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Chase
Puppy Kindergarten Feedback:   
Hi Cindy!
I just wanted to take the time to thank you and Deb for such a great class. We, Chase included, really enjoyed it and got a lot from it. We don't know when we will get the chance to sign up for another class, but we might at some point. We do continue to train what we have been taught. We walked around the whole neighborhood yesterday without him pulling at all!!! We were so proud! (and of course gave lots of continual praise!!!)

Thanks so much!
Heather Ritter


Feedback on Reactive Dog Class, Levels One and Two:   
I just wanted to share with you that Lucy was awesome at the Pupapalooza event in E-town on Saturday. She absolutely loved it and I saw behaviors (good) from her that I don’t know that I’ve ever seen before. For the most part she just wanted to be playful with the other dogs (she actually had fun playing with a dog that looked like a husky) and she would lay down and roll over without any coaxing. I totally couldn’t believe it. I can’t wait for the next event that I can take her to and definitely think I’m going to sign us up for Dog Scouts as soon as I can make sure that we can fit it into our schedule.

I definitely want to say a huge “THANK YOU” to both you and Lisa for the wonderful training classes that you have put together. It’s now hard to think of how things would have been for Lucy and me had we not been told about your class as I do not believe that traditional training classes (as a start) are as helpful for those of us with reactive dogs. I can’t say thank you enough.

Stephanie and Lucy


Feedback on Creative Dog Class:
The Creative Dog class has been the biggest break through class with Ace since we've started training. Ace is an energetic pup with an incredible will and he knows and understand basic commands but would have trouble focusing on us when distractions were presented. This class helped remove distractions and focus his energy into fun games so that when he would hear the click he would immediately engage in a different way then when we had used other types of training techniques.

The other piece of this class that I really liked was its focus on catching the dog doing appropriate behavior and using positive reinforcement. For example, when people would approach Ace he would pull on the leash and jump up to greet them, however by using the clicker and clicking at the precise moment when he was leaving a little slack in the leash, it has changed his behavior from jumping and pulling to sitting and going to the end of the leash but no longer pulling.

The clicker is a powerful tool that enhances communication between you and your dog. Even in distracting environments, the clicker and using the "choosing" technique brings out the best in our dog. I thought I was the only one who was noticing the differences but many people in stores, on walks, and in our neighborhood have all commented how obiedient Ace is since we've learned new strategies to illict positive behavior. We've also grown to appreciate how truly smart Ace is and what a clever animal he is.

I'd say the most powerful aspect of the class was the choosing activities. Anne would have a variety of distractions and you would interact with your dog and click when they would choose you over the distractions. I liked this and think this should be further explored and developed for off leash techniques, recall, etc.

Elizabeth Farner & Ace
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Basic Obedience & Manners Feedback:
Scott and I want to thank you for your instruction and training of Hagen (and us) in the Basic Obedience and Manners class at Fieldwood. Thank you so much for your patience with our girl.

We are really glad that we decided to take the class - and stay in the class after the first crazy day. I think all three of us gained a lot from the experience. Although Hagen had already gained many skills in prison (I just love to say it that way) [webmaster note: Hagen is a alumni of HOPE (Hounds for Prison Education)], her focus on us when there were distractions was terrible at first. We learned ways to get her back on track and pay attention to us - a very important skill out in the real world. And we did learn a lot of new, fun things to do with our dog.

Again, thank you for all your help.

Jessica and Scott Sebastian


Control Unleashed Feedback:
This class is wonderful! Control Unleashed has been instrumental in helping me learn how to help Trey (my Aussie) deal with environmental changes and other people / dogs. He is focusing much better and responding to me instead of getting so excited and “losing his mind!” I can’t believe how this class has helped teach him to redirect his attention and focus. We still have long way to go but we can actually can work together now. It has definitely made him a happier more relaxed dog! Thank you Fieldwood, and especially Kristine, for providing this opportunity to our family. We are so happy that we found you!

Jason and Jen Klinger (and of course Trey too!)
Newville, PA
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Basic Manners Class Feedback:
To Ann Withun-
Thank you for your patience in our recent class. The whole experience for Scout was rewarding. I have to keep working with her. I really enjoyed the last session. ... I have only had her two months now and I think she is doing pretty good. I guess I expected to much of her right away. I have high hopes. Thank you again for your, caring and enlightening wisdom.

Carole Taylor


Agility Class Feedback: We had a wonderful experience with Christine in the Introduction to Agility class at Fieldwood. Christine is very positive, knowledgeable and patient. It was amazing how attuned and responsive she was to each dog’s/handler’s specific needs. We couldn’t open the car door fast enough for our puppy to get out and start class!

