Dog Name: Nikki & Charlie
Dog Breed: jack russel terrior
Behaviour issues:
marking, toilet training issues, barking, no leash manners, bad recall, squirrel crazy, no listening skills or obedience outside.
Client Comment / Review:
Dear Dr. Swan and Roncy Village Vet Clinic,
I thought I’d take a minute to introduce you to Lisa Marshall from Bark Busters, as she has been instrumental in the happy home and fulfilling human-doggy relationships that I currently enjoy along with Nikki, Charlie, and my partner, Alex.
As you may recall, both Nikki & Charlie are super-affectionate and adventurous Jack-Russell Terriers whom I love dearly, but being the breed they are, were, notwithstanding their arresting cuteness, “acting out” in some displeasing ways around the home, and were also a bit too rambunctious during their walks, sometimes to the displeasure of people in the neighbourhood and park. No amount of book or internet-related training material was helpful toward the situation, and neither were the tips I gathered from Caesar Milan.
I called Bark Busters in an exasperated state, not knowing if I would ever be able to enjoy the dogs I love so dearly without having fights with Alex or being embarrassed while on walks.
Lisa has been an absolute blessing, and hiring her is one of the best investments I have made in my life as it relates to the dogs (along with Charlie’s dental work earlier this year!!). Not only did she embark on a program with us of teaching how to communicate with the dogs in a way in which they naturally understand—which has helped immensely in general around the home—but when my schedule recently changed and I couldn’t ascertain what was causing the dogs to start pushing boundaries and “toileting” in the home again, etc., she came back in a timely fashion to address the issue and “re-train” me in some principles that I had allowed to become blurred and confused as time has passed.
Nikki and Charlie are like completely different dogs in some ways, but their little characters that are so endearing to me have not been compromised, and they’re not fearful and quivering like some dogs I’ve seen with owners who use aggression to train. They’re just as adventurous, quirky, and affectionate as always, but their behaviors are exhibited on my terms, so they’re not pulling at the leash like crazy, not jumping up on people uninvited, and not anxiously following me around the home. Lisa has taught me how to be a leader of the dogs, instead of a tool to be harnessed by them. Being the dogs they are, I’m fairly certain that they will need to be consciously worked with regularly so that they don’t start pushing boundaries again, but it’s not intensive or bothersome work, and Lisa remains a resource, not only sending regular email tips, etc., but also being on call for assistance according to Bark Busters’ guarantee—which in my experience, she upholds with pride.
Thank you for your time and attention in reading this letter (that became longer than intended!). I take the time to write it so thoroughly because, as mentioned, she has been a life-changing resource for the happiness of my home, and from what I see in the park and on walks, I’m certain there are other people who suffer from the same exasperation that I used to. I assume you may encounter these individuals, and I’m certain that they will benefit as much from Lisa’s expertise as I have. I therefore thought I would be remiss in not making the introduction.
Until our next visit, my most sincere regards!
Natalie S
Roncessesvalles area, Toronto
