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IPDTA
AWARDS BANQUET
Dr. Stanley Coren wins
Writer of the Year
|
IPDTA
is proud to honour those
who make the world a
better place for animals
and those who love them! |
IPDTA Awards Banquet 2010
GENERAL
INFORMATION
CATEGORIES & NOMINEES
NOMINEES ACCOMPLISHMENTS
DISCLAIMER
GENERAL INFORMATION
Date: May 15,
2010, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Venue: Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre
Tickets: $60.00 CAD
TO
PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE
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 March 15, 2010. Votes
will be accepted until
5 pm on April 1, 2010.
-
All nominees residing in Southern Ontario must be in attendance in order to qualify for an award.
-
All who qualify for an award
must purchase their banquet
tickets no later than 5 pm on
April 1, 2010.
-
Humane Dog Training Awards will
be presented to all IPDTA
members, CCS students and grads,
who purchase their tickets
before April 1, 2010.
Schedule:
-
Doors open at
4 pm.
-
Dinner will be served
at 5 pm
-
Awards presentation at
6 pm followed by
a celebration.
-
Cash
bar
-
Dance to quality live rock music
by Trucker Mouth - Special guests Kathy
Patterson and Norma Jeanne
-
Guest tickets will be available until
April 30, 2010, but remember,
nominees, IPDTA members, CCS
students and grads living up to
IPDTA standards must purchase
their tickets before April 1 in
order to qualify for an award.
-
GUESTS WELCOME!!!
For more information, to purchase tickets, to nominate someone or to cast your votes;
Categories & Nominees
(click here
for nominees accomplishments)
Innovation Award
2010
Best Leash -
Mark Mandelbaum
and Eddie
Isenberg
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs -
Delightful Dogs
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Brenda Lowry
·
Personal
Sacrifices Award
2010
Shannon Brennan, CTB.ccs
Carol, Bob and
Darby (Golden
Retriever)
Cooper
Barbara Davis -
Ban Shock
Collars
Coalition
Dr. Jennifer
Heick - Waterloo
North Chiropractic and
Massage
Onayd Lumbao -
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Angela Smith -
A&E Pantry
Creations
Dennis & Claire
Tyler -
Greyhound Pets
of America
Central Florida
Rescue and/or
Rehabilitation
Award 2010
ARF - Animal Rescue Foundation
Shannon
Brennan, CTB.ccs
Robin Brenner - Grand River All
Breed Rescue
Carrie Cleghorn, CTB.ccs - K9 Fear
Be Gone - Confidence Building
Clinics
D r. Jennifer Heick - Waterloo North
Chiropractic and Massage
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Colton Petschke
E Ellie Ross
- Wag N Train
Niki Tudge - DogSmith
Dennis & Claire Tyler - Greyhound
Pets of America Central Florida
·
Education Award
2010
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Barbara Davis -
Ban Shock
Collars
Coalition
Robert Forto
PhD. CTB.ccs -
Denver Dogworks
- The Dog Doctor
Radio Show
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Teresa Lewin &
Joan Orr -
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Charlotte Wagner
for UTube
training videos
·
Writer of the
Year Award 2010
Jean Donaldson -
A collection of
work
Dr. Ian Dunbar -
A collection of
work
Temple Grandin -
Animals in
Translation & A
collection of
work
Patricia
McConnell - The
Other End of My
Leash & A
collection of
work
·
Human Touch
Award 2010
Best Leash -
Mark Mandelbaum
and Eddie
Isenberg
Shannon Brennan,
CTB.ccs
Cheryl Becker
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Carol, Bob and
Darby (Golden
Retriever)
Cooper
Erin D'Arcy,
CTB.ccs -
D'Arcy's Dog
Training & Pet
Services
Don French -
Humane K9
Training Ltd.
Dr. Jennifer
Heick - Waterloo
North Chiropractic and
Massage
Suzanne Laurette
- KW SPCA
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Onayd Lumbao -
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
Brenda Lowry
Jenny Maciel -
KW SPCA
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Colton Petschke
Katie Ross
Yamei Ross
Darlene
Sacher - Best Care Kennels
Angela Smith - A&E Pantry Creations
David Thorpe
Dennis & Claire
Tyler -
Greyhound Pets
of America
Central Florida
·
Courage of
Convictions
Award 2010
Shannon Brennan,
CTB.ccs
Barbara Davis -
Ban Shock
Collars
Coalition
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs -
Delightful Dogs
Suzanne Laurette
- KW SPCA
Teresa Lewin &
Joan Orr -
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
Jenny Maciel -
KW SPCA
Onayd (Ronald)
Lumbao -
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Nancy Tobis -
Devoted to Dogs
Dennis & Claire
Tyler -
Greyhound Pets
of America
Central Florida
·
Outstanding Dog
Training Student
Award 2010
Cheryl
Becker
Jean
Daniels
Chris Godi
Shahaff
Idan
Mike Kitney
Scott
Lake
Daniel Lavee
Yonathan Katz
Levanoni
Johanna
MacAlister
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Sue Plouffe
Outstanding
Mentor Award
2010
Teresa Lewin &
Joan Orr -
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
Brenda Lowry
Terry Pride
Award 2010
For animals and
people who have
touched our
lives
Teri
Knack - Humane
K9 Training Ltd.
Onayd Lumbao -
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
David Thorpe
Outstanding Client
Award 2010
For clients who
have gone above
and beyond for
their dogs
Carol, Bob and Darby (Golden
Retriever) Cooper
Sarah Didier
Annette Miller
Jan Morris
Sue Plouffe
Kellie Richardson
Tanya Somers
Patti Stumpf
Jane Weber
Silvia Weismann
Cindy and Jamie Wilson
MaryEllen Wood
Dog Boarding
Excellence Award
2010
Darlene & Norm
Sacher – Best
Care Kennels
·
Dog Daycare
Excellence Award
2010
Kirsandra Newell
- Caring for
Canines
Social Training
Excellence Award
2010
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs -
Impressive
Canines
Sue Plouffe -
Perfect Pups
Cheryl White,
CTB.ccs & George
White - Fido's
Playground
·
Dog Grooming
Excellence Award
2010
Jean Daniels,
Canine
Appearance
Specialist -
Warm Hearts &
Cold Noses; A
Salon for Dogs
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs -
Delightful Dogs
Grooming
Ruth Ann Miller
- And Puppy Dog
Tails Dog
Grooming
Best New
Business Award
2010
Laurent Beal -
Le Woof Inc.
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs -
Impressive
Canines
Tom Goul, CB.ccs
& Cheryl Goul,
CT.ccs - The
Puppy Professors
Sue Plouffe -
Perfect Pups
Nancy Tobis -
Devoted to Dogs
Canine Hero
Award 2010
Darby Cooper -
Canine - Golden
Retriever
Toby Croezen -
Canine - Beagle
Cross
Pete Kolbin -
Canine - Golden
Doodle
Danzur Petschke
- Canine -
Greyhound
Faith Pyke -
Canine -
American Bulldog
Bear Rich -
Canine -
Labrador
Retriever
Arlie Vaillant - Canine -
German Shepherd
·
Peers Choice
Award 2010
For
contributions on
the IPDTA Email
Group.
Only IPDTA
members can
nominate or vote
for this
category.
Best Leash -
Mark Mandelbaum
and Eddie
Isenberg
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs -
Delightful Dogs
Teresa Lewin &
Joan Orr -
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
Onayd Lumbao -
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Ann Rogers
David Thorpe
Behaviour
Therapy
Excellence 2010
Greg Ceci -
Puppy Passions
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs -
Impressive
Canines
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs
Brenda Lowry
Lisa Patrona,
Dip. DTBC, CPDT,
PDT, CBC
Jennifer Reed,
CTB.ccs - Leader
of the Pack
Touchfree Dog
Training
·
Fear
Rehabilitation
Award 2010
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs -
Impressive
Canines
Brenda Lowry
Sue Plouffe -
Perfect Pups
·
Aggression
Rehabilitation
2010
Greg Ceci -
Puppy Passions
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs - K9
Fear Be Gone -
Confidence
Building Clinics
Brenda Lowry
Lisa Patrona,
Dip. DTBC, CPDT,
PDT, CBC
·
Training
Excellence 2010
Laurent Beal -
Le Woof Ltd.
Shannon Brennan,
CTB.ccs
Greg Ceci -
Puppy Passions
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs -
Impressive
Canines
Kelly Dearlove,
CTB.ccs - On
Golden Paws
Judi Dowson -
Dreamcatcher
Acres
Kathy Eyers,
CTB.ccs - Top
Dog
Robyn Ford
Waldron - Pet
Tech
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs -
Delightful Dogs
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Brenda Lowry
Sue McMullen,
CTB.ccs - Canine
Academy
Lynda O'Neill -
Confident
Canines
Kathy Patterson,
ABCDT
Charlotte Wagner
for UTube
training videos
Charlie White,
CTB.ccs - Better
Dog Training
·
OUTSTANDING
ACHIEVEMENT 2010
Jean Donaldson
Dr. Ian Dunbar
Don French -
Humane k9
Training Ltd.
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs -
Maritime
Greyhound Rescue
Teresa Lewin &
Joan Orr -
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
back to top
Nominees
Accomplishments
|
Animal Rescue
Foundation (A.R.F.)
www.arfontario.com
|
Nominate someone
|
|
Laurant Beal
Le Woof Ltd.
www.lewoof.com
|
Annette Miller
|
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Cheryl Becker
|
|
|
Best Leash
Mark
Mandelbaum & Eddy Isenberg
www.bestleash.com
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Joan Orr
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
www.doggonecrazy.ca
www.doggonesafe.com
|
|
Shannon
Brennan, CTB.ccs
On Golden Paws
www.ongoldenpaws.com
|
Nominate someone
|
|
Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs
K9 Fear Be Gone
- Confidence
Building Clinics
www.k9fearbegone.com
|
Kathy Patterson
|
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Carol, Bob &
Darby (Golden
Retriever)
Cooper
|
Lisa Patrona,
Dip. DTBC, CPDT,
PDT, CBC
Trainers
Academy, LLC
(she is the
president)
|
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Jessica Croezen
Impressive
Canines
www.impressivecanines.tripod.com
|
Pawsway
Discovery Centre
www.pawsway.ca
|
|
Jean Daniels
Warm Hearts & Cold Noses
Website:
www.salon4dogs.com
|
Nominate someone |
|
Barbara Davis
Ban Shock
Collars
Coalition
www.noshockcollarcoalition.com
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Danzur Petschke
- Canine
|
|
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Colton Petschke
|
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Judi Dowson
Dreamcatcher
Acres
lotsk9s@telus.net
|
Nominate someone
|
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Robert Forto Ph.D, CTB.ccs
|
Sue Plouffe
Perfect Pups
PerfectPupsDogTraining.com
|
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Don French
Humane k9
Training Ltd.
www.dogsanddogscanada.ca
|
Faith Pyke -
Canine -
American Bulldog
|
|
Tom Goul, CB.ccs &
Cheryl Goul,
CB.ccs
The Puppy
Professors
www.puppyprof.com
|
Bear Rich -
Canine -
Labrador
|
|
Nominate someone
|
Kellie
Richardson
guardian of
Bliss -
Labradoodle
|
|
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs
Delightful Dogs
www.delightfuldogs.net
|
Katie Ross
|
|
Dr. Jennifer
Heick
Waterloo North Chiropractic and
Massage
|
Yamei Ross
|
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Teri Knack
Humane K9
Training Ltd.
www.dogsanddogscanada.ca
|
|
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Pete Kolbin
- Canine -
Golden Doodle
|
Angela Smith |
|
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs
Maritime
Greyhound
Adoption Program
www.greyhoundadoption.ca
www.canineshoppers.com
|
Tanya Somers |
|
Teresa Lewin
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
www.doggonecrazy.ca
www.doggonesafe.com
|
Patti Stumpf
|
|
Brenda Lowry
Brenda Group Dog Walking
www.brendagroupdogwalking.com
Kinder Way Canine Studies
Dyno Dogs
www.kinderwaycaninestudies.net
|
Dennis & Claire
Tyler
Greyhound Pets
of America
Central Florida
www.floridagreyhounds.com
|
|
Onayd (Ronald)
Lumbao
Dog Scouts of
the Philippines
www.dogscoutsphilippines.com
|
Niki Tudge
DogSmith
www.888dogsmith.com
|
|
Johanna
MacAllister
Great Canadian
Canines
gccanines@bell.net
|
Arlie Vaillant -
Canine - GSD
|
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Jen Melnyk
Passion for Pets
www.passionforpets.ca
|
Charlotte Wagner
The Canine Paws
Training Academy
www.youtube.com/user/CaninePawsAcademy
|
|
Nominate someone |
Silvia Weismann |
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Ruth Ann Miller
And Puppy Dog
Tails Dog
Grooming
|
Cindy & Jamie
Wilson |
|
Nominate someone
|
Mary Ellen Wood
|
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________________________________________________________________
Animal Rescue Foundation A.R.F.
www.arfontario.com
Everyone Loves a Happy Ending –
ARF Ontario and Leia
When I decided to adopt another
puppy in April, I began to search
various rescue organizations and
humane societies. My quest led me to
ARF Ontario – mostly due their
desire to snatch puppies from the
jaws of death – or in other words,
save puppies scheduled to be
euthanized.
As a dog professional, I know how
easily a puppy’s temperament can be
affected and how traumatic a stay at
the humane society can be. ARF saved
Leia and placed her in the loving
care of her foster mom Kelly - until
good fortune brought Leia and I
together.
I was very impressed with ARF from
the get go. The online application
was very thorough and even featured
some ‘trick’ questions to weed out
dominance based handlers. From
there, I had two extensive phone
interviews – one with an ARF
representative and one with Leia’s
foster mom. Both stressed their
strict policy that adopters enrol
the puppy in a class with a positive
reinforcement based trainer.
Within days of my initial online
application, my 4 year old rescue
Sahara and I went to meet Leia and
her foster mom. Leia was a doll and
she and Sahara immediately hit it
off. It was also very obvious that
Kelly did an amazing job of nursing
Leia back to health. If Kelly is a
typical ARF foster, then the ARF
puppies are in very good hands.
The final adoption contract once
again stressed the importance of
positive training for life and the
dangers and pitfalls of dominance
based television show trainers
and/or traditional trainers and
training methods. I love the fact
that their screening process is so
thorough. Many of these dogs have
been through a lot and the last
thing they need is to be placed in a
home where intimidation rules.
I’ll always be grateful to ARF for
saving my beautiful Leia and
orchestrating the adoption which
brought her, Sahara and I together.
Greg Ceci - Puppy Passions
back to top
Laurant Beal
Le Woof Ltd.
www.lewoof.com
Dear Ms. Laurette: I have
been informed that my dog
trainer, Laurent Beal (LeWoof,
Calgary, Alberta) has been
nominated for best new business
in dog training. I wanted to
drop a note to endorse his
nomination and advise you on how
pleased I am with Laurent and
his training methods and
customer service. Laurent goes
above and beyond what most
trainers do (I’ve taken puppy
classes at other venues). He
obviously cares a great deal
about animals and the special
attention, availability,
knowledge and expertise he
provides is invaluable. I have
already recommended him to
friends who quickly signed up
for his classes and are
extremely pleased with Laurent.
His patience and compassion for
animals shines through, and I
wish him all the luck with your
association and heartfully hope
he wins this award. He deserves
it! Thank you, Sincerely, Anima
Kotowski
Just
wanted to say Laurent went above and
beyond the call of duty when I hired
him to walk my dog Tommy. When we
were away on holidays, and my
dog/house sitter was at work,
Laurent took Tommy to his house for
the day and some evenings. Tommy
has recently passed away, but his
last 2 years with Laurent and the
group of dogs he walked were
definitely made much more enjoyable
thanks to Laurent. When we are
feeling up to getting another dog, I
will be calling upon Laurent to help
us out with extra exercise for our
new pet. I would highly recommend
Laurent to anyone. Barbara Beggs
Before Laurent began his first puppy
training class, he would come over
and do private lessons with our new
chocolate lab. By the time we
joined in with his first class,
which was already half way through,
Mali, our pup, was already well
established with most of her
commands. One particular day,
Laurent was introducing, "sit,"
"down," and "stand." As he was
discussing with us what the command
was and the associated hand signal,
all the other dogs were lying
around. Our puppy however, was
listening and watching Laurent
intently, and as he would say each
command, Mali would sit, stand, and
lay down like a perfect little demo
all on her own! She was the star of
the day! Thanks Raegan Robertson
I want to offer my comments
about LeWoof as I understand
this new company is being
considered for an award and we
LOVE their services.
