Spring, 2007--Update: Teddy and Gisela

We are into year 5 of living together. Teddy has turned into a confident Dobe. We have continued training with Peggy every week and Teddy loves going there. She is a good performer and will sit, heel, stay, and whatever, always looking at me to see what’s next. In fact she will jump the gun and anticipate what I will ask, keeping me on my toes not to become too repetitive.

Peggy and her dog Nefer taught Teddy how to get respect from other dogs, without hurting them. This has made her very good with dogs at the dog park, where she can run and she is still very fast. Once she met another dominant dog at the park and after the initial arrfs, they both stood at attention, neither one wanting to be the first to move. So, I gave her an out and said ‘let’s go’ and she turned her back on a worthy opponent and headed straight for me.

At home she has the run of the house and knows which toys are hers to chew up and shake to death. Julie, the de-clawed cat, will whack her across the nose when she is tired of being poked by a wet nose. Teddy loves getting a bath in the tub. It took 8 months before she would come into the bathroom on her own. Teddy is living the good life, now--a far cry from her earlier life as a mistreated dog who luckily wound up in rescue! I continue to work on my handling skills, to help me stay on my toes while reminding my very intelligent pet that--though I love her dearly and train her kindly--I am still the LEADER!

April 18, 2007
Dear Miss Peggy,
 
It's me Beethoven Beagle. Remember me?  My brother Trey Beagle and I want to thank you for training my mom for us, and we wanted to let everyone know that you are the greatest trainer ever!  We're so much happier now that you've helped our family.
 
We knew our new mom was a good person since she adopted both of us from a foster home.  Trey and I met there, where we became best friends.  I've let Trey be the "top dog" because it makes him feel good and then he plays more with me. But after just being in our new home a couple of weeks, Mom felt we had some "issues," -- though at the time I had no idea what she was talking about!  (She must have been talking about Trey.)  Anyway, we both came to see you for private lessons. 
 
I guess you go way back with our family. Mom took her first beagle, Barney, to your group classes 14 years ago.  From the stories I've heard, Barney Beagle liked to chase my human brother, who was only 5 years old at the time, and would even try tearing off his clothes.  (I would never do that! ) Anyway, from what Mom says, she learned how to handle Barney's behavior problems. She says it was great learning with a small group of people because she learned something new from everyone in the group.  Mom says Barney  lived a long and happy life with the family until he went to doggy heaven.
 
Back to my education: After just starting to get used to our new home, Mom put Trey and me in the car and off we went to our first lesson with Miss Peggy.  Wow  that doggy classroom was really cool. Miss Peggy liked me right away, I could tell. But  I had my own plans of how I wanted things to go with my new family and honestly I was accidentally fooling everyone about my personality. I just have that kind of face.  Look at our picture: I'm the one on the right.  I'm the one who looks like Old Man River, with Mr. Sorrowful eyes. Don't you just want to hug me and let me do whatever I want?! Well, though I am cute, I was also pretty disconnected. I never got the whole "human bond" thing--nobody ever gave me the chance.  I always depended on Trey to check everything out for me, because I get shy easily with new things.  I guess everyone was thinking I wasn't very smart, so they just left me alone.
 
Miss Peggy, you had me figured out the moment we met. I even had Mom fooled, but not you.  You taught my Mom how to get my attention and showed her how to train me. I quickly learned all sorts of fun stuff and now Mom knows I'm smart too!  I don't have to depend on Trey anymore and now I can do many things when Mom asks me too. And you know what Miss Peggy? I like it a lot! I like learning new things; it makes me happy.  Best of all, I never, ever got yelled at for anything while I was learning.  I used to do a lot of goofy things but I don't want to do them anymore; I'd rather be with my mom, or coming to your place for lessons.  I really like it there; you have such fun stuff in your training room that I get to look at and smell and play with. You make learning fun for me.  In fact, it is as much fun as playing with Trey!
 
I guess I did have "issues," as Mom liked to call them, but not anymore. I love my new family and I no longer need to check with Trey every time I want to do something.  You sure do know how to train people; you did a great job with Mom!  I really liked that you were always so kind and patient with us. I'm much happier now, and even if my face doesn't show it I am a happy dog now! 
 
