Robin and the staff at That's My Dog are nothing short of amazing. My wife and I found out that we were expecting in March of 2005. We have a Boston Terrier named Prince, who at that time was extremely aggressive towards people and other dogs. We were unable to ever invite people over to our home in fear that Prince would attack them. If we did Prince had to be locked away in another room, at which time he would throw himself against the door and continuously bark. We were extremely upset knowing that if we were unable to control his behavior with others, and with a new baby on the way, our only other option was to put Prince down. 

We knew full well that he could never go to another home because of the aggression towards people.  Robin and the staff at That’s My Dog changed our world. They have been working with Prince since May of 2005, and Prince is a completely different dog. We no longer have to worry about people coming to our house. 

Our son Jackson was born in December of 2005. Robin and her staff helped us transition Prince into accepting the new baby the day we brought him home. Prince's behavior is nothing short of a miracle, he has come along way in a years time and has graciously accepted our new son. 

Robin and her staff have come to love their "challenge" that came to them a year ago. We are so grateful to all the staff at That's My Dog. We are looking forward to moving ahead and continuously working with Prince to help him grow even more. 

Thank you so very much for helping us get control of our "first baby", so that he could continue to remain a part of our lives! 

Rob & Angie Hohmann

When we were deciding on weather or not to get a dog we were worried about what the best way to train our dog would be. I refused to have the neighbor hood dog that everyone looked at as "that bad dog." Tiffanie had never had a dog before and was not sure what to expect. We brought Payton home in late November and by the middle of January we had him up for the free demo at That’s My Dog. Both Tiffanie and I were not only impressed by the facilities Robin and her group have but also by the great staff that includes Renee and Brice. 

It only took one class and I realized how effective the techniques they use would be for our dog. What I didn’t realize was how far they would go to help us reach some of the goals we wanted for our dog. Weather it was coming to our house for lessons, spending time privately after group classes, or simply listening to the most recent puppy problems of the week.

I have no regrets what so ever of bringing Payton to That’s My Dog. We have fun at every class we go to and look forward to the next. Every where I take him I have people stop and ask me how old he is and they look at me in amazement because they simply can’t believe that a six month old Boxer can be so well behaved and fun loving!

We always wanted a dog that we could be proud of and say, “That’s our dog.” Robin, Brice and Renee are helping us get beyond our wildest expectations.

Andy Eichhorn and Tiffanie Bailey

Six years ago my long time friend, Jake Allen, who at the time was working on an engineering degree at UW-Platteville, enrolled himself and his new puppy in a That's My Dog obedience course, taught by owner Robin MacFarlane. Shortly thereafter, and for the same reasons that I'm writing this testimonial, Jake began working for Robin as an assistant trainer while putting his career in engineering on hold. At that time, prior to being formally introduced to Robin's method of electronic collar training, and even though I saw how responsive and eagerly obedient Jake's dog was, I had the common misperceptions which most sensible people do and was not going to strap a shock collar on any dog of mine.

One year later, and over the course of a weekend seminar at That's My Dog, my perceptions dramatically changed. I began the weekend a curious skeptic who thought of dog training as one of the most challenging and time consuming activities I could possibly pursue, and then ended the weekend feeling as though I had an extraordinary ability to connect and communicate my request to any dog through the simple touch of a button and soft command.

However, it was the speed in which I could make a dog understand what I wanted, the non-confrontational means of doing so, seeing the dog wag its tail through the whole process, combined with a method which works for any breed, age, gender or dog temperament, which has since made me passionate about electronic collar training as well as one of Robin's biggest fans.

That was over four years ago during my first year in veterinary school. Since then Robin has been kind enough to make trips to Madison and give several talks/demonstrations at the UW-Madison Veterinary School, and I have been to That's My Dog as often as possible to learn more about dog behavior and training. I have also spent several weeks with Robin and the trainers at That's My Dog, as a pupil of her professional dog trainer's school, which is an excellent way for the professional dog trainer to expand their knowledge and business. I have known Robin for four years now and can see she has devoted her life and love to the canine species. Also, from my unique perspective I can, with confidence, tell anyone that Robin MacFarlane does at least as much for the benefit of animals and for strengthening of the human animal bond as any veterinarian could. She has inspired me to the point of seriously reconsidering my choice of careers, the same pivotal way she did with my friend Jake six years ago.

