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Silka

I recently got both your book and video, and I absolutely need to write to tell you how fabulous you are. Your insight is incredible; your teachings ring so profoundly true.

I have a very large, powerful, highly energetic, utterly amazingly sweet and social, totally-living-in-her-nose, Giant Schnauzer. And over there, at my end of the leash, I felt like one big bad case of spinal whiplash! We have gone to SO many classes here in Berkeley. The local training is based on kindness (treats treats treats treats -- like candy coming out of a Pez Dispenser). The classes here are good, but at first glance the focus seems to be slightly off from what I'm learning in your teaching. And, as you know, that slight degree of shift is actually ENORMOUS.

Not treats, praise is what my Silka has been needing, non-stop loud effusive anticipatory love!!! !!! WOW. Sure, sure, I'd been praising her -- but I'd let her experience these long silent moments while I waited for her to complete a command. One of those do-it-because-I-say-so. She would always obey (big exception: heel), but there were so many times that she would go through her exercises with such a lethargy and heaviness of heart. I knew I was doing something wrong. I could see that she wasn't really happy, but I just couldn't get it. Here, have another treat. (And she was never that enthusiastic about the darn treats either, though we tried everything scrumptious available -- all the other dogs in the dog park would mob me, because I always smelled like roast beef.)

And then one day I was searching the web for a certain style of dog collar, and up popped the URL for your web site....

Not treats, but an attentive partnership! And the next thing I know I have your book and video and am learning about the importance of Silka looking to me and asking. About the primary importance of her dignity and self esteem and confidence, of my smile. Wow. Life in a world of constant approval and praise. How very very sweet your teachings are.

SO, we are practicing just how erratic I can be out on a walk, and she is right there by my side. For the first time in the year that we have had her, I can go out into the off leash dog parks without worrying myself to death that she'll just disappear over the hill. It is such a pleasure to be out on walks with Silka now! And the pleasure just keeps expanding.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

From both of our hearts,
Jeannene and Silka

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Mobley

(Owner's note: Mobley is a 4-year-old Akita, 100+ pounds. He has a head the size of a Buick, and he could probably pull one all by himself! Akitas are the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds--similar in nature and temperament to the Siberian Husky and Malamute. They are notoriously difficult to "train," and are exceedingly strong-willed, stubborn, smart and strong. The breed has had many uses, first as an Imperial guard dog, then as a fighting dog, hunter of deer and bear, for sledding, and for police, army and guard work. I just wanted you to know what we were dealing with here.)

I have to tell you how thrilled and excited I am! Mobley and I attended Judy's training clinic this past weekend, and I am still nearly too shocked for words with respect to Mobley's improvement! After just a few minutes with Judy, he was walking politely on lead, not lunging at passing pooches or people and is so happy and confident in his ability to have Dialogue with me. 

Most of you who know Mobley and me know that I have spent literally thousands of dollars on trainers, training classes, books, videos and what not.....with little result. Mobley is as sweet as they come, but such a handful at his size and level of exuberance, that it was just becoming imperative to help him be a better canine citizen, so I performed a web search and found Judy. The rest, as they say, is history. After one day in class, Mobley can heel.....on or off leash.

  Judy teaches YOU, not your dog. You learn to develop Dialogue with your dog (and he with you) so that your commands and instructions are understandable to him, and, similarly, his actions and reactions are understandable to you. You learn to show your dog that he is always a "good boy" and that he can do anything you ask, whenever you ask it......as long as he is able to understand your request.

Judy resides in Buena Vista, but does regular clinics in Denver. Her fees are way too reasonable. The book and video are nearly giveaways. You'd spend more on a dinner. Judy is legitimately interested in helping people and dogs and not out to make a fortune....that much is obvious. The training can be perfectly well accomplished via the book/video (although there's nothing like seeing it LIVE!). I'm sure if those of you who are not in Colorado could come up with enough attendees for a clinic, Judy would travel. 

Judy will be back in Denver once a month. If any of you can make it, you MUST!!! It will be soooo much fun and you will NEVER regret it. It will change your life and your pet's life forever. I wish I had found Judy years ago. I can't believe my good fortune (and Mobley's) that we did find her and were in a close enough geographic location to be able to work with her personally. 