We first me Laurent about 1 and
1/2 years ago. We had an elderly
wheaten terrier, Carter, and
temporarily our son's young
terrier, Maggie. We were
suddenly overwhelmed with having
a new young and energetic dog in
our household. Laurent came to
the rescue. I am convinced that
Carter's last year was so much
better because of the walks and
attention he received from
Laurent. Laurent was somehow
able to walk the pack of dogs
slow enough for Carter to amble
along yet with enough activity
that Maggie was just plain
pooped out when she came
home. Carter became less
arthritic and happier and Maggie
was content and calm.
Unfortunately, Carter became
ill in January and Maggie went
back to our son's home. In March
we found ourselves with an empty
home, but vowed we would never
have another dog as it was too
hard to say goodbye. We kept up
with what Laurent was up to
through friends we had referred
to him.
In a moment of weakness I
registered with the Wheaton's In
Need ("WIN") group offering to
adopt in the event a Wheaton
terrier was in need of a home
(not thinking it would ever
happen). We were contacted by
WIN about 2 wheaten terriers in
need of a home in Calgary. The
first thing I did was call
Laurent! He offered his services
(without charge) to meet the
dogs and assess their
personalities and potential fit
in our home. He even offered to
come with us to bring our new
pups home to ensure that they
had a long walk and were more
settled before entering our home
for the first time. Of course,
he began walking them after the
first couple of weeks. Again we
are grateful for the help and
guidance he offers in addition
to the long walks and time he
spends with these 2 VERY
energetic wheaten, Kramer and
Griffen.
I can't imagine not having
Laurent's assistance with Kramer
and Griffen. They came to us
with their own unique issues and
Laurent has helped us with their
training. They are happy and
healthy and look forward to
Laurent's daily walks! We love
the little "report card" that
Laurent leaves us telling what
happened on their walks - if
they had treats, tummy rubs,
etc. Kramer and Griffen will be
spending Christmas with Laurent
when we will be away and I know
that they will be happy and safe
there. We could not have offered
these wonderful dogs a home
without Laurent. We think he is
the best!
Thanks for considering Le Woof
for this award. Jill Taylor,
B.N., LL.B.
Barrister, Solicitor & Mediator
Health Law - Patient Safety -
Mediation - Arbitration
(403) 816-5455 phone
(403) 240 7184 fax
Laurent has been walking my dog,
Kenzie for just about a year now
and I think Kenzie may love him
almost as much as he loves me!
I did have someone walking
Kenzie before Laurent but she
left the city, and I was left in
a bit of a lurch. There is a
lot of trust involved in having
someone come into your home, and
take out your animal. I knew
right away when I met Laurent
that it would be a great
relationship. And I was right.
I’ve since moved houses and
Laurent has come with me.
Whether or not Laurent will be
able to walk Kenzie in the next
place that I move will be a big
part of the decision. Kenzie is
way happier with Laurent and it
makes my life so much easier
knowing that on his walk days,
Kenzie is out of the house for
more then ½ day. And Laurent
has pictures posted on his
website of the walks which I
really like. It’s nice to see
him interacting with other dogs
and how much fun they seem to
have. In short, Laurent has
made my life so easy, and Kenzie
so happy that it was a stroke of
luck that my old dog walker left
and I met Laurent. Thanks,
Nicole Galloway
Laurent has been walking &
training Buster for nearly two
years (he will be two on August
14th). The trust Buster and I
have in Laurent is 100%. I can
tell by the enthusiasm that
Buster greets him; he is truly
excited to see him, ooops! A
little tinkle on the floor.
Laurent has arrived!!
Laurent is a kind and gentle
trainer to his entire pact and I
am always happy to recommend him
(as I did yesterday) to new and
long toothed dog owners.
Nick Westley
& Buster
back to top
Cheryl Becker
I first met Cheryl when I took
her on as a mentor for Norma
Jeanne's School. Cheryl has a
"heart" for dogs and that is
written all over her face and
soul. She encourages, educates
and teaches with a positive
heart and thus she has helped
many of my clients with their
beloved pet dogs.
Congratulations on your
nomination Cheryl ! I'm so very
proud to have mentored you.
Brenda Lowry
My next nomination is for Cheryl
Becker for the Human Touch
Award. Cheryl has been extremely
generous with her time and her
dogs in assisting me with my
clients when I needed her help.
It is wonderful to be able to
work together knowing and
trusting we are on the same page
about using only positive
training methods. Yamei Ross
back to top
Best Leash -
Mark Mandelbaum
and Eddy
Isenberg
The leashes arrived today, and I
wasted no time trying them out.
I hooked two couplers on a leash
and put it over my shoulder and
connected 2 dogs then repeated
the same steps with a 2nd
Peanut. I was then easily able
to walk 4 dogs. When my husband
got home I put the other two
leashes on him and connected 4
more dogs. We were out the door
in no time walking 8 at once!
Already Best Leash as brought me
so much happiness, and I haven't
even used it in all the ways
possible yet! Thanks a million!!
by: Merry Fleishman, MD Pet
Match Rescue - Apr 26, 2009
Hi Mark:
My husband Dave and I met you at
the All About Pets Show. We are
enjoying the Best Leash with Uli
our Small Munsterlander. Dave
will use it also when he takes
the two Greyhounds for a walk
with Uli. I used the leash when
we were out training Uli on
Chukars. He likes to pull, so
when I tie the leash to my
waist, I have my hands free to
deal with other stuff and I
don’t have to worry about losing
him.
Take care.
by: Kathy Noble - Apr 21, 2009
"Best Leash" Product Review
The "Best Leash" really is the
best. It is great because you
can walk your dog hands-free.
You simply sling the leash over
your shoulder or wrap it around
your waist like you would a
belt. And having my hands free
is awesome especially when I
have to run errands, carry
things like my groceries, take a
phone call or use my blackberry.
It makes walking the dog an even
better experience.
by: Joey Garr - Oct 22, 2008
I used the leash today and it is
amazing. Even my 2 sons (5 and
2) were raving about it. Thanks
Mark!
by: Sean Haynes - Sep 26, 2008
Not sure if I told you, the best
part of the leash....it gets it
out of people's hands. They stop
using the leash as a tether and
start training the dog. The dogs
react less because they aren't
as constricted by a short leash.
Wasn't sure if you knew it had
that affect on some dogs. (Or
should I say people - the dogs
are only responding to it.) TTFN
by: 'vet - Sep 16, 2008
"The Best Leash is - Best
Leash!" I am going to give
you a heads up on some of my
favorite things. These are all
part of my travel kit. Each one
gets a 5 bone rating! Today I'm
going to tell you about my
leash. Normally, I don't wear
it. At home I have a big fenced
in yard that I can run free in
all day long. But when I travel,
I have to be on a leash. Mom
says it's a law. It's annoying
because I like to chase
squirrels and birds and being on
a leash prevents me from doing
that! But I suppose it does have
it's good points. One day when
we were out walking a car
suddenly veered toward us and
Mom was able to use my leash to
pull me out of the way. Whew! It
was a close call but Mom - and
my leash - saved me! And I
always feel safer knowing she is
attached to the other end and
can't wander off and get lost.
If I have to be on a leash, then
I'm glad Mom chose the one she
did. Appropriately, it's called
Best Leash. What makes it so
great? Well first, it's 9 feet
long. Most other leashes are
only 6 feet long. That's 3 feet
longer so I have more freedom to
move around. Mom often just ties
the leash around her waist when
we are walking and with 9 feet,
I still have plenty of space. I
hope this information will help
you and your parents choose the
best leash for you. Despite many
tales of dogs finding their way
home when their humans get lost,
it is certainly not the norm.
Having a missing human parent is
a heart wrenching experience.
Mom and I wish all dogs the
healthiest and safest life
possible. Please use a durable
collar and leash combo whenever
possible.
by: Melodieann - Aug 8, 2008
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
by: Kathy - Jun 5, 2008
I am sooooooooooooo excited with
the leash and Mark is amazing !
Dazy and I had the best walk of
her life this morning.
by: Wendy Preskow - Jun 5, 2008
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,
by: Yvette, Awesome Dogs - Jun
4, 2008
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!
by: Carola - New Hampshire, USA
- Apr 29, 2008
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.
by: Jody Smith - Apr 24, 2008
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 -
Mar 29, 2008
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 - Mar 23,
2008
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 - Mar 22,
2008
Dear Mark: 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.
by: Stan Coren - Jan 17, 2008
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.
by: Jesse Burnett - Dec 13, 2007
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!
by: Jan Morris - Dec 11, 2007
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!
by: Norma Jeanne Laurette
Chair; International Positive
Dog Training Association (IPDTA)
Chief Editor; Canadian
Association of Professional Pet
Dog Training (CAPPDT)
- Nov 4, 2007
"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."
by: Uzi Grunvald - Oct 31, 2007
back to top
Shannon Brennan,
CTB.ccs
On Golden Paws
www.ongoldenpaws.com
Hi everyone,
Just had a
sleepless night,
needed to
share/vent to
you all, (sorry)
On my way home
last night
around 12:00
a.m., found a
dog wondering
close to a major
highway in my
area. I could
not in my heart
let him go and
had to get him
to follow me
home so I could
offer some
safety, shelter,
and food and
water. This dog
was a beautiful
Alaskan Malamute
with no collar
or tags on. I
can't think of
what might have
happened if I
didn't happen to
be there at that
exact time,
maybe I got in
the way of him
returning home,
maybe I saved
his life,
hopefully the
guardians can
locate him now
since he is now
at the local
vets office.
Needless to say
my three were
very curious, he
was very
curious, but I
could not take
the chance of
any trouble or
endangering my
dogs, or him. I
set him up with
a comfortable
bed and shelter
outside from the
cold, I checked
on him
throughout the
night to make
sure he was
okay, and I
promised him
that I would
help him! This
morning the
local animal
control picked
him up and I am
heartbroken, I
hope this all
ends well for
this old fellow.
I guess why I
writing this is
for everyone
that has a voice
to be heard by
guardians please
re-iterate how
important
collars and tags
are for their
dogs. This is
the fourth time
this year I have
done this and it
breaks my heart
every time,
thinking of what
might happen,
the worst, and
makes me feel
better that I
have done
everything I can
to help these
guys, short of
giving them a
new home.
So please, tell
all your
friends,
clients, and the
like to make
sure their dogs
are wearing
their tags
should they ever
wonder or get
lost. I hear so
many people say
"my dog would
never go any
where", this is
the second
senior dog I
picked up this
year, they go
wondering for
the first time
in their life
(or so the story
goes) get lost
and can't find
their way home.
So please,
please, please,
help get this
message out loud
and clear, I
only pray that
this beautiful
dog finds a
happy ending, I
will be checking
up on him to
make sure he
does!
Thanks for
listening!
Shannon Brennan
CTB.ccs
Thank you so
kindly for the
nominations. My
beautiful guy
that I named
Beau (malamute)
was never
claimed and was
then taken into
the malamute
rescue so now he
will have a good
home and my
heart and mind
can be at rest
now. I stopped
in to see him
several times,
brought him
liver treats
too, he just lit
up. It's so
amazing just how
many dogs wonder
off and get
brought into the
shelter, and
even more
amazing is that
they are never
claimed, so sad,
luckily they end
up in good
rescue programs
where I live,
since my vet is
a no kill
shelter. Amen to
that!!
Thank you all
again and see
you in the
spring!
Shannon Brennan,
CTB.ccs
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Carrie Cleghorn,
CTB.ccs
K9 Fear Be Gone
- Confidence
Building Clinics
www.k9fearbegone.com
Carrie, I can't
thank you enough for
all the work you
have done with
Spencer and Kacee....
to see how Kacee's
confidence has
improved at home is
amazing. She does
not run away from
people like she used
to (still barks like
crazy), but warms up
to people a lot
faster. I think
your class has also
created a bond
between Spencer,
Kacee and myself.
For that, I am
forever grateful.
Hi Carrie,
Jacob did
fantastic last
night at
graduation :o)
Although he was
still not ready
to play...he
approached all
the dogs pretty
much on his own
and sniffed and
greeted. He
even was
bouncing around
the wheaten (she
was leashed)
acting like he
wanted to play.
What a huge
difference after
just attending
once with you.
Great Job !!! I
now have some
faith that he
will come
around.
Lynda O'Neill -
Confident
Canines
I am so excited
about the news I am
going to share......
Spencer completed
Level II last night
with Sylvia and you
are never going to
believe this......he
received the 1st
place ribbon. I was
so proud of him and
thankful for all the
work you have done.
Not only did he
complete Level
II training but
he finished
1st.
Considering he
was not able to
do a training
class before
you, that is
quite an
accomplishment.
If you would
like to add this
bit to the
testimonials I
sent earlier,
that would be
great.
Last week I got
a call from a
woman with a 1
yr old collie/GSD/lab
cross - he was
picked up at
about 14-15
weeks old from a
farm. She was
heartbroken and
sounded
desperate...
this poor little
guy was spooked
at everything -
even to the
point he'd
urinate or shut
down. She knew
he couldn't be
happy living
like that but
was at wit's end
and you could
tell her in
voice if she
couldn't find
help she didn't
want him to
suffer and live
like that....Of
all that I told
her, what did I
say that REALLY
made a different
- I said we can
help him.
The woman was
slightly teary,
and sighed with
relief she
thanked me. But
what you could
really see it
her eyes that
she was thanking
me for saving
that dog's
life. I rarely
see that much
relief in the
owner's eyes.
It these cases
we help the
people as much
as the
dogs....What a
big sigh of
relief for us
all, it does
look like we can
turn this dog
around.
Even with all
the stress this
job can create,
THAT's what
makes it
worthwhile!
Just wanted to
share. Carrie
An update on
Charlie –
this dog… he
finished his
4th
session this
past Sunday.
(He will be
continuing)
He is now
taking
treats –
even from
other
owners! And
he tries to
jump and
catch them!
He wouldn’t
even eat the
first time!
He’s also
leaving the
owner’s side
and
meandering
around the
room, even
wags his
tail and
tried to
play with
the owner.
He is much
softer, and
not as
panicked, he
was able to
control his
bowels the
last 2 times
(thank
goodness for
the little
things
J).
I just got
off the
phone with
the owner.
She couldn’t
put it into
words how
happy she
was. Saying
he’s like a
new dog –
and how,
even small
as this is,
his ears are
up and happy
for the
first time
ever… she
says he’s so
relaxed
around the
house most
of the time
and only
once in
awhile looks
frightened…this
is a
complete
turnaround
from the way
he was
always
frightened
and rarely,
if ever, was
relaxed…..MAN!
Did that
make my day
– I couldn’t
express to
her, how
happy I am
for her and
Charlie.
This stuff
makes my
world go
around.
Carrie
WOW What
a
different
dog
Charlie
was
today.
This was
his 5th
session
with
me. He
can in
smiling
and
wagging
his
tail.
Even
playing
today!
The
owners
haven’t
had to
use the
rescue
remedy
more
than
once in
the last
2
weeks!!
They say
he’s a
completely
different
dog.
I
wouldn’t
have
believed
it until
I saw
it.... I
hope the
video
tape
does it
justice!
What a
different
a little
bit of
good can
do!
He’s not
cured,
he’s
still
leery of
people,
but he’s
made
huge
strides!
Cheers
Carrie
back to top
Carol, Bob &
Darby (Golden
Retriever)
Cooper
Just wanted to
thank you for
your article on
Canine Blood
Banks (July
issue). In Dec
2008, after a
CAT scan and
biopsy performed
at the Ontario
Veterinarian
College (OVC),
University of
Guelph , our
then 4 1/2
yr old golden
was diagnosed
with a (benign)
infiltrative
diploma on the
left side of his
face. We learned
that without
treatment, we
would have to
euthanize him in
a matter of
months. We opted
for treatment
with the
intention to
cure. Since then
"Darby" has been
in the ongoing
care of the
amazing folks at
OVC. He loves
his home away
from home and
runs to greet
both the medical
staff and
administrative
staff with big
"smiles" for
all, despite
surgeries , 4
months of
e-collars,18
doses of
radiation to his
face and all the
related after
affects. While
there is now
some
disfigurement,
he is completely
back to normal
in all other
ways and is a
happy young
golden. His eyes
(left eye,
primarily) were
affected by the
radiation and
that has been
the primary
focus of his
treatment at OVC,
for some time
now. On July 30,
the results of
Darby's eye exam
came out very
well and his eye
is healed at
this time, with
the next check up
not needed for
2-3 months.
It was only a
few days prior
to that
appointment,
that I had been
reading the
article on
canine blood
banks and oddly,
on that same day
I happened upon
a pamphlet that
I had picked up
at OVC about
their Canine
Blood Bank. But
at the time of
picking up the
pamphlet, I had
been thinking in
terms of Darby
possibly being a
recipient.
