serving trenton, belleville, quinte west & prince edward county
dog training - puppy classes - behaviour modification - puppy imprint training
what clients say about Norma Jeanne
what the professionals say about norma jeanne
Norma Jeanne & Dr. Stanley Coren
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Congratulations!!! It is difficult to believe that someone as young, beautiful and unscarred has gone through 7000 combat skirmishes. A lot of them were probably fun as well. Again all the best. Dr. Stanley Coren
"If you want to learn how to train dogs or apply behavioral principles to solve dog problems, Norma Jeanne Laurette provides some of the best courses available in North America. As you might expect from the founder of the International Positive Dog Training Association, her methods are not harsh, but they are effective and are based on sound psychological and scientific data. When people come to me to ask where to go to learn how to train their dogs or how they might learn to be a dog trainer and behaviorist, Norma Jeanne Laurette’s courses are always one of my top recommendations." Dr. Stanley Coren Ph.D., F.R.S.C.: world-renowned scientist, professor of psychology, author of over 30 best-selling books including: How Dogs Think, The Intelligence of Dogs, and How To Speak Dog. He is a dog trainer, radio and television personality and host of the “Good Dog!” television show. |
Norma Jeanne & Dr. Ian Dunbar
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Congratulations on teaching your 7000th dog training class this Sunday. Quite a feat indeed. Dogs and dog owners owe you so much. Ultra mega woofs to you.
Dr. Ian Dunbar, Veterinarian, Dog Trainer, lecturer and author of numerous books including: How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks, Before and After Getting Your Puppy and Dog Behavior |
Pat Miller
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Congrats on dog training class number 7000, Norma Jeanne, what an accomplishment!!! Warm Woof. Pat Miller, author numerous books including: The Power of Positive Dog Training, Family Friendly Dog Training and The Puppy Primer |
Patricia McConnell
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Wow! 7000 sets of dog training classes! You have so much to be proud of! I just wanted to add my voice to the many that will celebrate all the wonderful work you have done for dogs and the people who love them.
Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., author of numerous books including: The Other End Of The Leash, Feisty Fido and The Cautious Canine |
Teresa Lewin
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Hi Norma Jeanne: So glad to hear that you're still going strong - I can't believe that you'll be celebrating your 7000th dog training class this weekend!! Keep up the great work.
Teresa Lewin - Doggone Safe & Doggone Crazy |
Andrew Perkins
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Thank you for writing for FORUM, and speaking at the conference. I hope you'll make the next editor's job as easy as you made mine.
Andrew Perkins, CAPPDT Board of Directors, Forum Editor |
what clients say about norma jeanne
Norma Jeanne's graduate, Stephanie Kwong, CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT's dog Niko in the movie "The Thing" by Stephen King
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Thank you Norma Jeanne! I have read through your file and I am shocked at how little i knew about dogs after having had one my entire life?! I've never owned a mean dog and i'm guessing now it's only by pure luck :) The day we brought him home he was crippled with fear. He was drooling and just laying still. But One thing i know for sure is Bailey will be much better off after knowing you and Greg! Thanks so much for all of your efforts in helping Bailey have a calmer life! Carolyn Hardy
Hi Norma Jeanne, Niko has become the complete opposite of what you and Greg saw of him when we worked with you. He is now the most confident dog I've ever had and with a simple stare, tail up, ears up and a solid stance he has sent packs of dogs to tuck their tails and let us pass by a trail here in Costa Rica. And even more so now when he's half blind is he still asserting this invisible force. And all I have to do is literally unclip his leash and we are safe to pass by any pack of dogs, including the meanest dogs known here on certain properties. Niko can walk through the property like he owns it and people who know these dogs were shocked when Niko walks in like nothing and the dogs don’t even bark at him, but are known to attack any dog that trespasses. And it makes me think of you and Greg each time he successfully clears the path for us to walk. Thank you. Stephanie Kwong, CTB.ccs – Costa Rica |
Norma Jeanne's graduate Janet Greenwood, CTB.ccs' Tikka appears in the movie Monte Walsh with Tom Selleck
Norma Jeanne shapes Rain to waive at 8 weeks of age
Norma Jeanne & Tala - High Ten
Atka gives Greg Ceci an Eskimo Kiss
Norma Jeanne and Brenda Divita train previously fearful Skye to perform four live performances of the play Annie. Skye gives her bow at the end of the play.