As a veterinarian I am questioned by many clients about "difficult" behavioral problems which could easily be fixed using an electronic collar. However, without the proper training on how to use them (often, more is necessary for the owner than the dog) buying an electronic collar is a waste of money and raises humane use issues. Almost every time I'm out with my dogs, most of the time off leash, I get complemented on their behavior and the question, "What is that on there necks?" almost always follows. I've explained the electronic collar and how I use it to at least a hundred people. Nearly every time I find their perception is that if the dog doesn't do what you want it gets a big shock, which may have been true before the development of modern e-collar electronics and may still be true for those who misuse and abuse them. However with the That's My Dog method the level of "shock" is much lower and used only as a means to gain the animal attention, not as a punishment. Thus, it can be used for training commands and not just to enforce them. A "shock" collar used this way is more accurately described as an electronic collar, which only provides a stimulation. With Robin's training method, dogs can begin training at an earlier age, are less confused about what is being asked of them, and are frequently motivated to please because of that lack of confusion.

Thank you Robin, Renee, and Brice for sharing your passion, expertise, and time with me. I know you have and will continue to strongly impact many people and the relationships they have with their companions.

Sincerely,
Joe Scheffen, DVM
Fairmont Veterinary Hospital
Fairmont, West Virginia

It's been a couple of days since my return from That's My Dog Training Center, the home of both Robin MacFarlane and Brice Cavanaugh.
 
I learned a lot during my time at the center, and found new ways to apply what I learned into my training methods. I found both Robin, Brice and the rest of the staff to be more than helpful in answering the questions I had and others had.
 
I would strongly recommend those who wish to learn more about e-collars and training techniques to consider going to TMD. As a working dog trainer, I found the methods very applicable in the environment I train for. Brice often refers to the training as an evolution, and wish to add that it is. Once you go through the learning curve and open your mind to the endless possibilities, you will discover the collar is the most efficient means to train without conflict. 
 
Again thank you Brice, Robin, Renee and the rest of the staff at That's My Dog! and Vision K9.
You guys rocked....
 
Leo Hinojosa
www.malinoisdesdomaineduhinojosa.com

Robin and Brice,

This is a BIG THANK YOU that should have been written some time ago. I am the K9 trainer, coordinator, and a K9 handler for the City of Madison, WI Police Department. Dogs selected for police work are very high drive dogs. That is what makes them brave and tireless, yet hard to control at times in stressful situations. Since the training you provided, here have been many times I have thought of sending this testimonial to you. We have had many K9 calls that were successful due to the training you have provided.

My dog Arno and I attended your workshop offered to police agencies in 2004. Arno was nine years old at the time, and to be honest, I felt unchangeable in some ways. I acquired him when he was three yrs. old and felt some of his behaviors were set in stone. His high drives would show up in tense, and sometimes dangerous situations. For example, when we were calling out a bad guy, he was very difficult to keep in a down. After your training I was confident in my control of him without having to resort to strong physical or verbal corrections. This enabled me to focus my attention on the bad guy and not my dog.

The Madison Police Department started its first patrol K9 unit early in 2005 and I scheduled an e-collar training with you based on the success I had with your methods of using the e-collar. The new dog teams had just returned home from their four week initial training. We had a dog that could not sit still during K9 announcements at the door of a building search and a dog that would not stop barking in this situation. During your e-collar training and since then both were able to sit still and remain quiet during the K9 handler announcements. This enables the suspect to hear the announcement and the handler to pay attention to the task at hand. We received many other benefits, but in an effort to keep this readable I will not go into detail.

Since then, Brice has attended our K9 training and re-enforced your methods not only for us but other Dane County agencies that attend our training. As a result those K9 agencies have seen the benefits and they have begun using the collar and your methods with great success.