Please take the time to read about the rescues that Judy saved....literally saved their lives, through giving them Dialogue. Please, please, please....pass this along to whomever you know that has a dog....wherever they are. The warm feeling that you will get from knowing you helped as many great people and great dogs as you can will be it's own reward. Once you've seen this work and the new-found joy in your companion, you'll know exactly what I mean. 

Mobley's whole attitude has changed. He's much more confident and so much happier. My shoulder will never be pulled out of joint again....YIPPEEEE!!! I'll never be face-planted again when the random squirrel crosses our path. You can only imagine my joy.

Brenda Lott, owner

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Lucy

I met Lucy at the animal shelter on July 4, 2000. She was 4 1/2 months old. She and her mother had been picked up as strays. She was so timid that I couldn't even take her for a walk out the front door. I picked her up and carried her over to a grassy area, and put her down. All she did was lay on the grass and shiver. When I started back to the building, she ran ahead of me. I was not able to take her home until July 11. I decided I would let Lucy become familiar with her new surroundings before working with her on basic obedience commands. Many years ago, I had two other dogs that I had taken to "traditional" obedience classes. I "knew" what to do to train Lucy, so on July 19th I started her first lesson. That was a disaster. She was still very timid, and all she would do was jump up at my back. If I corrected that with a jerk at the collar, she would lay down. I decided, after 5 minutes of this, that I needed some help.

I called Judy Moore. Lucy and I had our training session with Judy on July 24 and 25. What a difference those 2 days have made!! First of all, Judy's training methods gave Lucy great confidence in herself. Before the training sessions, Lucy would go outside and stay only as long as I was outside with her. As soon as I came in, she wanted in. The evening of the 25th, she was in and out all evening long - by herself!! In only one week after our training sessions with Judy, Lucy has learned to sit/stay (for up to 1 minute - I haven't made her stay any longer than that) even with a big buck (deer) running past, heel, down/stay, stand, and come. I think that this is just amazing! It took several weeks in the more "traditional" classes for my dogs to learn all of these commands. I also like the fact that you are not always jerking on the dog's neck. Many, many thanks Judy.

Sharon Jahr, owner

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Ralph

We adopted Ralph, a Lhasa/Terrier mix, from a local shelter about 3 years ago.  He has been a really good dog, except for one problem that I could not solve. Ralph would get so excited in the car that he would bark from the time I backed out of the driveway until we got to our destination. If I dared to use my blinkers, he would go into a frenzy.

We paid a fortune for a well-known trainer, bought books, tapes and every gimmick on the market--thousands of dollars in all. I even used a silent whistle--I drove around blowing the stupid whistle while Ralph barked along. After shaker cans, spray bottles, treats and praise, I resorted to a muzzle. All this did was make me feel guilty, and it only muffled the barks.

When we adopted our second dog, Abby, I knew I had to do something. She was a very quiet, well-behaved dog, but Ralph's barking was getting her going too. Having two dogs barking in my ears was not the best way to drive around Los Angeles. Someone even suggested an herbal tranquilizer, which I never considered for Ralph, but I did think of taking them myself!

Then I started with Dialogue, which I was already using successfully with shelter dogs.  After a couple of weeks of Dialogue, I noticed that we were able to get to the corner of our street with hardly any noise. I kept practicing with him, and as of today, Ralph is so quiet in the car I have to check to see if he's OK.  We've been using Dialogue for approximately 5 weeks, and I still can't believe how it has worked.  Our rides in the car are so pleasant now. My friends at the dog park are also amazed; they all saw me at my wit's end, many times in tears.

I can't thank you enough for saving my sanity and my relationship with Ralph.  If anyone doubts that Dialogue works, I can honestly say that this was the only thing that worked for us.  I'm just sorry that I didn't find you three years ago!

Barbara Niro, owner

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Klansey

We bought Klansey, a full-blooded Cocker Spaniel, in February of 1990. My husband had a Cocker Spaniel when he was a little boy, and that was his choice of breeds. Klansey was a well behaved and playful puppy. In May of 1991 we had our first baby girl. Klansey, the baby and I would go for walks every day.

When our daughter was about 1-1/2 years old, the dog bit her on the face. They were both eating something while sitting together on the floor. We felt it was our fault to put the child that close to the dog while he was eating. A few years later we had another baby girl. Klansey would bite her on the fingers every now and then when she was trying to feed him. These were more nips than bites until…

One day Klansey and the girls were in the front room by themselves. I heard a loud growl and then a scream. Klansey had bitten our youngest daughter, age 2-1/2, deeply on the face. The child had teeth scratch marks all over her face and a large cut. It took five stitches to close up the cut.

