Currie-Eyers,
CTB.ccs Top Dog Training & Behavior, Barrie,
Ontario
Dear Norma
Jeanne, Participating
in the CCS course was a very rewarding experience
and I am grateful to Norma Jeanne for all the
hard work she has put into it. I decided to
register in the intensive program simply out
of a desire to understand dogs better and to
know as much about them as possible. I've always
loved dogs but have never had one. When I found
out that this course existed here in Waterloo,
I jumped on the opportunity before moving out
west.
The last
two months have been very busy but extremely
educational, fun and gratifying. I have read
so much about dogs, observed them, asked a million
questions about them and worked with them and
their owners. Norma Jeanne has been wonderfully
generous with her time and resources to make
sure that I got as much out of this two month
period as possible. I was given a chance to
assist her at her school and to teach as many
exercises as I wanted to her classes in order
to get the much needed practice and exposure
to dogs. Her feedback was always encouraging
and constructive. I also put one of her dogs
through all three levels in order to experience
the exercises and demonstrate my knowledge of
the training procedures. What a valuable experience!
I don't know what I'll do with all these new
skills but one thing is certain. Even if they
only serve to help train my own dog one day,
she will be a very lucky dog and I know I'll
be giving her the best chance possible at a
happy and fulfilling life. Dominique Hurley
CTB.ccs Calgary, AB
Hi Norma
Jeanne, "Thank
you again for a fabulous experience; the Canine
Communications course Level One College Course
has left me with a renewed sense of purpose
where my job is concerned.... and eager to develop
my canine training techniques into Level Two
this fall! Many dog
people know by instinct what works and what
doesn't.... You taught me why it works and why
it doesn't. This foundation for Canine Communication
and Behavioral Therapy has found immediate and
beneficial application to the CFIA's Detector
Dog Training Program. My canine confidence has
increased tenfold and I look forward to Level
Two with great anticipation .... thanks again!"
Alexis Seraj, CCS Conestoga College Program,
National Travelers' Program Assistant Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Guelph, Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne; Darwin and I would like
to thank you for help with his training. It
has helped us immensely and we are positive
it will make Darwin a better service dog. We
are enjoying the advanced classes and their
challenges very much." Laurie Page, Kitchener,
Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne; Several years ago I began
finding homes for unwanted dogs. Many had been
neglected and abused and often came with little
or no socialization, no housebreaking and numerous
other problems. Having a houseful of these problem
pooches can be quite frustrating. As result
of your consultation the results have been outstanding.
Thank you for your help." Joy Casselli, Kitchener,
Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne; Darby and I enjoyed Level
One very much. The class was well organized,
productive and fun for both of us. The training
manual you provided was very easy to follow
and helped us at home. Your new facilities are
great too! Darby and I learned what I was hoping
for and it has been much more enjoyable to have
her around. We are able to control her now and
we are especially happy that we did not need
to use physical methods to get there. We appreciate
your efforts and can't wait to begin your trick
class. We look forward to seeing you again."
Janine and Darby Jones, Kitchener, Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne; This is a letter of gratitude.
The day I called you I was desperate, we love
our dachshund, but did not like his behavior.
I had bought a book special to this breed trying
all the techniques but nothing worked! Max was
still barking and lunging at people. After you
came to my house and spent an hour with Max
and myself with your kind but firm and positive
approach, you won Max's heart immediately. Within
24 hours Max was a changed dog. The neighbours
were calling to see if Max was sick because
they had heard no barking! Its been awhile now
and I want everyone to know Puppy Power works!
We just came in from our walk and we encountered
many barking dogs, but not my Max. I am a very
proud owner of a very quiet and happy dog. I
highly recommend Puppy Power and Norma Jeanne's
positive approach to training." Sharon Niergarth
and Maximillion, Waterloo, Ontario
"As the owner of two dogs, one that was abused
and neglected by his previous owner, and the
other abandoned; I was not a stranger to erratic
canine behaviour. The search for a method to
effectively handle this behaviour using positive
interactions was not without its challenges.
