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Letters from Client

 



 Miss Sara - in for hunting dog training 3 months.


She's amazing Martin! Thank you.
Regards,
Barrett Thomas 


The Fighting Twosome!

Thank you for helping me with my two corgis, Rowan & Nuala.  We are all really enjoying each other and have achieved a happy home balance thanks to all of your insights and recommendations.  They now are absolutely awesome dogs for me, and I am happy to report, we have not had any serious dog fights between them in over a year now!  I have thought of both of you often, and keep meaning to write and let you know how much you helped me with these two dogs.  You really gave me the insight and tools I needed to for us live more peaceful, coexisting and happy lives!  It got pretty bad for a while....some serious dog fights between them (scary photos attached-after I got them separated, you can see how bad it was...I had to get out the mop!), but with determination, I modified my life with them using your helpful guidance, and slowly but surely, gained a more calm controlled home and farm life.  Now they run and bump into each other without incident, they sit on the console of the truck TOGETHER touching side by side while watching the horses training, and on occasion, they actually sniff each other without a brawl breaking out!  They enjoy being out on the farm with me all day, every day and have learned the boundaries in and outside of the barns.

Krista Seltzer DVM

 



            

Aggressive Miss Pit - Layla

Layla is doing so well it's almost silly.  Thank you SO much for your much needed and well timed coaching.  Layla is quite suddenly the most well behaved dog I know or eve encounter in public.  She is docile, sweet, glued to my side, instantly obedient, and will do anything I ask her to do as long as she understands what I'm asking.  It was only a few weeks ago that she was known and feared in our advanced obedience class as an aggressive nutcase, while this last Tuesday she was the only dog in class that successfully did the whole mini rally course off leash!

I'm telling you.  It's almost weird to be living in such a different, and absolutely heavenly reality.  We are still working on resolving her residual anxiety about meeting new dogs, but she has shown tremendous improvement.

Margie Manners   


Jake - the unruly Labrador.


We went ahead and took Jake to the vet for the constant scratching and to get his annual shots. I drove and Robert sat in the back with Jake. He did very well riding (ok, best ride that we've EVER had with him), it's a short ride, maybe 7 minutes door to door, but still that's great!  He got on the scale perfectly, sat nice and still for a weight and waited for Robert to tell him to get off. (Again, first time EVER, usually it's a drive-by weigh-in with multiple tries). The vet's wife who works there was confirming that this was really the same dog they had neutered who was so "unruly" as she put it, she thought we had a different dog. Actually I guess we do in a sense.  He got a full examination and vaccines and rode back home with just a few minor corrections the whole time. He's on an antibiotic as the vet said he had the beginning of a staph infection from scratching.

Matthew has already mentioned to the girls about "how we treat the animals properly", fingers away from the kennel, leaving the cat alone, etc. He is very conscientious about following your instructions. We're all very much wanting to maintain the progress we've made so I'm sure we'll all be watching to make sure they follow the rules. 

We can't thank both of you enough for all your help and support. As Robert said, we knew there was a great dog in there somewhere - thank you for helping us find him.  

 

Donna Story    5-28-10


 Jacques, Renee and Sam.

Our dog, Sam, is a 2 year old, 120 pound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. When Sam was about one year old, he went to stay with Martin and his staff for 3 weeks. At that time, Sam exhibited most of the characteristics of a young Swissy, good and bad: some rowdiness and exuberant jumping, a strong-willed mind, tugging at his leash and excessive barking.

Today, Sam is a terrific pet. Martin taught him and us commands that Sam easily understands and obeys. He is great around our young grandchildren and visitors to our home and we can take him anywhere with the peace of mind that he will follow our directions while completely enjoying himself.

Jacques and Renee Aebli

 Huckleberry and Donna


I have no idea how to begin to say "thank you", for all you have done for Huckleberry.  He is on his way to being that special blessing we hoped for.  I now, first hand know what Cesar Millan, means, when he says "I rehabilitate dogs and train people."

