You are a miracle! Patrick has been a different dog at home, in the car
and out in public. All we need to do is show him the blue ultrasonic device and
he sits down and moves his ears back in submission. The people who walk up and
down our road are very thankful.
Last weekend, we took Patrick to Winchester VA for Bev's son's graduation.
First, we had a picnic in the park by the lake, where about 100 Hispanic people
were playing basketball and walking back and forth past him. He didn't bark a
single time. We had him tied to one of the poles to the picnic shelter near
us. He did make one small bark at a dog we didn't see coming, but he
immediately stopped.
We took him to the outdoor graduation and he sat there perfectly quiet with
all those people milling about and even a couple of dogs coming and going.
Thanks again for helping us with Patrick. We wish we had called you
sooner. We hope we get to see you again soon.
Love you! Jim & Bev Sink
Asheboro - NC - Aug. 2009
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We officially hired a dog
trainer to come over last night to help us get control of the
crazy dog. What I’d chalked up to puppy behavior was getting a little too old,
and so was the dog. She’s a little over a year and a half now, so I decided
these were patterns of behavior, not just a puppy doing what puppies
do.
I Googled a dog trainer in my area and clicked on the first link at
the top, and wow did I get lucky. When I visited
Marcia Martin’s
website, there were tons of success stories of how she’d turned
people’s lives around in just a couple of hours. I picked up the phone and
called Marcia, expecting to pay an un-Godly amount of money, weeks of training
and tons of frustration waiting for results. I told her about our doggie issues
– jumping on everyone, not listening, counter-surfing, pulling the leash, peeing
in the house – and she said we could probably address everything in about two
hours, in one evening, at a really great price.
I didn’t believe
her.
She showed up with a bag of tricks, and she fully expected to have
to pull them all out from what I’d told her about Lucy, but in only 15 minutes,
she had Lucy calm and cool, relaxed and laying on the floor, just hanging out.
She said our biggest issue was this: Lucy
was in charge of the house, not us. This meant that Lucy felt
like she was having to run the house too, that’s why she never sat down or
relaxed. She was behaving like the mother hen, running around checking on
everyone, and we needed to take that responsibility away from her first so she
would know who’s the boss and second so she could take a break and just chill
like a dog is supposed to.
After less than two hours, we pretty much
learned everything to get a really good start, now it’s just up to us. The
hardest part for me was getting hubs to buy into this because he’s mostly the
one that spoils her (he has such a tender heart for animals). But once he saw
her behavior and how well she could behave, he immediately left for Target to
pick up a couple of water bottles to aide with training (just one of the little
tricks we learned for controlling her behavior).
We actually had dinner
last night with her laying on the floor right beside us vs. her jumping up to
the table or counter. It was great. I'll keep you posted on our
progress.
Wendy W. ( Aug. 2009) - Durham NC
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Dear Marcia, I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help and how much
you've already changed our life. Clowee is already avoiding all situations that
might get her in trouble. In fact, as soon as she sees me getting ready to make
a meal, she asks to go outside and she wants to stay out there until everything
is cleaned up. Jack continues to help me bang on the door/ ring the doorbell
all day long and Clowee is remaining calm and staying away from the door. She
didn't even get excited when we got back from an outing right in time to feed
her. It's so wonderful to finally have a good reason to love and praise her.
My favorite moment yet has been today when I laid Jack down for his
nap. He has a habit of rambling on about his day for a long time before he goes
to sleep. This time I kept hearing him say "good girl Clowee," over and over
again. Considering that one of his first phrases when he was learning to speak
was "Clowee no, Clowee sit," we've come a very long way.
We're all happier!!! Thanks so much.
Becky Kyslinger - June 2009 -Greensboro NC
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Our rescue puppy Mina was always sweet and very well-behaved in public
--
our friends loved her and she was very popular when we would take her
out
into the world. When she hit adolescence, though, she suddenly
became
obsessed with guarding our property. She barked at anyone who
even
approached the door, went nuts when the doorbell rang, and was
entirely out
of our control, so much so that she actually broke the
blinds on our front
door during one of her fits! Perhaps the most
distressing thing of all to us
was that at all other times she was a
very mild-mannered, gentle dog. We
were frustrated, and so (it would
seem) was our dog.
