Rick Alto is the best trainer I have ever encountered. Notice, I did not say dog trainer. His job would have been so much easier if I had arranged for my dog to live at his house and be trained by him. I got my dog at 11 months from the breeder, so I had lots of catching up to …Read full reviewClose full review
Rick Alto is the best trainer I have ever encountered. Notice, I did not say dog trainer. His job would have been so much easier if I had arranged for my dog to live at his house and be trained by him. I got my dog at 11 months from the breeder, so I had lots of catching up to do. All my life I was used to getting puppies at 8 weeks old. Quite a different story when your new dog is a very large 55# puppy with no initial training. Rick knew at the get go, (I hadn’t figured this out yet) that his job was to train me. And, sometimes I got it, and other times I was clueless and it took me weeks before I could consistently do any one thing he suggested, properly. Words to describe him during our lessons are: professional, courteous and consistent. There was never even the slightest hint of criticism towards me, even when I over and over forgot what he had told me over the weeks. I have had a number of dogs over the years and have gone to a number of training classes. Some here on Cape Cod. I am used to the basics. But this time, I have a dog that is a challenge for me, for a variety of reasons. Rick boiled everything down to some simple commands. My job will be to continue to remember his lessons every day. The way I see it, I believe Rick teaches you to be one with your dog. I guess that is the best way I can explain my interpretation of his teaching. I realize now I cannot just walk out the door absent-minded, thinking of what I am going to do that day. NO! The moment I put the leash on her, I need to stay focused on her. After all, she deserves my attention during this time. I am looking forward to processing weeks of lessons and actually remembering and doing what what he said. I know I can do it. He taught me to envision what I really wanted my dog to do. He did it….I saw him focus on her, shut his eyes for a moment, then by golly, she did it! If Rick Alto did it for me and my doggie, he will do it for you too. I guess it is about believing!…… Anne Stewart