     We left your place, taking Huck back home. After about 3 minutes,he calmed down and was the perfect gentleman, all the way home.  As he was reorienting himself back to home, he quickly saw the pool, and just stopped for a minute looking at the pool like he just saw a long lost friend. We waited for him to clam down a little, then took him right beside the pool, but ask him to stay.  He didn't move. He was a good boy!  Then we let him dive in and let him swim until he had worn himself out. I don't know who was happier, Walter, me or Huck!  He did everything we ask him to do and we hardly had to use that stimulator at all.. For the first time, he slept in his crate all night long.  So far, he has not had any bathroom problems on the inside of the house.  I am now walking him on a leash with no problems. This is like Christmas coming early for me.  Each time I've walked him, we are able to go for longer periods of time.  Before we found you, walking Huck was like walking a bronco bull. Now he's like walking a gentle lamb. It's wonderful!

     When our younger son died suddenly, without warning, due to cardiac arrest, Walter and I felt as though our world was not worth living in.  It's the worse pain a parent could ever feel.  Huckleberry, is that special blessing I wanted, especially for Walter, as well as myself.  He fills that empty spot in our hearts with joy and laughter and love.  More than anything, because of the training you gave Huck, I am beginning to see Walter's smile and laughter coming back (me too). You can't get any better than that.

     There are no words I know to say thank you enough.  I realize we are a work in progress, but we are on our way!  Thank you so much for your hospitality, your talent and your kindness.  What a gift you are to all the lucky dogs that pass your way.  We will keep in touch and call for help when needed.

  May my best friend God bless you beyond your imagination.

Donna Minix

PS.  Use any of my words you would like ,along with the photo. I honestly mean every word I say. I just can't find the words to thank you enough. I think you are the best around anywhere. There is simply none better at what they do, than you. I dearly love people that have now seen Huckleberry after you trained him and they can't believe it's the same dog. When I walk him, I now walk proud!  Keep in touch whenever you can and I will certainly keep you in touch with you and Huck's progress through his journey through life.



Note cat playing with Huck's tail
  
  

Following his Training Camp (Baxter)
 Words cannot describe how grateful Karen and I are for what you have done with Baxter. I am happy to report that we just finished training this morning and Baxter is resting peacefully at my feet (while I am composing this email). This is the second half of this morning's training-Can Baxter settle when I or Karen tell him to? So far, the answer is yes!!! In the past, this would have not been possible. He would have been un-settled and looking for some trouble to get into. Instead, he seems happy to be by my side and is simply awaiting my next command! All that I can say is-WOW!!!
    We are committed to following the program that you have set forth and are looking forward to the day when we can triumphantly claim that "Baxter is a well-balanced and happy dog"!!!
    In closing, please know that Karen and I admire the work that you and Pat do and consider ourselves lucky to know you both!!!
    
CHEERS to PAT and Martin!!!
Sincerely, Wade, Karen and Baxter (well-balanced, in training)
 
 

Then June 2008
Dearest Pat and Martin,  Once again, thank you so much for what you do. We have a different dog, again!!! You have set the ground-work for the future. As we discussed, Baxter needs constant discipline. We are glad that Baxter had the opportunity to spend another week. Only one day since and the results are INCREDIBLE!!!  Example #1-We encountered several dogs this morning on our daily walk. A few were not getting along...ranting, raving and carrying on. Baxter gave a look, Karen said to "leave-it" and we continued on with our walk. This was not possible one week ago!!!  Example #2-Some people were fishing in the pond behind our house (as often folks do). One week ago, Baxter would have been "on-guard" the entire time - whinning, etc...This time (I said "leavie-it") and not only did he really "leave-it" he turned the other way for the entire time that they wre visible!!!  Needless to say your work with dogs simply blows us away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We will continue to mix in the new food and follow-up in a couple weeks.  Thank you for taking such good care of Baxter and reminding us of what we want in and from our pet!!! 
Sincerely, Wade, Karen and Baxter

And July 2009

Dear Pat and Martin,
I just returned from Baxter's annual checkup and I just had to email you and let you know that the Vet Tech actually said "you really have a good dog"? Can you believe it? For the first time since we have been taking him for his annual checkups, he was a perfectly behaved dog. No whining, growling a or acting up. They took him back into the lab to get his weight and run a few tests. Normally I could hear him barking, screeching and just acting crazy - not this time!!! Then when he returned, he received three shots  - the little trooper didn't even flinch!!! (got his bordatella so he is ready for his visit). I know that Karen's email was fairly modest about Baxter's progress, but I think that I will "blow his horn" a bit!!! He is much better when we pass by other dogs on our daily walks and we took him with us this past Saturday to St Pete and he was a perfect angel around new people - no jumping or craziness. Also, his little temper tantrums are pretty much a thing of the past...hasn't shown any teeth or acted dominating in any way!
Karen, Baxter and I will be forever grateful to you both for your patience, guidance and knowledge. We could not do this without your help.
We are looking forward to seeing you in a couple months (when Baxter comes for his holidays)! Take care!
We always call when when we are at a loss. I figured that I would share our successes equally!
Sincerely,
Wade, Karen and Baxter-almost a perfect dog!!!

