What Our Clients Are Saying »
Robin,
I have been meaning to write this letter for some time now. I would like to thank both you and your staff for the tremendous training that we, Eike and I, have already received, and are still receiving. I must admit that I was slightly hesitant about puppy/ basic obedience training with an e-collar initially; however, after seeing the tremendous difference after only one session, it was clear to me that I had made the right choice in training with you and your staff. Not only was there a vast improvement, but he enjoyed the classes and workouts as well.
As you know, I attended both your school and another more traditional, highly recommended local puppy/obedience school simultaneously. It was amazing to see not only the speed with which he learned the basics through your facility, but also his retention of those skills. The other participants and even the instructors at the traditional facility were amazed at how well he was doing, so much so, that one of them stated that he was already able to complete the majority of tasks required for the canine good citizen (CGC) title through AKC which is their intermediate level (two classes above the level he was enrolled in).
I believe that both methods accomplish the same goals, provided that the owner/handler is both prepared and willing to put forth the effort and reinforce the training at home and not just in class. However, there was a noticeable difference pertaining to the speed with which the pup learned and his retention of the learned behaviors performed using the e-collar training he received through your institution. My experience through your school has changed my outlook on the efficacy and humanity of initial training involving the use of e-collars. I would go so far as to say that as long as the trainer/handler is properly trained and instructed on their use, the use of an e-collar is not only as humane, if not even more humane and easy on the dog, as more traditional methods, but also more effective in that one sees noticeable and lasting results much sooner through the use of an e-collar.
That being said, perhaps the best illustration of the humanity and efficacy of training with the use of an e-collar is my willingness to make the 2 ½ hour one-way drive, often multiple times per week, to train and learn how to incorporate this style of training into our everyday lives. I don’t hesitate to recommend both your facility and methods when individuals ask how or where they should train their dog. I cannot thank you and your staff enough.
Sincerely,
Jed Baehr (South Beloit, IL)
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My husband and I have a darling 6 month old Scottish terrier named Buster. Having had terriers in the past, and loving their terrier “characteristics”, we knew that after having to put down our beloved 13 year old Cairn terrier, we would once again welcome a terrier into our family. Scruffy had serious aggression “issues” with other dogs. He was perfect with kids and adults but hideous and scary with other dogs. He hated motorcycles, garbage trucks and door bells. It was a problem that we never addressed and that was a BIG mistake. Scruffy’s “issues” were more about me being fearful that if we disciplined Scruffy we would hurt his feelings. I was intimidated and uneducated and as a result, Scruffy became (lovingly) known by family members as the Cairn “terrorist”.
When we were looking for an obedience program for Buster, my husband’s co-worker referred us to “That’s My Dog” and it was the BEST advice we have ever been given. We started out with Puppy Pre-school that was taught by Robin and Kelly. Buster loved it and I learned SO much. I gained confidence in my ability to discipline and teach Buster and Robin taught us basic techniques that I could easily apply at home. Then we had Buster signed up for one week of day care and he came home exhausted and happy. He had so much fun. I brought him in one day and Liz (lovingly) called Buster the “snapping dragon” which was funny at the time but I knew his “snapping dragon” behavior wouldn’t be funny for long. Then, per Robin’s gentle “urging” we signed Buster up for one week of the Remote Collar training. Buster graduates today from the program. I can not believe what just one week of the training has done for Buster and for me. He would never walk with me or if he did he would be ahead of me or behind me and if we saw other people he would go nuts. Now when we walk, he is calm and I feel like I have more control of Buster because of the education I have received and it is a great feeling. When I use the simple commands I learned in the training, he listens. It is amazing to say the least. We owe it to Buster and to ourselves to do everything we can to see that we have a long and wonderful life together. I have no doubt that we will and we have That’s My Dog, Robin, Kelly, Liz and the others to thank for teaching Buster and I so much. You will never find a more dedicated group of people! You’ll be giving you and your family the greatest gift by enrolling in the classes at That’s My Dog.