Jen, Mark & Emma


Basic/Manners Class Feedback:
Mary,
Please let Ann know that she was a pleasure to work with & hope to see her again sometime – possibly next spring for some add’l. classes. Please tell her ‘thank you’ from us.

Thanks for everything. Your classes/facility will go highly recommended to my friends in the area.

Celine Myers
Mechanicsburg, PA

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Basic/Manners Class Feedback:
When we started our classes with Ann Withun, our little big guy Archer (he was only 7 months old, but full bred German Shepherd) was so over-stimulated with new sites, sounds and new doggies. He whimpered nearly the entire class. But soon the socialization with the other dogs and Ann's patience with us paid off. I am now able to walk Archer through Petsmart without being dragged from one end of the store to the other.

He also responds better to me. Before he would only listen to my husband, Jeremy. Our evening walks are now a joy to both of us because we are not struggling against each other.

I just wanted to express my thanks to you for the wonderful school that you run and to let you know that Ann has done an excellent job.

Mindy DeJesus

Mindy and I enjoyed every minute of each class, and will most definitely be taking more classes. Thanks again.

Jeremy DeJesus

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New Beginnings Feedback:
In August 2006, my husband and I met with you concerning our 7 yr old rescued golden retriever, Max. You told us at our private session that rescued dogs will have a slight change in personality every couple of months. We went on to take the "New Beginnings" class in September 2006 with Sue and loved it. It was a BIG BIG help to us in dealing with Max and his many insecurities. All three of us benefited from the class immensely!

And since then, we've watched Max change from a nervous tense insecure dog who didn't really know "how to be a dog" into a happy confident loyal loving dog who's finding out that not all people and new things are bad. He actually seeks out people to pet and play with him when we take him away with us. He went to Canada fishing with us for two weeks in June 2007 and loved it -- except for the four times he fell off the boat -- Max doesn't like the water!

And he's still changing -- so far each change has been positive! About a month ago, he started wagging his tail whenever we talk to him and if we walk up to him when he's laying down, he rolls over and wants his belly rubbed. He never did either of those things before!

He's such a wonderful dog. It's hard to believe someone threw this dog away at the SPCA not once, but twice. He was dumped there in January 2006, adopted in February and returned in May 2006 because the couple said he was vicious and aggressive. Yeah, right.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you were right! And thanks to Fieldwood for all your help!

Cindy & Gary Criswell
Gardners, PA


Introduction to Clicker Work feedback:
Max my 4-year-old rescue Doberman and I attended the Clicker Class with Kristine Hammar. I was very concerned about Max's behavior - not that it was bad, but he was an untrained, undisciplined, and a Doberman, a breed many are afraid of. I needed to find a way to communicate with Max and to get him to learn how I wanted him to behave.

Class with Kristine was very enjoyable for both Max and I. I learned as much if not more than Max. Kristine is a very vivacious and energetic instructor who was able to give everyone individual time. This class is a must for all dog owners!

I was afraid Max wasn't going to get it, but with Kristine's leadership and experience (and especially her encouragement), we both learned in leaps and bounds!! This was Max's first class and definitely won't be his last!

 Anne Hurst

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More Introduction to Clicker Work feedback:
Gixxer and I just finished a beginner clicker class with Kristine and we loved it. I have noticed a huge difference in his behavior at home and it is getting easier to keep him under control during class. I never realized how much work it would be to have a well behaved dog. It is worth every minute and every dollar.

The things I have learned from all of the instructors at Fieldwood are truly priceless. I could never thank you enough for helping me understand Gixxer. He is a lot of work and if it weren't for Fieldwood I probably would have given up a long time ago.
 
 Thanks again!  
 Cindy and Gixxer Monismith

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Basic Training/Manners feedback:
Fieldwood has another success story to add to its list!

I've had dogs my entire life and managed well, but Maizie had me stumped, even though we raised her from a puppy. She seemed to accept the passing of our 15 1/2 year old Brittany and the introduction of a 5 year old rescue dog, Kirby. But a year later, tensions were escalating to aggressive behavior between Maizie and Kirby. Thinking that Maizie was the "problem," we enrolled in Basic Training/Manners at Fieldwood.

The special attention of "going to school," the training itself, and the insights of the trainers helped me to see that Maizie, who I thought was the overconfident dog, needed some work to do and more security in her place in our family. The two dogs are still working on their "issues" but the situations are much less frequent and quickly defused. This old dog learned some new tricks, and Maizie did, too!

We're all very grateful to Fieldwood.

Sue Baldwin-Way
Carlisle, PA

Look Ma, No Hands feedback:
Cindy,
I want to thank you again for all of your guidance and help in the Look Ma, No Hands classes. I believe we humans become better parents and teachers to our dogs if we can learn to see the world through our dog's eyes, and you helped us to do just that. I now understand how to watch my dog for his body language and am aware of how my body language affects how he reacts.