 
  From the day we picked out our cute little four-week old German Shepherd puppy from the litter until it became evident at seven-months old we needed your assistance to correct his unacceptable behavior, “WE ALWAYS LOVED HIM, BUT WE DIDN’T ALWAYS LIKE HIM.”
 
We cannot tell you enough times how much we appreciate the time and effort you put into the training of Tex. He came to you with a variety of behavioral problems especially jumping up on people and mouthing. We had the bruises on our bodies to prove that point! With your expert training and dedication to both Tex and us, you transformed this huge unruly German Shepherd into a well-mannered obedient dog. Tex now listens and reacts to EVERY command with no hesitation. He has become the great dog we knew he could be, but this only happened because of you both.
 
Thank you for all the encouragement you continued to give us throughout Tex’s training. Your continuous support was beyond our expectations. You are truly the most wholeheartedly committed expert trainers to both the dogs and dog owners.
 
Your devoted clients,
Bob and Gail


 


I'm sure you have wondered how I am faring with Rusty after your fine training? It has been great!!! Rusty is so good no and hasn't even chewed up anything. He doesn't jump on anyone and I can let him off of his leash, throw a ball and he retrieves it returning promptly. He doesn't whine or bark anymore and never runs out the front door. It's truly amazing. I really like this dog now and so do my kids and their friends. I'm getting the hang of the remote and know the buttons by heart now. Hope all is well on your end.

Tai Erickson
 

Zeus is doing remarkably well. I never thought I would see the day when my dog, Mr. Aggressive, would walk off leash every time all the time. He has learned that not every dog is out to get him, even dogs he has never seen before and are running towards him do not bother him. He either just stares at them and walks away when we call him or he sits down and gives them a friendly hello. Unbelievable! We have changed and so has he. We no longer focus on what may happen. We focus on what is happening; that he is a wonderful and loving dog who needed guidance and structure. People that have known us and have seen us walking him for the past months have noticed the difference in him as well. We are still working on his people issues and we take one day at a time.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I cannot say that enough. We are so glad we found you.
Uli Crisp
RECENTLY- As you can see, finally, the long awaited picture of the much improved Zeus. He even has his pretty necklace on. Zeus has been with us almost 13 months and the difference in his behavior and his attitude is remarkable. I think he now realizes he is here to stay, no matter what. He is no longer aggressive towards other dogs and he is warming up to people. He walks up to our neighbors, under our watchful eye of course, and lets them pet him and give him treats. Before, that would have not been possible. Even my daughter has commented that it cannot be the same dog I brought home a year ago. I am just elated that Zeus is doing so well and I think he is the happy dog he should have been a long time ago.
All of that would have not been possible without your patients and assistance. Thank God we found you. I will talk to you soon. Take care.
Uli -
Uli Crisp
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

 

 

The latest.
It has been a year since we last saw you and as you know we have made remarkable progress with Zeus or I think I should say Zeus has turned his world around to be a happy and healthy dog. I am still in awe over all of this which would have not been possible without you.

Our goal this year is to let people into our home without having to lock Zeus into another room. Well, I have good news to report. We had friends come over. They even brought their own dog, a German Shepherd and amazingly after a 30 minute walk with the two dogs, our friends walked into our home and Zeus was pleased to have a play date. Even our neighbors come over with their children and Zeus thinks he has to be the keeper of those children and walk with them wherever they go. I think for Zeus the key is to walk into our home together with everyone.

Zeus is now able to enter our neighbor's yard to play with their two dogs with the children and everyone in the same yard. When we first brought Zeus home and he saw anyone in their yard he would go into attack mode. The kids are younger and one even poked him in the nose last weekend and he just looked at her and licked her hand. I am just loving this.