Norma Jeanne & Tala - Bow
Fun in Dog Training Class
Life Lessons Training with Norma Jeanne
Fear Rehabilitation with Greg Ceci
Reactive Dog Rehabilitation with Norma Jeanne
Norma Jeanne and Tala's Winter Hike
Off-Leash Training with Greg Ceci
Private Training with Greg Ceci
Reactive Dog Rehabilitation with Norma Jeanne - BEFORE
Reactive Dog Rehabilitation with Norma Jeanne - AFTER
Norma Jeanne and Greg Ceci
Norma Jeanne's Kimo M'Daewin Earns her CD Title
Tala On Our Morning Hike
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Norma Jeanne's classes and CCS dog trainer course are EXCELLENT and so is she -- lovely, patient soul. I got to do some photography of her puppy classes and her in action working with a fear aggressive dog -- BLEW MY MIND! To train yourself or your dog, this is a great path. Barb FJ - FoJo Photography, Kitchener, Ontario
Hi Norma Jeanne, I work part time at a local pet food store, and lots of dogs come in with their owners. We have dog walks, dog nail clip days, adoption days. etc... you get the idea, lots of dogs. I can always "spot" one your dogs and/or owners. The dog comes in happy, confident, loose leash, calm. When I approach the dog, ask for a sit, offer a treat, the owners are happy, calm and relaxed. I usually then ask if their dog/puppy attended a local dog training class, and sure enough, they say "with Norma Jeanne!" It's inspiring, and I wanted you to know the ripple effect you are having. Michelle Morin Hi Norma Jeanne, I wanted to thank you once again for all of your help so close to Christmas with Harmony. I was having a terrible time with my new puppy. She would growl and soft bite if she didn’t get her own way. She would challenge and posture. She had begun stalking cars and us. When we exercised her it would raise her excitement level and she once again became aggressive. I was so worried about the stalking, as I understand that the instinctual nature is difficult to change after 4 months of age. We were at 3. I was also worried that I was letting my puppy down, she was sad and I felt our relationship was being compromised. I know it was almost Christmas but with the severity of the behaviours and her age, and getting bigger every day I was afraid to wait until January. We followed your advice right away and it was much better within a couple of days. She is an amazing dog and we all love her. I can't believe how quickly she changed. Good luck with your new home and facility! Maureen Mancuso I’m really enjoying the newly formatted classes. This is what I’ve been looking for, something different that is a lot more practical for the average dog owner and in my opinion you and Greg have nailed it! Teaching people and their furry friends real life skills that they might encounter on a day to day basis is so much more valuable in today’s society and more interesting to the owner than obedience trial training. Keep up the awesome work and I’ll keep coming to your classes :o) I can’t tell you how much I have learned over the past year. The knowledge both you and Greg share is invaluable. Once again thanks so so much. Nancy MacDonald I really enjoyed your informative talks and your videos. The videos have so much information on them, they are amazing. And what a transformation of the dogs’ behaviour. Really remarkable. With much appreciation, Susie Phillips Hi Norma Jeanne, I just wanted to give you an update on our wild puppy, Shadow. If I didn't know any better, I would say she is not the same dog we had when we initially began training classes. I never thought I would see the day when Shadow would be able to interact with other animals and people. Training classes taught her to be around other dogs. She's also very easy to walk and listens so well and she always comes when called. I think you would be very impressed with the progress she has made, I know we are. I would like to thank you for your patience with Shadow during the classes, I know she always wanted it to be play time when it was learning time. She's come a long way. I also meet a lot of people at the dog park who used your training for their dogs, they have nothing but great things to say. You guys are wonderful with dogs, and I can't thank you enough for your help with Shadow. She's an energetic puppy, but all she needed was someone to be patient and teach her. Thanks again Norma Jeanne. Robyn Morgan Hi Norma Jeanne, I can't thank you and Greg enough for your help and for caring! We actually got to the gate of the Humane Society dog park after we left you on Saturday, and my dog seemed so happy to have a couple of buddies to play