You helped me to understand that consistency in training is key to helping our dogs become successful. At your urging we took Brody to several places including stores, parks, downtown and all of our small errands we needed to run and trained him in basic obedience over and over again at each place. This really helped Brody become more successful in sit, down, stay, and come with one command. More importantly training strengthens our relationship and allows us to let Brody become an even bigger part of our lives.

We look forward to many more classes at Fieldwood!

Thanks again,
Linda and Doug Fleck

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THANK YOU from Dee Jenkins and her Doberman, Jade
When I met Cindy Reitz eight months ago, my 80 lb. Doberman and I were locked into a progressively worsening battle of wills. Cindy responded to my issues as well as to those of my dog with extraordinary insight and intelligence. She gave us realistic protocols for improvement and provided us with patient and consistent support. We have made significant progress under her guidance, and my dog and I are now secure enough in ourselves and in each other to once again go out into the world.


Puppy Kindergarten feedback:
Mary,
I just want to thank you again for the Puppy Kindergarten classes. The socialization Brody received from attending classes was invaluable. He was a little shy when we first started the classes, but thanks to your method of having the puppies interact with each other and the handlers, he is no longer shy at all.

Each class was fun for Brody and my husband and myself. The homework papers were excellent with great tips for the training sessions at home. We keep the training fun, and Brody loves each session.

We consider training a lifelong pursuit. People never stop learning, and dogs shouldn't either. We are looking forward to the Advanced Puppy Kindergarten and all future trainings.

Thanks again,
Linda and Doug Fleck

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Canine Cool feedback:
I am sooo enjoying this class with Zoe! You are both so involved with the class and are teaching me new things every week. I really liked the ideas from Friday evening. I do want to try some of the toys that you had Friday since she tears everything to pieces (and LOVES it).

Thanks again!
Marcia Humer


THANK YOU from Mildred Raudabaugh
A special "Thanks" to the Fieldwood Trainers who are so caring and have helped me, as well as everyone else, to understand, appreciate and train our furry friends. You have taught me to try to observe the world through my "furry friend's" eyes, and this has helped me understand him and his reaction to the things around him a whole lot better. That is, I think, one of the most important things pet owners should know.

Boo has learned so much (and so have I) from each training session and he looks forward to seeing his other furry friends every week. As he was a rescue dog and I didn't get him until he was about 7 months old, he has come a long way in manners and confidence, thanks to you. He still has a lot to learn but I am confident he'll make me proud!

I know he likes the training because the last couple of times I have had to coax him to leave the building. How about that!

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Canine Cool feedback:
Thank you so much for your great guidance and 'puppy-power'! You make new dog moms like me feel much more at ease when it comes to the behaviors of our 'little ones.' Thanks again! We had lots of fun!"

The Reddings (Etta, Cortney & Loring)


Canine Cool feedback:
Hi Becky,
Just had to take a minute and tell you how happy Bruce and I were with the play group today. You and Sarah did a nice job of putting compatable dogs with Rissy. (not an easy job). It was so nice to see her with her tongue hanging.(not an easy job). She was so calm and relaxed on the way home... it didn't seem like our dog!

It would be less than honest to say that I have not had second thoughts about the dog that we selected from the Humane Society in June. Luckily for Rissy, Bruce and I, we stumbled on Fieldwood. You and Sarah obviously love what you are doing or you would not devote so much time and energy to it.

Thank you so much for helping us understand dog dynamics and in the process hopefully bring Rissy to a place where we have great communication and mutual respect.

Many Thanks
       Janell, Bruce and Rissy

Come, Stay, and Play feedback:
Cindy,
Between class and what we are working on at home, I am seeing Hershey becoming much more responsive to our commands - yea! I finally did the pig ear with him and it went well. He was pulling on it and really wanting to get it out of my hands, but he would sit or down and then take a bite. So he stayed in control and obedient.

My mom is visiting for 2 weeks from Florida. We explained to her how to give commands so Hershey would see her as authority and he's behaving very well with her. She is planning on coming to class with me, to sit outside our working area and watch from a safe distance. She's not too keen about dogs, but likes Hershey - she always sounds surprised when she says that she likes him! Let me know if her coming to class presents a problem.

I am loving Come, Stay and Play! It feels like all our training is finally coming together!

Janice

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Springtime Stroll Photo
    Pictured here is one of our Fieldwood Springtime Strolls. This stroll was held in the early spring and led by Instructor Becky Toner and her dad, Ed Scholly. The stroll took students & their dogs through the fields and woods at Thornwalk Park in Carlisle.
   Dogs met friends they knew in classes at Fieldwood and were happy to renew acquaintances.  Owners shared stories about their dogs and seemed to enjoy the exercise and time spent with their canine pals.



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