So on July 30 as
we said stood in
the waiting
room, saying
goodbye to the
administration
staff for a few
months, I
recalled your
article and the
pamphlet and
asked if they
thought Darby
could be a blood
donor. That
began a series
of steps to
screen him as a
possible donor.
It was first
necessary to
clear him in
terms of his
most medical
history but soon
he was given the
green light to
move to the next
level of
screening, which
included blood
typing, bood
tests and a
physical exam.
In the end, we
are very happy
to report that
he has been
accepted as a
canine blood
donor and has an
appointment to
give his first
blood donation
in 2 weeks!
While it was
very tough-going
for both Darby
and us these
past 7-8 months,
we salute the
knowledge and
dedication and
caring of our
regular vets at
Galt Animal
Hospital and the
staff at OVC.
In arranging
for Darby to be
a blood donor,
knowing that it
will cause him
no discomfort,
we feel that it
lets us "give
back" to some
degree.
When I took
Darby in for the
blood tests they
told me that
goldens are
usually A+ and
they have enough
of that in stock
so they would be
putting his name
in the computer
and would call
us as the need
arises. A couple
of hours later
they left a
message for me
saying that the
results came
back that lo and
behold he is one
of the few (at
this time)
goldens with A-
type blood. That
makes him a
"universal"
blood donor and
they need his
blood as they
are in low
supplies.
Unfortunately
she (name
removed) then
went on vacation
and isn't back
until the 14th
so he goes in to
donate on the
morning of the
14th.
Thank you,
Carol and Bob
Cooper and Darby
back to top
Jessica Croezen
Impressive
Canines
www.impressivecanines.tripod.com
About 6 months
ago I was given
a dog who did
not have a great
beginning and
while initially
we did not have
any issues with
him over time it
became apparent
that he had been
miss handled. I
contacted
Jessica and
discussed the
issues we were
having with BJ.
We started doing
private lessons
with Jessica in
our home.
Jessica put us
at ease around
my grandson by
showing us how
to control the
environment
while he was
visiting and
reading BJ’s
body language.
She also showed
me how to take
the baby and BJ
out for an
enjoyable walk
together. BJ
has struggled
when
encountering
other dogs while
on leash, so we
enrolled him in
the Jessica’s
socialization
classes. This
has been a huge
success for BJ,
he has learned
to play with
other dogs.
When BJ first
started he was
very timid
however
Jessica’s dog
Toby immediately
went to work on
BJ coaxing him
out into the
group and
because of this
BJ now runs
freely around
the yard playing
with the
others. Because
of Jessica and
Toby’s help we
are able to take
BJ out for
enjoyable walks
regularly with
minimal issues.
My 12 week old bichon frise
puppy, Molly, was terrified of
other dogs who were not white.
Molly was only familiar with
other bichons when we got her.
In order to avoid problems in
the future, I contacted Jessica,
to inquire about her
socialization class. Due
to Molly screeching
uncontrollably anytime another
dog would approach her, during
her very first class she was
placed in an xpen, where she
could see the other dogs, yet
feel safe that they couldn't get
her. The next class, Jessica
introduced Molly to her dog
Toby. Toby was able to make
Molly feel safe while still
being in his presence. We have
since gone to roughly 6 more
classes. Molly no longer
requires being penned, plays
freely with the other dogs, and
continues to adore Toby - who
plays well with her and senses
that she is much smaller. I feel
he has made a huge difference in
helping Molly change from a
fearful dog, to a playful dog.
Jessica, and HER owner Toby,
deserve high praise.
Jennifer and Molly!
I would like to nominate a
trainer I have been working
privately with - Jessica Croezen
of Impressive Canines. She is
wonderful, and seems to really
have a deep love and passion for
working with dogs.
I contacted her to help with my
new puppy (Sadie), who was very
fearful of the world when on
walks. I met with her the first
time and saw a difference after
about 20 minutes. I decided to
continue with one on one
sessions, and by the end of the
second session, Sadie was happy
going for a walk, and doesn't
try to hide anymore when things
move, or people approach her.
She now walks happily with us,
instead of wanting to go back in
the house, or pulling backwards
scared.
One way we helped Sadie with
trusting the world, was her
meeting Toby (Jessica's
sidekick, as I like to call
him). I was amazed to see that
by having a confident dog in
Sadie's presence, that she would
say "oh, this is not too bad".
She took to Toby's calm nature
right away and he has really
helped her through the scary
times along Jessica's side.
Jessica has made a huge
difference in my and Sadie's
life, and I would recommend her
to anyone who asked. I can't
even begin to describe how
grateful I am for the help and
positive guidance I have
received, and will continue
to receive through
Jessica's teachings.
At our training session this
week, I made a comment that Toby
deserves an award for what he
has done to help Sadie, and she
giggled and said he was
nominated already, so I asked
for contact info, so I could put
my vote in to support him.
I then noticed that Jessica
Croezen has been nominated for
awards herself, so I would like
to vote for her as well. I would
also like to nominate her for
2 categories I think she should
be in as well Fear
Rehabilitation Award and the
Behaviour Therapy Excellence
Award. Please let me
know that you have gotten this,
and if my nominations are
accepted! Thank you
very much for taking the time to
read this.
Mary Smith and Sadie
I would like to nominate both
Jessica and Toby for helping the
rehabilitation of my dog BJ. BJ
came from a very bad environment
and with Jessica and Toby’s
assistance he has become a
delightful dog. It wasn’t for
them I would not have been able
to keep BJ because of his
behavior and aggressiveness.
MaryEllen Wood
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Jean Daniels
Warm Hearts & Cold Noses
Website:
www.salon4dogs.com
I have known Jean Daniels for a
number of years, and I cannot think
of anybody else more deserving of
the Student of the Year & Dog
Grooming of the Year awards.
One of the main reasons why we have
a dog today is because of Jean.
About a year ago she mentioned that
she had intentions of breeding Miss
Minnie (her dog). After careful
consideration, my fiancee and I
decided that a dog would be a
wonderful addition to this family of
two. After five books, one magazine
and several web sites, we concluded
that a Miniature Schnauzer would be
the right fit for our lifestyles.
The research also made us a bit
concerned about getting a badly
socialized or "trouble" dog, since
we lead a very busy life and we
would not have the extra time or
resources to train him/her.
The whole process started when we
told Jean that we would like a puppy
from the litter. Not only she loaned
us material to make an informed
decision, but she kept us up to date
and made us feel like we were part
of the puppy's life from day one. We
received a video a few hours after
the puppies were born and pictures
twice a week. We were also invited
to see them as soon as it was
possible (taking all the measures
necessary to preserve the health of
the puppies). After several visits
(we would go to her house every
week) we chose the cutest puppy in
the litter and we named him Sam. She
guided us through the process, she
took care of the paperwork,
vaccinations, microchip, vet visits,
etc. Needless to say, Sam was
perfectly groomed! Our concerns
about a badly socialized dog went
out the window when we saw them in
her dining room being part of the
family, and when she told us that
every night she cuddled with her
"babies" on the couch to watch TV.
As new parents, there were many
occasions when we called her late at
night to ask her questions, and she
patiently answered them. Jean's main
priority is the well-being of her
"babies" and she would have no
qualms in letting us know if we are
doing something wrong. Recently, we
had to leave Sam behind for a couple
of days and he stayed with Jean and
family. Leaving him makes me very
anxious, but I could not think of a
better place for him to stay!
Jean takes great pride in what she
does and loves her dogs. I would
happily commend her for the Student
of the Year & Dog Grooming of the
Year awards. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me Sincerely,
Val Salzano
I bought a Miniature Schnauzer
from Jean on 14 Feb '09. As a
first time dog owner in Canada,
I learnt everything I needed to
know from Jean. From the moment
I decided to buy Annie, I was
able to contact Jean anytime and
I would get an almost immediate
response from Jean. A year
later, I still go back to Jean
for all Annie's grooming and can
still direct any questions and
concerns to Jean with regards to
Annie's health, behavior or any
other issues. I am sure Jean
speaks "dog", but we hear it in
English....
Kind regards, Sandra Walkden
I am so pleased to hear that
Jean has been nominated for
Student of the Year & Dog
Grooming of the Year by the
IPDTA.
Jean is certainly worthy of
both nominations. My dog
Wally (miniature poodle) has
been groomed by Jean for the
last 2 years and I can’t
begin to tell you the
compliments I receive from
people on how good he looks
all the time. She is truly a
professional in her craft
and I admire the devotion
she gives to each dog when
they are in her care. She
makes each pet feel special
and treated like a king or
queen when they are being
groomed. I have had many
groomers over the years,
some literally traumatized
my dog. Jean has made me
feel comfortable in leaving
Wally with her and I know he
will always get the best
love and grooming. I
hope Jean is chosen as the
winner of both nominations,
she surely deserves to be
recognized for her
achievements.
Sincerely,
Linda Ancona
Dear Ms. Laurette – I
understand that Jean
Daniels has been
nominated as Student of
the Year at your School,
I just wanted to drop
you a short note and
tell you that you could
not pick a better person
than Jean. I have
always had Yellow Labs
and a year and a half
ago my daughters decided
to get me a Beashon/Poo,
not ever having a small
dog and having no idea
the impact she would
have on my life (I never
wanted a small dog and
now wouldn’t trade her
for anything) I had no
idea where to go or who
to see to have her
groomed – Who do I
trust? I met Jean
through work and decided
to give it a go, of
course I was worried
because my Dolce is just
little and quite the
Diva (OK spoiled) When I
picked her up the first
time Dolce was well
groomed but more
important happy not only
to see me but to be with
Jean – Every time Dolce
needs to be groomed Jean
is the only person I
could or would trust
with her, Dolce is happy
to see her and doesn’t
cry when I leave – That
alone tells me Jean is
wonderful with her –
Dolce will usually cry
when I leave her!
Jeans patience and
understanding of all
animals is amazing and a
better person you
couldn’t pick for the
honor. Sincerely,
Debbie MacKenzie
Dear Norma Jeanne,
Jeannie is someone
who created a
business from home
doing something she
has a passion for
and being able to
sustain a living. In
just over seven
years she has well
over one hundred
regular customers.
She has an
incredible bond with
her clients through
the care she gives
to the animals. It’s
a joy to watch. She
is a hard worker,
never gives up or
backs down from a
challenge. She is
persistent and
determined to the
point of
stubbornness . It is
good to see such
character,
intelligence, and
dedication get some
recognition for her
talents and hard
work. Steve
Daniels
I have known
Jean Daniels for
a number of
years now and
from day one, I
have been
extremely
impressed at the
way she handles
dogs of all
shapes and
sizes. She
seems to know
just how to talk
to them and they
in turn
obviously love
her and are
eager to please
her. I often
stand at my
window and watch
her in the field
in front of my
home and it is
obvious that she
just loves these
dogs and watches
over them as if
they were her
most precious
cargo, always
with a big smile
on her face.
I would be good
to see her
rewarded for all
the time and
effort she puts
into caring for
our dearly loved
'babies'.
Thank you,
Margaret
Matthews
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Barbara Davis
Ban Shock
Collars
Coalition
http://www.baddogsinc.com/noshockcollarcoalition.html
“In spring of 2006, a group of
dog trainers and behavior
consultants became increasingly
alarmed at the proliferation of
shock collar use among companion
dog owners, inexperienced
trainers and 'behaviorists', as
well as the way the use of these
devices was being promoted by
their manufacturers. From that
concern, the No Shock Collar
Coalition came about. The NSCC
began merely as a silent protest
against the inhumane use of
pain-delivering devices used in
the name of 'dog training', and
I created a single web page
where principalled people could
come and mark their name in a
public place to protest the
inhumane use of shock on
companion canines in the name of
training.
These devices are appearing with
ever-increasing frequency in
commercially available and
inexpensive training "tools"
sold freely over the counter to
people who are completely
ignorant about their capacity
for harm. They are available as
"bark collars", "remote collars"
and invisible containment
systems for both indoor and
outdoor use.
We know that these devices are
designed to work by the
application of an aversive
(pain, discomfort, fear,
startle) which ultimately has a
detrimental impact on the dog's
learning, and many of their
proponents are attempting to
sell this training to the
unknowing public by
characterizing the electric
shock as a "stimulation", "stim",
"nick" or "tap"; these are all
euphemisms for an electric
shock.
Every day, we receive 5-10 more
requests to join this list, and
as 2009 draws to an end, we
anticipate having over 1000
names displayed here. As a
cohesive force, we'll be moving
forward with plans to speak out
more vocally against the use of
these devices, and make our
positions known to their
manufacturers, distributors and
retailers, and any individual or
business who sells these units
or advertises them. We'll also
be amassing and presenting a
library of information about
shock collars and the harm done
by these devices, as a reference
to dog trainers, behavior
consultants and dog owners”
Hardie was a retired racing
greyhounds whose Hell truly
began after he left the track.
He was adopted to a home that
eventually banished him to the
garage, along with their other
greyhound. Although it’s not
known exactly what went on in
that garage, Hardie came out
extremely fearful of other dogs,
particularly other greyhounds.
He was in and out of several
foster home and was then placed
in a foster home where the
family, thinking they were
helping him, tried laying on to
of him. They believed that they
were “desensitizing” him to
human contact. There were a lot
of “alpha” techniques used in
this environment. When they went
on vacation, the rescue group
asked Sarah to care for him.
After their vacation, the foster
family informed GEM that they
had no intention of taking
Hardie back because he had bit
someone (that was laying on
him)… the former fosters thought
he was too big a liability.
This is the best thing that
could have happened for Hardie.
Sara had been told that he could
not be around other dogs. She
had to see for herself so she
brought him to one of GEM’s Meet
and Greets where she saw the
extreme nature of his fear. He
was lunging and barking, all
while muzzled.
Many from the group didn’t think
the behavior could be changed.
Sarah would not accept that. So
she got lists of recommended dog
trainers and called them all.
All of the other trainers Sarah
called told her that Hardie
could not be helped. They told
her to expect a life of
management since his behavior
could not be changed much.
Sarah would not accept this
either.
Then, on the recommendation of
other members of GEM, she called
my boss,
Lisa Patrona, Dip. DTBC,
CPDT-KA, PDT, CBC.
Lisa advised clicker training
for Sarah. They devised a plan.
One of the steps was to take
Hardie through my
Greyhounds-Only class, which is
where I first met Hardie, and
got involved with his training.
The first class he attended he
was placed behind visual
barriers, at some distance. Both
Lisa and I stressed to Sarah
that we could not flood him with
other dogs. She totally got it
and was diligent in managing his
environment and finding
appropriate training
opportunities.
At the first class, Sarah told
me her goal was to bring him to
a huge greyhound event called
Beach Bound Hounds held in
Myrtle Beach every September.
That would only give us a few
months. I told her, “maybe next
year he will be ready.” Clearly
I had not yet seen the full
spectrum of Sarah’s dedication!
Sarah, and GEM board member
Helen Davanzo, drove over 45
minutes each week to come
through a complete 6-week class
not just once, but twice. By the
end of the 2nd class
we Hardie was able to stand
side-by-side with other
greyhounds. I thought, “this is
all we can expect of him.” And
let’s face it…. From where he
came from, this was excellent!
We coached Sarah through
introducing Hardie to one of
Helen’s greyhounds so they could
take walks together.
As Hardie felt more comfortable
with other greyhounds he started
exhibiting signs that he wanted
to play. We eventually organized
and supervised a couple of play
dates, one with my own
greyhound, Kharma. The night I
watched them play, both Sarah
and I cried. This is why I do
what I do…. To see a dog that
was so terrified the first time
I met him, to having fun the way
dogs were intended to, was so
awesome.
Getting Hardie to this point was
a lot of work. Sarah credits the
staff at Trainers Academy with
his success. But we just
supplied the road map… she had
to do all the driving.
By the way, Hardie did make it
to last years Beach Bound
Hounds. His story moved the
attendees so much that he was
crowned the King of the Beach
2008.
Within the last several week
another dog with a “history” has
come back into the rescue
system. Sarah called me
desperate to save him from being
put to sleep. While I thought he
could be worked with, I could
definitely appreciate the
rescue’s problem: where do we
put a dog like this during
training? To find a foster home
that can dedicate that much time
and work is asking a lot.
Sarah has stepped up to help
this boy too. Now she lives
several hours a way, but said
she would drive him up to us as
often as she needs to. It won’t
be easy, but if anyone can save
this boy, it will be Sarah.