Due to the training you provided, we have used your methods to improve on our K9 team’s work in a variety of ways. I now use the e-collar during building searches to communicate with my dog in clearing a building which a potential armed burglar inside. I use the collar to get my dog’s attention and direct him with hand signals. There is no longer a need to use verbal cues or sound devices, giving us a clear advantage. We are now able to clear a building systematically and more safely. I can keep my dog from running deep into a building, yet work farther behind him, providing our officers a greater cushion of safety.

There are truly no limits to this method of training, and I recommend it to all police K9 teams. Both Robin and Brice are excellent instructors and very committed, with reason, to this method of dog training.

This thank you is heart felt, and I applaud for your contributions to the police K9 word and keeping our officers and citizens safe.

Sincerely,
Sergeant Chris Boyd

I would just like to let you know the progress that Stryder has made while attending classes at That's My Dog. Stryder has come a long way from the dog he was back in April. I can now walk him with no fear of him attacking another dog or person or redirecting on me and we are making progress on his aggression towards people when they enter our house.

Last night I attended the Open Field Socialization session for the first time. Brice and I had determined that it would be best for Stryder to be muzzled for everyone's safety. I was truly impressed and awed at the difference in his behavior from the beginning of the session to the end. When we first started he would just wander around with us and the other dogs but not let them too close to him or he would get very upset if they did wander too close. However, by the end he would let other dogs near him and smell him. What a difference! I never thought I would see the day. He even wanted to play with the other dogs but he didn't quite know how to go about it. I can not wait for the next session. I know these sessions are going to help him become even better. I was a more than a little hesitant to bring Stryder to these session since it was all off leash but from my experience from last night I can really see how this type of training really works. I hope that you continue with these sessions for a long time. I know Stryder and I will be at all that we can rain, shine, snow, or cold.

I also wanted to take the time to thank everyone there at That's My Dog. Stryder was near death's door back in April. I was at my wits end and other trainers had told me there was nothing they could do and the best thing to do would be to put him down. I considered "shock" collar training as my last resort. How wrong I was. You and your trainers should have been the first place I looked for guidance with any dog but especially Stryder. Stryder's progress can not all be attributed to the e-collar training however. I do believe Stryder would be dead right now if it were not for the training that Brice has done with Stryder. I must admit that I thought Brice may have been slightly off his rocker when he had told me what training he had done with Stryder but I can hardly argue with the results that have been achieved. Please pass along my sincere thanks to Brice for his time and expertise in handling Stryder. If he ever needs a cheerleader or reference for his techniques, I would be more than willing to help.

Again, thank you to everyone there in helping with Stryder. I know I still have a long road ahead and Stryder will always have to be managed but you have made a huge difference in mine and Stryder's life. I can now state with pride when I refer to Stryder that That's My Dog!

Looking forward to future training sessions,

Melissa Flesch

As of June 2003, the Jackson County Humane Society has been fortunate to have a working relationship with Robin MacFarlane, Training Director of That's My Dog! Robin and her students come to the shelter on a regular basis to work with the Jackson County Humane Society animals, helping them to become more social and adoptable. This relationship has been most beneficial to our shelter animals. We are lucky to have Robin and her staff. What a wonderful job they do.
  
Zo McMahon
President, Jackson County (IA) Humane Society

Thanks so much for taking the time and energy to put on the e-collarpalooza this past week. You and your staff did an outstanding job with it. The speakers were incredible and all of the other people that I met there were equally incredible. 
 
It was for me a very novel experience. I have spent a great deal of time in the past in the AKC rings competing with my dogs, etc. (over the past 30 years) and it was so refreshing to be amongst high caliber trainers who were eager to talk, share ideas, problem solve, network, etc. with others with no animosity, political agendas or unhealthy competitiveness, etc....what a truly awesome learning experience for me and all involved. 
 
I personally came home with so many new ideas on how to problem solve different training areas, new ideas to train into my demo's, new marketing strategies to implement and validation of ones that we were already doing.  A knew respect for Kinaesthetics and how much it can help our dogs. Tools and knowledge to help my dogs perform better by keeping their bodies balanced and limber. New tricks and fun things that I can teach my dogs as well as show my students how much more they can do and accomplish with theirs. This is just the tip of the iceberg,  there was so much more learned.  
 
