It is always such a joy for me as a trainer when I have made an impact on a dog's life as well as the owner. I was so touched when Robyn shared her thoughts with me in an email about how the class has changed their lives. Max is a true success story and that my motto lives true which is "A Trained Dog is a HAPPY Dog!" Please enjoy Robin's comments below in her own words; pictures and video of Zach and Max below. Video was taken on graduation day July 2009! Thank you Robyn and Zach for truly loving your dog enough to learn how to communicate and bond! Congratulations!
"Hi Cathy,
I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the puppy classes. Max appears to be much happier. Before the classes, he reminded me of a hyperactive child in serious need of Ritalin. My goal for the class, was just to be able to walk Max without having my arm ripped out of its socket or being dragged down the street. The class exceeded my expectations! I have to tell you that at the beginning of each class, when you would tell us what we were learning that day, Zach and I would say that we were so screwed that Max was not going to pass obedience school. Then you would teach us and Max would perform the command. I was amazed at how quickly and easily Max learned the commands. I never thought that Max would have learned as much as he did! There was a time (before the classes) when Max would be a rocket out of his crate. I started telling him "Sit" then "Stay" before I would take him out of his crate. Now he does it on his own. He sits waiting, tail wagging, for me to open the crate. He allows me to put his leash on and I say "Release" and we go outside. It is wonderful! When we go walking, he is on my side. He doesn't pull at all. If dogs start barking, he looks at me and I tell him it is OK and he keeps walking looking ahead. He doesn't bark back. His transformation has been truly amazing.
I have been wanting to tell you about our "Come" command. Every once in a while, we do the "Come" command so that we know that Max will do it. Recently, Zach had Max on the leash near the road in front of our house. I went in the house. I didn't close the door; I left a crack in it. I was watching him from a crack in the blind and yelled, "Come Max!" Boy, did he come running! He looked like a cheetah running like on the Animal Kingdom show. I thought that he would have stopped at the door, since it looked closed. He came flying through the door and found me. It all happened so fast but I thought that he was amazing! I know that if I am in distress, he will be there to help me.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn how to help Max be a kinder, gentler friend. Both Zach and I have truly enjoyed every moment!"
Robyn Lapeyrouse,Houma, LA
July 2009 S*T*A*R Puppy Graduates
MAX S*T*A*R* PUPPY. Can't fake that smile! He is one HAPPY puppy!!!!!
As you watch the video notice how Max's tail never stops wagging and he doesn't lose eye contact with Zach--his leader. Zach isn't forcing Max to do these commands. Max is doing them because he WANTS to please his leader! Zach learned how to earn Max's trust and respect and Max is rewarding him with obedience, love, affection and attention. Zach couldn't buy or force this type of reaction from Max. It's earned honestly and truthfully! Dog's don't lie and Max is clearly telling us all how happy he is to be trained and know what Zach wants from him! Way to go Max and Zach!