 
Hi Miss Peggy,
 
Trey Beagle here, Beethoven's brother.  I let him go first just this once, because he seemed to have a lot he needed to say.  Geez, I didn't even know he could type!  Anyway, about me, and you, and training stuff:
 
I know I had issues, being a rescue dog, and I certainly had my own way of doing things. After all, I've been around a few places though I'm only 2 years old. Let's just say I "knew how to play the game" with my new family; the "I'm in charge here!" game. I could be a real nice dog, but when I'd stake out my territory and make up my mind, no one was going to tell me what to do. At least that's how I saw things before we went to your Dog Improvement classes.  Miss Peggy you were always so patient with me.  (I think you liked me best!) You gave me special attention and worked with me while Mom would watch and learn.  Sometimes Mom would make mistakes during her practice time, but you just helped her along and answered her tons of questions so she could understand me better.
 
Coming to see you was wonderful because when I did good you thought of the greatest things to reward me with. Once my Mom began doing the things you suggested things started changing in our house.  Each week I'd hear Mom telling you what was going on and no matter what the problem was, you always had ideas to handle it. There was plenty of tail wagging and laughing going on, too.  It's nice that you have a good sense of humor. (You need one to look at my brother's face--har har!)
 
Life's a lot easier on me without my "issues."  I'm a lot happier, and so is my family. I'm glad to know my training can continue, since you offer lots of cool classes and special seminars on all kinds of interesting activities for dogs. Wow--a Sniffing Seminar?!--what more could a beagle want?!
 
Anyway I'm writing this letter in hopes other dogs will get their humans over to see you. Then they'll be as happy as Beethoven and I are in our home thanks...much of it thanks to you, Miss Peggy!
(PS--Beethoven snores--LOUDLY!--any advice for THAT??)
 
Trey and Beethoven Borsuk
Proud Beagles of Barbara Borsuk
bwbors@aol.com  708-220-4444