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Judi Dowson
Dreamcatcher
Acres
lotsk9s@telus.net
I would like to nominate Judi
Dowson for the Training
Excellence Award ,for her work
with her local SPCA shelter in
Prince George, British
Columbia, as well as her
training of students with the
Doggone Safe - Be A Tree
Program. Keep up the great
work Judi. Dave Thorpe
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Robert Forto,
PhD, CTB.ccs
Denver Dog Works
& The Dog Doctor
Radio Show
www.denverdogworks.com
Article:
Our Dog, Our Best Friend - By Robert
Forto, PhD
It's amazing what dogs bring into
your life. Today I was looking at my
Siberian Husky, Ineka, who is well
beyond the decade mark and thought
about all the good things that have
happened to me since he came into my
life. It's funny how a dog can be
such a catalyst in one's life. When
we are kids they are the constant
companions that we tell our deepest
secrets to. When we are adults they
give us hope and determination. In
old age they bring a sparkle to our
eyes and a smile to our faces. Their
eyes are truly a mirror into our
soul.
It is also hard when dogs get old
and begin the daily struggles with
life that we once took for granted.
Days when they ran around the house
with such vigor and joy. If you
haven't gotten the chance I highly
recommend that you read a novel by
Garth Stein called The Art of Racing
in the Rain. It is a book that is
told from a dog's eye view of the
world. Enzo, a senior-citizen
Labrador Retriever/Terrier tells the
story of his owner's life and how
the dog teaches his owner many life
lessons.
I will admit, the book was a
tear-jerker for me and while it was
difficult to put down, I was leery
with every turn of the page because
I could see my old dog, Ineka,
telling the story about my life and
how he perceives it. You see, Ineka
and I have been pals for a long
time, the better part of 10 years
now. He has been my source of
inspiration and passion. He has led
me through life's struggles and my
sled dog teams on the path home. I
will be sad when his time comes and
that brings me to my interview with
Sid Korpi on The Dog Doctor Radio
Show.
Sid Korpi is the author of a new
book: Good Grief: Finding Peace
after Pet Loss. In her book she
melds personal perspectives and
astonishing stories with those of
professionals, such as
veterinarians, animal communicators
and religious leaders and other
animal lovers the world over to help
you make your pet-grieving process
as positive as possible.
In our interview on The Dog Doctor
Radio Show we will talk in-depth on
how to emotionally prepare for a
pet's euthanasia and understanding
when it is the right time. I
struggle with this as every pet
owner does. If you saw the movie
Marley and Me you can understand a
person's emotional turmoil as this
day approaches. It is something that
no pet owner wants to go through but
we all know that day will come. How
do you (or did you) prepare for that
day?
We will also talk about how to
view the death of your pet not as
ending but (as animals see it) a
natural transformation. It is called
crossing the Rainbow Bridge and as Enzo said it in the book, The Art of
Racing in the Rain, he will come
back in his next life as a human.
Mrs. Korpi and I will speak about
how to memorialize and celebrate
your pet's life; and how to move on
after your loss and love a pet
again. You see readers, I am a
fortunate man. I have only had one
person pass away in my lifetime in
which I attended the funeral. It was
my grandfather. He was my mentor and
the strongest influence in my life
and when he passed away I was
awe-struck at the amount of pain
that I went through after his
passing. I had no idea that death
could come so sudden and without
warning. While I am not equating a
pet's death with the same regard as
to a human's what I am saying is
grief is just the same. People love
their pets as if they are family. Of
course I do, I have literally lived
with a pack of dogs for the better
part of my life.
I have not prepared, I will admit
that, for the passing of Ineka. It
is going to be unbearably hard on me
and my family. I recall one day last
summer when Ineka was having a
particularly hard time and my wife,
Michele and I were texting
back-and-forth about coming to grips
with his health problems and the
prospect of Ineka not pulling
through. I will tell you I have
never cried so hard in my life that
day, texting back and forth, me
sitting in my truck at 24-hour
fitness trying to figure out what is
next. Of course he pulled through
and is still with us. He is as
healthy as a 12-year old Siberian
can be. He still bounds around the
house on his good days and we share
pizza and cheese some nights after
work. But I also know that a time
will come in the future (distant I
hope) when he will need to cross the
Rainbow Bridge. I just hope I am
ready.
Please listen to The Dog Doctor
Radio Show this weekend (August 1,
2009 at 9:30 am MDT) or download the
show anytime at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogdoctor
and let us know what you have done
to prepare for your pets loss. We
are interested to know.
Dr. Robert Forto is the training
director of Denver Dog Works and is
the host of weekly program, The Dog
Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be
reached through his website at
http://www.denverdogworks.com
back to top
Don French
Humane K9
Training Ltd.
www.dogsanddogscanada.ca
Over the 20
years we have
been in
business, we
have stayed in
contact with
many of our
clients, and
still help those
clients resolve
issues via email
questions and
answers, without
further fees or
expenses
directed at the
dog and owner.
Even today , Don
French will
often visit his
clients, new and
old, often to
see how the dog
is developing
with the applied
solution and dog
training and
without charging
the clients any
further fees.
Don French and
Humane Canine
Training take
the approach of
keeping it
simple and safe.
No correction
collars are ever
used, and the
programs can be
changed to suit
the dog and
owner as long as
it stays within
the boundaries
of no correction
collars.
Don French of
Humane Canine
Training Ltd.
Don has been
offering his
services now
since November
2008 to Pawsway
Discovery Centre
in Toronto.
Together Pawsway
Discovery Centre
and Don French,
developed a one
hour Off Leash
Park Safety
Program , open
to anyone with a
dog wishing to
gain insight on
how dogs conduct
themselves in "
un natural pack
settings " or "
forced pack
settings " as
found in off
leash parks ,
how to read dogs
body language,
how to intervene
when dogs fight
and proper
decorem for the
owner and dog
attending the
park. The first
3 seminars were
held in February
2009 at Pawsway
in Toronto and
over 100
participants
attended who
the seminars and
have achieved
the
Certification to
show they
attended the
course, and
their dog was
evaluated by Don
French to be
safe and fit to
attend an Off
Leash Park . We
are sure that
over the next
year of 2009,
Pawsway
Discovery Centre
and Humane
Canine Training
Ltd will be
offering this
same seminar to
hundreds if not
over a thousand
dogs and their
owners who wish
to gain more
insight into the
Off Leash
experience.
back to top
Sylvia
Gottschalk,
CTB.ccs
Delightful Dogs
Training,
Grooming &
Retail
www.delightfuldogs.net
Sylvia deserves the Courage of
Convictions Award for sticking to
her passion, for creating grooming
with the utmost care for the
temperament and well being for the
dog and fighting those who don't.
Carrie P. Cleghorn BSc, CTB.ccs
Sylvia's courage of convictions are
seen in everything she does.
She really stands up for what she
believes in. She stands up for
what's in the best interest of the
dogs - and always puts the dog's
needs before hers.
Hi,
I am a Peek-A-Poo that had a very
bad experience with my first
training session and my first
grooming. But alas my dad, Moe found
out about Delightful Dogs, and my
world has changed, Thank you, Thank
you, Thank you.
I was judged most improved in my training class, and both dad and I
learned a lot. My latest grooming
experience has been the best ever.
My groomer, treated me with nothing
but kindness. The last time I was
groomed it was the first time
without medication, and we did
surprisingly well. I am really glad
that Delightful Dogs does not
believe medication is necessary and
was able to make me feel better
without it.
I
know I am well loved by both my dad
and mom, as well all the staff at
Delightful Dogs. I enjoy the doggie
daycare there as well which is a
special treat. I know that soon I
will be able to look forward to
grooming every time without
medication, and I will be great for
everyone.
From Nicky and my Dad Moe
Hi Sylvia!
Thanks so much again - I think Zeus is quite proud of his new 'do.
Both Graeme's and my roommates think
he looks cute and happy with the
hair out of his face -- and they
think he is quite a bit more speedy
and light on his feet! He's been a
bit sleepy this afternoon/evening -
he fell right asleep in my lap,
arms, and all over the place since
we came home.
I am very glad we got to see what all goes on in the grooming
process - I've never even known a
groomer to offer that opportunity
before, so thank you so much! It's
definitely reassuring for both the
owners and the dog. I'm also soooo
relieved Zeus wasn't too hard to
deal with, that was probably my
biggest concern. Hopefully he can
get used to the drying process, and
both Graeme and I will certainly try
to help out with that!
Anyway, just wanted to get these pictures to you ASAP and pass our
thanks along again. Hope all is well
with you and your pups :) (and the
rest of the family, of course!)
Lauren, Graeme, and Zeus (Shi-Poo)
Oh NJ....gotta tell ya....remember
that dog that you stayed & gave
treats to during grooming back
in Dec? Remember how you
couldn't even touch this dogs
legs without him snapping? & I
can't do his nails? Well
he's been back 2x since & guess
what!? I clipped & scissored
his legs yesterday and brushed.
He now allows me to massage his
legs & lift his paws (no tools
involved during that). So we're
making HUGE progress. Still
can't do his nails but he let me
kiss & play with them yesterday
:o)
Hi, Sylvia, Just wanted to
report on a very successful
visit at the hospital last
night. Aside from vacuuming
up muffin crumbs in every
room, Chili was a star! Very
calm and relaxed, doing her
"froggie pose" while we
chatted with patients. The
volunteer coordinator says
some of the patients are
still talking about our
visit days later, so I know
we are doing some good. Thanks
for all your help and
support throughout the
Therapy Dog program. It sure
gives me a good feeling
knowing I can (with Chili's
help) bring a little
sunshine into some lonely
people's lives. Jan & Chili
I think Sylvia deserves the
Courage of Convictions for
sticking to her passion for
creating grooming with the
utmost care for the
temperament and well being
for the dog and fighting
those who don't.
Carrie P. Cleghorn BSc,
CTB.ccs
Sylvia's courage of
convictions are seen in
everything she does. She
really stands up for what
she believes in. She stands
up for what's in the best
interest of the dogs - and
always puts the dog's needs
before hers.
Hi Sylvia! I hope
everything is going well for
you and your fur-crew!
I just wanted to email you
about something that
happened to Stark and I this
past week.
I live in an apartment
building and there is a
group of dog owners in my
building that meet at a
local school yard down the
street from our home every
night. We go there and let
the dogs play off leash
since it is enclosed by a
fence. We also practice some
training in the begining.
Well, the other day Stark
and I, along with two
Golden's and their owners
were all playing. We (the
humans.. haha) were throwing
the balls while the dogs
chased after them. They were
listening extremely well and
having a great time. It was
wonderful.
About a half hour into our
play session a new dog came
running into the mix. We
(our group) called our dogs
to us just in case. They all
came over until we saw the
owners and then let the dogs
say hello. They were all
playing and having a good
time when the 'new dog' saw
that the gate was open (new
set of owners did not secure
it even when we asked if he
did and it is about 4 soccer
feilds away from where we
were) and took off out of
the fenced area. The two
Golden's went chasing after
the 'new dog' through the
gate, even with the owners
calling them back.
Stark started to follow but
I called him to me, and
started running backwards in
the opposite direction. He
stopped, looked at his doggy
friends and then turned
towards me and ran at full
speed right to me! I was so
proud of him. He actually
ran so fast and so hard that
he had a hard time stopping
and plowed into my legs..
haha. I leashed him and
praised him and treated him
like crazy.
The 'new dog' was found 4
blocks from where we were
while the two Goldens stayed
right outside the fence in
the other section of the
school. It was pretty scary.
But I was super happy that
Stark listened the second I
called to him!
I was so happy and proud of
my boy that I couldn't stop
snuggling him all night! He
got an extra couple of
chicken necks that night..
haha.
We have been working super
hard on our obedience as I
would like to enter us into
a trail this spring. I think
he can do it, he is such a
great little guy. He has
really calmed down these
past few weeks and his focus
is getting better each and
every day.
I just wanted to say THANK
YOU for everything. That
senerio could of ended up
being extremely bad and I
honestly don't want to think
about what could of
happened. I really am
thankful to you and your
classes and know that
without them I am sure Stark
would have followed the
other dogs out of the
secured area.
I thought I would
include some photo's of
"my beast" as he his
starting to fill out now
and WOW is he ever
getting big.. haha.
Thanks again and I will
hopefully see you in
Jan. for OB3! Liz
(and Stark)
German Shepherd
As you all probably
know, I started grooming
almost 3 years ago with
a very specific image in
mind for what I wanted
the program to be. For
the first 2 years I
hired groomers to try to
achieve this and it
never really worked
out....so about a year
ago, it was either ditch
the program or do it
myself...& I thought
well there were too many
dogs that had nowhere to
go so I decided....if
you want something
done....do it yourself.
So for the past year
I've been doing it and
it's been great because
I could finally
implement exactly every
piece of the puzzle I
wanted. It's been tough
doing it & classes and
the store & everything
else with running a
business so having to
really time-manage was
hard but it's been worth
it. I'm now booking
literally 2 months in
advance and have to turn
at least 5 people/week
away....still waiting
for human cloning - LOL.
Anyhow, that's the short
of the history of it
LOL....now onto the main
story;
So one of the dogs that
took my level one & two
many years back who was
a real sweetie was
getting groomed.
Everyone struggled with
him & he seemed to be
getting worse. When I
took over and had my
first session with him
last year, I was very
shocked & heartbroken to
see this once calm and
sweet dog, so stressed
and even aggressive to
groom :o(
You couldn't do this
dogs nails, and you
couldn't even touch his
legs without him
literally going at you.
Moving/handling his
body, oh you had to be
careful there too.
So it's taken a long
time with lots of hard
work and an awesome
committed owner to boot
& I'm sooo happy to say
that yesterday, my calm
sweet dog was back!
Very minimal stress, a
little impatient for
drying (but they all
are). All I pretty much
got was him looking at
me when I found a nasty
matt between his toes
but throughout we had no
anxiety & no aggression.
A cuddly sweet boy who I
am now able to massage
from head to toe. Kiss
every part of his body
from nose to toes. Bathe
no problem. Clipper the
entire body. Dremmel the
nails. Scissor his
entire body. Calm &
cool...well he gets a
little excited when I
say good boy & reach
into my pocket for
treats but that's about
it.
A dog that came in stiff
& growling while people
had to literally feed or
shall I say funnel
treats at him as I tried
anything now comes in
and runs up to me
wagging his tail wanting
his cuddles & massages.
Hops into the tub & on
the table all by himself
no problem. I can handle
every part of his body
with no prob. The owner
even commented on how
yesterday while working
with him, he was wagging
his tail during it.
Ok, NJ....I hope I
summarized well enough &
still kept it short. I'm
sure you can add to this
cause you were there a
year ago and saw him and
what he was like. I sure
wish I would've
videotaped this last
year but I didn't.
Well gotta run to
classes now...have a
good night. Sylvia
Hi Norma Jeanne,
Sylvia Gottschalk
recently groomed our
Golden Retriever
"Darby" and I am writing
to commend the
excellence and depth
of her skills and
knowledge. Not just her
grooming skills which we
were extremely
happy with, but also her
knowledge and
understanding relative
to canine
behaviour--such as
reading canine body
language, etc.
Darby's grooming
appointment was
desperately needed
because he had just
undergone months of
intensive and invasive
treatment for a tumour
on his face. He
endured a CAT scan,
several surgeries, 4
weeks with a jugular
catheter in place, 20
rounds of daily
radiation resulting
in the 2nd worse skin
infection ever seen at
the Ontario Vet.
College. For 4
consecutive months, he
was continuously poked,
prodded and injected and
had to wear an e-collar
the whole time. At the
hospital, his fur was
shaved in various spots
for surgeries,
intravaenous lines and
the jugular catheter.
Also, large sections
were cut away by medical
staff who could
not clean him properly
when he had a
messy "accident "in his
recovery cage. He was in
delicate shape
physically and mentally
and he was a mess to
look at.
Once his skin had
healed, we had the
go-ahead to bathe him.
He is a therapy dog and
we felt that getting him
back into a regular
routine would be
beneficial to the
healing process. We
discussed his past
several months with
Sylvia in detail and she
agreed to do the
grooming. We
were worried about
how he would react to
being handled/ touched
by yet another person,
with neither one
of being there with
him. We did not know if
he was at or near
to the limit of what he
was willing to put up
with (and probably we
had
become over-protective
of him during his
treatments). But we put
our faith in Sylvia
knowing that if Darby
suddenly decided enough
was enough, she
would know immediately.
All our worries were a
waste of time. Darby
literally "bounced" out
of his one-on-one
grooming session with
Sylvia. Besides grooming
him wonderfully, she
played with him, held
him and gave him lots of
hugs.....she soothed his
beleagured soul, I'm
sure. He looked
terrific, smelled
wonderful and his eyes
sparkled again. He
obviously enjoyed his
afternoon at the
"spa"!! Sylvia also
provided us with a
detailed written report
on her observations and
findings while grooming
him. Because the
medications were still
affecting Darby's
digestive system, Sylvia
also did a special trim
of the fur on the back
of his hind legs (under
his tail) to help him
stay clean. That did the
trick and Bob just LOVES
the jaunty new "look" it
gives Darby!