Uli Crisp

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

 



Just wanted to let you know how greatful I am with you for changing my life. Things have been very well with kaiser and I'm really thankful for all your help. I've been able to control my anxious dog with the collar and keeping in mind all the advice you gave me.
 
Sheyla Colon FL

 

 
Annabell is a PitBull that owner Lorraine Smith had serious problems controlling with dog, cats and other animals. She wanted to kill them all, even Lorraine's own cats. Lorraine had been to four trainers prior to this and had been advised by two that Annabelle should be euthanised
 
Loraine writes following consultations and lessons with FSD;
 
I have just came back from my first e-collar walk with Annabelle.  On the way out we managed to walk past two of my cats without her having a hissy fit and she walked on heel the whole time, but wait....it gets better. There is a house on the end of my street where a big american bull dog lives, he's always loose sitting around his house, but he seems like a big quite guy.  Anyway, I totally forgot about him as we walked by and only noticed he was there when Annabelle swung her head around I used the collar on a 2 and slowly walked off the sidewalk as if nothing was going on (continuing to press on the red button until she was looking ahead and not paying too much attention to him).  He actually got so close he was sniffing her butt and we didn't have a problem.  I just walked on and she came along by my side!!!! 
 
THEN....When we got home one of my cats refused to get off the doorstep, again with the collar on 2, I put Annabelle in a sit, took my keys out my pocket, opened my door and we walked right past my cat!  The interesting thing I observed was that when we came inside she just walked straight in a didn't try to get back to the door to get the cat like she normally does....interesting.
 
This email comes to you as a great big heartful hug full of gratitude and thank you's.
 
Lorraine Smith
 
 
 
I feel honored to have met you. Thank you so much. Casey says you'll always be "#1" as far as he is concerned.
 
From Karla Bodkin and Casey (Who needed a little help to become a Very Good Dog)
 
 

  

WOW!!!  Words can not explain how amazed we are at the results of our little Marco.  Marco was a very sweet and loving little dog to us but other strangers and dogs beware.  We were embarrassed by his behavior when we walked him in our neighborhood.  People would jump off the sidewalk to avoid this adorable little pup.  We did not know how to control his aggression.  He also chased and harassed our cats to no end.  Oh, and the worst of all he liked to dig holes in our dry wall.  We contacted Pat and Martin to see if they could help (not really thinking there would be any solution because it was probably just his little personality).  We took Marco for 2 week boot camp and when we returned we could hardly believe the results.  I now take Marco everywhere with me (Home Depot- he loves the shopping carts, outdoor café’s, even my personal training sessions at the gym).  Everyone comments on how well behaved my dog is and I kind of chuckle knowing just a few weeks ago they would not have said that.  Marco now walks around my neighborhood without a leaseh and is very friendly with other people and dogs.  He leaves my cats alone and has even made friends with one of them.  Marco now rides in the passenger seat of my car and he actually lays down, where before he would have been all over the car and me!!  I could literally go on for pages about the improvement of Marco, and we can’t wait for our other papillon Polo to attend their awesome training camp as well.  Thanks again, you have changed our lives! 


 

Todd and Jenny Eckleberg. Orlando

 
 I cannot recommend Pat and Martin too strongly. They are terrific at what they do. Seeing Pat's expertise first hand as she worked with my in-laws and their new puppy, was the event that truly brought home to me what a first rate pet behaviorist and dog trainer can and should do. I could see she was truly committed to helping people find and bring out in their pets the good manners. skills and behaviors that most owners only dream of. Pat and Martin have distinguished themselves as outstanding pet behaviorists and dog trainers; clearly a cut above other dog trainers.
 

Sue Chastain DVM
 
If you truly care about having a great  dog AND a great companion, do yourself and your dog a favor and let Martin and Pat work their magic on your dog. Both you and your dog will be better because of it!........

 

Bill Porter. President Perfomance Surf and Ski
 
I just want to thank you and tell you what a great job you did with Bogey. He is such a better dog that we could have ever imagined. He has been with us in NY on the boat for the summer. We have enjoyed being able to take him to work with us and trust that he is not going to run away.
Because how well trained he is we constantly get compliments from everybody that we meet.

Bryan Carter
Atlantic Yacht and Ship Inc.