with. And we've gone for two short daytime walks so far. Many thanks again for your time and for what you taught me, for showing me how to use your harness, for the salmon cakes and recipe, for the the helpful articles and pdfs, and for giving me hope that I might someday have a dog again instead of a frightening creature. You two make it look so easy, like maybe I could be successful too. I'm looking forward to your reactive dog classes - glad I found yours! You two are the best. Thank you. - Linda. Hi Norma Jeanne, I wanted to say thanks again so much for your help at the beginning of level 2. I honestly felt like giving up but you gave me the hope and possibility to change his behaviors and he is listening so much better in such a short time. It makes me really happy and excited to see how much more obedient he will get. He is such a great dog. : ) so thank you so much! Victoria Harvie I—and my family—have worked with Norma Jeanne and Greg and their colleagues for a myriad of reasons: “basic” training to severe aggression. Now I have had dogs since the second I was born. I would have considered myself somewhat proficient in dog rearing, and have attended other training classes to “keep on track”. Here is what I now know. Unless you have attended one of their classes or sought their help for a dog-related behavioural issue, you have not seen anything. It is truly inspiring to watch them work with “basic” and severe behavioural issues. We cannot stop telling people about it because it is truly that inspiring. You will learn things you more than likely have never learned or heard before. Did you know that you must socialize a puppy to EVERYTHING prior to 16 weeks of age (costumes, balloons, you name it)? I have had dogs my entire life, taken classes and never heard that before. It exemplifies their focus on rearing a dog with a great temperament. Puppy social time during class is not only a means to get the beans out, but primarily to monitor their behaviour and interaction skills. They (and you) will learn what are appropriate canine interactions and how to shape it whether your dog is timid, confident, or excitable. These skills are more important than anything else they will learn, in my humble opinion. Seriously, I cannot say enough about the skills and knowledge you will receive. My dog and I thank them truly for the phenomenal job they have done helping me raise an amazing, well centered, balanced, and confident (she was very timid) dog. And yes, she is also well trained! I cannot thank Norma Jeanne, Greg and their colleagues enough for that. I also cannot thank them enough for helping me undo some of the anxiety that I was left with after a tragic incident occurred with my last dog. I am forever thankful for that. So whether this is your first dog or your twentieth, do yourself a favour and sign up. If you put in the effort, you will have the most amazing relationship with your dog. Tania Alexson Hi Norma Jeanne, Bella spent the night again in our bedroom on her own bed and didn't move until I got up to walk her this morning. I feel like we have turned a corner! We are really building a trusting relationship and I can't thank you enough for all of your help and support these past few weeks. This is our first time being a dog owner and I really felt like a "new mom" all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will highly recommend to all of the people I meet! Take care, Kerry-Lea Schrim Hi Norma Jeanne! Thank you so much for everything yesterday! We started to implement the“Don’t Bite” and“Too Bad” cues and they have already started to work! Even the advice for separation anxiety worked! I tried it this morning and he didn’t cry when I was leaving. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Amanda Bradley Hi Norma Jeanne, I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for all your wonderful help. I know the kids, Dave and I could use some more dog training, and Laya is very patient with us! It is a lot of fun, I have learned so much and I am very happy - we look forward to seeing you in the fall, and hope you enjoy your summer. Take care, happy trails. Jenny Wilkie Hi Norma Jeanne, We wanted to send a HUGE thank you for such a wonderful dog training class today!! We had such a great time and learned tons and are looking forward to a week of positive training with Wiki. Thanks to all the exerted energy this aft we are also now enjoying a very peaceful quiet Sunday afternoon (complete with the typical bulldog snoring! :) Thanks again for a great dog training class and we are really looking forward to next