We are so lucky and
grateful Sylvia added
grooming to her "repertoire"
because, very
selfishly, it meant that
she was there for
us when we needed a
groomer with a special
skill set..
Thank you!
Carol, Bob Cooper and
"Darby"
Hi, Sylvia, I attached
the pictures we took in
the therapy dog class
yesterday. Rocky and I
learned a lot of things
in this class and it was
very fun. Though I still
remember that first
class when we walked
into the class room,
everyone in the class
looked so well behaved,
but Rocky seemed to want
to say hi to everyone
and I really was not
sure that we will be
able to make through the
class. However Rocky
seemed to start picking
up the concept of the
class and the meaning of
the harness from the
second class. I feel
that the bond between
Rocky and myself is
greater, understanding
him better. That is the
most beneficial thing I
got from this class. I
will keep update to you
about the nursing home
we will visit. Thank
you so much, Sylvia.
Your therapy dog class
is so COOL! Take care,
Momo (Rocky - Yellow
Labrador Retriever
Sylvia, I just wanted to
say thanks so much again
for everything you did
for Alaska. She got so
many compliments
yesterday, my whole
family was so impressed
and we all think she is
just absolutely
beautiful. She was so
exhausted yesterday we
both took a good two
hour nap when we got
home, she was falling
asleep in the car ride
home too. I think she
really enjoyed the
experience though. You
were so patient and
loving with her and of
course the liver cake
helped! I was very
nervous going in.
Nervous that it wasn’t
going to be what I
thought or Ally would
not have a good
experience there. I have
very high expectations
when it comes to Ally,
as I’m sure you can
understand, she’s like a
child to me and I always
want to make sure she
gets the best care
possible. You definitely
exceeded all of my
expectations and I was
so happy to see Ally
enjoy her first grooming
experience. She seemed
to absolutely love you
and I will definitely be
returning to you for her
next grooming
appointments. I will
definitely be keeping up
with her brushing and
coat maintenance as now
I truly see what a
difference it makes and
how necessary it is for
her well being.
Anyway, thanks again for
everything. Breana
Schlingmann
(Alaska - Siberian
Husky)
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Tom Goul, CB.ccs & Cheryl Goul,
CB.ccs
The Puppy
Professors
www.puppyprof.com
Dear Tom and Cheryl,
I am writing this email
to thank you for your
assistance with Ziggy's
aggressive nature
concerning his food and
toy possessiveness.
After just a few weeks
of implementing your
strategies we have seen
amazing results. Ziggy
no longer shows his
teeth and growls
protecting his toys or
acts aggressively around
food. I can even lift
his food bowl while he
is eating with no
repercussion, no drama
and no fear on my
part...that is an
amazing turnaround. As
for Gandalf, we have had
none of the problems we
experienced with Ziggy.
We attribute this to the
exceptional one on one
training sessions you
provided us from eight
weeks of age. You preach
getting your puppy on a
training regimen as
early as seven weeks of
age, and you have made a
believer out of me.
My daughter-in-law and
son recently got a puppy
and since she didn't
want to attend classes
by herself, she asked me
if I would go with her.
I said yes and took
along Gandalf for a
refresher class. Well, I
have to tell you that
all the other dog owners
were amazed at how well
Gandalf performed the
exercises. The
instructor kept using
Gandalf to demonstrate
the exercises to the
rest of the class, which
of course made me very
proud. Everyone thought
that I had lucked out
and got the smartest dog
of the litter so to
speak, but we know
better...we have you to
thank for that.
We have also been
singing the praises of
your home boarding to
our friends, so expect a
few phone calls. Ziggy
and Gandalf get really
excited when I tell them
we are going to see
"Uncle Tom and Aunt
Cheryl". We really are
at peace when we leave
our boys with you, we
know they are well
looked after and having
the time of their lives.
Licks and wags from
Ziggy and Gandalf, and
hugs and kisses from me,
Cathy W., Innisfil ON.
I have known Tom and
Cheryl for about 12
years and in that time I
have never met anyone
with the compassion and
true understanding of
our canine companions.
Cheryl has not only
assisted me with the
training of my own dogs
and their behavior but
at a time when “Pete”,
my Bernese Mountain Dog
had gone partially
blind, she assisted me
with adjusting my
training habits to deal
with his disability. I
couldn’t have possibly
done it without her. Her
keen understanding of
how to handle many
situations has been
invaluable. When my boy
“Pete” was ailing with a
brain tumor and I
couldn’t sit with him,
she would come over to
lie on the floor with
him and hand feed him.
Cheryl just let him know
that she was there and
he was safe. Pete had a
short life and has
passed on now, but he
lives in all our
memories. He is fondly
remembered as the
lovable, huggable gentle
giant to all he came in
contact with.
Their compassion
continued when the
animal hospital I work
at received a sad
looking hound who came
into the clinic after
being hit not once, but
twice on the 400 highway
just south of Barrie
Ontario. Moose as he was
nicknamed by the clinic
technicians (due to the
fact that he had no
collar or tags for
identity) had one front
and one back leg
severely broken.
Orthopedic surgery was
required in an attempt
to re-stabilize his
damaged legs. Moose was
under-nourished, and
every rib was clearly
visible. His neck was
raw with open sores; in
a nutshell, he was a
mess. Moose became a
celebrity of sorts when
CKVR News came to the
clinic and did a story
on Moose’s plight.
Donations came flooding
into the clinic to pay
for Moose’s surgery,
after the television
newscast was aired.
Moose was going to get
the much needed surgery
due to help of so many
charitable people, but
he was going to need a
special home for
rehabilitation and
training. I phoned Tom
and Cheryl and they came
in to the clinic to
visit him and with one
look from that handsome
face, Moose had a new
home.
Moose had absolutely no
obedience training, was
not properly house
trained, was anti-social
around other dogs, had
aggression
characteristics and to
top it off was
possessive of food and
toys. He was going to be
a handful even for
experienced trainers
like Tom and Cheryl. He
was most likely a
hunting dog who was left
abandoned and to fend
for himself. To say the
least, he was not
considered adoptable by
anyone, but Tom and
Cheryl are not just
anyone; Moose was
destined to be in their
care. Moose healed
slowly over the next
year but eventually his
back leg had to be
amputated due to severe
nerve damage that would
not heal. Tom, Cheryl
and Moose endured this
setback with unwavering
dedication and love.
Moose, I am proud to
proclaim has turned into
the dog that anyone
would be happy to have.
He has an enduring
spirit which has
captured everyone’s
heart. He has become
part of their family and
part of mine. I
absolutely recommend The
Puppy Professors to
anyone who has issues or
questions about their
furry friends, young and
old. Diane L., Barrie,
ON.
Hi Tom and Cheryl,
Just a note to thank you
for introducing us to
the "Gentle Leader". As
you know we were having
problems walking our
Malamute puppy as he was
out of control and even
dragging our kids
around. We had almost
given up on walking him
regularly as it was not
an enjoyable experience
for any of us. When you
mentioned the "Gentle
Leader" to us we were
sceptical at first, but
you were enthusiastic
about the "Gentle
Leader" and it was
inexpensive to buy so we
gave it a try. We were
shocked, all the things
that you mentioned to us
about control were
correct. You said
"if you control the
head, you control the
whole dog". Our dog
took to the "Gentle
Leader" within a week.
We now take our dog for
a walk instead of our
dog dragging us along.
Walking the dog has now
become an enjoyable
event for the whole
family. Cheers,
Len and Joan M.,
Victoria Harbour, ON.
Dear
Tom and Cheryl,
We would like to
thank you guys so
much for all your
help in showing us
how to train Jersey.
Since having a puppy
was new to our
family, it was
comforting to know
that when we had
questions and needed
more help and advice
you were just a
phone call away.
It's not very often
that you can find
someone as dedicated
and caring as the
two of you are. We
truly feel that you
love and care for
Jersey as if she
were a part of your
own family. When we
leave her with you
we never have to
worry, and she's
always wagging her
tail when we pick
her up. We now have
to be careful not to
say either of your
names when she can
hear us or we find
her waiting at the
door waiting to see
you.
Thanks again for all
your help in raising
our wonderful puppy!
Angie W. and family,
Barrie, ON.
Hi
Cheryl and Tom,
Thanks so much for
having Charlie. Even
though we did not
see this until now,
we felt comfortable
leaving him as soon
as we met Tom and
Bear and so Charlie
was immediately at
home. I am not sure
if you worked with
him on the "licking"
problem, but we have
noticed that he is
not licking at all!
Actually after we
left your home, I
realized and said to
Derek, "Charlie
didn't lick me, did
he lick you?" He did
not and when we
arrived home, he did
not lick the kids
either. Thank you
sooooooooo much!
We went for a walk
this afternoon with
him and we both
agreed that we have
a new peace of mind
now knowing that
even if we had to
leave for a day we
had you to trust and
someone Charlie
evidently enjoyed
being with.
Thanks very very
much! Tina and
Derek Q., Barrie,
ON.
I
have known Tom and
Cheryl Goul for the
last 8 years. I
didn't think it was
possibly that anyone
could love dogs as
much as I do, but
when I met Tom and
Cheryl I quickly
realized that I was
mistaken. Their love
and affection for
dogs is absolutely
amazing. When I
sadly had to put my
lab down, Cheryl was
quick to help me in
my search for a new
four legged
companion. We found
an amazing black lab
which I called
Benson. Tom and
Cheryl both started
working/training
with Benson at a
very early age and
it was incredible
how quickly he
responded to their
signals/commands.
Training was never
so easy!!! I still
have Cheryl and Tom
take care of our
animals when we are
out of town for the
day, and if I ever
have any health
questions/concerns
they are only just a
phone call away and
always eager to help
in any way that they
can. I feel very
fortunate to have
met such wonderful
people!! Exceptional
PEOPLE, Exceptional
CARE - Debbie B.,
Barrie ON
We were
fortunate enough
to come across
Tom and Cheryl
shortly after
moving here to
Barrie in April
2009. Our two
Boston Terriers
have stayed with
the Puppy
Professors
several times
since then, and
we couldn't be
happier. The
dogs love both
Tom and Cheryl
(and Bear, of
course!!), and
are treated with
love and care
during their
stays.
Tom and Cheryl
are responsible,
dependable and
loving
caregivers, and
we feel so lucky
to have them
caring for our
puppies in such
a safe and
welcoming home.
Our Bostons will
be visiting with
Tom and Cheryl
for a week in
mid-February,
and I again will
have peace of
mind knowing
that they will
be receiving
great attention
and affection.
Patti Jameson
We
nominated Tom Goul
for his wonderful
understanding and
Love of Animals, My
name is Shirlie
Fralick from
Innisfil. My
wild dog from the
Turks and Caico
Islands was
beautifully taken
care and Loved
Tom
Hi there, I wanted
to put a vote in for
my favour puppy
sitters Tom and
Cheryl Goul. We
heard about them
through a friend and
had them watch our
year old boxer named
Freddy. We had an
amazingly positive
experience and so
did freddy. We had
issues with walking
freddy and
socializing him with
other dogs. Tom
introduced us to the
gentle lead for our
walks and Freddy
learned how to be
part of a pack. I
would take him back
for our next
vacation and we are
planning on doing
more obedience
training with Tom in
the near future. Tom
is the only person I
recommend for
success with peoples
dogs From Nick
Heinecke
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Dr. Jennifer
Heick
Waterloo
North
Chiropractic and
Massage
Well I have to share a story with
you. As you all know, my oldest dog
Spade has always had a tough go and
many never believed he would live
past 10yrs of age if that at all.
I've worked hard to help him and
he's approaching 12 in March :o) I
know that this upcoming year might
be his last, although each time, he
continues to surprise me with his
strength & will. I know he's my dog
so this is biased but he truly is
such a loving kind dog....a real
cuddle bum.
Anyhow, last night I had quite the
scare & cried all night & morning
thinking...this is it...I'm going to
lose him or have to say goodbye.
Well guess what!? NOPE! He's not
ready yet!!!!I knew when looking
into his eyes this morning that he
wasn't ready and I'm glad I listened
to him. I always told my husband
that Spade will tell me when it's
time. However it was hard to know
because his spirit had told me he
wasn't ready but his body was saying
something else.
It wasn't until an Angel came to my
house just now & made him all better
and confirmed what he was telling
me. Ok, so let me further explain;
You all know he has joint & tendon
problems due to many things and I've
always worked hard to keep him good
like massages, chiropractor, epson
wrap treatments, wraps for his
pasterns etc etc. Last night though
he collapsed & couldn't walk. It was
so heartbreaking to see. I massaged
him, put his leg wraps on but he
still couldn't barely get up let
alone stand or walk. So since 3am
this morning I've basically held him
and cried thinking this is it.
This morning though I thought, ok, I
got one last shot to try. So I
called his Chiropractor and
explained the situation. The
difficult thing though being he's
such a big dog (my hubbie struggles
to lift him) and can't walk is
getting him to her clinic. Well not
only is it the holidays but a Sunday
as well and regardless with no
hesitation she came right out to my
house within 20 minutes of my
calling her. She just spent a good
1/2 hr on him and it was all just
muscles and nerves that were
swollen, pinched or out of wack.
We're guessing he must have slipped
on ice or so and thus put him all
out of alignment. Now you can
imagine how uncomfortable he must
have been but throughout all her
adjusting, he just became pudding
while she did her magic and even
kissed her....yes if you knew
him...he's such a gentle soul that
seems to just trust so easily. Oh
boy, here go my tears again. Anyhow,
I got more exercises to do daily to
help him but he already seems much
better and even walked her to the
door!!
So what started out to be the most
scary, sad day for me has become a
very happy day indeed & that is
thanks to mine & Spades saviour; Dr.
Jennifer Heick of Waterloo North
Chiropractic Clinic On that
note...Norma Jeanne, I'd like to
nominate this kind person for some
awards. Not just for coming out to
my home during the holidays and on a
Sunday for that matter but
immediately after my phone call. Yet
most importantly, for helping my
precious boy! Here's what I can
think of. If there are other
categories you think might
suit....throw her name in there too!
Personal Sacrifices Human Touch
Thanks! Sylvia Gottschalk, CTB.ccs
Many years ago, long before I
was a trainer and fully
understood dog behaviour, my
little shih-poo at 6 months of
age, started growling and
snapping at us when she was
sitting up on the couch.
We originally thought it was
because we were petting her
while she chewed on a bone - and
thought we were going to treat
her for possessive aggression.
I wasn't sure, so I called
around, and my vet, Norma
Jeanne, and a friend that had
many dogs from the same breeder.
My vet recommended alpha roll
overs, and Norma Jeanne said NO
way, and told me to get
eliminate physical causes first,
and my friend recommended I try
Dr Heick - an animal
chiropractor.
I phoned Dr Heick, made an
appointment and explained what
was going on. I got in to
see her that week. WOW is
all I can say and thank goodness
I called her - it turned out my
little girl's tail was injured
if not dislocated - probably
from birth - and THAT is why she
was acting out - she was in
pain!! It was easily seen and
treated by Dr Heick. When
i look back on it, i did notice
she never wagged her tail, but
had also gotten bad info that it
was normal. WELL, after a
couple of adjustments and
massages at home, my little girl
doesn't growl or snap if you pet
her - bone or no bone! Lesson
learned: get rid of the pain -
get rid of the aggression - what
a concept. She also now
wags her tail - not as much as
she would have if we caught this
earlier, but she does wag it!
So, had I done what the vet
recommended - an alpha rollover
- I would have surely gotten bit
once she had her tail under that
weight! And all the work on
possessive aggression would have
been for nothing. I truly
believe I owe Dr Heick my little
girl's life, and probably my
face to. Since than I take all 3
of my girls in, and highly
highly recommend her to all my
friends and clients - specially
the ones that have a dog with
some strange behaviours being
displayed. She really did
save a life! Carrie & Dory -
forever grateful!!
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Teri Knack
Humane K9 Training Ltd.
www.dogsanddogscanada.ca
My nomination is Teri Knack,
who is a member of IPDTA and
now a business partner with
myself and Humane Canine
Training Ltd. Teri Knack
came to me a couple of years
ago as a new owner of a
Catahoula Leopard Dog that
was a Katrina survivor. This
dogs name is Zoso and Zoso
came with a host of ferral
traits and issues that we
were able to resolve. Teri
has shown huge amounts of
patience and love for this
great dog Zoso, who has also
taught Teri some great
lessons in life. Teri
suffers from a number of
disorders that involve
stress and fear and anxiety,
and Zoso has helped Teri to
be able to speak in public,
conduct dog training classes
at our facility and to meet
the people in public on a
day to day basis.
