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Before I met Fred, I had become resigned, thinking that my dog's challenging behaviors were just going to be our lot in life, our burden to bear. Cowboy, my devoted, sweet, four-year-old Aussie, had developed such frustrating behaviors on the leash that I was starting to dread walking him every day. Though I could tell these behaviors came from fear, he barked and jumped unpredictably around kids and strangers, neighbors in my building, at bikes, motorcycles, and, well, lots of stuff, startling passers-by. I had tried to find him a dog walker, but he was terribly afraid of strangers in our home, and we'd not found a dog walker who could get him to go outside. He was home alone more than twelve hours some days without a break! The worst was other dogs. My heart would race when I spotted one, hoping I'd be able to change our path before he spotted it. If not, he would bark ferociously, lunging and twirling uncontrollably while I dragged him away, throwing apologies over my shoulder as we made our exit in shame. Not fun. Enter Fred. After our first meeting, I was totally on board. Without any judgment, Fred quickly helped me understand that Cowboy was sorely lacking the pack structure that a dog needs in his life. He has taught me how to communicate with my dog in a way that make sense to him. After seven sessions with Fred over several months, I can proudly report that Cowboy now easily passes strangers, takes treats from kids, is quiet around bikes, and walks calmly at my side. We're not perfect yet with other dogs, but I've learned to be the calm, assertive guide my fearful dog needs to comfortably negotiate situations that make him uneasy. And neighbors and other dog owners have showered him with compliments on his progress. Now I am completely confident we'll get there. The icing on the cake has been a new addition to our household. This week I adopted Sparrow, a one-year-old stray who was in desperate need of a home. I'd often thought another dog would help calm Cowboy, and provide him needed companionship, yet couldn't imagine how his behaviors would allow him to even befriend another dog, let alone adopt one. Fred came with me to meet Sparrow before I brought her home to ensure that she'd be a good match for Cowboy in her temperament, testing her for aggression and other potential concerns. So now, less than six months from our first meeting with Fred, I not only have a calm and happy Aussie who is a pleasure to walk and still improving each day, but am confident that as we continue to work with Fred we'll also provide Sparrow the calm and stable life she deserves. Life has truly improved for all of us. Fred is generous to a fault with his time and energy, is patient and supportive of me and the struggles I face as I learn how to manage my dogs in a calm, assertive way, and very clearly has a genuine compassion and love for my dogs. I very highly recommend him to anyone who has a dog as he has opened doors for my life with my dogs that I thought would never be possible!
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Time is now defined as Pre-Fred and Post-Fred! Pre-Fred, my 5lb maltese, though sweet and cuddly at home with me, was a nuisance when I had company, a terror in the elevator and a barking, nipping devil to humans and dogs around our neighborhood. I could tell she was filled with anxiety and fear, but I didn't know what to do. I met a woman on the street walking her very well behaved beagle and she said it was due to Fred, so I called him. After just our hour-and-a-half initial assessment, there was already a change! Fred's logical and straight-forward approach - developed by studying the instincts and behaviors of dogs and wolves in packs - made it easy for me to see what needed to change in my attitude toward my dog. Fred's teaching style and calm yet assertive disposition immediately put both Jelly Bean and me at ease and allowed us to have a completely different experience together! Now, Post-Fred, we hear comments like "what a well behaved dog!" in the elevator (previously impossible to imagine!), our walks are stress-free (for both of us!) and we can enjoy the great Chicago spring on long walks along the lake! I highly, HIGHLY recommend Fred!
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In May 2007 my wife and I adopted our first puppy, a yellow labrador retriever. Initially we were hesitant to hire Fred because we didn't have any "problems" that needed to be "fixed" (we had actually already signed up for a puppy kindergarten which we never finished!). However, he showed us that beginning early would be critical if we wanted to prevent future issues and have a fufilling relationship with our dog right from the start. We became convinced this was the right way to go. The foundation of Fred's approach is education and we really appreciated that. He took the time to explain his viewpoints and thoughts about dog training, and backed them up with time-tested research and experience. Fred is very patient and willing to customize his lessons based on the progress of each individual client. Currently our dog is a model of good behavior. She performs all the commands without hesitation, and is incredibly relaxed around people (and groups!). People are amazed when we tell them that she's only 11 mos old. I truely believe that it's because we made the decision to hire Fred that our relationship with our dog is so strong. We thank him for his time, effort, and most of all, his friendship. J&J
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After 18 months of owning our Boston Terrier, he was misbehaved and mischevious. We were not able to have company because of his behavior. On a recommendation, we contacted Fred. Fred immediately set the tone with us by telling us all the things we were doing wrong. He never sugar coated anything, but told us straight. In turn, we became better dog owners, and pack leaders. We saw almost immediate improvement in our dog. After 8 sessions with Fred, we have a different dog. Fred is not only a great dog trainer, but an extremely patient, and wonderful teacher.
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My dog Henry came from a shelter, and had been abandoned. He had lots of issues! I did obedience class, and he did great, but I could not get him past some of his behavior problems. Enter Fred. Fred taught me what I am doing, not the dog, that contributes to the problem. And how to correct it. We have come a long way! I liked Fred's straight forward, no nonsense approach. He is fabulous with Henry, and has really taught me a lot. He is a gift. I highly recommend!!
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The young dog that I rescued had lived in a shelter for 40 days and prior to that was a stray. He would have been euthanized if he hadn't been taken in by a local breed rescue. They recommended that I hire a trainer and boy, did he need it. Since I have an older dog, it was literally impossible to walk them both. This dog was the worst dog in the world to walk. In addition, he had terrible food issues where he would stick his face in the other dog's food and bullied him mercilessly. He was a very sweet dog and had great potential. I knew I couldn't handle him by myself. So, I called Fred, Now both dogs get along, no more bullying, no more food issues, good walks. I would recommend Fred to anybody..
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Fred was absolutely great with our recalcitrant dog. Our dog had some issues with people coming over and was just basically unfriendly but Fred taught us how we should react to the dog. He was able to help put the dog at ease around strangers, as well as teaching us how we should behave around the dog. He showed us how to properly walk the dog and become the dominant leader. The shift in power from dog to human was essential and Fred taught us how to do that and it made all the difference! Our dog and we are all much happier...he helped take away the stress of having a nervous dog. She's like a new dog.
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Fred has been absolutley great my dogs. His no nonsense approach has really allowed me and my dogs to have a better relationship. He taught me (and the dogs) how to properly walk so there is no pulling. He has helped the dogs with their excessive barking & overall obnoxiousness around people and other dogs. He is not only loving and playful with the dogs, but from that comes the learning. He is my dog whisperer! And saved my sanity too. One of the best things about Fred is that if I ever had a problem, I could call him and work thru the issue or ask the question on the phone, he always makes himself available to his clients.
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Our dog was a very wild puppy, on walks it was more like she was walking us. One of the first things we learned from Fred was how to properly walk our dog, and it was such a load off. She wouldn't listen to us and didn't look at us as the dominant owner. Her out of control behavior was a burden before we met with Fred. Fred was able to teach us how to behave with her and now she knows who is in charge and the difference is night and day. The relationship we have with our dog now is what we always wanted.
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Fred was very personable. He made it easy to work with him because he took me step by step through the work with patience and understanding. The relationship I have with my dog now is exactly how I always hoped it would be. There is much less stress and much more fun!
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