week! Chris & Andrea (& Wiki) All of your advice the other day was very helpful. Thank you so much for spending the time. It's obvious that you care a lot about the dogs. Thanks Again for all your help. Angela Smith Frosty is such a good puppy, the boys taught him a new trick last night. They taught him to jump over their back - it's adorable. I am so thankful that we did the Puppy dog training classes with you to get us on the right track with training. He responds so well with his listening, it amazes us sometimes! We are big believers in positive reinforcement, which is one of the reasons we chose the Puppy Power Dog Training School. Being a new dog owner, the skills we learned from the very beginning in dog training Frosty have been truly invaluable. We appreciate your unique approach in encouraging the family to attend the dog training classes. We believe, it is because of this, we have had so much success with our dog training experience. It was positively the best! Thank-you! Paul, Joanne, Mitchel, Justin & Frosty I wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying working with you - I have told so many people what a great help you have been - you are truly a "mentor" in all sense of the word! You have been so giving with your material, advice, suggestions etc. and I have learned so much! Thank you for everything - you have truly inspired me to realize that I can make a career working with dogs and that's a dream come true!!" Jennifer Tutt - ABC Student mentoring with Norma Jeanne Dear Norma Jeanne; Darwin and I would like to thank you for help with his dog training. It has helped us immensely and we are positive it will make Darwin a better service dog. We are enjoying the advanced classes and their challenges very much. Laurie Page Norma Jeanne: Several years ago I began finding homes for unwanted dogs. Many had been neglected and abused and often came with little or no socialization, no housebreaking and numerous other problems. Having a houseful of these problem pooches can be quite frustrating. As result of your consultation the results have been outstanding. Thank you for your help. Joy Casselli Dear Norma Jeanne: Darby and I enjoyed Level One dog training at your school very much. The dog training class was well organized, productive and fun for both of us. The dog training manual you provided was very easy to follow and helped us at home. Your new dog training school is great too! Darby and I learned what I was hoping for and it has been much more enjoyable to have her around. We are able to control her now and we are especially happy that we did not need to use physical dog training methods to get there. We appreciate your efforts and can't wait to begin your trick class. We look forward to seeing you again. Janine and Darby Jones Dear Norma Jeanne, Thank you so much, you are a great dog trainer and a beautiful person. We had fun in your dog training classes and meeting other wonderful dogs and their owners. We LOVE our Sadey even more because you taught us how to understand dogs behavior. Thank you for answering all of my questions. Every dog owner should take your class, we can all learn that with gentle but consistent training, your dog can be the #1 MUTT of the house. This is WHAT you teach Norma Jeanne...THANK YOU! The Acevedo Family - Walter, Claudia. Paulina, Karla and Sadey Six years ago we had the pleasure of attending your dog training school with our Bichon puppy, Bailey. As I had no previous experience in raising a dog, I found your dog training classes invaluable, teaching gentle yet firm behaviour. It certainly made life easier for all of us, including Bailey. Now we can just sit back and enjoy his living companionship. Since then, I have had the occasion to call you twice in reference to issues that had arisen. I find you to be accessible, extremely knowledgeable and always ready to help. I would like to thank you for your caring assistance. Dog training classes are so important, but the care of a loving pet is ongoing. What I find comforting is the fact that you are always there should the need arise. This is a sign of someone truly committed and dedicated to her profession. Betty McCormick Thank you so much for your advice!!! We tried it once this morning and she hasn't touched the kids since. Wow. I'm sure it will come up again but what a perfect and positive way of dealing with her biting. Thanks again, Sonja Pratt Hi Norma Jeanne, I know it's been a long time, way too long in my opinion, but I wanted to update you on Little. We've been trialing, actually going out amongst other dogs and people, and