Outstanding Dog Training
Student Award - My
nomination is Teri Knack.
Again for much of the same
reasons as above, Teri shows
strength and determination
to regain her life and
skills she once had. She has
good days and bad days, but
Teri rebounds and bounces
right back in the ring and
accepts the challenges head
on. Teri has also opened my
eyes to another view point
of dogs and dog training
with her knowledge of some
of the best authors on dog
training out there.
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Pete
Kolbin -
Canine - Golden Doodle
Hi Norma Jeanne, I know
a Canine Hero!! In the
past year I have been
taken out several times
by dogs playing in my
dog walking group, silly
pups. There was only one
dog who seemed to
understand that my
falling was a concern.
His name is Pete and his
a 2 yr old Golden
Doodle. I had been
walking him for about a
year in the off leash
park and this particular
day, he and another dog
in my group were playing
as we were walking on a
wooded path and they
took me out ....my foot
and Pete's somehow
intertwined and down I
went....I face planted
on the pathway. The
other dog of the two
just kept on running and
looking to play but Pete
sat down beside me on
the path. It took me
several seconds to catch
my breath and find my
bearings. I am after all
59 years old and I don't
roll with the punches as
easily anymore. Pete was
still sitting beside me
when I sat up and looked
around to see if my
group dogs were in my
line of vision and they
were. My two human
helpers were just
staring at me with looks
of horror on their faces
but Pete was sitting as
close to me as he could
get , looking right into
my face. As I got him ,
he stood up too but not
to go play but to stay
with me. I got up and
walked over to a bench
in an open area and Pete
again was right beside
me and all his focus was
on me. When I sat down
on the bench , Pete this
very large doodle got up
onto the bench very
gingerly and sat as
close to me as possible
and did not take his
eyes off me until I told
him that I was okay and
even then, he sat with
me until I got up and
said "This way" to the
group dogs and to the
two helpers and started
to continue our hike.
Then and only then did
Pete run off to join his
playmates. I have no
doubt that had I needed
more serious attention,
he would have found a
way to help me.
Sincerely, Brenda Lowry
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Deb
Levasseur,
CTB.ccs
Maritime
Greyhound
Adoption Program
www.greyhoundadoption.ca
www.canineshoppers.com
Deb raised $750
for IPDTA Dogs
In Need Fund
through her
on-line auction.
Because of Deb,
yet another dog
will live.
1- Innovation Award 2010:
For creating a unique
and leading edge
Adoption Program that
constantly raises the
bar in terms of helping
dogs in needs. Deb
has created a program
that places dogs
directly into a home or
in a foster family.
The program will also
assure that all dogs are
taking care of from the
time they enter the
program and for the rest
of their life. She
focuses on a positive
approach and will speak
up with regards to any
methods that are not
inline with the values
and beliefs that she has
put in place.
2-
Education Award 2010:
For creating several
comprehensive training
programs.
The
Pre-Adoption training
program is given free to
all adopters that get
dogs from her
organization. Deb
spends an average of 4
hours with all families
to make sure that they
have the knowledge and
confidence required to
bring a dog into their
family. This is
presented with a Power
Point presentation as
well as with other
learning aids.
Deb
has also created a
training program for the
foster families. This
program is designed to
help the foster family
in making sure that the
dogs are ready to go
into their adopted
family and that all dogs
leaving the program have
had the same training.
As
part of her curriculum,
Deb has created several
key lessons that are
targeted to all members
of the family. In
addition, she has
developed a variety of
instructional materials
designed to meet the
different learning
styles of her students.
Deb
is also very involved in
the community by
educating children in
schools and/or community
groups about Dog
Safety. She makes it
her responsibility to
research and provide the
latest information to
all members, adopters,
and the community.
Deb
also teaches Canine
First Aid and this has
helps many dogs of all
breeds.
3-
Rescue and/or
Rehabilitation Award
2010:
Under her guidance and
leadership, the Maritime
Greyhound Adoption
Program has now brought
up and placed over 350
Greyhounds into loving
homes. She operates on
a set of values and
beliefs that promotes
positive dog adoption
and does not let others
take her away from her
beliefs. Deb strongly
believes that education
and support is a key
element in order to
prevent potential
behaviours that may lead
to the surrender of a
dog. She also believes
that education is
mandatory for all
adopters to make sure
that they understand the
level of commitments
required in order to
adopt a dog.
4-
Training Excellence 2010:
For her devotion to her
program and the training
she gives adopters. Deb
will devote her entire
weekends to teach new
adopters what they need
to know before getting
their dogs. She will
also support each family
individually through
private consults and
training sessions when
needed. In addition,
Deb plays an active role
in introducing new dogs
to a family who already
has existing pets to
make sure they are a
good fit. She provides
free behaviour
consultation to her
adopters and uses
training to support all
adopters.
5-
Outstanding Achievement
Award 2010:
For all of the above
reasons.
I would like to
nominate or vote for
Deb Levasseur,
CTB.ccs for the
Education Award 2010
IPDTA. The Maritime
Greyhound Adoption
Program offers so
much to its members
as well as the
general public in
canine education.
The MGAP's pre-adoption
program is unlike
any other. Deb
requires every
family considering
adoption to follow
the course where she
teaches the history
of greyhounds, how
to be a good leader
with positive
methods only, how to
read dog body
language and more!
We learned so much
going through her
program and it made
the integration of
our greyhound very
smooth. She also
offers unlimited
support to all
adopting families.
Deb also offers
behaviour
consultation for
troubled dogs. She
focuses on teaching
her clients what
they need to know in
order to help theirs
pooches, and does
not simply offer a
"solution" or a
"quick fix". She
makes sure her
clients understand
WHY their dog has
issues and how to
help him/her get
over them.
Deb Levasseur has
only been in our
lives (and those of
our dogs) for a few
months and has
already made a
significant
difference! Thank
you Deb!
Dominique Doucet and
François Lavigne
I would like to
nominate Deb
Levasseur (CTB.css)
for the
Innovation Award
2010 IPDTA. The
Maritime
Greyhound
Adoption Program
is a
revolutionary
adoption
program,
offering
unlimited
support to it's
members. Deb
will carefully
select a
greyhound to
match each and
every adopting
family. MGAP
only places
their dogs in
foster homes, so
they are loved
and taking care
of as soon as
they come off
the track. This
helps the dogs
to adapt quickly
into their new
homes. The
pre-adoption
training course
teaches the
possible
adopters about
the special
nature of the
breed, positive
dog training,
being a good
leader, and so
on. This course,
combined with
the mandatory
in-home
interview,
ensures that
families know
everything they
need to know
prior to
adoption. Deb
and the
supporting MGAP
team get to know
the adopters and
can match a
greyhound to
them much easier
that way. This
screening, as
well as the
continuing
support offered
after adoption,
is what attracts
many to adopt
with Deb
Levasseur.
If all adoption
programs could
offer so much,
families would
be better
prepared for
their new family
member and much
grief could be
avoided. I
nominate Deb
Levasseur for
all her hard
work and for the
incredible
program she has
built. Dominique
Doucet and
François Lavigne
Innovation Award
2010: I would
like tto vote
for Deb
Levasseur. She
has truly
created a unique
program in order
to provide
training and
support to
families
adopting
greyhounds. She
focuses on
positive
training methods
and promotes dog
safety. She is
not afraid to
stand up for
what she
believes in and
she is always
trying to find
ways to make the
program even
better than what
it already is at
this point. All
dogs that enter
the MGAP program
is taken care of
from the moment
they step into
our program
until the day
they pass on and
all of this is
because of Deb's
innovative ideas
and values.
Rescue and
Rehabilitation
2010: I would
like to vote for
Deb Levasseur.
This award
should without
as doubt be
awarded to Deb
because of all
the greyhounds
that she has
helped rescue
through her
program MGAP.
After rescuing
them and putting
them into homes,
she assists
families in the
rehabilitation
in order to help
the greys adapt
to their new
environment.
Education award
2010: I would
like to vote for
Deb Levasseur.
Deb has
definitely gone
above and beyond
any other group
that I have
researched in
terms of
education. She
has the most
complete
training process
for all
potential
adopters who are
loooking to get
a greyhound.
Education is
focused on
positive dog
training
methods, dog
body language,
dog safety,
leadership,
etc. Deb has
trained many of
her members to
be great MGAP
ambassadors who
help in giving
educationa sessions
at some
workplaces,
camps or schools
and even other
types of events.
She has even
developed a
canine first aid
course.
Human touch
award 2010: I
would like to
vote for Deb
Levasseur.
Training
Excellence 2010:
I would like to
vote for Deb
Levasseur. She
has put many
hours in
training
adopters. She
gives individuel
support to each
family and will
provide
consultations
with other
family pets if
necessary. Her
training and
support makes
adopting a
greyhound much
more simple. She
makes sure that
all the families
are on the right
track and that
they have the
proper knowledge
to move forward
with the
training of
their new dog.
Outstanding
Achievement
2010: I would
like to vote for
Deb Levasseur.
There are many
reasons why Deb
should be
awarded the
outstanding
achievement
award. She is
devoted,
focused, strong
and a true
teacher. She has
gone above and
beyond for her
group in order
to help all the
lucky greyhounds
that MGAP have
been able to
bring to Canada
and placed in
homes. Thank
you!
Stéphanie A.
Learmouth
Good day.
I know Deb
Levasseur,
President of
the Maritime
Greyhound
Adoption
Program (MGAP)
has been
nominated
for awards.
I would like
to reiterate
that Deb is
much
deserving of
being
honoured for
her tireless
efforts. She
has been
instrumental
in rescuing
over 300
Greyhounds
from an
uncertain
fate – and
enriching
the lives of
their new
pet
guardians
and
families.
Not only
does she
rescue so
many
beautiful,
gentle dogs
into
adopting
homes, she
provides
training and
on-going
support and
education to
the
adopters.
She has
opened her
home on
numerous
occasions
for dogs
that, for
whatever
reasons,
need
unexpected,
and often
last minute,
care. She
commits
countless
hours to
ensuring the
wellbeing of
these
animals and
educating
the public
on their
great need
for loving
homes.
The
education
and training
she provides
to
classrooms
of students
in Moncton
and
surrounding
area lays an
important
foundation
for these
children to
become more
knowledgeable
in the
plight of
Greyhounds,
and to learn
to stand up
for animals
in need
everywhere.
The
Greyhound
owners of
MGAP would
agree that
she has
helped make
their lives
better place
by bringing
their new
“best
friend” into
their lives.
And I know
the dogs
themselves,
if they
could, would
say she has
changed
their future
and made
their world
a better
place. Deb
Levasseur
makes a
difference.
Innovation
award - I
truly
believe that
MGAP is the
only
adoption
program of
its kind
with its
emphasis on
child
safety, dog
body
language,
positive
leadership,
etc.
Thank you.
Trisha
Leaver FCUIC,
BBA
This
lady has
dedicated
her life
to grey
hounds
and has
been the
greatest
motivator
to
saving
the dogs
and
placing
them in
the
proper
environments
required
for
them.
She has
educated
many
people
to look
at the
dogs as
“
Companions
in
Waiting”.
Regards,
Jack
King
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Teresa Lewin
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
www.doggonecrazy.ca
www.doggonesafe.com
I am looking to nominate Teresa
Lewin and Joan Orr for the
courage of convictions,
education and peer's choice and
outstanding mentor, outstanding
achievements.
To
both of you at Doggone Safe, and
all of your associates, keep up
the great work and here is your
letter I received from D.S. and
it is reason to be proud. I
thought I would post it.
It's almost the end of the year
already! We had an exciting year
here at Doggone Safe. More than
500,000 children have
experienced the Be a Tree
program. We distributed more
than 40,000 Be a Tree bookmarks
and 25,000 body language
postcards. Our members attended
community events and promoted
our messages all around the
world. We participated once
again as a World Rabies Day
Sponsor. We added several new
body language products and a
PowerPoint version of the Be a
Tree presentations to our store
offerings. We started a blog and
a Facebook group. We gained the
support of the Ontario
Veterinary Medical Association
for the Be a Tree program,
adding to the support of the
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical
Association. We continue to
enjoy strong relationships with
the Vet Tech associations across
Canada. Our online course, Basic
Body Language, qualifies for
Continuing Education credits
form all the major dog training
organizations and several Vet
Tech organizations in Canada and
the US. The Saskatchewan
Veterinary Medical Association
became the first to grant CE
credits for our course.
We are working on several other
initiatives including:
A conference to be held in the
fall of 2011 CE credit approval
for vets and vet techs in the US
and vets in Canada for our
online course Additional online
courses A complete redesign of
the website A new self-serve
system for member renewals and
database update. Judi
Dowson
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Brenda Lowry
Brenda
Group Dog Walking
www.brendagroupdogwalking.com
Kinder
Way Canine Studies (Owner & Founder
2009)
Dyno
Dogs Founder and Head Trainer
CKC
Certified CGN Evaluator; ABC Mentor
Trainer, APTA Certified Trainer
www.kinderwaycaninestudies.net
The first one is for the outstanding
mentor award.
I met Brenda while I was a student
at ABC; she was my mentor for that
part of the program. She has always
been very generous in sharing her
knowledge and experience with me and
with all her students. She was
always willing to answer all my
questions and encourage me in my
learning experience.
The first one is for the
outstanding mentor award. I
met Brenda while I was a
student at ABC; she was my
mentor for that part of the
program. She has always
been very generous in
sharing her knowledge and
experience with me and with
all her students. She was
always willing to answer all
my questions and encourage
me in my learning
experience.
The second is for the
innovation award. I know
Petcetera is closed now, but
while it was still in
business, Brenda was
instrumental in introducing
the on-going style of group
classes. This meant no dog
had to wait for another set
of classes to start before
it could get help. This
method of classes was so
well received by both
clients and staff of
Petcetera that they
incorporated into all the
stores nationwide.
In her work with clients and
their dogs she goes above
and beyond the call of duty
to help them. In
her work with the elderly
and her Dyno Dogs group, she
brings so much joy and
happiness to those dear
residents.
She has always been there to
help me and to share of her
time, experience and
friendship. I think the dog
world is a better place
because of her.
Yamei Ross
She has the biggest heart
of anyone I've met when it
comes to dogs and their
welfare. Her main goal of
her classes is not just to
teach the dogs, but to help
them become happy members of
their family. In every class
she goes around to each
client to ask what their
biggest issue is, and
provides a solution. That
may be a quick explanation,
it may be "e-mail me and
I'll get back to you, it's
more involved than we have
time for", or "call me for a
consultation". By the time
the dogs graduate from the
third level they are not
only trained, but happy
family members with a family
that is truly happy with
their friend. She also helps
other people become
proficient dog trainers with
her program. Her main goal
here is to increase the
number of positive trainers
and to put correction-based
trainers in the history
books. Brenda Lowry
and Yamei Ross are two
wonderful people who I have
had, and still have the
opportunity to work with.
Cheryl Becker
Dear Norma Jeanne: I
would like to nominate
Brenda Lowry for the
Outstanding Mentor
Award. For many years
now I have been looking
to find a teacher to
help me in the dog
training arena. I have
searched for a long time
and finally found Brenda
and her Kinder Way
Canine Studies
program. I have always
had a soft spot for dogs
and I knew right from
the get go that Brenda
was a caring, generous,
compassionate,
knowledgeable and
experienced teacher and
mentor.
Dear Norma Jeanne: I
would like to nominate
Brenda Lowry for the
Outstanding Mentor
Award. For many years now
I have been looking to find
a teacher to help me in the
dog training arena. I have
searched for a long time and
finally found Brenda and her
Kinder Way Canine Studies
program. I have always had
a soft spot for dogs and
I knew right from the get go
that Brenda was a caring,
generous, compassionate,
knowledgeable and
experienced teacher and
mentor.
I contacted Brenda and she
set-up a meeting at a coffee
shop where I had the
opportunity to ask her a few
questions about her program.
She promptly provided me
with her trainer's study
manual and invited me to
watch a couple of her
training sessions right
there on the spot. No
money, no hidden
agendas. If I liked what I
saw then I was more than
welcome to sign up after the
session. How many people do
that in the business world?
You have to
be passionate about your
life's ambitions to do what
Brenda does. Her love for
dogs shines through and it
is one of the many things
that have drawn me to her.
