My testimony of Pee Wee Play/Small Dog Play Group:

I would say puppy play every Saturday night has been a wonderful thing for my little dog.

Her name is Pretzel and she is 7 years old.

She came from an abused beginning (puppy mill). I got her when she was 2-1/2 years old. She was so scared that when I come on Saturday nights she would just sit under my chair. She did that for months. But, finally she felt comfortable enough to come out and start running with the other dogs.

Pretzel used to sit under my chair for months and now - she lets other people pet her and even strangers too...so, that is a big plus...being around other people and know they are not going to hurt her...

Now she is happy to drive up to the center and pushes me almost out of my seat. Her tail starts wagging and she is eager to get in the middle of things. She plays one-on-one a little now. She even drinks a little water while there - which is a rarity but, she keeps feeling more and more comfortable and others have noticed the

BIG change in Pretzel over a couple of years.

So, I am thankful that Cindy opens the center on Saturday nights - means a lot to us both to be there. 

Thanks, Cindy   Doris Madigan & Pretzel

*Photo Pending*

 

The Right Steps classes that we have taken have allowed us to train our bearded collie "Izzy" in a positive manner. She has responded well to this method and looks forward to each training session both at home and at class. The beginning socialization with other puppies allowed Izzy to become very friendly around other dogs. Cindy is very talented in matching dogs of similar personality for this socializing.  I would highly recommend The Right Steps to anyone with a young puppy. Steve L. & Izzy     We first met Cindy thru Folsom Parks & Recreation when we got our American Bulldog Zach. We really liked her non force way of training, so when we got our Springer Spaniel Daisy May, there was no question that we would take her to the Right Steps. Daisy May is still a work in progress, but with the basic techniques that we learned from Cindy, we are making wonderful progress. Thank You, Rick & Tracy     Roxxy is a graduate of The Right Steps with Valerie {Puppy, Jr. and Sr. class and also Puppy Agility (offered a few years ago)} and has turned out to be the best dog.  We can take her anywhere and never have to worry about her behavior.  Tudie is still in the learning process and has made great steps to becoming as well behaved as Roxxy.   Cindy is great to work with and makes class fun for both participants.  She takes great care to ensure play time is fun and safe for puppies of all sizes and ability.  Cindy has also made my kids, 14 & 10, feel welcome and helped them participate with Tudie during class.  I would, and do, highly recommend The Right Steps for any new puppy owner.  The rewards last a life time!   Angela H. Here is a photo of Tudie (9 mos) and Roxxy (5 years).          Hi Cindy:  We are so pleased that we had you out to look at Stanley.  Your reassurances really helped.  Then, when we saw how frightened he was at the class we really worked at his training, all according to your positive methods.  Even though we aren't finishing the class we still believe that you helped us to discover how great he is.  We are going out of town and Stanley is going to be neutered but we plan to consult you further.  Thanks so much.  Darrel and Colleen Fredrickson   Hi Cindy,  I just want to thank you for the good experience Mia and I had in your dog training classes.  Thinking back on our private lesson I recall that you just talked to us (me) but didn't put Mia through any commands or ask her to perform in any way.  However, you kept massaging her entire body during that lesson.  I don't know if that touching was the cause of the dramatic change in her behavior during the group class the following day, but that is the only new factor introduced in her training before the last group classes.  Maybe those in the past who had called you a "dog whisperer" were correct.  The change was pretty miraculous.  I didn't realize the degree to which Mia suffers from a fear problem until I tried to take her for a walk the day after "graduation."  She was like a spooky horse!  She shied away from a neighbor out washing his car, water in the gutter, a couple cars which drove by, etc.  We only covered about a quarter of a block during our walk.  I will try to desensitize her in little steps with short new experiences.    Mia and I need further training and I look forward to joining one of your future Puppy classes and possibly join the small dog play group.  Thanks again for showing me that reward based training works effectively with Mia while dominance based training does not.   Grace L. with Mia the Shih Tzu *Photo Pending*     We started training with Cindy when our border collie, Tippy, was just 12 weeks old. Cindy read her shy nature immediately and guided us through a training process that was adjusted to be just right for Tippy.  Cindy understands the nature of dogs. She reads the "pack dynamic" quickly and accurately and creates a safe place to socialize and train a dog. She is equally as good with people which makes her an outstanding trainer. Tippy is now a confident, well mannered adolescent border collie and a great deal of the credit goes to Cindy.   Cindy is professional, kind, and fun. I am so glad we trained with her at The Right Steps. She got us off to a great start with our puppy!! Tish Ceccarelli               Ruby and I really enjoyed the Puppy Primer and Jr. Puppy Class at The Right Steps.  Cindy is an excellent trainer -- kind and patient with the pups and their parents.  Ruby was always so excited to see Cindy and was a very eager student.  As a first time puppy parent I thought it was really important to get started right.  Cindy equipped me with the information and tools on how to deal with common puppy issues.  Ruby is growing up healthy and well mannered and it really is because Cindy set us down the right path.  Thanks Cindy - Ruby and I look forward to future classes at The Right Steps.            When over a year ago Rascal found his way into my life, Cindy was the first person I called. After I have decided that I was able to keep him, I enrolled him in every class possible with Cindy.  I learned my lesson with my first dog, who I did not provide any training at his younger years.  Cindy taught me so much and really strengthened my relationship with my babies.  Cindy is very patient and only uses positive reinforcement.  It is amazing to see when Rascal responses to her right of way.  Thank you Cindy for helping me become a great and responsible mom to my dogs.  Here's a picture of Rascal with his big brother Keanu both sitting nice for the picture.  It really helped that I had some treats! Sandra, Keanu and Rascal (Chihuahua)