Little handles it wonderfully! He is happy and relaxed and only gets upset if a dog stands right up against the door to his crate, and then only growls quietly, but won't get up, bark, or display otherwise. HE'S SO GOOD! So far we have been doing CARO. We have our Novice and Advanced title, one leg towards Excellent and two towards Novice Team. We have been to a handful of fun matches for obedience and has done exceptionally well. Our first CKC obedience trial is the 21st. But all this pales in comparison to what he did last Sunday. Surrounded by friends, Little earned his Canine Good Neighbour! A title I NEVER EVER thought he would earn! I am so incredibly proud of Little! Even more so than if he had earned his OTCH! We have both worked very hard in resocializing him and getting him over his fears. He still has some barriers to cross, such as children, but he's done so well. I just wanted to share our triumph with you as you were SUCH a huge influence on those tough days. Days where I wasn't sure if there was help for him. Days where I was faced with the most difficult decision anyone could ever have to make... do I euthanize this dog? So, from the deepest depths of my heart, THANK YOU!!!! Best wishes, Cheryl & Little Wim, CGN, CRACL Hi, Norma-Jeanne! We wanted to write and say a big thank-you for the course. We both really appreciated your way of training, I really like how non-violent your stance is toward animals. I've recommended you to our friends. Best wishes in the future, hopefully we will see you for another course! Anna & Mark, Scooter & Beans - Kitchener, Ontario Hi Norma Jeanne, Jake finally learned to shake a paw, high five and wave. I was able to shape this within about one minute of trying earlier in the week. I know it is all science but I am so proud of him and me, I can see now that I can easily continue this shaping for other results. We had a blast as usual, please keep in touch and I will do the same! Lynn Kirton - Kitchener, Ontario Norma Jeanne, Just wanted to say thanks, we have been for two walks in the last three days, 50 mins each on a regular route just bailey and I, (this took us from the driveway, across the street, always two people, baby steps...) and the third day, I walked to my girlfriends, a shorter walk but very different route and he was introduced to two new people, still some work, but this is giant for us, thanks again for your help. Val Spads - Kitchener, Ontario Our run tonight included a beep with the SC - Chili has decided to start doing a wide circle before she returns (she did this when we first started Frisbee, too). The beep got her back on track, though. Anyway, it is SO good to be able to turn her loose and watch her run and play and "be a dog." Just have to back up a step or two for a few days, I guess. I feel a lot more relaxed about it all, now, recognizing it's a setback, not the end of the world. I can't thank you enough for all your help, advice, and patience. Jan Morris Thank you for your telephone message. I appreciate your offer to help Calum and me once he is back in good health. Your kindness toward dogs is certainly evident in your positive attitude toward dog owners. Katherine - Kitchener, Ontario Hi, Norma Jeanne, Update on Red Hot Chili: We had 2 great Frisbee sessions tonight. I do like learning from the best teachers and of course, it's why we keep coming back to Puppy Power, too. :) Anyway, Chili is catching quite a few discs, which must also mean that I'm throwing better, too! Tonight, we were playing with the distraction of a family of people, including a couple of children, fishing in the river. We got in about 5 throws before I started losing Chili's attention, so we did 1 more short toss that she could get, and ended the session. But she didn't even try to take off. On the way back, we practiced some of her tricks - marching, rolling over and back, curtsey, and front and back, all within sight and hearing of the fisherfolk. Then, we walked the short block home with her heeling and me NOT HOLDING HER LEASH. Actually, she was on the long line, but it was trailing behind her and I didn't have to touch it all the way home. But the really great news is that we are going for longs walks down a country road with Chili draggin a line that I often don't even hold on to. If she starts to get too far ahead, I ask her to sit, down, or come, and she responds right away. Most of this happened quite spontaneously. After a choice piece of horse poop sprayed her in the face, she doesn't go too far away! And I always have to help her past the spot on the road where that awful