Lori, Rod & Buster Fiebelkorn
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I have been a veterinarian for 25 years and in my opinion Robin MacFarlane’s, “That’s My Dog” training provides dog instruction in a professional, gentle manner with great success. I know this as client. Robin observed our interactions with our pets and then used her knowledge to diagnosis the behavioral problems and to teach us communication methods which enabled us to quickly and easily relate to our dog and earn their respect. We have two Schnauzers that we love dearly. When we arrived home from work, our pets were in control. We wanted to be able to take our pets for walks without being pulled along. We also needed lots of help with our pets being very territorial and barking uncontrollably when company arrived. Our new dog, Wilma had bitten several times and we couldn’t get little Wilma to stop being aggressive toward strangers. Robin quickly taught us how to demonstrate calm leadership and with the help of remote collar training she is now calm, submissive and we are not fearful of her biting. It was a quick and amazing transformation. Wilma is a happier pet. The methods for remote collar training are humane and effective. Understanding the “Pack Mentality” rather than treating our pets as humans and teaching pet owners how to best relate to dogs is the foundation of “That’s My Dog” training. Robin has years of rigorous training education and has perfected her understanding and implementation of this proven & effective system.
Robin has the perfect training style to connect with all dogs. My practice has referred dogs to Robin (including those with serious temperament problems) and she always achieved great results.
Thank you for your professional expertise!
Dr. Jerry Adams DVM
Adams Pet Hospital
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Robin
Matt and I wanted to thank THATS MY DOG for the remarkable training that we received for our German Shepherd, Sammi. Sammi is a rescue
that we adopted at 8 months old , and we realized quickly she had behavior issues. She was aggressive, would bite, jump up and knock us down.We could not have visitors in our home because Sammi was hostile. She would not obey any commands. Sammi was confrontational and hostile toward our four young grandchildren and could not be allowed in the house when they visited. She would not stay off the furniture and bed, and would become vicious if we tried to get her off. She often blocked doorways and stairs, growling and baring teeth if we tried to pass by.
We enrolled Sam in obedience school and she did not do well .We were told we should surrender Sammi and that she was possibly unadoptable. Our next step was to purchase an electronic collar. We had no clue how to use it properly and it did not help Sammi’s behavioral problems. We were at the point that we didn’t know what to do and realized we might have to give Sammi up. We were frustrated, angry, sad, scared and tired.
A neighbor mentioned THATS MY DOG. We called and had our free evaluation with Robin. She said Sam was “reactive” and fearful and that she could help us. We had doubts but were willing to try. Kelly was our trainer. Every week she would walk us through the lessons and give us homework to do with Sammi. If we had issues or questions during the week we were encouraged to call Kelly. She was very patient, knowledgeable, and confident. We loved her and so did Sammi.
Learning to use the e-collar properly took some effort…we quickly began to see results. Sammi tested boundaries often, but as we learned to consistently use the remote collar, Sammi realized what was expected of her. We also learned PLACE and it has been so useful when Sam is overexcited and anxious. We learned that the word OFF replaced a hundred other phrases. We learned not to yell at Sammi, instead let the collar remind her of what she had learned.
We never believed, even after we began to see progress with Sammi, that she would be capable of off leash. Sammi used to drag us on walks, bark at everything. It was not a pleasant experience so we quit walking her. Now Sam and I walk every morning and she is in a perfect heel position with no leash….and me looking at her proudly and saying THATS MY DOG !!!!!!!!
Our four grandchildren come often now….and Sammi is loving, playful and gentle with all of them including the 2 year old…who likes to tug Sam’s ears and lay on her back. There are not enough ways to thank Robin and Kelly for all they have taught us. We know without a doubt that learning how to properly use the electronic collar to train Sammi saved her life. She is now happy, well behaved, and a pleasure to have in our family. We thank you for that and for giving us a dog that other professionals never thought capable of such amazing obedience.
