Heidi's New Leash on Life

From the day that I adopted my German Shepherd Heidi, I had planned to make sure she was trained in a way that did not hurt my relationship with her. Before finding Dialogue, I put a lot of time and effort into researching four other canine training methods. By the time Heidi was nine weeks old, I had taught her how to perform the "basic obedience exercises." Yet this did not give Heidi or me the skills needed when we were attacked by two dogs while walking on the mineral belt trail in Leadville. Although Heidi knew "basic obedience exercises," none of those training methods gave us practical techniques that we could use in a traumatic and emergent situation such as we experienced. After Heidi and I were attacked by the two dogs, we were both equally anxious and afraid of being attacked again by other dogs. I did not know what to do. I reread all of my training resources; yet not one of them provided the guidance or techniques that I needed!

Then I called you, Judy. After speaking with you, I knew that you had my puppy’s best interests at heart because you have a genuine concern for all dogs. Through much research, I have found your method to be the most compassionate and practical. Dialogue is more complete than any other training method that I have researched. Dialogue deals fully with the issues involving dogs in all situations. Learning Dialogue has been a blessing for Heidi and me. Outstandingly, it has helped Heidi and me develop our confidence. Dialogue has also prepared us to be able to function calmly in potentially dangerous situations.

Dialogue is much, much more than just "dog obedience." Judy, you have the skills and expertise to help dogs and their owners through all situations in life. Heidi and I continue to practice daily and attend the weekly Group Sessions. Dialogue has become our way of life, and my relationship with Heidi has, moreover, been further solidified with Dialogue.

(The next year)

I have to tell you that I continue to be amazed and very proud of my little Heidi Sunflower!  A few days ago, we were all enjoying some sunshine on the deck.  A bunny rabbit appeared as usual in the driveway.  Heidi gets the most excited when she sees this bunny rabbit.  She usually starts bouncing around as if she was also a bunny rabbit.  But this time she stayed on a Down-Stay and calmly admired the bunny rabbit from a distance for about 15 minutes! Then, I released her from her Down-Stay and maintained her attention with her frisbees until I saw the bunny rabbit bounce away.  Heidi was having so much fun with me that she didn't even notice the bunny rabbit's exit.  I just thanked my lucky stars at that moment that Heidi and I were so blessed to have been able to learn Dialogue from you! 

(And the next)

Heidi and I have been jogging together.  She is just the perfect jogging partner!  She trots at a consistant pace with me, never pulling or tugging on the leash.  I never have to worry about her jolting after a bunny or any deer that we see along our jogging outing!...Even when we have to jog down hill, she slows her speed on her own for me!   At home now, even when there is a deer outside and Heidi is looking out the window, she will whine and then—on her own—she will go and get a toy and sit by the window with the toy in her mouth, just looking at the deer and wagging her tail! 

Dialogue has allowed Heidi and I to communicate really well, even if there are deer five feet in front of her.  When I call her to "come," she happily bounds back to me, not even giving the deer a second thought!  This is really something!...The other day, about five deer were literally two feet from her fence.  Heidi just sat near the fence, wagging her tail---not jumping around or whining or barking!

Macushla, Colorado