Thank you for having the foresight to bring e-collarpalooza into existence.  
 
Kristi Smith
Who's The Boss?, Inc.

Robin, Brice, & Renee,
 
I don't really know quite where to start with this e-mail. I don't think words are going to describe my experience with you guys, but I will give it a shot. The training that I received was so professional, and you guys also took the extra step and made it personable. I learned so much from all three of you that for the first 2 weeks my head was spinning. You also made sure that I was understanding everything that you were teaching me. I am so excited to incorporate the new method I learned into our already existing business. I know that I have just started and have so much more to learn, but I also have the confidence to dive into this headfirst and get things rolling. I couldn't have done this without you guys. Thanks so much for everything. I look forward to furthering my education with your guidance. Talk to you soon.
  
Shelly Ray
Superior K9, LLC

My wife and I are Senior citizens. Our family presently consists of us and our two dogs: a Sheltie and Cairn Terrier. The two younger members took after my wife: wild, free, and never listens to me. Like Phyllis, they were fun to be with and loving; unlike she, they did not follow the simple rules of our house: to respond when called, to be quiet when their elders spoke, and to walk respectfully when out in public. My wife and I felt something had to be done. To continue to enable this behavior would put us in a mental ward. 
 
We tried conventional dog training. We used treats and a leash. After six weeks of training, they gained weight and the treats made them burp a lot. Their behavior however, continued to be aberrant.
 
We decided to try That's My Dog! We had heard the trainers used Electric Remote Collars. That concerned us a bit. We chose to check out this option. The trainer, Renee Lamoureux, showed us the collar. She suggested we hold the collar and feel the prompt.  The stimulant felt like someone gently touching us.
 
Maddy is our Sheltie. She was the more difficult of the two dogs. Within the first hour on the Remote Collar, Maddy learned more than she had in all her previous training on a leash and with treats. Within three weeks, while still spontaneous and loving, her behavior was changed. Her prior wild, non-conformist, behavior adapted to our Senior lifestyle. The second dog, Abby, the Cairn Terrier, learned the rules within even a shorter time parameter. Terriers are supposed to, according to many trainers, follow their own drummer. They are independent and do their thing. Abby changed. She, however, is still very playful and loving but obedient. 
 
I cannot endorse That's My Dog! enough. If anyone who reads this has a concern, please feel free to contact me.
 
And finally Renee, thanks for training us as well as our dogs. The loop of communication is complete when the owners and dogs are one. You made that happen.
 
Appreciatively,
Bernie and Phyllis Curran

The first ever Missouri Region IACP Fundraiser was this weekend. People came from miles around. We had dogs and handlers from as far as Canada, Kansas, and Ohio. They came and participated in spite of high winds, cold temperatures, and even spitting rain Friday evening. After weeks of temperatures in the mid 70s the weather just wasn't cooperating this weekend. But it certainly didn't deter these determined people and their dogs. And it didn't deter the No Limitations crew from giving us a fantastic seminar.

When we originally planned this fundraiser seminar we weren't sure if we could get people to come to rural Missouri, pretty much the middle of nowhere, to participate. But Saturday morning there were 42 people with their dogs, most of them unruly, barking, lunging, and dragging their owners around. By Sunday afternoon the dogs were calm, quiet, and heeling nicely with the handlers and doing recalls through the crowd.

The seminar was here, at our 200-acre farm. George Hobson, my wife PJ, and I served as hosts and donated lunch for the two days. But the real thanks for the phenomenal success of the event goes to Fred Hassen and Robin MacFarlane of No Limitations. They donated the seminar to raise money for IACP. Not only did they not charge a fee to put the seminar on, they even paid their own expenses for themselves and for the staff they brought along, Renee Lamoureux and Brice Cavanaugh. The No Limitations crew all worked hard and cheerfully the entire weekend through the cold and the high winds to create a fun and very educational event for everyone.

The untiring efforts and generosity of Fred, Robin, and the No Limitations staff paid off very well for IACP, too. They raised a grand total of $2725.00 for IACP, well surpassing the Platinum Sponsorship level. This was way beyond our expectations when we set out to do this fundraiser. I can't thank No Limitations enough.