March 5, 2007 Dear Peggy,       I received official notice yesterday that Alfie was accepted into the Edward Hospital Therapy Dog Program.  I can not thank you enough for the training and advice you have given me.  In just over a year we have gone from carefree puppy to a canine gentleman that qualifies for a therapy dog program.  Wow!       I am so thrilled with the results of your training.  Max, my 12 year old Bichon,  for years would bolt out the door and run down the street away from me when not on a leash.  He now waits for permission before going out the door.   The thought of running away from me does not seem to occur to him anymore.  My new puppy, Tasha, walks nicely on the leash without pulling, sits on command, goes down on command, and is overcoming her shyness in just a few short months.  All this without food!  The great part of all this is that the training has strengthened the relationship I have with all my dogs.  The results have been tremendously rewarding and the whole process of training has been fun.  Thank you, thank  you, thank you!! Yours truly, Barb Kostka     March 31, 2007 Dear Peggy, Almost 14 years ago my dad bought our first golden retriever, Alex. We had and loved Alex for such a long time, he was so well behaved and the only bad thing he ever did was jump on the counter and eat the cat food. Although once every so often he’d eat something like a frozen Cornish Hen or our whole Thanksgiving ham, but other than that he was perfect. My dad decided to take Alex to two of your six week courses back then, and you helped get his appetite behavior back on track. When I was in fifth grade, you came into Ms. Ertmoed’s class and explained dog behavior which I found to be really interesting. Then when I told my dad some things that you had told us, he said it sounded a lot like the lady who had assisted us in training Alex years ago. Sure enough it was you, so my dad emailed Ms. Ertmoed to ask for a way to contact you. Alex’s health began to deteriorate very quickly so that is when we got Bentley, a crème colored golden retriever. As soon as we got him we were signed up for your beginner’s course over the summer. We were able to potty train him in two or three days. He is extremely smart but sometimes acts as if he has doggie A.D.D., and lately has shown some self-control or impulsivity issues that we need to work on. For almost seven months now we have now been attending your different programs such as the puppy class (beginner), the 9 a.m. Saturday drop in classes, various clinics, and the play classes, and Bentley has shown so much improvement. The leash ranking system is so intriguing because it is so different. Bentley now has a green leash with one red stripe, but is working toward hi "black leash!" Once people start attending your classes they will finally understand that a dog doesn’t know right from wrong and isn’t "bad"--it just needs the right training!   Bentley has improved so much and I know as long as we do our homework and practice, Bentley can keep achieving his {more like our} goals. Thanks Again!!!!!!!!!! Nicole Stobbe 13 Years Old     Spring, 2007 I had heard of Peggy Moran's phenomenal training style for many years from some of my dog owning friends.  It was when I added my two longhaired mini dachshunds, Emma and Danny, to my family that I decided to seek her out.  Emma and Danny had problems with shyness.  Both were terrified of big dogs.  I enrolled each in Peggy's basic training classes, and later joined her Sunday morning advanced class.  What a difference in my dogs!!   A major breakthrough came when a huge German shepherd named Jessie came to Sunday class.  Jessie came over to my dogs, since she herself was scared, and my two welcomed her with open paws!   Peggy inspires us to learn the language and psychology of dogs. Her teaching style is one of "laugh and learn."  Anyone who is looking for a solution to their dog's problem should contact Peggy Moran.  Ask Emma and Danny!  They give her two paws up!   Sincerely, Kathy Ertmoed   To all dog and puppy owners: Before I even purchased my first dog over four years ago, I knew whom I wanted to help my husband and me train and communicate with our new family member, Dog World magazine columnist, Peggy Moran. I could not believe my good fortune that a nationally recognized dog behaviorist trained canines in practically my own backyard, Lemont, Illinois. Now my husband and I have three dogs and could never have done it without the exceptional teaching, demonstration, and knowledge of Ms. Moran. She truly understands what motivates dogs and how to go about changing their behavior without the use of bribes, also known as “treats.” Dogs are not children with fur and have minds that operate in different ways than our own. She helps dog owners to comprehend the way the canine mind works. She trains the owner. Each of the many concepts she utilizes in her behavior-based training is explained to the owner and how to shape the dog’s responses by use of positive and negative reinforcement but never punishment. She breaks down the concepts of conditioning behavior and explains how very useful it is in dog training. She takes an active interest in each of her students and does not rush the dog and owner to keep up with the group but rather to continue progressing. The beginning of each lesson is devoted to each member of the group being asked what types of problems had been encountered since the last lesson and then helpful suggestions by Peggy of what might be done to help resolve the concerns and issues of the owner. The “training room” where the beginning and private lessons are taught in a very relaxed atmosphere. Peggy’s demeanor mirrors this as well along with a good bit of humor mixed in with the lessons. The manor in which she teaches is not at all militant and makes for a truly enjoyable experience for dogs and masters alike. She shares past experiences and uses likely scenarios to reinforce what is learned. Peggy’s familiarity with a tremendous variety of dog breeds and the particular areas of strengths and weaknesses each breed possesses is extremely helpful. As a result of all of her years of working with such a great number of dogs and breeds, she is able to customize the training and provide specific suggestions to the owners of each dog. She also is able to share knowledge that she in conformation showing, competitive obedience, and tracking as well as other specialty areas of dog training. I cannot recommend Peggy Moran enough as a dog/owner trainer. She is a phenomenal trainer with an uncanny knack for understanding the canine mind and its’ workings and a terrific individual with a sense of humor that rivals none. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to hear further praises of Peggy’s work. There is a reason I taught my dog to bow down at Peggy’s feet when I give the command to “worship Peggy.” Sandra Lockie, RN, BSN 630-985-2898 or sbartz22@yahoo.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Plymouth Place A Christian Retirement Community Dear Peggy: I want to thank you for all you are doing to help Elsa succeed as a "working dog" at Plymouth Place. It takes an exceptionally well-mannered dog to interact properly with the seniors who live here. While Elsa has stolen the hearts of everyone' who lives and works Plymouth Place, she is not automatically so well behaved! With your help she is becoming a trustworthy and dependable part of our community. Your gentle approach and philosophy has allowed Elsa to improve without having to defend our training methods because, unlike other trainers we considered, your unique method shapes behavior without the need for constant negative reinforcement and "bribery." This has allowed us to incorporate all of the Staff and Residents in the training process because it is rewarding for both Elsa and us. Finally, thank you for your patience and insisting upon training all of us who are responsible for Elsa on a regular basis. Not only have you helped us to understand why Elsa behaves as she does, you have trained us to be the trainers rather than relying qnly on you to "fix" her behavior. Frankly, I believe it would have been easier for you to just train Elsa as the other trainers wanted to do. Elsa is a much quicker learner! We are looking forward to your next session with Staff and Residents at Plymouth Place. Very Sincerely, Dale Lilburn, Chief Executive Officer 315 North LaGrange Road, LaGrange Park, Illinois 60526-5695 (708) 354-0340