thing happened! I get so excited about our progress, I just have to tell somebody. You're top of the list, because you know how frustrated and discouraged I was getting, and you've been such a huge help in getting us through our difficulties. I'm noticing a real difference in Chili, as if she has finally decided that she wants to be with me. I went through a very bad patch when I thought we just weren't suited for each other. Now, I'm wondering if I really want another dog because I'm enjoying my one-on-one time with Chili so much. I'm looking forward to Freestyle in a couple of weeks. I actually bought some dowelling and we've had a couple of sessions teaching Chili not to eat it, but when I nudge her to try and get her to side pass towards me, she shoves on the dowel or runs out in front. So maybe I'll wait until class to see how to teach her properly. Oh, yes, and finally - Chili can almost sit and be patted by strangers without having hysterics. She can't hold the sit for very long, but she's showing less tendency to jump at people's faces. So hopefully she'll be ready for Sylvia's Therapy Dog course in October! Sorry to babble on so, but you were right. Chili is now firmly entrenched as my "Special Girl." All my dogs have had "special" names (Baroque was always my "Best Boy"), and Chili has really earned hers. Jan & Chili All of your advice the other day was very helpful. Thank you so much for spending the time. It's obvious that you care a lot about the dogs. Thanks Again for all your help, Angela Smith Thanks so much (again) for your expert advise. The 'time outs' did the trick and her problem behaviour is solved! Thanks again, Yours truly; John Vice Frosty is such a good puppy, the boys taught him a new trick last night. They taught him to jump over their back - it's adorable. I am so thankful that we did the Puppy classes with you to get us on the right track with training. He responds so well with his listening, it amazes us sometimes! We are big believers in positive reinforcement, which is one of the reasons we chose Puppy Power. Being a new dog owner, the skills we learned from the very beginning in training Frosty have been truly invaluable. We appreciate your unique approach in encouraging the family to attend the classes. We believe, it is because of this, we have had so much success with our training experience. It was positively the best! Thank-you! Paul, Joanne, Mitchel, Justin & Frosty : ) Thank you for all your simple, fixable ideas that you gave me regarding Divot's behaviour. Today, Barry told me that Divot never barked at all. The neighbours will think we killed him. He has treat toys now and loves the Tricky Treats ball. He rolls that thing all over the house, waiting for a piece of kibble to fall out of the hole. He's no longer crawling all over Barry, wanting attention. He also waits for the Kong to be put outside in the morning, all nicely frozen and ready to reveal its contents. I haven't taken him to Day Care yet as it's hard doing my job and Barry's and still have time left in the day to drop Divot off and pick him up by 5 pm. That's certainly a plan for down the road. Thank you so much for your help. You've certainly improved the relationship between us and our pet. Hope you can see the picture of Divot that I've attached. Isn't he a beautiful boy! I've been singing your praises to every dog owner I know. I told Kelly (one of your past students) at "On Golden Paws" that I wish she had a newsletter or a white board in her store where customers could list their favorite products because the Tricky Treats ball was amazing products to modify behavior. I even told her that I had learned that from you. Thank you, Thank you! PS: Today was the second day in a row that he hasn't barked. Barry said he was an amazing dog today. I thought I have seen and heard everything when it came to training but did I ever get my eyes open yesterday when I took Kya on a 8K walk around the Floradale dam. I came across a woman with a large boxer who trained the "baw method". I am not sure how to spell it but that is the way it sounded. I was proud of myself for keeping a straight face when watching her in action. I put Kya in a sit stay to talk to her and walked away from her. The woman tried to put her 2yr old in a sit stay but it would not keep it and that is when I heard her yell "BAW" at the top of her lungs. She said it was to mimic the mothers growl and she took classes from a man I believe lives in Elmira. When the baw did not work she then threw a bottle with something in it at him so as not to hit the dog but startle him. It