Since your
visit, we have conducted doorbell drills a few times every
day. Mina only
needed to be corrected once by each of us to get the
message. Last night, we
had our first "live" practice session -- a few
of our neighbors (who she
knows and likes) came over for dinner. When
the bell rang, she calmly walked
over to the hallway by our kitchen and
sat down. We answered the door while
she sat at a distance watching and
then called her over to greet her
friends. Beginning the evening in that
calm submissive state changed
everything -- she did not bark, nor did
she give them a frenetic,
overexcited greeting. It was perfect! We plan
on having some more friends
come over in the coming week (people our dog
knows well as well as people
she doesn't). I'm a bit superstitious and
fear that even acknowledging this
recent success may jinx us, but so far
the training is coming along quite
well.
It also seems to be translating into our walks. Mina got stern
verbal
corrections for starting to bark at a cat and at some people getting
out
of a car on our street -- she responded immediately in each case and now
looks to us more frequently for direction on our walks. The most
exciting moment for me came a few days ago when we walked *through* a
crowd of about eight boys on skateboards -- she didn't even think about
barking at them and actually seemed fairly at ease. I expect that we
will have a few setbacks in the coming weeks and months, and no doubt I
will be in touch when that happens. We won't really know how far the
training has taken us until the workers come to install the new door
blinds in a few weeks. For the time being, though, we're thrilled with
the progress we have made. Thank you!
Kim (June 2009) Durham NC
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Dear
Marcia-
Thank you so much for working with
Ellie and me, yesterday!
She is a changed pup! She has
remembered a lot and what she forgets I’m trying to remind her what “I want" to
see from her! It’s working!
I will continue to work hard on
establishing a wonderful healthy relationship between Ellie and me. This is
fun! We’ll talk about a follow-up appointment
shortly!
Take
care!
Denise Maleska (July 15/2007)
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I named him Diesel because he slept under a huge banner reading "we now
have Diesel" and he is a sleek gorgeous black baby.
I rescued Diesel from a gas station/convenience store. He had been living
there for several months and was terrified of people.
After many attempts and much creativity, he was mine. At the vet's
office
he was tested, neutered, etc. He was observed as a very sweet, non-aggressive dog but VERY afraid of people.
Once he came to live with me I spent many hours trying to get him to come
to me. It was IMPOSSIBLE to put him on a leash to go for a walk. We would
literally walk in circles because he refused to let me get close to him. He had
to see me at all times!! I was at my wit's end. I cried and he just became more
and more terrified of me - although all I wanted to do was to help him.
I thought about taking him to dog training, but when you can't get your pet
out of his lot, how are you going to get him to training? I called around
trying to find someone that could come to my home - the best situation all
around!!
The Humane Society told me about Marcia's Best Dogs. After one two hour
session we were walking on a leash, and going all over the yard and through the
house!!
She taught me how to be in control, and how to get on his level and
understand his untrusting nature.
We've come a long way in two and a half years, although I know that we
would never be where we are today without Marcia's expert training and
teaching!!
Mainly, I want to express just how terrified he was, and how much your session made with
him. It was incredible what you accomplished in two hours. I will be forever grateful!
Cindy
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Hello Marcia.
I wanted to give you an update on Holli. If you remember, you graciously came out to our home and gave us some much needed coaching about the behavior of our rescued Yellow Lab.
I'm happy to tell you that she's come 1,000% from when you saw her. For those of us living upstairs, she now greets all of us at the door when we come in, tail wagging, dancing and as happy as can be. She is always delighted to see us in the mornings and flops all around when we greet her. She's adjusted to be a very happy puppy and does a great job listening and learning. She still gets a little skiddish now and then when we have things in our hands or sudden loud noises arise, but she is still a puppy after all and I'm fully confident that she will grow out of that. She is a little shy of my dad, but he does not spend any time working with her, so that is to expected.