She somehow finds the time
to answer all my questions
and encourages me at every
turn and crossroad. She
is extraordinarily
helpful and goes far beyond
the call of duty not only by
mentoring her students but
also her clients. If dogs
could speak our language I'm
sure they would thank Brenda
for instilling the values
of positive training in
their humans. Kelly
Helliwell
Dear Norma Jeanne,
I would like to vote for
Brenda Lowry. Brenda has
been my mentor as a
positive dog trainer
since January of this
year. The reason I chose
her over others is
because I could tell she
wasn't doing it for the
money. She genuinely,
with all her heart,
wants to pass on her
vast positive training
knowledge and experience
to younger generations
with the hope that
positive trainers will
increase in number and
make a positive (no pun
intended) difference in
the world of dog
training. She is truely
the ideal mentor for
someone like me who
wants to become a
professional dog
trainer. She is
extremely understanding
and kind to her clients
and their dogs. Brenda
has taught me to be
sympathetic with dog
owners, no matter how
frustrated you may feel
at times. She makes
herself available to her
clients and apprentices
24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Now that's
passion. I couldn't have
asked for a better role
model and teacher to
start off my career as a
positive dog trainer.
Cheers, Katherine
D'Agata
Brenda is awesome with
dogs...she has taught me
so much to make my dog a
great family pet.
I refer to her as the
"guru". No matter
what the situation, she
knows what to do.
Theresa Andrus
Hello, I would like
to vote for Brenda
Lowry for the Human
Touch Award and
Outstanding Mentor
Award. In January
of 2008 my husbad
and I adopted a 4-5
year old chihuahua
mix from an animal
shelter. Frida was
our first dog as
adults. She had been
rescued from a puppy
mill in West Virgina
and transported to
Toronto to get a
second chance in
life. We took her
home with us late
one Saturday night
and during the next
24 hrs we realized
that we had adopted
a dog who was so
scared of everything
that she could not
even relax enough to
do her business. It
was a full 18 hrs
before she emptied
her bladder and
bowels in the middle
of my parents living
room. By
Monday evening, we
found ourselves
in Brenda's training
class looking for
help. Brenda told us
two things that
night; that frida
would get worse
before she got
better and that it
would be about three
years before we had
the dog that we were
hoping for. I was
somewhat shocked by
these statements.
On the way home my
husband and I
discussed how we
would keep going to
the class, but that
Brenda was wrong
about Frida. We
were sure that we
could turn her
around quicker than
that. After all,
hadn't we already
watched a full
season of the Dog
Whisperer? Over the
next couple of
months we came to
realize that we knew
nothing about dog
behaviour and worse
than that, what we
thought we knew, was
effecting Frida in a
negative way.
Thoughout our steep
learning curve,
Brenda was there for
us in every way
possible. She not
only introduced us
to positive training
methods in class,
but she answered my
many phone calls and
emails and offered
support and
information whenever
I needed it. She
took Frida into her
own home when my
husband and I needed
to be away,
something that my
family and friends
would not do because
Frida couldn't be
handled by anyone
except me. In fact,
she couldn't even be
looked at by people
without either
cowering, or
defensively
charging, and
sometimes even
biting. We left
Frida in Brenda's
care for several
weekends that first
summer. I was
always relieved to
get an email update
on Frida over the
weekend. I remember
the email I got the
first time that
Frida played with
one of Brenda's
dogs and the email I
got the first time
Frida played with
Brenda - a huge step
forward for her. It
is now a year and
half into our new
life with Frida. She
did get worse before
she got better just
as Brenda knew she
would. Frida has
made remarkable
progress, and so
have we, thanks in
no small part to
Brenda. She runs
and plays. She will
let people pet her.
She is relaxed and
happy more often
than not. I think
that she even
smiles! A couple of
weeks ago I ran into
the person that
rescued Frida. He
told me that all of
the other dogs that
had been rescued on
that trip to West
Virginia had been
returned due to
behaviour issues
that either their
owners could not, or
would not, deal
with. When I
reflect on it
honestly, Frida
might have had the
same fate if we had
not met Brenda.
Cindy Wilson
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Onayd (Ronald) Lumbao
Dog Scouts of the Philippines
www.dogscoutsphilippines.com
I would like to nominate
Onyad for the courage of convictions award. Onyad has set up a team of dog
trainers and enthusiasts to take a stand on dog abuse and to teach the public
about the humane treatment of dogs. In a country where up to 500,000 dogs are
slaughtered annually for dog meat and sold at local markets he has tried to
educate a very apathetic nation about the values of positive training and has
set up The Dog Scouts of the Philippines to do so. He has set as his dream
to have the Bantay live to its fullest potential and to be a valued member of
the Pilipino community. To quote Onyad " the human perspective varies as
influenced by culture and family background. Some take dogs as guards ,a few
take them as household members and many regard the canine presence simply like
mushrooms, they are just there. Very sad that Philippinos exist with Bantay
without considering his nature". Here is a man with a compassion not only for
dogs but for his fellow man. David Thorpe
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Johanna
MacAlister
Great Canadian
Canines
gccanines@bell.net
I would like to
place a vote for
Johanna
Macalister for
the Outstanding
Student Trainer
ward because she
is doing a great
job for dogs and
their owners,
and her clients
are recommending
her to others.
Sincerely Tom R.
Blackmore :)
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Jen Melnyk
Passion For Pets
www.passionforpets.ca
Hi
Norma Jeanne,I would like to nominate Jenn of
Passion for Pets for the Human
Touch award.
You may post this testimonial IF
Jenn agrees to having it posted
as well...
"With Tehya's separation
anxiety, as well as Dory and
Madison being very sensitive to
changes, it was very
difficult to get away. I
had brought in someone a couple
of years ago and paid for it
dearly with 6 months of fall
out. I was very leery to
go away and leave my pets in the
hands of someone else again.
Jenn came highly recommended.
I thought, I have to give it a
try... She was kind enough to
offer her services and drive way
out of her way to give us a try.
My dogs took to her right away -
*phew* a good first sign.
We felt comfortable enough to
leave my crew with her for one
night. Of course I
couldn't bare to be too far away
just in case. but Jenn
assured me it'll be OK. So
off we went. The next day
we arrived home - i was
expecting much excitement, but
to my amazement, they were glad
we were home, but not in a panic
like I've seen previously.
Jenn said they were all well
behaved (phew for me again).
I wasn't 100% sure and was
cringing at the thought of the
next few days to see what fall
out there was. That night,
after she left, the dogs all
went to their separate beds and
slept - there was no clinging,
no whining, no demanding
attention - wow this is new I
thought. The next few days
turned into a week, not one
issue arose from our night away.
I don't know how she did it, but
I owe her big time! I hope we
can have her back again... it
was such a relief to see my dogs
were in good hands and to not
have the usual issues after
leaving them. Thanks
Jenn! I finally had a night away
and I could relax doing so!
She deserves the human touch,
not only for the obvious
gentleness, and care she showed
my dogs, but me too! Me being
the over anxious one afraid to
leave my crew!." Cheers;
Carrie P. Cleghorn BSc, CTB.ccs
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Annette Miller
Annette Miller. I first met
Annette over 10 yrs ago when my
BC's neuro suggested I meet
Annette because she was going
thru the same thing and we lived
about an hour from each other
and she felt that Annette could
help me grasp what was
happening. Annette is like a
sister to me now, we both lost
our epi babies , mine at 25
months of age and hers at 10 yrs
Weboth have new BC's in our
lives now .Annette was an
accomplished
herder with her previous BC's
until her epi Tot came into her
life. The next 10 yrs for her
were full of joy, despair, hope,
sadness and an undying love and
devotion for this dear sweet
pup. I too loved Tot dearly.
So when Annette brought her pup
Amy home ( my Roy's litter mate
) Annette began spouting the
Cesar Show and how she musn't
let Amy dominate her and that
she had to be heavy handed ,
after all, that was how she
trained her herding champions.
Annette is as I said, like a
sister to me, but boy is she one
stubborn lady LOL !!!!!!!!!!!! I
think I must have climbed more
mountains with her and Amy in
the first several weeks after
Amy came home. I made her read
articles and books and I talked
and talked til the cows came
home and then one day , the
light bulb turned on and she
began to change her attitude
towards training Amy and began
to understand that Amy was not
out to rule the household nor
the world !!!!! Today Annette
has another new pup named Kate.
No more talk of dominance, or compulsion.I
can truly say that Annette is a
convert, she has seen the light
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I
aged 20 yrs LOL>.....but it was
all worth it. Annette and her
pups are now on my Dyno Dog Team
and she laughs when she's
training them, its wonderful to
see. I'm very proud to nominate
Annette in the amazing client
category !!!! Good job Sis !!!
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Ruth Ann Miller
And Puppy Dog
Tails Dog
Grooming
Hello Norma Jeanne, I would like
to nominate Ruth Ann Miller and
her Groom Shop "And Puppy Dog
Tails". I've known Ruth Ann for
over 5 years and I was one of
her groomers for approx a year.
Ruth Ann has a Grooming Shop in
Downtown Bowmanville on a quiet
little side street with a hugh
picture window and all the most
up to date equipment anyone
would want to find in a groom
shop. When you walk into "And
Puppy Dog Tails" the first thing
you notice is the peaceful
atmosphere. It truly is like
taking your pup or dog to a spa.
All the dogs are treated
humanely with warmth and a
cuddle or two each and every
time they come for a spa day !
When the dogs see Ruth Ann ,
they all run to her because she
is their best friend. All of
Ruth Ann 's Groomers are award
winning groomers and kind and
gentle with the pups and dogs.
Bravo Ruth Ann ! You get my
vote !! Brenda Lowry
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Kirsandra Newell
Caring for
Canines Dog
Daycare
http://caringforcanines.tripod.com
I would love to
nominate
Kirsandra for
the social
skills award for
2010. I
have gone in to
visit her and
you can tell
right away how
loved each one
of her clients
are by her and
they love her
back just as
much. Running a
daycare is not
easy and she has
done an amazing
job for 5 years!
I think she
deserves this
award to
celebrate this
accomplishment.
Jessica Croezen,
CTB.ccs
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Joan Orr
Doggone Safe and
Doggone Crazy
www.doggonecrazy.ca
www.doggonesafe.com
I am looking to nominate Teresa
Lewin and Joan Orr for the courage
of convictions, education and peer's
choice and outstanding mentor,
outstanding achievements.
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Kathy
Patterson
This is about an enriching experience
brought about through the adoption
of a loving dog and the kindness of
a compassionate trainer.
Lacey, a mixed breed Yellow Labrador
entered my life after having
journeyed from Canada’s North West
to seek the protective adoption
services of Flamborough Animal
Adoptions. During this process
Lacey had been in a couple of
interim foster homes and although
her new country home with a caring
couple would become a very happy one
for her, she was timid although full
of energy when she arrived to settle
in.
Not being aware of her previous history
or problems, I decided to seek
assistance of a recommended IPDTA
dog trainer Kathy Patterson, with an
eye to bringing out the confidence
and love in the animal while
developing a bonding relationship
though positive training principles,
which was a new concept to me.
Through Kathy’s caring and
knowledgeable regular training
sessions, Lacey became the buoyant
yet caring dog that I wished for
while the “train the trainer”
approach gave me the assurance I
needed to deal with all the new
experiences, joys and tribulations
that a one year old affectionate lab
can dish up.
A unique challenge for Kathy was
presented when I told her that
another orphan was joining our
family; namely, a little kitten that
had emerged from the deep ravine on
our property. As Lacey had shown no
aggression to the tiny feline but
was herself still gaining the
security to know that she was now in
her own home, Kathy’s familiarity
with both dogs and cats was called
upon to introduce the kitten from
its temporary home in the barn, to
become a permanent residence of the
house with Lacey as the surrogate
“mother”. This was done quietly,
gently and gradually in one
afternoon and the two animals are
both equally at home and have bonded
as the “puppy Cat” and “puppy Mom”.
Kathy’s sincere compassionate yet
professional manner established a
tight bond between her and Lacey, a
relationship that is a joy to watch
and for us to all share together.
This has nourished a friendship
between the adults as well, a double
blessing. Thank you Kathy from
all of us.
Kathy has spent many years
volunteering her time for the good
of others, both animal and human.
She has been working with animal
adoptions of Flamborough's education
programs teaching children the
proper way to handle puppies, dogs,
cats and other pets. She takes
one of her three well trained dogs
with her to get the children
interested, to set an example and to
give them the opportunity to
practice their new handling skills.
Using Doggone Safe's "Be a Tree"
program, she teaches the children
how to be safe around dogs both at
home and on the streets.
Kathy and her dogs visit group homes
for the mentally and physically
challenged, not only to enrich their
lives but to teach the same skills
she teaches the children. They
learn how to handle dogs gently and
safely and in a manner that does not
hurt the dog.
She teaches these same skills to
adult and children church groups.
Kathy had organized and participated
in local parades in order to raise
money for and support her local
humane society.
Kathy's selflessness, caring and
compassion has enriched the lives of
many dogs and people over the years
and she continues to give of herself
even when faced with her own health
challenges. Kathy intends to
continue with her training and
volunteer work for many years to
come.
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Pawsway Discovery Centre
www.pawsway.ca
My nomination is the Pawsway
Discovery Centre (home to the
Purina Animal Hall of Fame) Pawsway
will select one of its clients as
the Canine Hero and bring them to
the Awards Banquet. At this point we
don't have a candidate for the Canine
Hero but one will be selected.
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Lisa Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT, PDT,
CBC
Trainers Academy, LLC
www.woofology.com
Lisa has done some incredible
work with Resource Guarding. I
have never seen anything like it
in my years of study. She can
get a known resource guarder to
give things up to her within a
session, and the program is easy
enough that the clients can keep
up the work.
I will start with my personal
experience. Lisa’s guidance
changed the life (and saved the
life) of a little Boston Terrier
named Penny. I was asked to
foster Penny when she was
showing some major aggression in
her previous foster home. She
had bit many times and multiple
people. Her guarding was the
worst offence, and I knew
euthanasia was being considered.
She liked to steal household
items and had bit several people
while guarding these items. I
have two small children and TONS
of toys around the house, prime
for stealing. I knew the
environment was not as managed
as Penny needed it. But I
couldn’t let her be put down.
I had seen Lisa’s success rate
with resource guarding, so I
consulted with her about the
situation to make sure this
experience would be the best
that it could be for all of us.
She guided me through exactly
what she would do with a client.
We worked with leave it’s and
drop it’s. She also guided me
through conditioning Penny to
feeling more secure when we were
around her food and bones. The
difference is amazing. The
rescue can’t believe it. She
still steals (when I’m not quick
enough with the leave it), but
she always drops it when asked.
In fact she offers me a lot of
“valuables”. Penny seems to
believe that Poop is a gourmet
treat. But one day we were
sitting outside, and she runs up
to me and spits something on my
leg, and looks very pleased with
herself… it was poop. It was
both a wonderful moment… and a
disgusting one! But a few months
prior, she would have bit
someone over that piece of
feces.
A few months ago I had a client
in my20training class who was
dealing with resource guarding.
They were working with another
trainer on a private basis and
the behavior was not going away.
Each week I would follow up with
them and each week they thought
it was getting better, and then
the dog would bite, and his
mouth was getting harder. There
were small children in the home,
so I urged them to contact Lisa.
We talked about why the current
training wasn’t working, but
they still felt like they had
already spent enough money on
this issue. I can’t blame them
for being sceptical. But, after
lots of encouragement, and an
e-mail from Lisa, she did an
in-home session. Within one
session there were major changes
in the behavior. For the first
time the owner actually had hope
that their dog was REALLY
getting better.
“Dear Lisa: We can't thank you
enough! For five years,
whenever Peanut would get
something he wasn't supposed to
have, it was so frustrating
trying to get it away from him,
and sometimes he would bite me
in the process. After one
session with you, we learned how
to give Peanut the "cue":
Peanut leave it! And Peanut
learned the proper response. We
have been practicing with Peanut
for only two or three weeks and
Peanut loves it as much as we
do. He can hardly wait for us
to say, "Peanut leave it" and he
does so immediately. He's five
years old and he learned new
behavior on the spot. Chuck,
Carol and Peanut are much
happier now. Thanks again.”
Chuck & Carol Kanirie
I wonder if you remember my
Beagle, Lou. To jog your memory,
Lou had some anger and object
guarding issues. He will still
steal things and run and hide in
a corner, but he will always
drop them when I say “Drop it”.
You gave us really good advice
that I followed.... Lou no
longer is dangerous to people at
all.
I told you I was going to give
him away. I was afraid I
wouldn’t be a good pet owner. I
realized that he probably didn’t
have much of a chance of being
adopted, so then I knew I was
his best chance of surviving.
Lisa, basically I wanted to
thank you for helping make it
possible for Lou to have a
chance.”