That started the opinion wagon. My family, in-laws, friends and relatives all had solutions. Klansey, our six-year-old cocker was an outcast. Almost everyone was afraid of him and kept their kids away from him. After all, he had bitten someone who was around him all the time. My husband and I thought we could keep the kids and the dog separated. "Don’t touch the doggy!" became part of the household conversations. Now, kids will be kids and dogs want to be around people. The kids loved their dog and, Klansey being an indoor dog, it was impossible to keep them separated. I kept hearing from others, "What if it happens again? It could be worse! How would you feel if one of them lost an eye? Your kids come first!"

After crying off and on for more than a week, I decided to look for a home for Klansey. I was hoping for an older couple with no kids or a single adult. I felt that I could be picky and find the right home. There was no other choice. I also passed the word at the different animal shelters. When I contacted the shelter in Buena Vista, the staff person recommended Judy Moore as a successful dog trainer. I gave Judy a call, and Klansey and I started our dog obedience training the next week. After the first week, both the dog and I were happier. I could sense a difference even in such a short period of time. We continued practicing for several weeks. Judy helped me to see that it is not just dog training but also people training which is needed. Our family now seems to be more aware and respectful of Klansey. Klansey knows what is expected of him and behaves accordingly. He wants to please us, and now he knows how. He will remain in our family. I think back every now and then about how I almost gave away our buddy and companion. I am so glad I searched for help.

Cindy Riley, owner

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Tracey

We adopted Tracey from our local animal shelter. It was love at first sight. The day I brought her home, I knew there was something different about her, so I took her to the veterinarian just to be sure. He confirmed my suspicion that Tracey was deaf. I talked to a lot of different professionals - dog trainers, etc. - who all said that deaf dogs don't make good pets and Tracey should probably be put to sleep. Not to mention she is a pit bull. Then I found Judy Moore. With WR-DOS, Tracey understands what she needs to do by hand signals. She's the best pet we could ask for.

Micole Foreman, owner

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Breeze had severe problems from the very beginning. We bought her as an 8-month-old from her breeder. She proved difficult to potty train, so we hoped she could stay in the fenced yard when we were gone. She jumped the fence and attacked the neighbor's dog several times, despite punishment. We put her on a chain. She broke the chain, jumped the fence, and attacked the neighbor's dog. She ended up on a 3-foot chain in the garage. I couldn't walk her as she was too strong and out of control. Breeze was always afraid of humans. She wouldn't let anyone touch her. She snapped out of fear and bit me twice.

Breeze was 4 years old when I sought help from Judy. Breeze and I worked hard on WR-DOS, the training Judy teaches, a half-hour a day for four months. Then we began to do the hiking with her my husband and I had always wanted to. We attend the weekly group practice sessions at Wapiti Run, and Breeze has learned to trust people and dogs there and elsewhere. This year, at age 5, I saw her smile for the first time.

She is now the dog I've always wanted to have. She has confidence because she has learned to always look to me for direction. I can take her out anywhere without worrying about what she will do. Who would ever have believed it a year ago?

Jeri Swann, owner                                        

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Kachina

Kachina was a canine in danger. Her mother was described by the breeder as 'shy and a little snappy,' and the thought was that Kachina would be similar. We realized the puppy was scared -- of us, of the cat, of everything. By adulthood, Kachina would strike like a rattlesnake. But the underlying problem was lack of confidence. Affection and attention didn't help. She attacked a neighbor child with no provocation. She dove at our own kids. She lunged at visitors who reached toward her in greeting.

My wife spotted a newspaper advertisement that said something about saving dogs through training. Within a week we were in Judy Moore's barn with Judy showing Kachina WR-DOS, her unique training method. At the end of a half-hour, they were fast friends. After I learned how to work with Kachina, I dutifully fulfilled my practice obligation. We take advantage of Judy's Tuesday night open group practice sessions as often as we can. Kachina knows when Tuesday arrives. I ask if she wants to go 'to class,' and she runs to her leash and collar, sits, and waits for me to put them on. She ignores distractions in the house and front yard and goes with me--off leash--to the car, where she politely waits for permission to enter.

