From Our Students

Shannon & Marty
"Just wanted to say thanks, there is no way I would be where I am today with my dogs without you. I truly appreciate your honesty and willingness to push me past my limits to achieve what I never thought possible, even if I gripe at the time! Marty thanks you to for making me run faster."    Shannon Mercer

Sheldon & Ice
"Ice and I met Kim in 1998. Ice became a 3 time AAC top Samoyed.  Kim's positive training methods have proven to be very successful with Ice who was your typical stubborn northern breed dog.  Always on the leading edge, Kim is a "Pawsitive" asset to have in your Agility portfolio."  Sheldon Pineo

Suset & Meeko
Dear Pawsative Steps;
I recently participated in a Basic Manners class at Pawsative steps, which to date has been the best thing I could have done with my dog.
First, some back ground on us. She is the first dog I have ever had. She is not just any dog, she is exceptionally intelligent, extremely high drive, and a social butterfly! I have been told by people experienced with dogs, and I quote “She is the wranggiest dog I have ever seen…. In my life! She is definitely the Wild Child!!“. She is probably one of the most highly stimulated dogs your facility has ever seen. Even the simple act of making eye contact with her is enough to send her into an excited, bouncing frenzy. To say the least she has been a challenge, and in all honesty, I believe if anyone else had gotten her from the SPCA before me they probably would have returned her due to not being able to cope with her incredible energy! I also fear she may never have gotten a second chance. I adore her! Not in spite of her energy, but because of it! (She saved my life but that’s another book!!) She was a chronic jumper (thankfully her only real vice), and at 60 lbs this was not only unpleasant, it was dangerous.
We had participated in a Level 1 obedience class, through another provider last fall, and were told we were successful. So upon attending day 2 of a Level 2 class at Pawsative steps (that we thought we were ready for!!) we went home with a huge amount of humility and an incredible feeling of inadequacy! There was no way we were ready for that level of training. We were advised, in a very professional manner after that first class, that we should go back and start with the basic skills. For us those skills were attention and stillness. We both agreed….start at the beginning!
The basic manners class was instructed by Brenda Colebrook and was an amazing experience for both Meeko and myself. We both felt an instant connection with the instructor. She was very kind in the face of a dog (and owner) with many challenges and habits to unlearn. Brenda’s patience and her commitment to us both was (and is) amazing. She understood our frustration with these behaviours and worked well above and beyond required class times to help me learn effective methods of teaching Meeko (and me!) to be still and calm. When I did better, Meeko did better! She also made me aware that Meeko is highly sensitized to my feelings. I learned that my personal energy , negative or positive, can travel down the lead like electricity!! The harder I panicked about Meeko jumping the more likely it was to happen. By using the skills learned in class, positive imagery, and a positive and relaxed attitude I could influence the out come of situations to Meeko’s benefit! If I believed she could walk past someone and not jump, it could happen, and it did!! This also made me a better handler. With Brenda’s dedication to teach, and our dedication to learn and to practice everyday, we are well on our way to becoming a high energy, high drive dog with manners!! Just the other day while practicing at a local shopping centre, Meeko was approached by a friendly stranger “Hello!! Aren’t you a pretty dog!” Full open body posture and eye contact!! It used to be a moment I would have dreaded, now I set them up!! Meeko was in a sit, the woman approached her, she stood up looked at me, sat back down, stayed in a sit and was actually able to receive a few strokes and a treat from her!! I have never been prouder of us or our hard work. I almost cried, but this time not out of frustration!
We will always be a work in progress. We spend at least an hour everyday to train. She knows the words 'Go to school'. This is our quality time. We may never obtain a CDX. This ‘pound hound’ has not only made me a better handler but a better person. She has taught me so much about myself, about commitment, about how hard work is rewarded. How to ‘relax and breathe’ as Brenda would say, and how to own the small successes (just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t count!!). I wanted to share this with other people who feel like there is no other option, because there always is! When you know better you do better, and you do not know until someone teaches you! This goes for dogs too! With commitment, dedication and practice all things are possible!
With sincere gratitude.  Suset Ramsauer & Meeko the Wonder Dog