However, the day that I discovered Norma Jeanne
and her training methods was the day that my
life and the lives of my dogs changed. Norma
Jeanne's Puppy Power is more than a dog training
school. It is a whole new way of altering unacceptable
behaviour and reinforcing acceptable behavior.
The concept of positive reinforcement utilizing
a wide variety of techniques, depending upon
the behaviour to be modified, had worked wonders
with both of my dogs. Norma Jeanne's techniques
are easy to learn and easier to continue. The
Puppy Power school is clean, the environment
is friendly and the atmosphere is non-threatening.
Although I had been a little apprehensive upon
my arrival at the school the first time due
to a concern that my dog would not succeed,
my fears were soon dissolved. Norma Jeanne is
extremely knowledgeable and continues to develop
her methods. Her suggestions and advice work.
When classes were over, the learning did not
stop. Norma Jeanne makes herself available for
consultation over the phone and provides very
valuable advice and suggestions to handle any
behaviour that is of concern. I have truly benefited,
and my dogs have benefited from the experience,
knowledge, and professionalism that Norma Jeanne
exudes. She is truly every dogs, and every dog
owners best friend!" Ruth Ariss - Kitchener,
Ontario
"We, the Tennant family, firmly believe in the
excellence in this training organization. Norma
Jeanne is the ideal model for obedience training.
She is accessible, knowledgeable, and always
ready to help. Her positive training methods,
along with her sense of humour have helped our
family through minor crisis, in our journey
with Ben, and I'm sure, other families as well."
The Tennant Family, Kitchener, Ontario
Hi Norma Jeanne,
I just wanted to give you an update on Dory.
Your recommendations worked great. She still
"guards" but it is more like a "keep away"
game and she is not growling etc, even then,
it's very rare. She is much better! Thank
you so much for your help. Dory has also
become much more affectionate, sitting beside
me for hours letting me pet her, it's great!
Carrie Cleghorn, Guelph, Ontario
"Dear Norma Jeanne, Thank you so much, you are
a great dog trainer and a beautiful person.
We had fun in your classes and meeting other
wonderful dogs and their owners. We LOVE our
Sadey even more because you taught us how to
understand dogs behavior. Thank you for answering
all of my questions. Every dog owner should
take your class, we can all learn that with
gentle but firm training, your dog can be the
#1 MUTT of the house. This is WHAT you teach
Norma Jeanne...THANK YOU." The Acevedo Family
Walter, Claudia. Paulina, Karla and Sadey, Kitchener,
Ontario
"Six years ago
we had the pleasure of attending your obedience
classes with our Bichon puppy, Bailey. As I
had no previous experience in raising a dog,
I found your classes invaluable, teaching gentle
yet firm behaviour. It certainly made life easier
for all of us, including Bailey. Now we can
just sit back and enjoy his living companionship. Since then, I
have had the occasion to call you twice in reference
to issues that had arisen. I find you to be
accessible, extremely knowledgeable and always
ready to help. I would like
to thank you for your caring assistance. Classes
are so important, but the care of a loving pet
is ongoing. What I find comforting is the fact
that you are always there should the need arise.
This is a sign of someone truly committed and
dedicated to her profession." Betty McCormick,
Kitchener, Ontario.
Hi Norma Jeanne, I just
wanted to let you know how well Tika is doing
with the Gentle Leader! I wish I used it sooner!
We took Tika for 3 walks yesterday, and what
a difference! she of course wasn't crazy about
using it, but she didn't pull at all. Today,
I took her for a short break outside, without
the Gentle Leader, because of time constraints,
and it was like walking a totally different
dog! She did not pull or run once! We will continue
to use the leader though for longer walks until
she no longer needs it. The walks have actually
been enjoyable! Daisy Lee, Kitchener, Ontario
