The Brusen Family - "Rocco" - Doberman
As you read all these testimonials, we hope that ours is one that might also encourage you to take your dog to Canine Academy!
Our Doberman, Rocco, was a year and a half old when we enrolled him in the Off-Leash Program. He WAS a good dog, with a great personality - but he only listened to us when he wanted to, and he NEVER came when he was called (unless we shook the doggie biscuit jar)! And this was even after taking him to Beginner Obedience Classes elsewhere. We have 2 young sons, and our home and yard is always filled with children playing. Our greatest concern was that we had this very big, powerful dog that gave no heed to any command (most times) - and we were very worried that with all the children always over, that he may inadvertently hurt someone because of his sheer size. We have a very busy family and work life, and trying to find the time to take him to classes AND to train him daily - just wasn't working out fairly for him. We aren't professional dog trainers and we felt that we would be making the best decision for him in sending him to someone who is an expert, and who does this for a living! Soooooooo, we made an appointment with Lisa and knew immediately after talking with her, that this was the place for Rocco! She walked us through everything that would happen during his training process and made us feel very confident that while he was there, he would be treated with love and kindness.
When we picked him up after 6 weeks, we were totally blown away with how obedient - and happy - he was!!! He was still our kind-hearted, loveable Rocco - but NOW he listened to us, and he 'watched' us, and he responded immediately and happily when we gave him a command! The proof in the pudding came when we brought him home and let him loose on our 4 acre property. He caught sight of some deer and took off running after them!!! The command "COME" didn't even pass my lips, and he immediately turned around and came running BACK to me, as fast as he had been running AFTER the deer!!! It was an amazing sight to see, and it gives me chills every time I remember it!!
In the first week that Rocco was home, we joined Canine Academy in a spring parade here in Michigan where there were no less than 500 dogs!! I had him off-leash during the WHOLE parade - with all those dogs, and all the spectators, and all the 'marching bands'!!! He never left my side - and the smile never left my face!!!
He's still great with our sons, and our company and guests, and now we are more at ease because we know that if he heads off running somewhere - or starts to play too rough, we can just call out a command and know that he will respond immediately! We take him EVERYWHERE now! He's gone with us to the optometrist, to the shoe store, to the county fair, to the farm and garden center, AND to my son's karate class! Imagine how cool it is to see Rocco at the edge of a karate class with 60 kids in it, all running around - and he's just calmly lying down, watching!!! He makes us so proud!! And he's an absolute JOY to have around!! I can't tell you how many times people tell me they want a dog "just like Rocco!"! And you know what I say back to them? "You CAN have a dog just like Rocco! Just take your dog to Canine Academy!"!
Sending your dog to Canine Academy will not only improve the quality of YOUR life - but most importantly, it will improve the quality of your DOG'S life. Everyone will want your dog - and he will not only be loved by your family - but he will be loved by everyone that he is around!!!!!!
p.s. Another function that I attended with Rocco, was a luncheon at a local restaurant (outside on the patio) which was hosted by Lisa. Imagine how impressed you would be to see 60 adults and children, AND 27 dogs!!!!!!!!!!.....all dining peacefully - and quietly - without an interruption from any of our 4-legged friends!!!! (Especially with all that food around!)!! It was a sight to see! And something that made me feel very proud to be a part of! My deepest and heartfelt thanks for EVERYTHING that Lisa, Gretchen and all the wonderful trainers at Canine Academy have done - not only during the training process - but also for the continued weekly support that is available!!! You ARE the best! Canine Academy ROCKS!!!!