I would be the first person to admit that I did not have the knowledge I needed to succeed when I adopted my Australian Shepherd - Border Collie mix, Asher.  He came with a set of problems I never expected as a dog owner, even though I had grown up around dogs.  I knew I needed help and I had no idea where to turn.  I was completely frustrated.  I was definitely at the end of my leash! 

It did not take me long to discover Brad Pattison and his show “At The End Of My Leash.”  I was astonished at what Brad could accomplish with dogs that were so much worse than mine was.  I started to follow the show regularly and I decided that I was going to use this method to train my dog.  I ordered the book Synergy and read it from cover to cover.  It was so much fun working with Asher and seeing him change, little by little, was incredible.  I was building a strong relationship with my dog, not just training him.   

When I found out Brad was offering a course in my area I jumped at the chance to be involved.  I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I saw how Asher was improving and I wanted to be able to share that feeling with others.  I definitely learned more than I had expected from the CET course.  Besides learning all of the tools and techniques that make Brad’s method of training so effective, I also discovered that I can succeed at anything; it just takes some hard work, dedication, and a lot of fun.  Asher is now on his way to becoming an amazing dog and I am very proud that we have made it to this point together.

After spending 17 years working in the correctional field, I needed a complete change of pace, environment and clientele. 

Animals have always been a passion in my life, and five years ago I adopted my first dog, Abby when she was 3 months old. I had such high expectations of the adventures and fun I would have with Abby.  

My first obstacle was trying to stop Abby from pulling. She pulled so hard that I tore first my hamstring in my right leg, and then 3 months later my Achilles heel in my left leg. Walking for the next six months was not an option for me. The off leash dog park was not too far away, and I was one of “those” owners that simply let their dog do whatever it wanted at the dog park. Thankfully, I had adopted a dog with a great temperament, and a natural inclination to “fit in” with all the other dogs. She learned from other dogs, and as she grew up is a great teacher to other dogs.  

Unfortunately, I still couldn’t walk her on leash. I went to nine different trainers for the next two years and was told a number of things: she would likely always pull because I hadn’t trained her properly during those critical puppy months, she wouldn’t “stay” for longer than 2-3 minutes because I hadn’t properly treat trained her (even though I followed ALL the instructions of the trainer) and finally, I was told to lower my expectations, after all, I wasn’t going to be working with her (it was too late anyway), and quite honestly, Marion, she is just a dog, and she isn’t really that much of a problem – she’s not aggressive, she doesn’t bite, and she does listen, most of the time.  

The only collar I could walk her on was a pinch collar. She walked like a dream!  But, when I took the pinch off and put on a flat collar, she would still pull, not to the extreme she used to, but the walks weren’t as fun for me, or as safe for her.  How was I ever going to get her off the pinch?  This was how I spent the last two years. Stumbling over obstacles, limiting myself to some of the places I wanted to bring Abby, and wondering how wonderful it would be to walk Abby without a pinch collar, and maybe even off leash! 

In 2008 I saw Brad Pattison’s show on television, and my jaw dropped. He was working with adult dogs and he was getting them under control, and walking nicely with their owners. These dogs weren’t puppies!  And, some of them had a lot more problems that I did with Abby!  

I practiced umbilical with Abby and lo and behold … she took to it like a duck to water. I felt like she’d been patiently waiting for me to figure out what I had to do … and she was patient!  She waited through 5 years of me making mistakes, but never retaliating! 

June 2009 I heard about Brad’s CET course in Ottawa – I signed up immediately.  I had two goals when I signed up:  meet my original expectations that I had of Abby when I first adopted her and help as many people as I could come in contact with to establish that wonderful bond with their dog.  

Do Brad’s method’s work?  In 15 minutes I had Abby heeling beside me with the leash dragging behind her!  I was running back and forth, jumping up and down, twisting, turning, trying to “lose” my dog … she followed me every step of the way!   I was ecstatic … in 15 minutes I had Abby doing what other trainers told me would never be able to happen, at least not without treats, or a pinch collar!   

The excitement and thrill of such wonderful success is what I want to bring to other people. A dog is NOT just a dog, it’s your dog, and they ARE special!  Keep those expectations high, your dog will surprise you by just how brilliant they are -  no matter what age your dog is … it wants to learn!