I strongly encourage other regions in IACP to host similar events around the country. Our organization has many members who give seminars all over the country. While I can't promise you that every one of them would be as generous as No Limitations and donate the entire seminar I'm very sure there are many that would knowing that they are raising money for such a worthy cause.

Thank you to all those who attended and a big thank you to No Limitations for making this possible.

Jay Stull, Co-Founder IACP
Foristell, Missouri

One year ago my dog, Rennie, and I drove out to Dubuque, Iowa with an old Tri-Tronics Sport 50, lots of anticipation, and hopes of fulfilling a dream. I had absolutely no idea what we would find in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, other than cows and cheese!

I now sport a Dogtra 1802, have two dogs that amaze my friends, family and potential clients. My dogs don’t do back flips, heck, my male doesn’t even give his “paw”, but, they both “come” when called, “sit”, “stay”, and “place” until “released”, “fetch” on command, and “heel” means more than walk next to me. And, we are experimenting every day with new ideas.

I still work full-time as a paralegal, so I don’t devote the time I’d like to promote my business, but, based on prancing my dogs around town week-ends and holidays, I have a steady flow of clients.

I cater to the every day basic pet owner, all they want is a dog that doesn’t jump, bite, bark incessantly, and will come when called. I can give them that, and more, if that’s what they want.

I was given a solid foundation in training and a clear understanding of what it is I do and why I do it, which I tailor to each of my clients and every dog I work with.

I do this because of my mentor, and my teacher, Robin MacFarlane. And, I am fortunate enough to consider, and call Robin, my friend.

I was so overwhelmed on that first day last May when I walked into “That’s My Dog!”, scared that I would never “get it”, and now, some of my clients ask the same questions I asked Robin, or say “oh, now I get it” in that moment when dog and human connect. The three weeks spent in Hazel Green were some of the best weeks of my life.

Thank you, Robin, for your patience, understanding, caring, and knowing just what to say when (remember me teaching Helene “down”?). Thank you for helping me to become the trainer I am today, and teaching me how to seek and reach my dog’s potential as well as my own.

Hot damn, I’m a dog trainer!!!

Regards,
Andi Watson
E-Z DOG TRAINING

Just had to tell you how great it is to have the girls reunited with their e-collars!!! I figured they would have forgotten everything, even though I tried to continue using the same commands without the collars. While they were behaving fairly well, they were also getting away with a lot of things like begging at the table and getting into the laundry. "Come" didn't seem quite as important, either, although they'd eventually show up. Lucy was the worst, by far. 
 
This morning, I spent a couple hours outside with one of the subs working on our house and the girls were out there with us. No jumping up or running where they shouldn't...so nice! Now, I'm inside sorting laundry...no running off with socks! I even was able to load up my car with things I'm taking back to Sugar Grove while I was outside earlier today and they actually obeyed the "wait" command... something I was thinking they'd have to learn all over again. Usually, if the back of the car opens up, they jump in without waiting for the door to fully open, often banging their heads. A simple "wait" and they all sat and watched patiently. 
 
I am so sold on this method of training! Marv keeps saying he can't believe the difference it makes and "how did we manage before this?" Thanks for replacing the collars and don't ever hesitate to use us as a reference if anyone is on the fence about using this method. It's the greatest! 
 
Pam Kombrink

I have two dogs. One is 8 years old and one is 2 years old. I've never had a dog trained but I had heard such great things about That's My Dog! that I decided to get them trained. It's remarkable how my dogs act now. They really obey. The thing that really sold me is that the trainers come to the house. I got one dog from the Dubuque Humane Society. I know he was abused. He didn't like men but now he is doing well. The dogs got along together from the start. I am so happy with the results. I would recommend That's My Dog! to anybody.

Moya Breitbach

Coming  from a background of "traditional" field training, I never could imagine the results with the use of remote collars. I am amazed that the No Limitations training system is able to communicate to the dog in a non-confrontational way within a short time. Robin is indeed very knowledgeable and professional. There is no doubt about going to The No Limitations School for Remote Collar Training. This is the future of dog training. 
 
