In Relation With Dogs - Behavior and Training Solutions

I cancelled the 1st time because my husband had a heart transplant and was having problems with new heart, the time for the holidays yes I did reschedule ONLY due to the fact I did not like that my dog was going to have 1 session and then have a 2 week break in between because you weren't going to be working during the holidays which I understood...as for phone calls to confirm, I can pull up phone records and I never received a call from you the day you were scheduled to come for training. I did receive a text however, I was at work and we were extremely busy and I could not answer you at that time. I did answer as soon as it slowed down at my work. I had also given you my work phone number and told you that it would be better if you called my work if you couldn't reach me by text...which you never did...And you are correct we are NOT a good match and I did find an excellent trainer that is working with our dog.

“I have had dogs for many years, but a few years ago found myself with Jas, a German short-haired pointer mix puppy, who arrived full of energy and afraid of the world. Such simple things as being offered food out of an unfamiliar bowl, meeting new people, hearing new sounds, being in new situations, scared her. She even had times when her feet would slip on my floor and then she’d be afraid to step on the floor. In addition to the list of things that scared her on a regular basis, she began to eat walls while I was at work. I first took her to another trainer in the area to work on some general obedience and to help deal with some of Jas’ fear issues and destructive tendencies. That trainer used traditional aversive teaching techniques with choke chains and prong collars, and I found that the more I worked with her, the more Jas’ fear grew, and then her fear turned to aggression, especially toward dogs and people. She began to learn that when she alerted to a dog or person, she got a quick jerk on the collar, which hurt, which reinforced her idea that she was right to be afraid of that new dog or person. Because she was on a leash she couldn’t get away, so she began to go right into an “I’m going to get you before you get me” mode. I ended up with a much more serious problem than I started with. Because the teaching techniques included jerks on the pinch collar when she didn’t do what she was told, she also began to flinch when I would give her a command. I knew I needed another approach. Not only was the traditional training making the situation worse, I wanted a healthier and more joyful and fun relationship with my dog than I was getting. I found Linda through searching the internet and was impressed by the vets who recommended her and her articles on her website, which told me that this was a trainer who was constantly seeking the best positive techniques to work with dogs. After meeting Linda and having her evaluate what was going on and develop a plan to address it, I now know what to do to help her overcome her fears. We still have work to do, which is focused more on me learning how to change my reactions in those situations where Jas gets scared than it is on teaching Jas to do specific behaviors. One of the things I’ve learned is that if I’m anxious that Jas will get aggressive, because that is what she has done in the past, she will pick up on my anxiety and that is what she is really reacting to. Fortunately Linda is a patient trainer and has helped me clue into my unhelpful communication and is helping me develop better communication patterns. Thanks to Linda, I know I will finally have the relationship I want with my dog, and I love training with Jas and watching her develop into the companion I wanted when I first got her. I highly recommend Linda to anyone who wants a positive, healthy, joy-filled relationship with their dog. Linda has incredible knowledge and education in behavior, and it shows in her teaching. I started working with Linda with a private consultation, and her follow-up support has been excellent. Rev Dr Sue Coller

It has been my pleasure to work with Linda on a number of occasions with situations where I, or others I know, have needed assistance with canine training problems. Linda's smart, kind, analytical, and her advice works if you follow it. In addition, she is always available for follow-up questions or concerns, and does her research before ever referring to excellent alternative trainers (if she is unable to take a dog due to time constraints or other issues). I highly recommend Linda - she knows how to get results using positive communication and trust-building. You will see the results as your relationship with your dog improves!

Linda brings out the potential dogs have to create a stronger bond along with training YOU in a caring environment. Her tips are phenomenal that go beyond the typical "sit, stay, lay down" instructions. The best part is, the dogs have fun while blossoming into wonderful pets. She will show her clients the difference between eye contact, response to dirrection, bonding, & confidence. Linda is a superb non-judgemental trainer who cares about you & your dog's success. I would highly recommend Linda's expertise to anyone lucky enough to have the opportunity of meeting her! Carla Jo Spale LINCOLN, NE

Linda was great working with us! We have a beagle mix rescue dog who was not properly socialized with other dogs. Linda spent time with us at our home, helping us understand how to train our dog to look to us for cues about how to behave (which means she was really training us). We always thought our dog was a little slow, but Linda showed us in just a few minutes how smart our dog actually is when WE know what to do to motivate and teach her. She also recommended reading to reinforce the lessons and a type of harness to have our dog wear outside while we are working with our dog on our new-found skills. Both have also proven to be very helpful. Linda was positive with us and gave us adequate time with each new skill so we could develop confidence that we would have success when she went home. A great experience for all!