This is not a resource guarding
client, but I wanted to share it
because it is another great
example of a dog that would not
have been able to keep his home
had Lisa not been involved:
Olive was rescued from Detroit
Animal Control as a pup. She had
several issues when we started
working together - including
sensitivity to strangers,
especially men, coming into, and
being the house. She had already
nipped at a man and was very
difficult to control anytime
someone knocked on the door, or
rang the door bell.
Most concerning to the client
though, was that Olive had also
exhibited worrisome behavior
around their young daughter,
Alexa. So the owner set up a
private consult with Lisa.
Progress follow up 2 weeks
post-visit:
”Things
are going great! Olive is
adjusting to the (training) very
well.
We have been working with her
every night when Chris comes
home from work with him knocking
on the door and Olive going to
her pillow and staying there
until he/me releases her.
Olive is getting a hand of
"moving on" when Alexa
approaches her. I have noticed
that sometimes I don't even have
to say anything to Olive she
just gets us and moves on. The
sit, lay, stay on her pillow is
also working well, we went
outside the other day and worked
on it also.
All in all I think Olive is
making good progress. I work
with her on average about an 1
hour to 1.5 hours a day and
always when Alexa is around.
Lisa, thank you so much for the
tools to teach Olive to be a
great dog. I will keep in
touch.”
Carrie
Progress follow up,
approximately 4 weeks
post-visit:
”Over the weekend we had a cable
guy come over and one of our
(male) friends came over also.
Olive did great... When the
cable guy came over Olive was in
the kitchen with me and I told
her to sit, lay, stay where she
was, and I could not believe my
eyes - the cable person was in
our house for about 30 minutes
and Olive never once got up to
go meet him. I kept telling her
to stay and rewarding the good
behavior. Once the cable guy was
gone I released her. She was
great!
Later on that night our friend
came over. I told Olive to go to
her pillow and did the same sit,
lay, stay until she was calm.
Once she was calm I released
her. Our friend was so impressed
(Olive nipped at him before).
The whole time he was here he
was able to walk around our
house with out the fear of Olive
nipping at him. He kept saying
how impressed he was with Olive.
Progress is being made :) to be
continued.. Thanks again for
everything” Carrie
Progress follow up, 1 year
and 3 months post-visit:
”I can not believe that it has
been a year since you were at
our home. I can't tell you
enough how thankful we were to
you have you in our home. Olive
and Alexa are doing great
together. We have not had any
problems what so ever. Alexa is
now 2-1/2 and just loves
Olive.
We have set boundaries for both
of them when they are around
each other. I can tell you that
I feel comfortable leaving Alexa
in the same room as Olive.
Within the last few months Alexa
wants to pet Olive but we have
made it clea r to Alexa that she
can only pet Olive when Mommy
and Daddy are there. A cute
story I want to share with you.
Alexa has two blankets that she
sleeps with. The other day we
were upstairs and Olive was
laying down just watching what
was going on. Alexa went into
her bedroom to get one of her
blankets. When she came back
into our bedroom with her
blanket she put it on Olive and
told her night night. Chris and
I realized after your visit that
we thought we were doing the
correct things with Olive and in
fact we were doing the opposite.
Olive has continued to be great
with people that come into our
home. When someone is at the
door I tell her to go to her
pillow and she stays there until
I release her.
I have told everyone I know that
has a dog to take them to see
you for any training needs.
Thanks for everything.” Carrie
“Cinnamon
was abandoned in a house and it
was reported to the MI Humane
Society. The Animal
Cops - Detroit film crew went
with the investigators to the
rescue (her rescue has aired on
the show). She was obviously a
nursing mother and quite
malnourished. The investigators
found her 14 puppies in the
basement. All of the puppies
survived and were adopted.
I went to an adoption at a dog
day care facility and fell in
love with her sweet and
beautiful face. I quickly
learned she was not always
sweet. She was very aggressive
toward other dogs. Numerous
times she pulled me down while
going after another dog.
After trying on my own to
"train" her and 2 different
training20schools, I was at my
wits end. I spoke with my uncle
(a professor who specialized in
behavioral techniques). He
recommended I read the book
"Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen
Pryor. The book emphasized
training techniques such as
clicker training and positive
reinforcement. I looked for a
school which utilized these
techniques and found the
Trainers Academy, LLC on the
web.
Cinni was so aggressive during
the first session of the
intermediate class we were kept
behind the desk and that is
where we stayed for the entire 6
weeks. I took advantage of the
Intermediate Class Guarantee and
repeated the class 4 times. By
the end she was able to be out
in the middle of the room with
all of the other dogs. She also
went on to graduate from the
Advanced class.
My hat is off to Lisa and her
staff. They taught me the
skills I needed. They helped me
understand the process of
conditioning Cinni to tolerate
other dogs an d lots of other
tricks! I am now able to take
Cinni to dog parks, dog day care
and even did the Humane
Society's Mega March a few weeks
ago.
I can't thank Lisa and the other
staff at the Trainer's Academy
enough! Now, I have that sweet
dog.”
Sincerely, Mary Donahue
“Daichi
came from a shelter and also
seemed to have been in a
neglectful situation. He seemed
to be very distant and seemed to
have had a fear of unknown. It
was clear that he was not
socialized properly as a p uppy.
Because he is so large, we felt
that any misbehavior on his
part, however slight, may cause
a problem. We also wanted to
undo some of damages that his
previous life has done to him.
We wanted him to feel safe and
secure with us, strangers and
other dogs (we are still working
on cats). We wanted him to relax
and to enjoy his new life. We
wanted him to be socialized so
that we can enjoy his company
with many other people.
Although I have had Akitas
before, and I was used to
handling a large dog and can
teach the basic obedience, Lisa
(Laney) Patrona has taught me
how to "undo" experiences that a
dog may have had before, which
was helpful. We have never had a
completely grown Akita before
and this was a new territory for
me.
I can say that Daichi now
accepts new environments and
people well. We can have
contractors and guests come
over, and once he is done
sniffing those guests, he
usually finds them uninteresting
and goes back to his nap.
Several months ago, this would
not be conceivable.
We cannot thank you enough. My
husband is now better trained
(not as well as the dog) and now
that he uses the proper leash,
he enjoys walking him more.
Daichi keeps walking even if:
1. A dog comes up barking
2. A Person comes close
3. A deer crosses the street
(unless it is really close and
he is startled, then he whines
in excitement)
Daichi has become such a joy to
have around. “
Regards,
Konomi Gamo Scott
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Colton & Danzur
Petschke
Hi guys: As most of you have pets
AND/OR kids I thought you would
appreciate this story.
Yesterday my son Colton, came home
from school and is usually alone for
about an hour before the rest of the
household comes home for the
evening......he went about his usual
after school routine which includes
letting our dogs (Danzur and Mya)
out in the backyard. He let them
out and then went about other
business (after school snack), a few
minutes later he heard Danzur
barking at the door to come in, but
when he got to the door only Danzur
was waiting for him, there was no
Mya.....he called for her and still
she didn't come. He stepped out
onto the deck to get a full view of
the backyard and low and behold he
sees that Mya has fallen in the
swimming pool and is fighting for
her life! Without thinking and I'm
sure on a complete adrenaline rush
he runs over to the pool to try and
help our girl! She is completely
through the ice with exception of
her head and is completely freaked
out. Mya weighs 78 lbs and Colton
only 75 lbs, and I don't know how he
did it but he managed to save her
life and rescue her from the pool!
He pulled her out grasping her under
her front legs and pulled as hard as
he could! I am so proud of him but
at the same time completely freaked
out! It would have been tragic to
lose our family pet that way, but
knowing she out weighs Colton, what
was a bad situation could have been
quite worse, he could have fallen in
with her and I can't even think what
the outcome could have been,
something our family would have
never recovered from! Gord and I
told him what a heroic thing he did
and how grateful our whole family is
to him for saving Mya's life but
that he also had to understand how
devastating that situation could
have become if he had fallen in
too! We are so lucky the outcome is
what it is! Mya seems to understand
that yesterday Colton was her
saviour and a special bond has now
formed between her and my son! The
overall situation completely scared
Colton, but those of you that know
him and know how laid back is
personality is, would understand
when he said, "I just did what I
felt I had to do!" My twelve year
old is a hero and I will never
forget the events of yesterday and
how truly blessed my family is! I
just had to share! Jenneth.
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Sue Plouffe
I
first met Sue when I started to
exercise her dog Max off leash.
When I initially take out a dog,
I usually have to reinforce all
the basic cues as well as the
most important cue, “recall.”
I
could tell Max was different
right from the start. He was
very well behaved, had self
control and eagerly responded to
my cues with a wagging tail and
focused eyes. I knew right away
that Sue was not a typical dog
handler. She had quite obviously
taken the time to shape Max’s
behaviours with positive
reinforcement, positive
associations, consistency and
patience.
When I heard Sue was taking the
CCS course, I was thrilled. Not
only does she absorb all the
concepts of canine
communications, body language,
and behaviour, she has great
instincts, intelligence, empathy
and compassion – all the
intangibles that cannot be
learned from a book.
Max is all the proof necessary
of Sue’s abilities both natural
and learned. She’s destined to
positively affect the lives of
many dogs and their handlers for
many years to come. Greg
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Faith Pyke -
Canine -
American Bulldog
Kitchener man
paid just $50
for his pet
bulldog a few
months ago, but
Faith proved
priceless
By Cherri Greeno,
Record staff
WATERLOO - Lyall
Pyke has a lot
of faith in
Faith. And why
shouldn't he?
After all, the
two-year-old
American bulldog
saved his life."
I feel she was
made to come to
me, to
save my life,"
said Pyke, a
55-year-old
Waterloo
resident. The
dog's life
saving actions
took place on
the night of
Aug. 19. Pyke
was watching
America's Got
Talent on
television and
started feeling
overly tired. He
crawled into bed
around 10:30
p.m. and placed
his CPAP mask
over his mouth.
Pyke suffers
from sleep apnea
and the mask
helps him breath
properly at
night. He fell
into a deep
sleep. As he
slept, Pyke
began suffering
a minor heart
attack. He
didn't know what
was going on,
but Faith did.
"She ripped my
mask off and
chewed it and
pushed me off
the bed," Pyke
said. He woke up
as he hit the
floor and
realized his
heart was racing
and that he was
having trouble
breathing. At
the hospital,
doctors told him
he had suffered
a minor heart
attack. They
also told him
that if he
hadn't woken up,
he could have
died, he says.
"I can't really
believe it,"
Pyke said. "I
don't know how
she did it. She
must have
smelled
something or
sensed
something." Dr.
Mark Benaroia,
one of Pyke's
doctors, said
Faith is the
reason Pyke is
alive to tell
his story. "If
something didn't
wake him up, he
wouldn't have
made it." Pyke,
who says he's
been diagnosed
with congestive
heart failure
and diabetes,
got Faith just
three months ago
after replying
to an online
add. The dog was
free but because
Pyke doesn't
drive, he had to
pay $50 to have
her delivered
from London.
"This is what I
got for $50," he
said. "My life."
cgreeno@therecord.com
I would like to nominate Faith
Pyke for the Canine Hero Award.
How amazing can it be that a dog
who was only with its master for
three months could display such
a strong sense of protection and
devotion. Animals such as Faith
are a true reflection of
ourselves. No wonder we love
them so much. Truly an amazing
story that speaks for itself. A
dog that has lived up to it's
name and is a true example of
Man's Best Friend! Dave Thorpe
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Bear Rich
In the Northern Ontario wilderness,
tree planting, Sam and Bear were in
a horrible accident when the truck
Sam was driving lost steering. They
hit a boulder and catapulted over
the boulder and ended upside down in
water. The truck was devastated and
Sam suffered a concussion and blood
loss from various injuries, while
Bear was cushioned from the tarps he
was sleeping in and disoriented,
sore, but unhurt. With the radio
useless, they had to walk 20km back
to the nearest help. Although only
8 months old, Bear stayed with Sam
through the whole 5+ hour hike back
to the planters, ignoring the
wildlife and distractions around
him. At one point during their
journey Sam sat down on a log and
passed out. Bear licked him and hit
him with a stick until he got on his
feet again…..and they made it back
to the planters where Sam was
transported to hospital. Bear’s
inherent doggy loyalty to his young
master kept Sam safe on their
journey and got him to the help he
needed.
Bear is no Lassie….I don’t for a
minute presume that he understood
the gravity of the situation….but he
stuck with Sam, kept him going,
saved his life, and I will be
forever grateful that Sam had our
pup with him that day.
From the moment I met Bear at 8
weeks old, I knew that he was a
special puppy. Not only is he
exceptionally handsome, he is smart
too. Sally, Sam & Simon all adore
this puppy and this story confirms
the love and devotion that is shared
by all. If it had not been for Bear
staying close and relentlessly
trying to wake Sam up, neither of
them may have not made it out of the
woods alive. So Sam saves Bear and
Bear saves Sam...what a wonderfully
bonded friendship they share.
It is because of this reason that I
would like to nominate Bear for the
Canine Hero Award and Sam for the
Best Client Award. Lynda O'Neill
CTB, ccs of Confident Canines
Companion Training.
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Kellie
Richardson
I think Kelli
and her whole
family are very
dedicated to
Bliss'
rehabilitation;
it's obvious
they love her a
great deal and
are determined
to help her
become happy and
confident. Many
owners would
have given such
a fearful puppy
right back to
the breeder or
abandoned it to
a shelter. It's
amazing to me to
see how far
Bliss has come
since she has
started her
therapy. Last
week was very
exciting as she
let a man she'd
never met before
pet her as well
as Greg. She
improves every
time I see her.
Kelli always
maintains her
optimism and
sense of humour,
she really is a
fabulous
"guardian" for
Bliss! Sue
Plouffe -
Perfect Pups
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Katie Ross
Katie (Yamei's daughter) assisted us
and deserves an award as well, she
was very professional and dedicated
to the work she was doing.
Cheryl Becker
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Yamei Ross
I first met Yamei several months
ago when I became her Mentor
Trainer. Yamei was a cut above ,
that was clear to me right away.
She was like a sponge and took
in everything I did and said and
then she would ask question
after question after question
because she so wanted to get it
right. She has a very tender
heart and warmth for dogs and
for their owners and because of
that she is able to do much good
in her work as a humane dog
trainer. She is hungry to learn
and hungry to do her best for
every pup and dog who crosses
her path.
It is such a pleasure to
nominate you Yamei and I am so
very proud to have mentored you
as well as nominate you !!! The
puppy / dog world is a better
place because of people like
you!!
Thanks Norma Jeanne,
Brenda Lowry
She goes above and beyond for
her clients, learning everything
she can so she can do the best
for their beloved companions.
She frequently talks with me
about some of her more difficult
cases so we can troubleshoot and
figure out what's best. Two
heads are always better than
one. Yamei Ross and Brenda
Lowry are two wonderful people
who I have had, and still have
the opportunity to work with.
I'm so grateful for Yamei. She
has done so much for me and when
I thought things were hopeless
for Little she pulled me
through. Did I ever tell you
what it was that rid him of his
possession aggression? It was
amazing and surprising actually.
I'd separated him from the other
animals for a few days (this was
me giving up on him and thinking
I was sending him into a life of
exile). After about 3 days I
started keeping him tethered to
me while muzzled (in case another
animal snuck up on us). After a
few days of this, the whole time
he didn't react to anything, he
just followed me around, I kept
him tethered but un-muzzled, and
didn't allow interaction with
other animals as I'm one of the
things he sometimes guards.
After a few days of this I
started letting him interact,
un-tethering him but holding the
leash. That's where I started
seeing his behaviours creep up,
at which point I would simply
walk away. As he was used to
following me I didn't need to
guide him, he just followed.
Almost a week of this and he
stopped. After a while I let him
off leash to interact for short
periods, a few minutes at a
time. If he started hovering
over something I removed him. He
got the idea pretty quick and
after a couple of weeks didn't
guard anything and will actually
give up a toy another dog is
interested in. He'll also allow
the cats to eat out of his food
dish while he's eating. He would
have normally have attacked
them. He also started playing
with my friend's puppy inside.
Because of all the things he was
"in charge of", he would never
play with the pup inside, but
outside was fair game. It's one
of those therapies that pretty
much happens by accident. Oh,
the whole time while I was doing
this, I exercised him regularly,
we had outdoor play/tug/keep
away with recall games and
training sessions. I would also
wait until all of the other
animals were fed and finished
eating before he was fed.
Cheryl Becker
Hello Norma Jeanne. I would
like to add to the "nominate
someone" category. I was first
introduced to Yamei Ross as a
"dog trainer in training" with
Brenda Lowry. Yamei made me
feel welcome as soon as I walked
into the room and she was quick
and willing to share her
expertise and knowledge with
me. She is a kind and gentle
lady with a warm personality and
loads of talent that will take
her far in the positive dog
training realm. She is eager to
help dogs and their owners and
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