Full Article in the Examiner  - Paula Burgeson Arlington Heights Labrador Retriever Examiner – July 21, 2011

Alex Brooks would be the first to tell you that if he wasn’t working with dogs, he’d be working with kids.  But it’s a good thing he’s working with dogs, because his methods are flawless and easy to learn, helping a great amount of people, including the large audience he had Tuesday night at the Mount Prospect Library.

Brooks went over common problems, such as crate training, excessive barking and aggression towards other dogs on walks.

He brought his own deaf dog, Twister, to show to people how little voice commands really make to a dog.  His example was telling a dog “No!” but that your body language speaks louder than your words.

Brooks showed the audience how to teach a dog to sit, stay, come, heel and down.  He admits that these commands don’t make a perfect dog, but they are things that every dog should learn.

Kismit was his other demo dog, which showed training at an earlier stage.  Kismit was a gorgeous golden retriever, and actually (and surprisingly to Brooks) a very quick study when placed in front of an audience.

Brooks went over collar types, and dispelled myths about prong collars (One audience member told Brooks they were cruel).

Brooks also explained dog mentality, and the need for an alpha dog.  “I believe dogs are not born leaders,” he says.  Dogs will only take over when they feel that the people are not taking charge; this would definitely be the case with all of my dogs thus far.

He was a great host, entertaining all ages from children with their first dog to the elderly who still had questions about obedience training.  The audience ranged also in the people who bought a dog versus adopted one.  There were even foster families in the audience.

Brooks and his staff are incredible.  I can’t say enough nice things about them!  It was a pleasure to attend this event and hopefully he will put on many more local shows.