Matt and Kim Potter
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Robin, The three weeks I spent with you at That’s my dog E-cademy were some of the most well spent weeks in my life! Now, I’m able to teach a dog things that were existing only in my imagination some months ago! You are honestly a charismatic person-trainer and your ability to read, teach and communicate with both dogs and their handlers is second to none! You try all the time to unleash everyone’s potential and that is highly appreciated! I came back home with many different applicable ways to train and most importantly with the confidence to stay creative in the everyday training problem solving! Also, you were always available for help when needed, which is sth really important!!! I’d highly suggest you and your trainers school to everyone interested in new age remote collar training techniques, and to everyone interested in creating better relationships with dogs in a stress free manner, and with less conflict! Dog training is a great trip that never ends, and you and your place is a great way for someone to start it!!! Looking forward to meet and train with you again!!!
Best regards,
John Adamopoulos (Professional Dog Trainer, Thessaloniki, Greece)
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Robin, I have attended many seminars and workshops during my 20 years of training dogs for obedience, hunting, and AKC field competitions, and have extensive experience in working with remote training collars. Yet I can safely say that none has been more valuable than the two-week program with you. Your approach to the e-collar as a training tool is unique, and I have been able to incorporate your methods into my training programs with excellent results. During my two weeks working and learning with you and your staff, you generously shared your approach to business development and tips for networking, marketing, and using public presentations and demonstrations to grow revenues. I am looking forward to using what I have learned in every aspect of my business.
Larry Sonntag (Professional Dog Trainer)
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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.
Joe Scheffen DVM
Fairmont Veterinary Hospital, Fairmont, West Virginia
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Hi Robin – Ava and I have not been to many classes lately. Sandee and I have been extra busy starting an alpaca farm and dealing with many things. However I wanted you to know that there has been great progress in Ava’s socialization. If you will remember socialization with both humans and other dogs was a problem for AVA, although it appeared to be more of a fear aggression. Ava is now great with all people and great with children. She also is now friendly with most dogs and at the most growls if they irritate her. Things have worked out better than I expected and the classes really helped with her confidence and with her getting use to other people and dogs. Again thanks for helping a rescue dog to fit in with people and other dogs. Her life is much better for it.
Bob Merrick
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Rosie became a member of the Rosecrance adolescent substance abuse treatment center family when she was a puppy. Rosecrance, a leader in the substance abuse treatment located in Rockford, IL, is situated on almost 50 acres of land with 15 acres of woods, a healing garden and two ponds. Rosie, a collie/shepherd mix with a lot of energy, was “hired” with the thought that her main job would be to keep the geese out of the two ponds located on site. It quickly became apparent that Rosie would also be spending time with patients and staff throughout the day. It was a rough start for Rosie. From jumping on people to running away it just wasn’t working out. She went to some obedience classes which did help with some bad behaviors but her high energy would always land her in trouble. After extensive research we decided to bring her to That’s My Dog. I must say the name says it all. When Rosie came back that was the first thing I said, “That’s My Dog?!” Rosie was off leash and very well behaved. I couldn’t believe it was the same dog. Rosie has done a good job keeping the geese out of the grounds and is becoming an important therapeutic outlet for the patients we serve at Rosecrance. Rosie visits the patients when she is outside or when they take her for a walk. Everyone here knows and loves the new Rosie. She is still young and loves to play but when I say, “Let’s go to the pond,” she is ready to work. She has learned more than I could have imagined. From being a dog that works the grounds to a dog that interacts with fifty or more people a day, she understands what is expected of her. Thank you so much Robin and your team for your passion and skill with Rosie.
Aaron Statler,
E.S. Supervisor Safety Officer, Rosecrance Health Network Rockford, IL
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This is the best money I have ever spent. Gracie is fun. She is reliable, and I can take her placed without worry. As you know Gracie is a big girl and she is every strong without TMD training there is now way I would have ever been able to control her. Now she is a pleasure to walk an I have a dog that is trustworthy and reliable. You are great. Without TMD I would not be able to have a dog.
