First of all, let me just say you did an incredible job tonight at the library. I came home with several pages of notes, and worked my dogs as soon as I came in the door – walking right past them until they settled down, then calmly greeting them. They were surprised that I didn’t come in and ruff up their fur with a giant greeting, but I really think they liked this new, calmer greeting better.

Secondly can I compliment you (because I didn’t get a chance yet) to say how incredible your Doggiepalooza was!? It was my first year attending, and since I was testing TDI I was too nervous to enjoy the rest of the festival, but I am definitely coming back every year!

Third, I’ve had a couple lessons with Rick and I just wanted to let you know that your methods totally work. We did a couple prep lessons for the TDI just so I could get familiar with the facility and get Logan in the mindset that that location means “go to work”. Really, it was to see if Logan would lay down… Her dominance is that strong. She failed her first TDI attempt at three years old because she wouldn’t lay down (but at that age, you know she knew “down”). I remember rolling in the grass, telling her “oooh, the grass feels so nice, why don’t you lay down” and doing everything in my power… We met with Rick twice this year before the TDI and now I can say that Logan will lay down if I point to the ground!!! Before it would take a treat, bending over, lowering the treat in front of her nose, a big “DOWN” and still that didn’t always work. We tried forcing her down, but it just built her dominance up. After meeting with Rick, I found out I’ve been doing it wrong the whole time.

So yes, your center trains people more than it trains dogs. I just wasn’t speaking her language.

I don’t mean to ramble. I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you do with dogs (and thank you for giving me an INCREDIBLE place to test TDI – with air conditioning on a super sunny day! We’re used to training outdoors) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!