After two years, Kachina is a different dog. Judy and I hardly remember the charging, snarling, vicious animal that entered her barn in 1996. As Kachina has gained confidence that the world isn't out to get her, she has become a more playful, loving, trustworthy dog

Dick Dixon, owner                                  

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Rajah's mother was our dog, one whom we'd rescued. She would run the fence and chase anyone who walked by the house, viciously barking. I phoned a trainer in the area where I was living at the time. She absolutely refused to work with her and advised me over the phone to put the dog down immediately. The trainer diagnosed her, sight unseen, as 'dominant aggressive.' Understandably, I became leery of trainers.

Then along came Rajah. I assumed that she was as content and happy as any dog could possibly be. She has three girls to look after, she never has to stay outside, she gets bones, chew toys, rides in the car, etc. on a regular basis. What's not to be happy about, I said. But she wasn't, and the sad thing is, I didn't even know it. She was a very playful pup who became a very loving dog. But around the time Rajah turned three, she started acting differently around strangers. She would often snap at anyone who came into the house if they tried to touch her. Then came the day in midsummer 1998 when she chased down a boy on his bicycle and grabbed him by the ankle.

I was wary of trainers, but I needed advise. I am so glad that Judy had her ad in the Yellow Pages. She shared with me some of her many success stories of dogs, whom I have since met, whose problems were far worse than Rajah's. When I hung up the phone, I had a much deeper understanding of Rajah's behavior, and more hope than I could have ever imagined. During the very first lesson, Judy assessed that Rajah had very little, if any, self-confidence, hardly any self-esteem, and that she is incredibly sensitive. This explained so much. I have learned that all Rajah ever wanted to do was please us, her family. She just didn't know how. Judy's job isn't to train the dog. It is to train the human to help the dog know what is expected and wanted.

I have watched a dog whom I was unable to take on a walk because she would literally drag me down the street become a dog that my two-year-old can walk; a dog who would cower if you so much as looked at her crossly, become a dog who is happy, content and no longer intimidated by her environment, who greets strangers expectantly and affectionately. She can sit quietly on a sit-stay in the center of a circle of bicycling children. I have learned so much about human behavior in learning how to work with my dog.

Lanea Montoya, owner                        

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We adopted Coco from the local animal shelter. Soon afterward, a woman saw her with us and recognized her. This person told us that Coco had been well-known as being a very aggressive and possibly vicious dog. Because she was aggressive, the post office would not deliver mail to the (at least) two different homes she had been in.

We began training with Judy immediately after adopting her. We knew from working with Judy with our previous dog that WR-DOS, what Judy calls her training approach, was what Cocoa needed. Coco did not take to training easily. She showed a very headstrong nature, likely a defense against expected abuse. And nothing in her experience up to that point had given her confidence. Through the practice time we spent with Cocoa, both she and we have gotten to know each other better and have developed a mutual respect and trust.

Coco never exhibited to us the aggressive behavior she had been known for in the past. Today she is a total sweetheart, stealing the hearts of young and old, regularly serving as the center of attention for our houseguests.

Fred Swart, owner                                 

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Tippy

Of all the dogs I've rescued, the most traumatized was Tippy. When about a year old, she was found by hikers, abandoned and starving. When she was brought to me, I put her into a dog pen constructed of 6-inch welded wire mesh. Despite her weakness, Tippy instantly climbed the side of the pen, clinging to it while she gnashed at the wire squares, trying to break out. If I wanted to show her to anyone, I would have to bodily drag her from her hiding place. I'd hold her in my arms, and she would just bury her head under my arm and wait for the encounter with the stranger to end. For many months she remained too frightened to play. She was terrified of riding in a vehicle.

Practice of WR-DOS, my training program, gave her a comfort zone within which she developed confidence and became able to cope with life. I don't think she ever would have allowed strangers to approach her without the control of the 'flee for cover' reaction she gained through practice of the stand-for-examination exercise. Now she helps me conduct the weekly group practice sessions! She trusts all the dogs and people enough to love participating, and it is the high point of her week. She is comfortable anywhere, indoors or out. She loves to play, and she excitedly looks forward to rides in the car. Because she is so unflappable now, I took her with me out among dogs and people everywhere as I did filming for my video on WR-DOS.
Judy Moore                                                                   

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