Thank you for coaching us. It was unfamiliar territory for us, but your help was the much needed key to her sucess.
Michael L. Hague and family ( High Point) - March 27,2007
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Marcia,
We are still amazed at the change in Patrick after only one class with you. Twice he acted like he might like to jump up, so I turned my back to him and he immediately sat down. Those that knew the "before Patrick" are astounded at the "after" Patrick.
Thanks again. We tell all our dog owner friends about you.
Beverly Sink ( March 03,2006)
Patrick Sink
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Hey Marcia,
Just wanted to let you know that Buddy is doing great, we still have to correct him but it is usually once or twice a day. He learns so quickly what is right and wrong, wish we had gotten in contact with you sooner, we might could have saved our furniture! Elliot and Roscoe also are enjoying the new Buddy.
Thanks again,
Kim Miller ( March 03, 2006)
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Hi Marcia,
I just wanted to let you know that Max is still doing wonderful after your help. You came by last summer and helped me with his dominant behavior. He was such a little puppy then. Now he is almost a year old and about 90 pounds, and we have another lab named Abby. We implemented your training techniques wiwth her and she is doing great also. I'm enclosing a picture of them. Hope all is well with you.
Sincerely,
Pauline Johansson ( March, 22, 2006)
Max and Abby Johansson
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Hi,
We just wanted to thank you for helping us become a much happier
family. Balance has been restored to our household. We are no longer slaves to
our barking 7lb Maltese. Today, we had a cable man come to our door and he
complimented me on my well behaved dog! Ruby waited behind me without barking
while I answered the door. She was so polite. There is a remarkable difference
in her behavior and ours. She occasionally tests us to make sure that we are
maintaining our status as pack leaders and we haven't failed her.
Alicia, Matt and Ruby Hurley
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Marcia
Our family brought a 9 week old Golden Retriever puppy
into our home and to our surprise (and dismay)...he growled at us when we picked
him up. This was unsettling at best and after being referred to Marcia by our
veterinarian, I placed a call not knowing what to expect. We were really
worried that we had gotten a puppy that would not work with our family--growling
at us--and people who visit--that wouldn't be acceptable. We were honestly
considering returning him before we got too attached.
Marcia returned my frantic call quickly and came later
that day to evaluate our puppy and to do training. To say that my family &
I were amazed is an understatement; We couldn't believe how Marcia took control
of the puppy and the situation and then taught us all how to be the puppies pack
leader; even our 10 year old daughter.
We put into practice everything Marcia taught us and
practiced exercise, discipline, & love...We were consistent and the pay off
was huge; We now have a nearly 11 week old puppy who sits when he meets
people...Teethes on objects...not us...Listens to commands from all of us...And,
now licks our faces when we pick him up...no more growling! He is a happy &
well adjusted puppy who will grow into the same kind of dog with our consistent
work & Marcia's help.
Lewis Family
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Marcia,
We just wanted you to know that you do work miracles! Our dog Cindy has not
been the best over the years. Horrible begging, counter surfing, acting like a
goof around new people and spazing out in public. Since she is 10 years old we
didn’t think that you could teach an "old dog new tricks". But you sure proved
that saying wrong! After your visit we really have an entire new dog. Cindy
actually fell asleep during thanksgiving dinner! No more insistent begging!
Also, she is so well behaved around new people and now enjoys going to
all pets considered to shop for treats. I even took her to
the office where she behaved impeccably! You have given us our best friend.
Both Cindy and our Family are much happier! Thanks again for our “new” dog!
Very Truly,
The Baker Family
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Just wanted to let you know that Taco and Cleo are doing great with their
behavior. You couldn't make Cleo go to the front door if you wanted to. Taco
doesn't go either. We practice a lot and neither one bark or move when the
doorbell rings or someone comes in.
They haven't had ANY potty accidents either. I'm amazed!!!! They are so
much fun to have around now. We take them with us almost everywhere we go too
and they are angels in the car.
Thank you again for what you did. I have told everyone about you so you
will probably be getting some calls.