Bill Stenquist
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Hello Robin, Just wanted to drop a note and tell you how amazing this collar is!! Now, I can enjoy Kelly so much more knowing that half my energy won’t go into making sure I have her under control and listening to me. I was beginning to think I didn’t do a very good job with her training, but now I am confident I did a good job with her and the e collar is allowing the real training to show through. I had spent time each day training, and had gone from flat collar, to martingale, to prong collar with no real change. When I lastly went to a smaller prong, for a stronger correction, she basically shut down. Then, I knew if was correction that was needed, it was getting her attention to do the commands I knew she had learned. That is when I spent several weeks researching the use of the remote training, and found YOU from searching the internet. From your facilty we went on to Dubuque, got a room at the casino, and stayed over. She actually was a perfect dog, trouble was, so many people wanted to talk to me, I hardly had time to gamble. I took her for a few walks near the river, and it was fantastic. No lunging or taking time for all the pee mail, it was great. I think she actually seems to be enjoying it more. I don’t know if it is because she isn’t being corrected all the time, or if she just doesn’t have to worry about checking everything out. It makes one wonder if it truly does offer the dog relaxation because they don’t feel they have to control or check everything, if that makes sense. She acted amazing yesterday and last night, and everyone commented on her behavior, as they have many service dogs visit. It really made me feel so much better to not have to be constantly checking her with my right hand, while touching the handle with the left hand. So effortless, I am still amazed today. I highly recommend this method to anyone, and thank you for helping me out. I appreciate your staff in working to arrange a time that worked best for me also. Frankly, I think you need to have a seminar in this area, all that is available is is “old school” or clicker training. I attempted a few classes, but had difficulty hearing or with dogs out of control that owners couldn’t handle and I was fearful of getting knocked over. I am looking forward to each outting now, knowing that half my energy won’t go into maintaining control.
Kindest regards, Tana (and Kelly, Assistance Dog)
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Robin, You and your staff did not disappoint and yet again provided us all with an EXTREMELY rewarding and educational experience. I really can’t tell you how much I learned this weekend…one because it hasn’t all sunken in yet, but in reality, because a lot of what I gleaned were intangibles that only people with years of experience and expertise can produce. I know i came there, as most others did, with the goal of learning more about working with dogs, but I left with the reality that I need to work on “me” as well…and to be able to be brutally honest with myself on where i am right now and also to be provided with direction on how to get to where I want to be in a single weekend was absolutely amazing to me! I’m so glad that you and your folks put in the work that you do to get this event up and rolling, because it really was one of the most educational and enlightening experiences I have had in a LONG time! Already looking forward to next year! Thanks again for all that you do for our profession!
Scott VandenHaute, (Professional Dog Trainer)
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Robin, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the great seminar you presented this Friday and Saturday at the B and B training facility in Ma. Your material is excellent and presentation style is among the best I have seen in many years. Earlier in my career, as an executive with Verizon, one of the groups reporting to me was the training and development staff for the corporation. I had several hundred trainers in that organization and very few had the mastery of material and the presentation skills displayed by you at this session. Best of luck in the future .
Bob Haymen, (Boston workshop attendee)
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Dear Robin, I am so happy that I opted to visit you for some one on one mentoring. I am an advocate of learning, of learning usually by attending seminars with a variety of topics. I found that while I learn a significant amount, the areas I wanted to focus on were never fully addressed (if at all) in that type of learning environment and I still had the same questions with no answers. How frustrating! In working with you for a couple of days, all of my questions were answered on the topics that I wanted to study. I have achieved what I set out to learn which took my skills to the next level. I have implemented everything you have taught me thus far, more than once with HUGH success. What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment! Your knowledge and time is worth every penny and I can honestly say it is the best money I have spent in quite a long time! You are a skilled teacher and a true mentor and for that, I am thankful!
Tracey Gratz (Professional Dog Trainer)
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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, there 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 yes. 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 form 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 announcements 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. 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 with 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 can recommend it to all police K9 teams. You are excellent instructors and very committed with reason, to this method of dog training. This thank you is heart felt and I applaud your contributions to the police K9 world and keeping our officers and citizen safe.
Sergeant, Chris Boyd (City of Madison, WI Police Dept)