Chrystal Cleary
Marjie has helped me to train my adolescent dog through his on-leash reactivity. It is hard to admit out loud that my dog exhibits behavior that I was at a loss to handle - that was embarrassing in public - but I quickly felt comfortable talking with Marjie about Sage because she has seen all of this before and understood both what he was doing and how I was feeling about it.
Training is about dogs and people together and Marjie is excellent with both of us! We had basic obedience covered, but to find a way to work together with Sage through his fears and as partners required that I learn to read Sage and to help him succeed in small steps and always, always in a positive way.
Marjie helped me gain perspective on his behavior and taught me positive ways to work with him in small steps. Now I can help him build skills to cope with things that are hard for him, and we can work to build his comfort and self control on leash walks. I can now recognize Sage’s signals when he is becoming vigilant and can redirect his attention, change direction or praise him for staying cool despite barky dogs we may pass by- meanwhile staying patient and helpful toward him myself. His reactions to dogs we pass in the car is down to quiet interest and a turned head with only a rare bark.
I am really grateful for Marjie’s expertise, patience and humor toward training as Sage and I grow into a closer, go-(almost!)anywhere team!
Chrystal Cleary
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portfolios:
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http://www.theispot.com/artist/ccleary/
http://www.portfolios.com/chryscleary