Jeffery Ong
K9 World, Singapore

The last 5 weeks have proven to be "Nothing short of a miracle for us with Goliath." Adopting a 6 year old Briard was a real challenge for us last April. He was great in our house, but when friends came, or when we were out walking and another dog was around, we had nothing but problems. Don't get me wrong. Goliath was perfect as long as we were home alone with him. No problems at all. I figured because his socialization wasn't so good, and he was 6 years old, there was very little hope for change.
 
He has stopped his "peeing" when friends come over, no more sniffing them and jumping up to play, and no more dog aggression. We can "Place" him until our friends come in, and he won't move until we tell him to Break. Then, he will casually come over to meet them with his tail wagging like crazy without the usual sniffing and jumping. Friends who remember him from when we first got him think we have a different dog.
 
It's hard for us to believe this has been accomplished in such a short time. I initially came for a "demo" for 2 main reasons. Two friends here in Dubuque told us about the huge  success they had with their dogs in your program, and Juli wouldn't take Goliath for a walk on leash. She didn't want her wrist broken when he would see a dog approaching.
 
Now she takes him around our lake without me or a leash. Never would I have thought this could have been accomplished in 5 or 6 weeks.
 
I remember my first visit for a "demo." I could hardly restrain him because there were about 6 dogs in Group, and Goliath was as usual..."Acting up and Hyper." This was the same reaction he had last summer when I tried an Obedience class here in Dubuque. The class was to last for 6 weeks, but after 3, I quit. He was too much of a distraction to all the other dogs in the class, and I was too embarrassed to go back. The instructor thought I should come back, but I didn't go.
 
Now, I look forward to the "Basic" classes on Thursdays and Saturdays. I think you would agree that he is usually one of the dogs in "Basic" who does very well during these sessions. I can't wait to get him enrolled in Retrieve and some Agility classes next summer.
 
Both of you have helped make Goliath a different dog. We can not thank you enough. I look forward to new challenges for him, and we will be back for many more sessions.
 
Sincerely,
Dennis and Juli Geraghty

I can't thank you enough for what you have taught me. Having been a police officer for over 23 years and in K-9 most of it I figured I had seen everything as far as training methods, "WRONG" I have learned more about K9 training since I first had you out in Jersey than I learned in my career. I just spent several weeks with Robin MacFarlane in Wisconsin.

The amount of training I received was absolutely amazing. The work was hard but very rewarding. I only hope that more of my police brothers and sisters in police K-9 take a good look at your training methods. The control that has been put into my partner Odie is just incredible. K-9 Odie response to commands is better that it ever was. I have no fear going into any situation with my dog when we have to step into the arena to do battle and coming out on top.

Robin, your guidance and patience with me is appreciated. Your knowledge of K-9 is second to none. OK, folks I played a little game with Robin and her dog Hero. Over the years I have always tested dogs that are trained for police work and love to see what dogs do when confronted by a passive decoy. I brought Robin out and told her that I was going to stand perfectly still (covered sleeve). I told her to send Hero for an apprehension.

I thought I was going to show Robin that not all dogs fire out to apprehend during this exercise. I was wrong, Hero hit me like a rocket. Hero obeyed his commands even though never seeing this before. I could see that Robin expected her dog to fire out even though Hero had not been trained in this. Absolute obedience...that's all I can say. This is important in police K-9. I implore all police trainers to see for yourself the abilities of this method of training.

Thanks again you gave me a partner that my "life depends on"!

