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 I have a 2 year male Black Labrador (Rebel) that has never been in any type of class for obedience or otherwise (enough said?!). It took me a while to decide to sign up for the Foundations Class. I was afraid my dog would run over every other dog in class or I wouldn't be able to control him or he would be completely untrainable (it's not like I didn't try at home first!) or the instructor would somehow hate me because he was 2 years old and this was his first class! Plus, $110 is quite a lot of money for me to spend!
I finally decided it was now or never and signed up. I wish there was a video of him the first day of class--he was barking, fighting to get off his leash, he wrapped his leash around my legs so many times I had bruises the next day. I had no idea how to control him. With the instructor's help (and an application of the 'gentle leader'), the next class Rebel actually laid down beside me! Which may sound uneventful to the 'normal' dog owner, but it was a freaking miracle for me! After the next class I was in tears he was doing so well (and I'm not a crier!). Those dogs that I always see in PetCo, Pet Zoo, etc. that behave so well, Rebel was acting like that! I didn't think it was possible for a Labrador to be calm and attentive!
I just can't say enough about your class and your instructor! Y'all do AMAZING work! I loved it, Rebel loved it, and I don't have bruises on my legs anymore! You, Rose, and Emily are my heroes!!! Thank you!!!
--Beth & Rebel, Foundations Class, March 2008
Buddy
has learned some manners. Before Foundation Class, he raced around the house in
circles when we took the leash down. Now, when it's time for a walk, he waits
nicely to get his leash on and before going through the door. When we return
home, he waits patiently on the porch while I unlock the door and lets me enter
first. He has learned the commands sit, down, stand, stay, let's go, okay, go
back, and leave it. He's much more fun around the house and on walks and seems
like a happier dog as well.
Margaret and "Buddy", 1-24-07
To anyone wishing to help their
dog to be a better citizen, please always remember, "it's the trainer who needs
the training not the dog or pet!". Your pet will only behave as well as you are
able to teach it good, positive behavior.
Thank you Claudia for helping me to understand and appreciate my pet even more
and for teaching me valuable training information to help her be a "Better
Companion".
Barbara Cadden and "Cayenne", High School - CGC class, date: 7-9-06
The
greatest benefit from the classes was to understand how my
behavior affects the dog's training. I loved having the
class outdoors! The most interesting exercise was weaving
around other people and dogs. I was amazed at how well
GrayBob learned to listen to me - even around other dogs!
Holly Stinson and GrayBob, Adolescent Preschool Class,
Summer 2004
It
was great to have a safe, controlled atmosphere promoting
socialization and obedience. I liked most about the training
program that it provides gradual but challenging levels of
training tailored to everyday life. The most interesting
part of the exercises was the variety of distractions
Claudia gave while the dogs were in a "Stay!". Zoe is happy
to have met some new people who love dogs of all shapes and
sizes; and she was able to calm down and learn with other
dogs present. I enrolled in Adult Elementary with only one
wish: to help socialize my dog. I was pleasently surprised
to find out my high-strung dog was so excited to learn new
things and now she has excelled at stays and heeling, which
are merely bonuses from my hope for socialization! Claudia's
classes are well worth the money! It's never too late to be
a responsible pet owner.
Hillary and Zoe, Adult
Elementary Class, Summer 2004
The
greatest benefit from the classes were the socialization and
the confidence my dog gained around people and other dogs. I
liked the positive, happy approach to training - you could
tell the dgs enjoyed the classes. The most interesting
exercises were the "puppy push-ups" and the recalls during
free play. Patch was attacked by an older dog when he was 4
mo old and was badly frightened. Puppy Class taught him that
other dogs could be fun companions. He's happy and confident
now.
Deb and Patch, Puppy 1
Class, 2004
Due
to this class, my dog at only 3.5 months old can already
sit, stand and down. She and I had a wonderful time doing
this class. I learned so much!
Other comments:
Thank you for being a very "positive" teacher. You really
explained things in a very understanding way. It was so nice
to have my dog socialized and to learn new ways to train my
dog.
Krista Burris with "Dutchess", Puppy 1, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Socialization
What did you like most about the training program?
Reinforcement
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Importance of motor sit, down
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
(She) was able to stop hiding during playtime.
Other comments:
Everything was well organized & planned out.
Anati Kizer with "Hairy", Puppy 1, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Sandy really watches and listens and stays with me now.
What did you like most about the training program?
I liked getting to hear the topics and then having the
chance to try things with individual attention from the
instructor.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Holding the dog on it's side (for vet procedures, etc.)
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
Play time !!!
"Sandy", Puppy 1, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
That the training of my Dog is ongoing. I will be training
him all of his life and he is learning every minute we spend
together.
What did you like most about the training program?
Learning to restrain my Dog without stressing him out. I
taught him to trust me.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
The relay exercises - I never knew if my Dog would perform
as fast as the others.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
My dog liked the play time and the amount of treats he got.
Teresa Andersen with "Shep", Puppy 1, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Learn how to handle the dogs and get the kids involved.
What did you like most about the training program?
Step by step program, fun.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Watch Aurora learn to sit &down command.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
Fun playtime with the other dogs in class.
Other comments:
We're looking forward to continue classes. Thank you!
Herb & Bettina Everett with "Aurora", Adolescent Preschool
Class, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Time together with family while training dogs.
What did you like most about the training program?
Relaxed environment and interaction.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
All of them.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
Perfect angel for one hour once a week. Ha!Ha!
Other comments:
Thanks!
Herb & Bettina Everett with "Borealis", Adolescent Preschool
Class, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Better control of Nia's behavior.
What did you like most about the training program?
It was great fun for my dog to go to class.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Great to learn different ways to get the dog to understand
what I'm asking of her.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
She (Nia) learned how to focus on us anddisregard other dogs
and people and distractions.
"Nia", Adolescent Preschool Class, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
I learned more about my dog.
What did you like most about the training program?
It kept my dog motivated.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Loose leash (walk).
Tami, Adolescent Preschool Class, Nov 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Having my dog listen to me/ one on one time with Rainy.
What did you like most about the training program?
Watching Rainy improve every week.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
The "looping" around other dogs with a loose leash
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
From the first class when Rainy was scared and snapping at
other dogs to watching her play with them including Abby.
Other comments:
I looked forward to the class even though I work 10hr days +
drive 2hrs a day. I would barely make to class on time and
was always glad I did make it . Great investment!!
Terri with "Rainy", Adolescent Preschool, Summer 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Realizing I must be more firm and in control with my dog.
What did you like most about the training program?
Seeing my dog make improvements in her behavior.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
Doing a sit stand; sit down and the recall.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
It was a joy to see Heidi behave better and watching her
interact with the other puppies.
Karen with "Heidi", Puppy 1 Class, Fall 2004
What
is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?
Learning not to say "NO" but to reward good behavior.
What did you like most about the training program?
Fun, relaxed but organized and disciplined.
Which was the most interesting exercise of the whole course?
The "down" position - hardest to achieve.
Tell us your dog's "Happy Tale":
Jet discovered the fun of lake swimming in summer & he's
really happy about this (note: not part of the class
curriculum)
Other comments:
Thanks so much for showing me how to handle Jet and this
helped me with his sister - I especially appreciate learning
that "I am the Boss!"
Wendy Delaurentis and "Jet", Adolescent Preschool Class,
Fall 2004
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