I have attached a picture of them behaving perfectly (Cleo has had a major
haircut).
Sincerely,
Dianne Keaney
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Marcia
I just wanted to let you know how well little Becca is doing. I see
steady improvement in her social behavior. I take her on daily walks in
the neighborhood and she now meets other walkers and dogs well. She is
even showing interest in greeting them when they come near us. And I
continue to take her on weekly visits to the Cardinal Vet and APC where
everyone picks her up and cuddles her. She still needs a little
improvement in this area, but I can tell she's doing better with each visit.
At the very least, she is getting more comfortable with
the exercise. Everyone has been kind to help me out with her
training.
I can't begin to thank you enough for all your help and guidance. I
love being able to take Becca with me wherever I can and she enjoys
going. I can tell she's much more at ease and happier now in public
situations. I have had several people comment on how well behaved
she is --- and I just have to smile to myself remembering what she was like
just a month ago. Thanks so much for your expertise and we will continue
to keep working on the lessons that you taught us.
Thank you, Susan
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Hi marcia,
just wanted to thank you so much for coming to help out with
roxie. it has made such a difference. she rarely jumps up or play
bites anymore. she knows "lay" now. and, after only 1
time with the spray bottle, she knows not to go into the rooms with
carpet. she doesn't seem to like to go for walks yet - maybe a puppy
thing??? anyway, we are all enjoying her and much more confident about
training her now. please feel free to use us as a reference if you need
more.
thanks again!!
kathy nakayama
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We have good
dogs!
Well, we've always felt this way, but still we let them own our house and
rule our lives. Monday evening changed everything, in two hours!
I can't say enough great things about Marcia Okabayashi - the trainer who
came to our house Monday night. She was here for two hours, and now it's
like a whole different world around here.
Our biggest concern was that she wouldn't be able to get on the property,
since Nipper and Toby are known biters to anyone who steps foot in our
yard. But Marcia, who has a psychology degree, quickly figured out that
it's Toby behind the Terrible Twosome. Nipper is the "front" for
Toby,
who in reality has bittten more people; Nipper is actually a scaredy cat,
where Toby is the aggressor. In other words, Nipper is all bluff and
bluster, and Toby does the dirty work. ;) Sort of like the raptors in
Jurassic Park.
Anyway, we were right to be concerned. We'd arranged to meet Marcia
across the street, where she'd meet the boys, and walk with them a
little. We did all that, and the boys were great, licked her face and
loved on her. But when we got in the car and drove up to our house, they
INSTANTLY turned aggressive, just barking and clamoring to get Marcia off
the property. We wound up separating them - we put Toby in the house,
locked in a bedroom, and started over again. This time Marcia took Nipper
walking by herself, then put him in her truck and came on the property
with him, and he complied. Wade and I waited in the house, and we were
both so worried she'd come limping up the walk with her arm half-chewed
or something. But it didn't happen. She came right up to the front door
with Nipper on a leash, and he was crazy about her - again, loving on
her, licking her face.
After that, it was pretty much downhill all the way. The gist of the
story is that we've allowed Nipper and Toby to be in "protect mode"
all
the time, when it should have been US determining who comes on the
property, not them. After all, they're not trained guard dogs, and were
never meant to be. They're pets, for crying out loud!
I could go on for hours about this, I'm so amazed. But suffice it to say,
Monday evening we not only had Marcia in our house, but our friend Ann
and another friend, our neighbor Kenny. Ann and Kenny were able to pet
the dogs, play with the dogs - have fun with the dogs, like it's meant to
be! For at least five years now, we've had to tell everyone to call us
ahead of time so we could lock the boys in the Dutch barn so they could
come on the property. That's all over now, believe it or not. Marcia is a
wonder!
The only foreseeable issue I can think of is that it's sooooo quiet
around here! :) I also don't know what to do with all this free time I
seem to have, since I'm not chasing dogs away from the front door every
ten minutes!! But I'm sure I'll figure it out.
--Lisa Laign and Wade Tanico
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