 
It is obvious from all your training methods which were integrated into the course that you truly understand dogs and train them in a manner that they can comprehend quickly, with minimal stress to the dog.

 

Melanie Schlagenhafen Owner, Best Friends Bed & Biscuit

 

To Friends

***Well, I hate to admit it, but Snickers is doing great.  She went to Fla to boot camp for two weeks and has come home a different dog.  In fact I'm starting to really like her.  I walk her everyday sometimes without her leash and she actually listens to commands.  In fact she's here in my office sleeping......not downstairs pulling the paint off the walls.  We took her to the Vet on Sat and she was so well behaved the Vet couldn't believe it.

 

To Martin and Pat

***You were so right about this being a different dog.  But I never really believed how different she would be until we got her home. She's done great working with us. 

Our Vet is very impressed with your training procedures.  Snick is sleeping here next to me in my office.  We went for a long walk next door and I let her play with the grandchildren and she was so good.

 

OK OK I admit it.  I'm starting to like her, but just a little bit.

 

Thank you all for everything you did.

 

Katie Cambell - Wife of Jerry, he adores Snickers and thinks she can do little wrong(Psst - she could once!!)

 
 

Kohle - Giant Schnauzer

 

We cannot begin to thank you sufficiently for the wonderful pet you returned to us. It’s absolutely amazing that you could take a two and a half year old raised with no training and in just two weeks return to us a charming gentleman. Your expertise astounds us. Kohle has become under your guidance much more than we ever expected. You are awesome trainers. Our friends and neighbors cannot believe he is the same dog, but we assure them there was no switch. Kohle, as he is today, is a result of your expert training and gentle caring

 

Thankfully

 

Terry and Jean Greenfield. Florida

 Just a short note to let you know how well Bonnie is doing and to thank you for your great training expertise. Although the Holidays were very busy and our schedules and rountine were out of whack, Bonnie continues to make progress. She is so much easier to live with now! I even think my husband is becoming fond of her!  We still work at it every day , but I know she is becoming more conditioned to better behavior. Thanks so much to you both.      Elizabeth Clary

 

 

PATCH - The Wonder Dog.

The most important point in obtaining a good pup is to buy from a respectable breeder and to train with a competent trainer. This is exactly what I did when I got my pup. Martin not only breeds fine pups he socializes them and prepares them to exposure outside the kennel, which is an important step in the development of a confident hunting dog. I was very fortunate and was able to spend a considerable amount of time with Martin in getting started in the training process with my pup, Patch. I learned from Martin a wealth of information that I was able to retain and then convey to Patch over time in her development. Martin has the unique ability to train not only the dog put the handler as well.

 

As a result with my experience gained while training with Martin, I can unequivocally state that I have the best hunting partner possible. Patch and I have now successfully hunted both waterfowl and upland birds in the Midwest and as far north as the prairie pothole region in Saskatchewan, and have even been asked and given demonstrations for the Missouri Dept of Conservation for their “Great Outdoors Days” event. We have been invited to guide pheasant hunts and retrieve shot birds on private game reserves in Missouri and Kansas. It is an absolute pleasure to have a dog that others look forward to hunting over.

 

One of the enjoyment in owning a hunting retriever is to watch it perform with enthusiasm and style, running a straight unhesitant line to a shot bird, retrieving the bird and then delivering to hand in the same manner. In order to achieve this degree of excellence in a hunting dog, the dog most have confidence in its ability to perform and to do so enthusiastically with the desire to please. This can only be accomplished with the proper training. The trainer plays an extremely important part in the dog’s development. The dog must be trained in a manner that makes it a pleasure to learn and instills confidence in the pup. This is where Martin excels. Martin trains and teaches you to train in such a manner that the handler and the pup are a team. Observing the pup in training easily evidences this. Its tail is happily wagging, and it looks forward to each training session with enthusiasm.  Not only my pup, but also all the pups I observed Martin training, train with a high degree of enthusiasm, happiness, confidence, and as a team. This is what I believe makes them excel. Mine certainly did. Martin’s method of training also develops a pup that is a pleasure in the field as well as an excellent companion for the entire family.

 

 Thank you so much Martin for all your knowledge, guidance, and help provided that enabled me to have the hunting partner I refer to as “Wonder Dog”, more commonly known as Patch.

 

 

Bud Murphy

 



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