PAMELA KAPLAN BROWN
Attorney at Law
October 22, 1999
Bea Pludow
Santa Barbara Animal Inn
Dear Bea:
Thank you so much for introducing me to clicker training. When I first called Animal Inn to inquire about training our standard poodle, Pierre, I'd already completed two obedience classes with him. Those classes used the choke chain method and while Pierre did well in that method, I wanted more of a relationship with him for those times when the choker wasn't on, and when the treats were not at and in hand. I hoped to find a method that would inspire a win-win relationship. And clicker training is it! From my first meeting with you, it was clear that if I could learn the method, Pierre and I would have the relationship I'd imagined possible. Of course, I had to learn the method, and that presented more of a challenge than I'd thought. Learning to be quiet was a challenge for me (no doubt, a by-product of my professional training!). But, I am proud to say that I am now clicker trained, and Pierre is reaping the benefits! The clicker method has given us a language in common and has made our lives together more harmonious and fun. From simply walking down the street and traditional obedience exercises to some of the silly tricks we're mastering, Pierre now knows the difference between what works and what doesn't, and so do I! And best of all, thanks to your training and the clicker method, my relationship with Pierre has the added dimension of understanding and pleasure that I'd imagined was possible, but until the clicker method, I wasn't sure just how to achieve these goals. I'm afraid that I sound like a zealot when I tell my friends about the clicker method, but it has really made a great difference in our lives. So, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sincerely,
Pamela Kaplan Brown |
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| February 23, 2001
David and Anne Lewis
Bea Pludow
The Animal Inn
Dear Bea:
We wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the training you gave Dylan. When I brought him into the Animal Inn on January 4th, I was a very worried woman. While chasing another dog, Dylan had run into my husband, Dave, and crushed Dave's knee. We loved Dylan, but felt that we couldn't keep him.
You assessed Dylan for several days at the Animal Inn and said that with intensive training you might be able to get him under control. After a month of working with you, and being trained with a gentle lead and clicker, Dylan has become the companion we hoped he'd become.
He's still a spirited guy. He hasn't lost the essence of being upbeat Dylan, but he's changed. He doesn't jump up on us. He doesn't pull on the leash. He doesn't dart out of the front door or the car. He can go with us to an outdoor restaurant and patiently rest while we eat. And he's learning to "Leave it".
Before his training, I didn't take him any place other than our yard and wide open spaces. This week I took Dylan walking downtown on State Street. He didn't yank on the leash. He sat while I talked with friends. Strangers came up to us and said: "What a gorgeous and well behaved dog." He enjoyed drawing this kind of attention. We didn't think he was capable of it.
We especially appreciate the respect with which you trained Dylan. You permitted him to express appropriate curiosity, fear, excitement, and protectiveness, but you helped him learn to do it in manageable ways. He enjoyed training. He likes you.
Thanks, Bea. We know we must continue doing what you started, and we want to continue working with you, but we're on the right path. (Bea's Note; Dylan is a Gorgeous Retriever who is now a gentleman dog!) |
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2003
Dear Bea,
I'm writing to express my enthusiasm and "Thank you" to you for the training puppy Toby and I are receiving from the puppy class augmented with a couple of private sessions due to my unavoidable absence.
I knew it was going to be necessary to train Toby and I thought I could do it. After all, I had been a mom and a teacher. But I had never thought "dog thought" in spite of reading several other books on dog training prior to acquiring this sweet golden retriever.
Reading about the clicker method, seeing you successfully use it and reading CULTURE CLASH helped me understand how very necessary it is to think from Toby's point of view and how vital is your professional guidance. I think I'm improving. Recently at 11:30 PM I heard a raccoon noise before Toby barked and my ears aren't half as good!
Coming to the end of this first of two obedience courses, I continually marvel at Toby's rapid improvement in deportment and my confidence gain as a result of knowing I am meeting his needs and my desires in a mutually enhancing manner.
You had recommended a Gentle Leader for Toby since he will be a large adult and it has provided me with increased support (physically and psychologically) in trying new commands safely and calmly. And the color you chose for him is just super!
Lastly I want to add that my friends with the new Australian Shepherd puppy who were going to give him up if he didn't get help, are indeed rescued by you, your talents and methods. Since I puppysit for them, I could see a behavioral difference within a few days and what began as a depressing and destructive situation for all is progressing favorably to a healthy and joyful puppy and family. Can one ask for any greater satisfaction?
Thank you, Bea. Sincerely
—^^ Ethel King and Toby
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