still did not listen and it ran to Kya and was boxing her. I was a proud momma when Kya keep her sit stay and did not stand up so I said to the woman I will reward Kya for her excellent sit stay while your dog is on top of her. I did not ever think I would see the day Kya could keep a sit stay when a dog was at her that way. The woman grabbed her dog and kept yelling baw. I told her that I went to you and Sylvia and we use positive reinforcement. They do not use food at all. Well proof is in the pudding as they say and I could see her method does not work so I hope she could see from Kya that there is a kinder and gentle way to train a dog. I just want to thank you and Sylvia once again. Kendra The 'tricks' you have given me for Bosco's problem are working out just fine. I can't believe the change in him in just two days. Already, he starts paying more attention to me than what is going on around us when walking outdoors. I am so impressed, I even asked my husband to come with me this afternoon to make sure I wasn't seeing things, he too was impressed with the changes, especially when we came across another dog on the street and Bosco paid more attention to me than to that impressive dog. I Can't thank you enough ! We still have to work on it, I don't expect everything to be perfect in just two days, but we are doing fine. Either I'm doing something right or I have a very clever dog, maybe both. Anyways, thanks a lot, as this was becoming a nightmare that finally turned out to be just a fun thing to do. And you were right, out with the negative feelings on my part ! Now we're out to have fun and learn ! Linda Reasins "Hi Norma Jeanne, You're great! I came from the last class with that satisfied feeling of having seen someone "walk what they talk." You were able to show encouragement and positive attitude even when some of your human and canine students didn't perform to an A+. Thanks for the privilege if sitting in on your classes." Ruth Richmond, Toronto, Ontario "Thank you for allowing us to observe your classes. I must say that I was shocked by the difference between your classes and the classes my dog and I attend. First, the dogs in what I believe was your puppy class were better at recall than the dogs in our class at advanced novice level. All of the dogs in your class are happy, excited, and highly motivated. I'd love to say that the dogs in our class were, but they are just excited to see the other dogs. They are obedient, but only because if they stray they get a jerk of the collar. I feel I have done my dog an injustice, which breaks my heart. Being my first dog I didn't know a whole lot about obedience. I always knew I wanted to use positive reinforcement and always have, though watching your class was like looking over the fence for the first time. I blindly enrolled with the instructor I currently use after ALL of my co-workers, and my manager, telling me what an amazing instructor she was. I still sat in on a class but I think the mistake I made was not sitting in on any others. The more I trained, the more I began to question her but today I almost walked out. Someone asked about how to enforce recall when her dog wouldn't come. Our instructor brought out a chunk of knotted chain and instructed her to throw it at her dogs hip if she didn't come. My jaw dropped and I sat in shock as she demonstrated on a very willing clients dog, then another, and another. Thank god no more. With my boy, being a greyhound he is very sensitive, the harsher my tone of voice or actions, the more he hesitates. I was having trouble with his recall at one point, and was afraid he would dart out the door at work. I was told to go up and give him a correction, then bring him to where I called him. Instead, when I practiced your recall and when he came his reward would be play. If he strayed I used a food lure put in front of his nose to guide him back to where I was. Problem solved!" "Thank you, Norma Jeanne, not for only convincing me that this course is perfect for me, but for opening my eyes and letting me look over the fence. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!" Cheryl Becker, Oshawa, Ontario. Hi Norma Jeanne, I'm considering sending you an e-mail for the IPDTA Newsletter about Moose's miraculous salvation. I just happened to be at the vet's office today and they were quite pleased with Moose as they noticed a big improvement in him. The staff and Moose' vets are very interested in his progress and the program I'm following. I really appreciate the e-mails. It feels so good to be back on track. Cheryl Goul, CB.ccs & Tom Goul, CB.ccs Barrie, Ontario "Dear Norma Jeanne; Darwin and I would like to thank you for help with his training. It has helped us immensely and we are positive it will make Darwin a better service dog. We are enjoying the advanced classes and their challenges very much." Laurie Page, Kitchener, Ontario "Dear Norma Jeanne; Several years ago I began finding homes for unwanted dogs. Many had been neglected and abused and often came with little or no socialization, no housebreaking and numerous other problems. Having a houseful of these problem pooches can be quite frustrating. As result of your consultation the results have been outstanding. Thank you for your help." Joy Casselli, Kitchener, Ontario "Dear Norma Jeanne; This is a letter of gratitude. The day I called you I was desperate, we love our dachshund, but did not like his behavior. I had bought a book special to this breed trying all the techniques but nothing worked! Max was still barking and lunging at people. After you came to my house and spent an hour with Max and myself with your kind but firm and positive approach, you won Max's heart immediately. Within 24 hours Max was a changed dog. The neighbours were calling to see if Max was sick because they had heard no barking! Its been awhile now and I want everyone to know Puppy Power works! We just came in from our walk and we encountered many barking dogs, but not my Max. I am a very proud owner of a very quiet and happy dog. I highly recommend Puppy Power and Norma Jeanne's positive approach to training." Sharon Niergarth and Maximillion, Waterloo, Ontario "As the owner of two dogs, one that was abused and neglected by his previous owner, and the other abandoned; I was not a stranger to erratic canine behaviour. The search for a method to effectively handle this behaviour using positive interactions was not without its challenges. However, the day that I discovered Norma Jeanne and her training methods was the day that my life and the lives of my dogs changed. Norma Jeanne's Puppy Power is more than a dog training school. It is a whole new way of altering unacceptable behaviour and reinforcing acceptable behavior. The concept of positive reinforcement utilizing a wide variety of techniques, depending upon the behaviour to be modified, had worked wonders with both of my dogs. Norma Jeanne's techniques are easy to learn and easier to continue. The Puppy Power school is clean, the environment is friendly and the atmosphere is non-threatening. Although I had been a little apprehensive upon my arrival at the school the first time due to a concern that my dog would not succeed, my fears were soon dissolved. Norma Jeanne is extremely knowledgeable and continues to develop her methods. Her suggestions and advice work. When classes were over, the learning did not stop. Norma Jeanne makes herself available for consultation over the phone and provides very valuable advice and suggestions to handle any behaviour that is of concern. I have truly benefited, and my dogs have benefited from the experience, knowledge, and professionalism that Norma Jeanne exudes. She is truly every dogs, and every dog owners best friend!" Ruth Ariss - Kitchener, Ontario "We, the Tennant family, firmly believe in the excellence in this training organization. Norma Jeanne is the ideal model for obedience training. She is accessible, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. Her positive training methods, along with her sense of humour have helped our family through minor crisis, in our journey with Ben, and I'm sure, other families as well." The Tennant Family, Kitchener, Ontario Hi Norma Jeanne, I just wanted to give you an update on Dory. Your recommendations worked great. She still "guards" but it is more like a "keep away" game and she is not growling etc, even then, it's very rare. She is much better! Thank you so much for your help. Dory has also become much more affectionate, sitting beside me for hours letting me pet her, it's great! Carrie Cleghorn, Guelph, Ontario Hi Norma Jeanne, I just wanted to let you know how well Tika is doing with the Gentle Leader! I wish I used it sooner! We took Tika for 3 walks yesterday, and what a difference! she of course wasn't crazy about using it, but she didn't pull at all. Today, I took her for a short break outside, without the Gentle Leader, because of time constraints, and it was like walking a totally different dog! She did not pull or run once! We will continue to use the leader though for longer walks until she no longer needs it. The walks have actually been enjoyable! Daisy Lee, Kitchener, Ontario |