Perry Parks
President, USPCA Region 15

It is hard to believe that it has only been five months since I graduated from the No Limitations™ School for Remote Collar Training at the Midwest Branch. My career and business has grown leaps and bounds. I am finally at a point where I can begin to expand and do so much more with my life and business. I am actually looking into starting a second location. I would never have dreamed this as a possibility in my wildest dreams. I am not a quitter and I am not someone to give up when times were hard but it is hard to believe what one school and learning a new discipline in training can do for a person. I now have the ability to help any dog live a better and happier life. I now can help each and every family who wants to do the work necessary into training their dog. I am no longer restricted by person or animal size or weight dynamics because training with a remote negates it completely. I now can tell a family, give me ONE week, and we can make such a difference in your relationship with your dog that you will no longer want to ‘get rid’ of him/her. I could go on forever, the facts are clear. Robin MacFarlane is one of the best instructors and trainers. She is able to see, do, and teach things that before where unimaginable. Her assistant Renee Lamoureux is just as amazing. They make a wonderful team and support system that anyone would be honored to call them mentors and friends. Everything that I now have, I owe to the No Limitations School for Remote Collar Training, Midwest Branch, Robin MacFarlane, Renee Lamoureux, Fred Hassen, the founder of the No Limitations method, and all the other No Limitations Remote Collar Certified Trainers. Thank you for allowing me to make it a reality for dogs and their companions to live in harmony.

Lori Rossi Downs
Dogs and Their Companions, Inc., Woodlyn, PA

I cannot thank you and your team enough for the knowledge, skills and insight you have given me toward taking my K-9 partner, Rudy, to the next level. I would like to convey the following story as proof positive that your techniques are unparalleled, even under the most serious of circumstances: In late November, just weeks after attending your seminar here in New Jersey, my partner and I were requested to respond to a neighboring town to assist other police officers in locating a fleeing subject. Approximately 45 minutes earlier the subject had led police officers on a high speed chase that ended with the subject losing control of the vehicle he was driving (a full size dump truck) and crashing through several residential yards. The subject then fled the area on foot. Officers could not locate the subject, and requested that Rudy and I attempt to track him from the scene of the accident. It is important to note that at this time the officers did not know why the subject had fled from them, but he was obviously willing to risk a lot to avoid apprehension. I brought my partner to the truck and began a track leading away from it. Rudy, who is a 2 year-old and very, VERY, intense Belgian Malinois, tracked the subject for approximately 1 mile through a wooded area, into a creek and back out again. As Rudy emerged from the creek, my 15 foot tracking lead got tangled in a large patch of brush on the bank. To free my partner from the brush I had to release the lead. As I let go of the lead Rudy began tracking again without me, even more intensely. Because I did not yet know why the subject had fled from the police, I could not justify any physical apprehension of the subject by my partner (We, as police officers, cannot allow our dogs to bite fleeing subjects unless they are wanted for serious crimes). I had no doubt that Rudy was getting very close the subject and that he, if given the opportunity, was going to bite him. So, as you can imagine, having my partner running ahead of me off-lead intense on a track, and intent on biting his prey, was a very serious situation. This is where your training and techniques came in. Using one command of "down," I was able to stop my partner at the height of his intensity. He downed like a machine and remained riveted to the ground as I approached and regained control of the lead. As I approached, however, I noticed his body language was rigid and in full alert mode as he peered straight ahead of him into a bush. As I cast my flashlight in front of him I saw the subjects leg and foot sticking out of that bush. Rudy was literally three feet and a half a second away from his prey. I hope your clients understand how difficult it is to gain that level of control of a dog in that level of drive and arousal. We later learned that the subject had stolen the dump truck he had been driving and was also wanted for violating his parole. It was very gratifying to have been able to apprehend him without injuring him, my partner or most importantly myself and fellow officers. Again, thank you. This situation would have turned out differently if it had not been for your training techniques.

Officer Jerry Turning
Tinton Falls, NJ

Robin,

I can't begin to thank you and Jake enough for what you have done for my dog. The day I enrolled Hobbs at That's My Dog! was the beginning of the turn around. Hobbs is a three-year-old, 75-pound, male American Water Spaniel. I picked him up from the American Water Spaniel Rescue in Milwaukee. I was told he had a severe case of separation anxiety. I didn't realize how severe until I got him home. I put him in our garage while I went to the store to stock up on dog supplies, food, treats, a bed, etc. I returned to find Hobbs had escaped from the garage by tearing out and destroyed the framing around two of the three windows of the garage. He had also torn down the back porch screen door and was sitting on the porch waiting for me, terrified that I was not returning. At night I had to tie his leash to my arm to prevent him from wandering the house marking and destroying things. I have had years of experience raising dogs, but I had never encountered a dog like Hobbs. Drastic action had to be taken or he was surely going to have to be sent back to the rescue or destroyed. Life was so terrifying to him that he was impossible to reach. He was even more terrified every time he was out of my presence. I had to get through to him. Under the direction of my vet, I placed him on Clomicalm. If I could get him to calm down there might be a chance I could get through to him. The next step was to get him some training; to put some structure in his life so he would have the answers to the many scary questions he had. My vet recommended That's My Dog! because of your reputation of having success with severe cases like Hobbs. The day I enrolled him at That's My Dog! was the beginning of the turn around for Hobbs. We met with Robin who evaluated the chance of success with Hobbs. She gave us hope that with training he could grow into a well-mannered dog. One day a week of formal training, then working with him everyday going over what we had learned began to sink in. Every week he was given more difficult problems to solve. Jake, our instructor, was patient as well as encouraging to both Hobbs and me. Every week he gave us new problems, with new solutions. Hobbs was beginning to grow. Then came the day when I saw the "lights come on" with Hobbs. His eyes went from fright to bright. His attitude changed. He was becoming confident in his own ability to solve life 's problems. It has been a wonderful transformation to watch, Hobbs becoming a confident, self reliant, comfortable dog. As he has progressed I have reduced his medications. He is still on the meds, but the dosage has been drastically reduced. He has graduated from Beginner to the Basic Skills class. He has become of wonderful dog for my family and me. He is well mannered, loving, and protective. He is a joy to be with. All of which would not have been possible without the help, guidance and encouragement of Jake and Robin of That's My Dog!. Thank you so much..

Sincerely,
David Certa

P.S. I have enclosed a couple of pictures of "Hobbs the Graduate." My wife was so proud of his transformation that she made the mortar board, tassel and diploma for him.

Rabid Raven turns Remote

Two years ago, Raven entered our lives. 3 months after her arrival, I wondered why I didn’t let this terror keep running, that first day when she wiggled out of her oversized collar.

In December of 2000, Raven needed a home. Raven is a rat terrier/blue healer mix. At the time, she was 1-1/2 years old, living in a home with an in-house day care. Raven had some dominance issues which she displayed with one of the children.

Having recently lost a dog, we thought our boxer, Lady, would like a companion. We rescued Raven, naïve to the issues that lurk in the bodies (and teeth) of young, untrained rat terriers.

The first months after Raven’s arrival were hard on Lady. Being an old, 3-legged boxer, Lady wanted nothing to do with this precocious pup. Having more teeth than Lady, Raven started testing the chain of command.

Raven is a very smart dog and I am not a dumb human. However, she and I were having a difficult time communicating. Whenever I would enter the house, Raven would greet me with tail wagging and submissive peeing.

In desperation, we called Robin at That’s My Dog!

On our initial visit, Robin did a test run with Raven and the remote collar. I watched with mouth agap as Raven "healed" next to Robin’s knees.

Within two weeks, Raven was healing without a leash, coming when called and going to "place". Even Lady noticed a difference and became excited when it was time for a walk.

After a month, the submissive peeing stopped!

Today Raven and her new playmate, Teddy, get excited when they hear the collars jingle. They know that when the collars are on we are off on adventures, be it a simple walk or a more complicated training session.

With Robin’s guidance and the collar, Remote Raven is a confident, fun-loving dog.

Just finished my time in Hazel Green,
Thought I'd share some of what I've seen:
Fourteen week, fuzzy cute; Demon the name
Household terrorism was his game.
Second lesson with collar astounding!
Left my head swirling, my heart pounding.
Talks of rehoming him have ceased;
Their house can now live in peace.
Clueless owners seeing the light,
Shy dogs overcoming their fright,
Owners loving their dogs once more
Training them no longer a chore.
Robin and Jake can eat all day
Man! The amount of food they put away!
A new remote collar grad before you stands
Ready to train across the Northland.
Other methods I will not knock,
But for me, That's My Dog ROCKS!

Sharon Larson
Canine Coach, Rhinelander, WI